Julian Street Realignment Bringing More High-Rises Downtown!

Nathan Donato-Weinstein from the Business Journal always seems to publish at least one story a month that really gets me excited about development Downtown. His latest treasure is for SVBJ subscribers only, but the gist is that the Julian Street realignment is almost a go and it will bring some really sweet projects to the northwestern corner of Downtown San Jose.

Currently, Julian street has an awkward curve design to make it easy to get the Highway 87, but makes several blocks completely useless from an urban design perspective. San Jose is about to collect a $24 million state infrastructure grant to correct this design mistake from the 70's and revert Julian back to a traditional grid ripe for development.

In total, there will be over 1,000 residential units in this North San Pedro area consisting of townhomes, midrises, and towers. Earlier this month, Barry Swenson submitted plans for a the 18-story beauty pictured below with 313 units and three stories of parking. The tower would be located at the corner of Terraine and Basset. Barry Swenson is also planning a second tower with 200 units at Devine and N. San Pedro. If that isn't enough new development for you, First Community Housing is planning a 135 unit mid-rise in the area and Intracorp has four projects ranging from a 408-unit apartment building to townhomes.

All this would come together superbly with Centerra, Silvery Towers, and the San Pedro Square Market expansion!

Source: SVBJ (Subscription Required)

Celebrate San Jose's Birthday Today!

Join SPSM and History San Jose for a special family & friends event celebrating San Jose's birthday!

Co-sponsored by History San Jose and the San Pedro Market

Location: Peralta-Fallon Historic Site, 175 West Saint John Street
Cost: Fallon House Tours: HSJ Members Free; 4 & under free; Adults $8; Children (5-17) $5; Hands-on Activity Wristband: HSJ Members Free; $5 all others

Celebrate San Jose’s 237th Birthday at the Peralta Adobe Historic Site! San Jose, or El Pueblo de San Jose de Guadalupe, the first Pueblo of California, was founded November 29, 1777. Come have a slice of birthday cake and help celebrate! Meet members of Founding Families, participate in hands-on activities, and visit the historic Peralta Adobe.

1:00pm – 4:00pm

• Live Music by Los Arribeños de San Francisco
• Hands-on Activities: Rope a “bull,” make a corn husk doll, dip a candle, design your own brand!
• Historical Displays
• Peralta Adobe Open House

2:00pm

Celebrate with Cake and Coffee – First Come First Served!

1:00pm, 2:00pm and 3:00pm

Three Tours of the Fallon House Leave on the Hour
Sign up fast! Each tour is limited to 12 visitors.

4:00pm

Event Ends. Thank you For Coming!

San Pedro Square Market Planning Expansion!

Since launching in October 2011, the San Pedro Square Market has become a pivotal success that is changing perceptions of Downtown San Jose and serving as a catalyst for development. It is one of the biggest wins Downtown has ever had. Now, the SPSM is planning their first major expansion and has already acquired a 13,045 SQFT parcel across the street for this purpose.

Today, this lot consists of a small house being used as an office for History San Jose and a surface parking lot. Eventually this will likely become a two-story building with retail on the ground floor residential or office on the top floor. The retail piece could easily be 40% of the square footage the Market has today and either support multiple vendors or larger, more traditional restaurants and shops. The icing on the cake is that they will incorporate some sort of public space next to the Fallen House, much like they did with the Peralta Adobe in the middle of the Market.

My personal wishlist item for the expansion would be an underground Speakeasy bar similar to Singlebarrel. How cool would that be?

Other retail will be coming as well. Centerra will have 8,000 SQFT on the ground floor of its tower right across the street from the Market and KT Properties is going to build two high-rise towers with the same amount of retail as exists today at the Market. This means within 4-5 years we may have triple the amount of restaurants and shops we have today in the San Pedro Square Market area. I can't wait to see how this shapes up!

Source: SVBJ

Two New San Pedro Square Market Eateries!

Arepa Swing (Venezuelan Cuisine) is now open in the Market Hall right next to Treatbot. They feature crispy maize-based flatbreads (gluten free) filled with a variety of meats and cheeses. As for the second eatery, Spuds is a loaded backed potato bar with organic topping options. They plan to open a bit later this year and will be the first "Potato Bar" in San Jose. For more details on both Arepa Swing and Spuds, just scroll down.

