Reimagined Luxury Living at 188 West Saint James in Downtown San Jose

Downtown San Jose continues to evolve with exciting residential options, and the reimagined 188 West Saint James stands out as a prime example. These two towers, located next to San Pedro Square, house 640 condominiums designed for modern urban lifestyles. Residents can expect stunning panoramic views of the city skyline and nearby mountains, all within walking distance of the area's restaurants, markets, and cultural spots.

The residences themselves emphasize comfort and style with open-concept floor plans, high-end finishes, and floor-to-ceiling windows that flood spaces with natural light. Kitchens come equipped for serious cooking, while private balconies extend living areas outdoors. Choices include studios, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom units, along with a selection of two- and three-bedroom penthouses in each tower.

Amenities start with the third-floor Residents’ Club featuring workspaces, lounges, a catering kitchen, and an outdoor terrace. A 75-foot lap pool, hot tub, yoga area, and BBQ stations provide relaxation with city views. There is a fitness center and wellness studio, complemented by practical touches like a 24-hour doorman, reserved parking, and secure package lockers.

A significant $30 million investment from new owners Machine Investment Group and Centurion Real Estate Partners has transformed the property, including updated lobbies, enhanced pool decks, and fresh outdoor spaces. Architect Steinberg Hart led the redesign, and four model homes showcase the vision. Sales begin this February, with move-in-ready options available through Polaris Pacific.

This project offers fairly attainable pricing: studios from $425,000, one-bedrooms in the $500,000s, two-bedrooms in the $900,000s, and penthouses starting at $1.88 million. For additional information, visit https://188weststjames.com/

Source: TheRegistry

Lunaire Returns to Westfield Valley Fair with Vibrant Lunar New Year Displays

Westfield Valley Fair transforms into a floral wonderland this week as Lunaire makes its triumphant return, running from February 11 through 17. This free event fills the mall with over 15 elaborate fresh-flower installations, each one a masterpiece crafted by some of California's most inventive floral designers. The theme honors Lunar New Year and the dynamic Year of the Horse, infusing the space with energy, color, and cultural depth that captures the spirit of renewal.

Visitors can wander among towering floral sculptures and whimsical mannequins draped in blooms, petals, and natural elements that tell stories of tradition. One standout features a majestic horse figure galloping through fiery autumn leaves and intricate woven details, while others evoke moonlit cycles and playful animal motifs.

A highlight comes with the Fan Favorite Contest, inviting everyone to cast votes for their top mannequin. The lucky winner scores a luxurious one-night getaway for two at Rosewood Sand Hill, complete with a gourmet breakfast.

For additional information, visit https://www.westfield.com/en/united-states/valleyfair/events/lunaire-returns/133787

Shared Arts Center Coming to Downtown San Jose

A new chapter unfolds for the arts in San Jose as Starting Arts prepares to relocate to two vacant buildings in the North San Pedro District this May. The nonprofit, dedicated to student arts programs, will transform a former courthouse and MMA gym into a vibrant hub called The Shared Arts Center of San Jose. Spanning 25,000 square feet at 99 Notre Dame Avenue and 92 Sharks Way, this space addresses the long-standing need for affordable venues where creative groups can thrive together.

The center will serve as a collaborative home for Starting Arts alongside partners such as Silicon Valley Shakespeare, Los Lupeños, ArtHouse Studio, and Playful People Productions. Facilities include rehearsal studios, scene and costume workshops, and a black box theater, with the courthouse's soundproof walls ideally suited for dance classes. Plans also call for large murals to adorn the exteriors.

This move not only doubles the organization's current space near the fairgrounds but also integrates it more deeply into Downtown San Jose's arts ecosystem. Previously feeling somewhat isolated, Starting Arts now positions itself amid the city's dynamic core, ready to launch summer camps and other programs to benefit the community. The transition also revives long-empty properties.

Local developer Swenson, owner of the buildings, shifted from earlier high-rise plans to support this arts-focused initiative amid changing post-COVID demands. The result promises to draw families and audiences as well as encouraging visits to nearby cafes and restaurants. Parents dropping off children for classes might linger for coffee, while evening shows could spark outings and enhancing this neighborhood's overall liveliness.

Source: SVBJ

San Jose Super Bowl Festivities

I'll break from my typical format for a quick blurb. Downtown San Jose was more alive today than at any point I can remember. Every street was packed, music was everywhere from the stages to the lowriders cruising the streets, and street food was abundant all throughout the area. San Pedro Square was booming, but so was SoFA, and all of Santa Clara Street. The free drone show at Discovery Meadows was also excellent.

