October 2021 Downtown Dimension Highlights

The OCTOBER 2021 Downtown Dimension is now available for download.   This month's newsletter highlights:   The next step to our economic recovery -- big events extending to weekdays The return to the stage has not been easy.  Lisa Mallette of City Lights Theatre Co. explains. The Colbeck brothers of San Jose get inside a 19th Century home where their mother was born.  Google has plans to save the house by moving it to the Creekside Walk section of its Downtown West development. The fourth version of SJdowntown.com is launched and active. Take a look. Groundwerx' Employee of the Month Joel Ramirez loves his job, downtown and his Groundwerx family. New businesses include Gameshop Downstairs, Cash Bar and Punch King Fit.

September 2021 Downtown Dimension Highlights

The SEPTEMBER 2021 Downtown Dimension is now available for download.
 
This month's newsletter highlights:  

• SJDA provides an overview of how it has responded to the Stabilization Plan released in August 2020 and meant to navigate the COVID crisis into economic recovery.
  Deemed most essential to recovery: Continued clean and safe services and the renewal of the Property Owners Business Improvement District.
  
• In August, SJDA hired a new Business resiliency Manager, Omar Torres, who will assist businesses with their economic recoveries.
• Groundwerx' Employee of the Month is Angelina Lopez.
• New businesses include Western International Securities, Rec Room, and Health Carbon
• An 87-unit affordable housing project breaks ground at Almaden Boulevard and Balbach Street.
• Newly named Barack Obama Boulevard will be part of Downtown West, surrounded by SAP Center, Diridon Station and Los Gatos Creek.

August 2021 Downtown Dimension Highlights

The AUGUST 2021 Downtown Dimension is now available for download.   This month's newsletter highlights:   Fan favorite J BOOG will headline the only Music in the Park event this summer. Mark your calendar for Aug. 27 at Plaza de Cesar Chavez Tickets are available.  Mayor and downtown councilmember make optimistic comments at Scott's Chowder House's second downtown grand opening. Promotion for SJDA's Chloe Shipp to director of public space operations. Sarah Billings takes over as street life manager Frank Chavez, Groundwerx's Employee of the Month, talks about the importance of cleaning downtown. San Jose Jazz Summer Fest joins Music in the Park and SV Pride and plenty of other events this month. Light rail to return this month. San Jose's Office of Economic Development releases federal and state loan numbers to San Jose businesses during the pandemic.

 

July 2021 Downtown Dimension Highlights

The JULY 2021 Downtown Dimension is now available for download.
 
This month's newsletter highlights:  

• With the pressure and stress of Covid somewhat relieved, downtown businesses are now on the road of recovery.  By the end of August, most of downtown's biggest entertainment venues -- including SAP Center and the Convention Center -- will be back in business.
• Remember to Dine Downtown July 1-18 at your choice of 26 downtown restaurants and cafes.  Enjoy chef specials, prix fixe three- and four-course menus or special drink-and-food pairings.
• SJDA also announces the return of Music in the Park and Starlight Cinemas this summer.
• Downtown property owners present the SoFA Pocket Park, a unique urban oasis featuring dog park and demonstration garden. Below, find some scenes from yesterday's opening.
• Bjarke Ingels' Serpentine Pavilion is headed to downtown San Jose.
• James Wheeler is feted as Groundwerx's Employee of the Month.

June 2021 Downtown Dimension Highlights

 The JUNE Downtown Dimension is now available for download.
 
This month's newsletter highlights:  

• Dine Downtown returns starting July 1.  The "Restaurant Week" won't be as long as it was last fall, but it has been extended to 18 days this time around.  Some of downtown's best restaurants have already signed up, and more are expected to join the fun this month. Get ready to explore new places and visit longtime favorites.
• Two new entertainment venues are set to open in downtown San Jose.  San Pedro Social Club opens with bowling lanes, a first for downtown.  And in SoFA, you will find the best gamers in the area battling it out for bragging rights.  The experience includes food, drink, games and a lot of social. Post-pandemic, it may be just what the doctor orders.
• The North San Pedro housing area is starting to fill up, with the opening of The Julian, added financing for an affordable housing project set to be finished this year, and a land sale that may lead to the start of another residential project sooner than anticipated.
• Santa Clara County Supervisors adopted Laura's Law, an important step in assisting individuals with untreated severe mental illness.
• ParkSJ parking meters and garages now offer contactless payments. Just tap your credit card or ApplePay device over the receiver and you are good to go.
• Happy 50th anniversary to Togo's, which started in San Jose and has grown to almost 200 locations throughout the West.
• William Quevedo is celebrated as Groundwerx's Employee of the Month.
• For the ultimate boba and tea drink, try Dr.Ink off San Pedro Square.
• Fall will be a transition semester at San Jose State, with students in classrooms, at home online and some hybrid classes.  Faculty returns in July and classes begin Aug. 18.