Arepa is a flatbread made of ground maize dough and is a Venezuelan delicacy! It's a daily tradition that can be served with various items such as cheese, avocado, jam, or split and used to make sandwiches.  Arepa Swing, located in the Market Hall at San Pedro Square Market will offer the best and most traditional Venezuelan Arepas, all glutten-free! Stop on by and grab a bite!

Two crazy dreamers from the Americas' met in Australia in 2009 and  merging both their dreams, passions and skills, they began to develop the concept of SPUDS USA.  They dreamt of real food that can be different, fast and healthy so, here they are in 2014 opening their prototype and first loaded baked potato shop for you to enjoy in the Heart of the Silicon Valley.

Spuds USA is the best way to enjoy real food served to you promptly. The base of our meal is a delicious and soft, Baked potato. Added that we offer you less carbs and calories than average sub sandwich bread, plus a huge variety of delicious organic toppings, your meal will be as healthy as you decide.

Starlight Cinemas Start Next Week!

Several films will be screening outdoors this summer, taking advantage of San Jose's awesome weather. Bend it Like Beckham will kick off the "Starlight Cinemas" program, which will follow a World Cup Game viewing in the same location. The rest of the films will be shown either at St. James Park or the San Pedro Square Market.

Pee Wee's Big Adventure will also be tied to a San Jose Bike Party. I love seeing the synergy here between multiple big events happening Downtown. The full calendar is below and all movies are family friendly.

Downtown San Jose Farmers’ Market Kicks Off 22nd Season Tomorrow!

SAN JOSE, CA – The 22nd year of the Downtown San Jose Farmers’ Market, presented by Kaiser Permanente, begins May 2, just as fruits including apricots, blueberries, cantaloupes, cherries, nectarines, peaches, plums, prunes and raspberries start to ripen in California.

From May 2 to Nov. 21, the Downtown San Jose Farmers’ Market opens each Friday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., on a vibrant block of San Pedro Square, at Santa Clara and San Pedro streets.  The location and combination of fun, sunshine, fresh goods, artist booths, lunchtime eateries and festival atmosphere attract residents, students, downtown employees and visitors.  With more than 2,000 people attending each week, the market features some of the best people-watching in the South Bay.

The Pacific Coast Farmers’ Market Association (PCFMA) has worked with the San Jose Downtown Association on the downtown market since the beginning in 1992.  PCFMA selects up to 35 vendors arrive each week with fresh-picked seasonal produce, artisan breads and baked goods, fresh fish, cheeses, honey products, olive oils and vinegars, wine, jams, sauces and ethnic treats, all locally grown and made.  They are joined by several local artists displaying crafts, jewelry, soaps, lotions, candles, scarves and clothing.

Throughout the season, the market includes:

• Live music
• Kids’ activities and arts and crafts
• Appearances by Mr. Carrot, the PCFMA mascot
• Cooking demonstrations and tastings with the Cookin’ the Market chefs
• “Green” days of eco-minded vendors and programs and reusable bag giveaways
• Fun promotional giveaways of recycled bags, pens, and mugs
• Enter-to-win contests, including bags of fresh fruits and vegetables.  Get ready for cherry-pit-spitting, melon-eating and pie-eating contests
• Validated parking in the adjacent Market-San Pedro Garage

Kaiser Permanente has teamed with the Downtown Association and PCFMA for the fifth consecutive year to present the market and focus on healthful and “green” living.  For opening day, Kaiser Permanente will have its Blender Bike for Smoothies available for attendees to hop on the stationary bike and whip up a smoothie made from fresh Farmers’ Market fruit.

Customers are encouraged to bring their own reusable and washed bags.  Call (408) 279-1775 or visit www.sjdowntown.com for more information.

About the San Jose Downtown Association:  The San Jose Downtown Association is a non-profit group of business and property owners working to improve the vitality and livability of downtown San Jose.  Established in 1986, SJDA programs more than 100 days of events each year.

Silvery Towers Approved by City, May Break Ground in 2014!!!

My favorite news always seems to come from Nathan Donato-Weinstein from the Silicon Valley Business Journal. Once in a while something comes along that really makes my day, and this would qualify.

The city council approved Silvery Towers today, a dual tower 643-unit rental project with a whopping 20,000 SQFT of retail on the ground floor to compliment the neighboring San Pedro Square Market. The towers will be 228 feet tall and look phenomenal. This would be one of the most modern, Silicon Valleyish designs of any high-rises Downtown. I especially like the LED lighting on the 3rd to last render below. This would also be the largest residential project ever built in Downtown San Jose.

It gets better... the developer (KT Properties) is already meeting with potential partners to get the $250 million to fund the project and is planning to break ground in 2014 with the first units ready to lease in 2016. Ideally both towers would be built simultaneously, although one would start six months before the second.

The SVBJ article dropped a few other interesting nuggets of information. The retail pavilion in front of the towers will have a rooftop terrace and a basement bar (Singlebarrel 2 anyone?). They also might be doing a rooftop cafe (!) on one or both of the towers. Good day indeed.

Source: SVBJ

Try Whiskey Barrel-Aged Sriracha @ Konjoe Tomorrow

Sosu Sauces--maker of artisan sauces and condiments--is bringing their new Kickstarter-backed Whiskey Barrel-Aged Sriracha to Konjoe Burger at the San Pedro Square Market tomorrow (March 4th). For one night only, Konjoe's Cheeseburger will be made using the new sauce. I love Sriracha in pretty much everything (especially Pho), but I think it will go great with Konjoe's offerings.

The event runs from 5pm to 9pm and Sosu Sauces will be there doing Sriracha tastings. For more info check out the Sosu website.

Battledish Downtown San Jose

San Jose is participating in an international cooking competition called Battledish, which is actually hosted by our friends at Dishcrawl. Six chefs have been chosen to compete in "Battledish San Jose." Each chef will be preparing a miniature version of their signature plate along with a drink pairing. Each dish (or drink pairing) is available for only $5, and the participants are the ones who rate the food and determine the king of Battledish.

Sounds like an awesome event! It is all going down at the San Pedro Square Market between 2-6pm on February 8th. You can get your tickets right over here.

San Jose Earthquakes 40th Anniversary Celebration!

The Quakes have been representing San Jose for four decades now, and they hosting a big party to celebrate on January 30th at the San Pedro Square Market. There will be live music, a meet & greet with the players, and they are giving away an autographed 2014 Earthquakes jersey. However, the highlight of the night will probably be the big reveal of their brand new logo and jersey.

The festivities go from 5:30pm to 9pm. The event is free and you can RSVP right over here.

Whiskies of the World 2014 @ SPSM

If you are a fan of whiskey, the San Pedro Square Market is hosting a substantial whiskey event with food pairings, a seminar, and of course tastings. Ignore the Christmas references below, I wanted to post this a bit closer to the event date of March 27th! For details and links just keep on reading.

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Mark your calendars and save the date of March 27th, 2014 for a very special event at the San Pedro Square Market in Downtown San Jose!

We are pre-selling tickets right now for this exclusive engagement (can someone say stocking stuffer!?)

Check out the eventbrite ticket link by clicking HERE.



Whiskies of the World Expo will treat both the whiskey connoisseur and novice alike with hundreds of the world’s most renowned whiskies. Coming in March, sample Scotch, Irish, American, Canadian, Australian, and Indian whiskies, bourbons, single malts, blends, and many other styles of liquid delicacies.

• Pair dishes with your favorite whiskies.
• Meet and share a dram with the whiskey stars, master distillers, blenders, and nosers.
• Attend a fun and informative whiskey seminar to learn first-hand and mouth from the whiskey experts.
• Come and be among the first to learn and experience a night of delicious spirited fun!

Don't forget to purchase tickets as a last minute Christmas gift for the Whiskey lover in your life by clicking HERE!

FREE New Year's Party at the San Pedro Square Market

Well, this is a nice surprise. Next week the San Pedro Square Market is hosting an 80's-themed New Years Party including a midnight champagne toast, 80s music, 80s movies, a balloon drop, a photo booth, and I'm sure a few surprises. The best part? It's free. 2013 was a great year for Downtown and 2014 is going to be even better, so I could not think of a more appropriate place to celebrate than the SPSM.