SJDA’s next public meeting will be Friday, June 11 at 8:15 a.m. via Zoom. The agenda includes a presentation by Santa Clara County Supervisor Cindy Chavez on mental health and homeless solutions. Register in advance for this webinar at tinyurl.com/sjda-june-11.

May 2021 Downtown Dimension Highlights

The latest addition of Downtown Dimension is now live. Below is a summary of the content this month.

The MAY Downtown Dimension is now available for download.
 
This month's newsletter highlights:  

• Details of Google's agreement with the City of San Jose were unveiled.  Community benefits total $200 million overall, including $150 million for housing education and jobs training.  Small business will also get support, and at an SJDA meeting, a Google representative shared where the first shovels are likely to go into the ground -- and in just a few years from now.
• The Downtown San Jose Farmers' Market is moving to the block of South First Street between San Salvador and William streets. OPENING DAY:  MAY 7.  Fresh produce and artisan items will be available each Friday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. We're counting on a good turnout -- see you there.
• Groundwerx's employees of the month put up some large numbers when it comes to their core efforts cleaning the sidewalks, and removing trash and graffiti.
• The MOMENT shops on San Pedro Street have proven successful locally as a retail destination and now, thanks to attention by The Knight Foundation and Gehl, are gaining national attention.
• Al Fresco dining will continue in San Jose at least through Dec. 31.
• Five new businesses have opened in recent months.  Today, see you at the Good Spot in SoFA, which is having its Grand Opening.
• Three more businesses -- Hoge Fenton, CreaTV and Poor House Bistro -- are announcing moves and all are staying downtown.

Enjoy the May edition.

April 2021 Downtown Dimension Highlights

The latest addition of Downtown Dimension is now live. Below is a summary of the content this month.

Happy New Year - Welcome to 2021!

The APRIL Downtown Dimension is now available for download.
 
On the Front Page:  

• After 21 years, the Friday Downtown San Jose Farmers' Market is moving to the block of South First Street between San Salvador and William streets. Fresh produce and artisan items will be available each Friday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. starting May 7.  The article explains why the changing is happening and enthusiastic reactions from SoFA businesses.
• SJDA Board President Katia McClain, an architect at Steinberg Hart, offers her professional perspective of the Future of Downtown San Jose.  With all the multiple high-rises being built and proposed, the action -- or interaction -- should be at street level.  And construction along Park Avenue will be the prototype, McClain says.
• Thanks to Federal stimulus funds likely available for Fiscal Year 2021-22, Mayor Sam Liccardo has requested City staff followup on a number of initiatives with downtown ramifications.  

Also this month:

• SJDA interviews a recent new downtown resident making the move from Miami to our city.  He gives his first impressions.
• We'll all enjoy a cleaner Guadalupe River Park.
• Looking forward to the re-opening of the former Fairmont, with new name, this summer.
• New lineup of retailers at MOMENT shops at San Pedro Square.

SJDA's next public meeting will be Friday, April 9 at 8:15 a.m. via Zoom.  The agenda includes a review of the Downtown West development agreement with Google followed by guest speaker Zulma Maciel, director of the city's Office of Racial Equity.
 
Register at https://tinyurl.com/apr9mtg.

Speaking of MOMENT at San Pedro Square:  The Knight Foundation, which provided the funding to clear the way for an innovative project to activate ground-floor garage space into retail shops for entrepreneurs, has studied a number of projects nationwide, including MOMENT, and has identified what makes the project successful.  To read about it, start with this blog from Chris Thompson, Knight Foundation's program director for San Jose.r.