The event runs from 9pm to 1am across the entire Market and no reservations are required.



SPSM Special Events: December 31, 2013 starting at 9:00pm.

New Year's Eve Party - 80's Style.  We're closing up 2013 with a New Year's Eve party and you're invited. Our NY resolution is to start 2014 with a bang, so we're throwing a FREE shindig complete with a midnight champagne toast, balloon drop, photo booth and more.  Come one, come all.

We are keeping this a completely public event. So no pre-sale of tickets or registering for a spot. We are just going to let people come in and enjoy themselves. We are keeping it pretty fun and casual, so please feel free to dress up!

OKTOBERFEST @ The Market | Oct. 12th | Noon - 11:30pm

Octoberfest is coming to the San Pedro Square Market next weekend! Sounds like they are planning a huge event featuring German food, beers, and entertainment. Info and ticket links below:

Join Downtown San Jose's Most Unique Culinary & Entertainment Venue for Oktoberfest 2013!

Free entry to the public or participate by purchasing your official Oktoberfest Stein & Liter beer package featuring discounted group pricing. BUY TICKETS HERE

Enjoy festive outdoor beer gardens highlighting five specialized beer houses serving the finest selection of authentic German beers on tap plus some Craft German Bottled Beers at our very own Market Beer Company.

Enjoy our many Artisan Market Culinary options serving delicious German food including mouth watering Brat & Sauerkraut, delicious warm handcrafted Pretzels, handcrafted German Chocolate Ice Cream & much more.

• Join the festival fun and make new friends at our large family community tables 
• Participate in The Market's twist on Oktoberfest Games & Activities
• Our "Market Bar" will be serving unique German Inspired Cocktails
• Discounted *Buddy 6-pack of Tickets available

Festival Event Activities:

• Bring the whole family on Saturday October 12th beginning at noon for Oktoberfest Activities, Games &  Performances.
• Also enjoy the Sharks game televised on all screens!
• Festivities conclude at 11:30pm

Event is open to all ages, but guests must be 21 years of age or older and present valid ID to purchase all steins, beer & liqour. Additional festival beer tickets available for purchase at the event.

BUY TICKETS HERE

KARAOKE CLUB by Treatbot | Tuesdays 7:30 - 9:30pm

Finally the food truck from the future made famous for both quality ice cream and karaoke is bringing the party to it's stationary location inside of the San Pedro Square Market. Every Tuesday you will be able to sing some karaoke beside the truck, and if you do well enough who knows... maybe you'll get some free ice cream ;).

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San Pedro Square Market Special Events: Join us on Tuesday nights for Karaoke Club at Treatbot. From 7:30 - 9:30pm, bring your friends and your vocal chords for a singin' good time in the market hall.  Sing some songs and enjoy awesome ice cream delectables at this weekly tradition at the market.

Live Music @ SPSM: Daydream Nation Vol.17

San Pedro Square Market Live Music: Join SPSM for the 17th installment of the Daydream Nation Live Alternative music series in Downtown San Jose on Saturday, August 31st starting at 7pm in the Market Plaza.

- ALL AGES
- FREE SHOW
- BANDS INCLUDE: Battlehooch + David Knight + Cado 

SP2 @ San Pedro Square

If you haven't been to the San Pedro Square Market over the past 4 or 5 weeks, then you are missing out. The area has been on fire lately, easily matching or exceeding the density of people at Santana Row. Three new eateries opened up: Konjoe (Asain-American fusion burgers), Bray Butcher Block (meat sandwiches and comfort food), and SP2... The Market's new flagship anchor restaurant.

SP2 is owned by two serial restaurateurs from SF that are branching out to the South Bay. One of them has even purchased a house in San Jose plans to really be a part of the San Jose community. They are basically taking the best of the SF restaurant scene and bringing it to the heart of Downtown San Jose.

The atmosphere is chic, modern, and unpretentious. There is a massive communal table and mcuh of the furniture was custom-made specifically for the restaurant. Total square-footage is epic, about a third the size of the entire San Pedro Square Market. The indoor portion is 6,000 SQFT while the patio clocks in at 3,500 SQFT (and it partially connects to the Market courtyard).