March 2021 Downtown Dimension Highlights

The latest addition of Downtown Dimension is now live. Below is a summary of the content this month.

The MARCH Downtown Dimension is now available for download.
 
On the Front Page:  

• Learn about what international developer Westbank and local developer Urban Community have planned for downtown San Jose.  Five large projects designed by some of the world's best architects.  The Orchard. Energy Hub. Park Habitat. Arbor. And the renovation of the Bank of Italy.  We explain why Westbank has chosen San Jose to be be its fifth city of major investment, joining Vancouver, Toronto, Tokyo and Seattle.
• San Jose police have a plan to curb robberies, burglaries and quality-of-life crimes and Dimension has the details.

Also this month:

• SJDA opens a dog park in SoFA District.
• Natural Sweet Delight opens in SoFA Market.  The co-owners are among several new downtown businesses that chose to open during the pandemic, investing in the future of downtown.
• The Chef's Market came up with positive results.  Five downtown eateries gave a meal to a person in need for every meal sold to customers.

SJDA's next public meeting will be Friday, April 9 at 8:15 a.m. via Zoom.  Te agenda includes a presentation on the Westbank / Urban Community projects and guest speaker is Zulma Maciel, director of the city'sOffice of Racial Equity.
 
RSVP through SJDArsvp@sjdowntown.com to receive a link and PIN code to the meeting.

February 2021 Downtown Dimension Highlights

The latest addition of Downtown Dimension is now live. Below is a summary of the content this month.

Happy New Year - Welcome to 2021!

The FEBRUARY Downtown Dimension is now available for download.
 
On the Front Page:  

• A Downtown Dimension tradition for more than three decades, newly elected San Jose City Councilmembers Matt Mahan and David Cohen answer our questions about their first-term goals.

Also this month:

• The story behind the new mural of Ruth Bader Ginsburg at the corner of Santa Clara and Market streets.
• The South Hall continues to serve as temporary housing for the homeless.
• City of San Jose grant enables San Jose Downtown Foundation to add 10 new Downtown Doors to downtown's public art landscape.
• Light the Holiday Nights attracts thousands. 

SJDA's next public meeting will be Friday, Feb. 12 at 8:15 a.m. via Zoom.  Featured:  an "exit interview" with Deputy City Manager Kim Walesh, in conversation with  SJDA Executive Director Scott Knies. As director of the Office of Economic Development, Walesh has made a significant contribution to the growth of downtown San Jose over the past 18 years.
 
RSVP through SJDArsvp@sjdowntown.com to receive a link and PIN code to the meeting.

January 2021 Downtown Dimension Highlights

The latest addition of Downtown Dimension is now live. Below is a summary of the content this month.

Happy New Year - Welcome to 2021!

The JANUARY 2021 Downtown Dimension is now available for download.
 
On the Front Page:  

• SJDA Board of Directors President Katia McClain offers some personal insights about the past year and year ahead.
• A new alley that blends old and new into a fantastic urban space was recognized as the best downtown design of the year and rewarded with the annual Golden Nail Award from the Downtown Design Committee.

Also this month:

• Restaurants are going to have a chance to make a little bit more revenue thanks to county and city leaders putting caps on meal delivery fees.
• Six new businesses have opened recently, including a new sushi spot at San Pedro Square Market, Scott's Chowder House and a new small-plates restaurant in SoFA district by the owners of Adaga, the only Michelin-starred restaurant ever in San Jose.
• Meet Eric Glader, SJDA's first Community Engagement Director.
• VTA like the railings it put up on the Second Street Transit Mall and thinks they will help light-rail trains breeze through downtown a little faster.

Have a great, safe and healthful New Year.

December 2020 Downtown Dimension Highlights

The latest addition of Downtown Dimension is now live. Below is a summary of the content this month.