The bistro-style menu offers 100% organic and locally sourced food. As for the bar, they make everything for the cocktails, including all of the juices and even the bitters. The quality and attention to detail should be up there with Singelbarrel. Based on the Yelp reviews so far, they are killing it across the board with the menu, drinks, and the ambiance.

SP2 is exactly the type of place Downtown needs. It's will help accelerate what is already happening, turning Downtown into a true destination that attracts people from across Silicon Valley, much like what Santana Row has already accomplished. If the standing-room only crowd at the Market this past weekend was any indication, this is likely going to happen by the end of the year.

Also, the owners have already stated that if SP2 is a success, they will open more restaurants in Downtown San Jose. Looking at the response so far, I think this is a very likely scenario.

Source: HMG, SVBJ

EPIC NEWS! Downtown San Jose Getting a SECOND San Pedro Square Market!

Downtown San Jose has been having a pretty good year so far. The restaurant scene is exploding, high-rises are breaking ground, MUJI opened, the convention center expansion is almost done, huge new festivals are being planned, and now this...

I consider myself to be pretty plugged in to what's going on Downtown, but I can honestly say that I did not see this one coming. Reading this news in the Business Journal today was like getting a surprise gift you were not expecting for Christmas.

AEDIS Architecture and Planning is building a small project similar to the San Pedro Square Market in the SoFA District! The project will clock in at 7,500 SQFT, will have an artsy vibe to be consistent with the SoFA area, and will contain around 10 food and retail vendors! There are already four potential vendors and they really want to secure a bar, wine bar, or beer garden to be one of those 10. None of these will be large chains, all will be unique independent shops like the San Pedro Square Market. Integrating an art gallery is another possibility.

Not only will it front South First Street, but there is also an interior courtyard that will be part of the project. Above the retail will be a new 9,000 SQFT office (which is also being partially sublet). This is all located at 371-387 South First across the street from Cafe Stritch and Anno Domini. Launch is targeted for November. 2013 keeps getting better and better for Downtown!

Source: SVBJ

49ers Draft Bash in San Jose Attracts 7,500 Visitors

For those that doubted the positive impacts from the 49ers moving South, check out the photo below. A staggering 7,500 people packed the San Pedro Square Market to attend the Draft Bash event late last month.

This is a win-win all around! The San Pedro Square Market vendors were completely busy, more people were exposed to San Pedro and a new side of Downtown, San Jose benefits from increased tax dollars and tourism (yes I used that word in the same sentence as San Jose), and the 49ers get to host their Draft Bash is one of the coolest venues in the Bay Area. You know what else is nuts... the 49ers were the ones that approached the San Pedro Square Market to host the event, not the other way around. Expect to see many more events like this one in both Santa Clara AND San Jose, and fewer 49er events in SF.

Source: SVBJ

The Market Beer Co. Now Running at Full Steam!

From: SPSM Blog

San Pedro Square Market Vendor Spotlight: Feelin' thirsty? Check out the newly opened Market Brew Co.

With more than 200 craft beers, the Market Beer Co. is the newest addition to the San Pedro Square Market.  The brews come in 22-oz. bottles, otherwise known as bombers, and shortly many will be available on tap.  Stop by and grab a beer with Jake and the rest of his knowledgeable staff. 

Connect:  /MarketBeerCo

Cinco de Mayo at the Market!

If you missed the festivities yesterday, the Cinco de Mayo party is continuing today at the San Pedro Square Market. Info below:

San Pedro Square Market Special Events:Cinco De Mayo festivities on both SATURDAY and SUNDAY at the market!  Join us on Saturday, May 4th, 2013 and Sunday, May 5th, 2013 for a series of drink and food specials with the market vendors.  Enjoy a day in the plaza with margaritas from the Market Bar, and Tacos galore from Loteria Taco Bar, and special activities with Ay Dios Mio.

Special Family Fun Day with Ay Dios Mio: Arts & Crafts, a Salsa Dancing Demo, and historic walking tours of downtown. See you there!