The DECEMBER 2020 Downtown Dimension is now available for download.   On the Front Page:   Entrepreneurs Angie Chua (Bobo Design Studio) and Yuri Lee (Fractal Flora) explain how they progressed from online and artisan show retailers to MOMENT shops and now into their own brick-and-mortar spaces.  It took a lot of hard work to be founding SJMADE members at MOMENT, but it was well worth the effort, they say.  Our lead feature follows their journeys.   Also this month: Downtown will not be dark during the holidays, thanks to SJDA, the Property-Based Improvement District, First Tech Federal Credit Union and several developers who agree to help Light the Downtown Nights through Jan. 3.  Be sure to have a look at Plaza de Cesar Chavez and environs after dark any day this holiday season. Drive it or stroll it -- and stay safe. Take your own virtual Silicon Valley Santa Run on Dec. 20 and help downtown's holiday events and Reading Partners. Ten more Downtown Doors student artworks posted on downtown service doors and utility boxes have been selected for installation The Downtown Farmers' Market will extend through Dec. 18.  Though the farmers will be there with fresh produce, the focus will be on a larger number of artisan vendors, as the weekly event held on Fridays transforms into a Holiday Market full of gifts worth giving to friends and family. Al fresco dining will extend well into 2021 and restaurants are preparing for colder weather with tents, canopies and outdoor heaters with hopes they can keep customers comfortable and their businesses in survival mode. The City of San Jose hopes for comment on its revised Diridon Station Area Plan. Have a great, safe and prosperous holiday.

Save the date -- Friday, Dec. 11, 8:15 a.m. SJDA's year-in review meeting will take place virtually.  You can watch the annual pictorial look at downtown from the comfort of your home.  The meeting also includes a Golden Nail winner announced for outstanding architecture and design, and a farewell to board members who have put a great deal of thought and time into making downtown a better place. Please rsvp to sjdarsvp@sjdowntown.com and we'll send you a link and pass code. Another way to stay connected to downtown: The Downtowner Online is sent each Wednesday.  This weekly email features downtown businesses including virtual events and ways to support downtown. Subscribe

November 2020 Downtown Dimension Highlights

The latest addition of Downtown Dimension is now live. Below is a summary of the content this month.

The NOVEMBER 2020 Downtown Dimension is now available for download.   On the Front Page:   More than 1,000 new residents have moved into the downtown core in 2020, filling the five newest apartment buildings to open.  Another wave of buildings are preparing to open in another year or two.  Take a look at the stats, and read about who's moving in. Google's plans for its 80 acres in Downtown West are out, and your comments are welcome. Have they met their objectives? With extraordinary quick response, downtown's Al Fresco dining program was extended to a nightly closure of midnight.  Winterization of outdoor dining has begun, giving our restaurants a fighting chance to survive through the pandemic.   Also this month: Through Facebook and Instagram, participating restaurants tell the story of Dine Downtown, which continues through Nov. 15. The Property-Based Improvement District arm of SJDA is putting together a light display for the holidays in Plaza de Cesar Chavez, which will be ready at Thanksgiving.  Be sure to take a stroll or drive around the park safely this holiday season. The Downtown Farmers' Market will extend through Dec. 18.  Though the farmers will be there with fresh produce, the focus will be on a larger number of artisan vendors, as the weekly event held on Fridays transforms into a Holiday Market full of gifts worth giving to friends and family. Jose Moreno, owner of Cubamex Sandwiches on South First Street, tells his story of fortitude and persistence as he fights for the survival of his business. Please take a look at this month's edition. Stay safe, healthy and positive.

Save the date -- Friday, Dec. 11, 8:15 a.m. SJDA's year-in review meeting will take place virtually.  You can watch the annual pictorial look at downtown from the comfort of your home.  The meeting also includes a Golden Nail winner announced for outstanding architecture and design, and a farewell to board members who have put a great deal of thought and time into making downtown a better place. Another way to stay connected to downtown: The Downtowner Online is sent each Wednesday.  This weekly email features downtown businesses including virtual events and ways to support downtown. Subscribe

October 2020 Downtown Dimension Highlights

The latest addition of Downtown Dimension is now live. Below is a summary of the content this month.

The OCTOBER 2020 Downtown Dimension is now available for download.   On the Front Page:   Historic Post Street continues to make history -- gaining a "Qmunity" designation for the LGBTQ+ community.  Dimension covered the Sept. 10 ceremony and recent public space-making upgrades to the block of Post between South First and market streets. Mac's Club, a downtown fixture since 1945, is one of the main reasons Post Street received the Qmunity distinction.  What a story of endurance and persistence the owners and long-time manager have to tell. Simultaneously, Post Street was mostly closed off to vehicle traffic and became the downtown's third Al Fresco dining location.  55 South built a patio boat christened the "El Dorado" now on the street awaiting customers.   Also this month: The 12th annual Dine Downtown begins Oct. 1 with several changes.  This year while restaurants struggle, Dine Downtown expand to 46 days -- through Nov. 15. SJDA is working with the City and 3Below Theaters to present Up on the Roof, showing 40 movies on the roof of the Second and San Carlos Garage starting Oct. 8.  Dinner is included in the deal.  Coronavirus protocols also make these events an experience not forgotten. The MOMENT shops on San Pedro Square are planning for the holidays. "Hella Gardens" public art project filled downtown storefronts with temporary flora. Future downtown office developers will need to pay a Commercial Linkage Fee.

Another way to stay connected to downtown: The Downtowner Online is sent each Wednesday.  This weekly email features downtown businesses including virtual events and ways to support downtown. Subscribe

September 2020 Downtown Dimension Highlights

The latest addition of Downtown Dimension is now live. Below is a summary of the content this month.

The SEPTEMBER 2020 Downtown Dimension is now available for download.

On the front page:

Taking into account the views of 1,254 survey responders, SJDA has a stabilization plan that provides guidance on how SJDA and downtown San Jose should move forward in the next six months and for the next two years.  The 40-page plan goes deep, but this month's Dimension summary outlines the highlights, managing principles and primary objectives:

1. Emphasize clean and safe services downtown;
2. Provide plenty of nurturing to downtown's vulnerable storefront economy;
3. Focus on downtown place enhancement and marketing.

Also this month:

• Nirvana Soul owners talk about opening "third-wave specialty coffee shop" in SoFA.  
• Groundwerx program managers promoted.
• Railroad through northern part of downtown to be silenced at night.
• First 90 minutes free parking at newly upgraded and safety-conscientious ParkSJ garages 

SJDA hosts City Council candidates forum Sept. 11, 8:30 a.m.

The City Council forum featuring District 4 candidates David Cohen and Lan Diep plus District 6 candidates Dev Davis and Jake Tonkel will stream live on Facebook Live starting at 8:30 a.m. on Sept. 11.  To view the meeting, simply go to our Facebook page @sjdowntown.  We're taking some reservations on Zoom, too.  RSVP to sjdarsvp@sjdowntown.com.

Another way to stay connected to downtown:

The Downtowner Online is sent each Wednesday.  This weekly email features downtown businesses including virtual events and ways to support downtown. Subscribe

August 2020 Downtown Dimension Highlights

The latest addition of Downtown Dimension is now live. Below is a summary of the content this month.

The AUGUST 2020 Downtown Dimension is now available for download.

In this edition:

• San Pedro Street between Santa Clara and St. John streets closes for al fresco dining, the first such street closure in the city.
• A new ParkSJ parking plan begins Aug.3.  The first 90 minutes are free. The temporary free street parking period due to coronavirus also ends Aug. 3.
• A new survey by Gensler reveals most workers would prefer to go back to the office.
• A three-sided mural goes up on the Third Street parking garage.
• Long-time Silicon Valley Leadership Group CEO Carl Guardino has some thoughts on downtown's past and future as he leaves his position to head a green energy company.
• SJDA oversees lighting and tree re-planting projects downtown.
• More building acquisitions and new structural designs downtown.

SJDA's first virtual public meeting coming up Aug. 14

SJDA's meeting Aug. 14 will stream live on Facebook Live starting at 8:15 a.m.  To view the meeting, simply go to our Facebook page @sjdowntown.  The meeting will include a detailed presentation about SJDA's Stabilization Plan, which identifies what's next for the Downtown Association in the near-term and looking out 2-3 years.  More than 1,200 people responded to our survey request, many of which indicating they wanted to hear about the results, so we're expecting a large viewership that day.

We hope you can "attend" from your home or office.

Another way to stay connected to downtown:

The Downtowner Online continues to be sent out on Wednesdays.  This weekly email features downtown businesses including virtual events and ways to support downtown. Subscribe