If you have the opportunity to get to Downtown tomorrow, take it. There is so much going on that it feels like a completely different city. I hope this becomes the new normal after the Super Bowl and World Cup are over!

San Jose Evolves Housing Policies to Unlock Fresh Neighborhood Possibilities

City leaders have adjusted the Inclusionary Housing Ordinance to breathe life into dormant projects. The update shifts affordability tiers for rental units from 50, 60, and 100 percent of area median income to 60, 80, and 110 percent, easing the path for developers to move forward. This pivot aims at households caught between subsidized options and soaring market rates, fostering a broader mix of homes that reflect the city's diverse rhythms and needs.

With Santa Clara County's median income hovering around $195,200 for the current fiscal year, these changes promise to make building viable again in a market slowed by financing hurdles. Developers now face lower thresholds for affordable units if they opt for deeper affordability levels, or they can choose in-lieu fees or offsite construction. Separate guidelines remain for for-sale properties, ensuring a balanced approach that could sprinkle new townhomes and apartments across neighborhoods.

Past rules, while well-intentioned, led to stalled progress with minimal affordable units emerging. By tweaking the framework, San Jose is experimenting with strategies to amplify supply, potentially slowing rents climb through sheer volume. Meanwhile, dedicated programs like the Gap Financing initiative keep the focus sharp on deeply affordable developments, weaving a safety net for lower-income residents amid the growth.

Source: SVBJ

San Pedro Superfest Lights Up Big Game Weekend in San Jose

San Pedro Square Market will transform into a vibrant sports hub for San Pedro Superfest, a free block-party event aligned with Big Game Weekend. From February 6 to 8, the setup includes a 100-yard artificial turf area for casual play, alongside local markets and San Pedro Square eateries.

Friday kicks off from 4 to 10 p.m., Saturday extends from noon to 10 p.m., offering a full day of fun, while Sunday runs from noon to 7 p.m. to wrap up the festivities. Attendees can explore the Culture Night Market for diverse vendor experiences and the Shop Local marketplace for distinctive goods.

Younger visitors and families find plenty in Kids Alley and the dedicated stage with tailored programming. Tech displays from Archer, Joby, and eBay add a forward-thinking element, reflecting San Jose's role as an innovation center. Live performances on the main stage keep the energy flowing all weekend while specialty food and drinks will further enhance the experience.

For more information: https://sjdowntown.com/event/san-pedro-superfest/?mc_cid=6ee15fbded&mc_eid=6a803b73ff

2nd Street USA Brings Japanese Resale Fashion to San Jose

The grand opening of 2nd Street USA takes place at the Strawberry Park Shopping Center on January 30. This marks the brand's first location in Silicon Valley, expanding its presence in California where it already operates 11 stores. Known for its thoughtful approach to fashion resale, 2nd Street offers a curated selection of luxury, vintage, and everyday pieces that emphasize quality and longevity.

The store at 603 Saratoga Ave occupies around 3,450 square feet and joins neighbors like Mitsuwa supermarket and Daiso Japan, creating a natural draw for customers interested in Japanese brands and culture. The company chose this spot after careful scouting, recognizing the South Bay's potential and the synergy with nearby tenants that attract similar shoppers. This opening reflects 2nd Street's steady growth since its U.S. debut in Los Angeles in 2018, now bringing its model to our community.

At the heart of 2nd Street is a commitment to sustainability through its buying program, where customers can bring in used clothing and accessories for cash or store credit. Staff aim to make offers on nearly everything, supporting a circular system that keeps textiles in use longer. Items that don't sell in stores often go to local charities via the Hand2Hand program, reducing waste while giving shoppers an easy way to refresh their wardrobes responsibly. 10 to 15 local jobs will also be created with the new location.

Source: SVBJ

San Jose's Tunnel Vision Challenge

If you could build a 1 mile subway or underground pedestrian crossing anywhere in San Jose, where would it be?  It's a tougher questions than I expected.

The Boring Company is going to build a free tunnel somewhere in the United States. They are looking for proposals up to 1 mile in length for a 12-foot diameter tunnel that can be used for pedestrians, utilities, a Loop, or any other use case. So this got me thinking, if San Jose were to submit a proposal where should it be?

At first I thought about connecting SJC with Downtown San Jose, but there is no way to do that within a mile. 1 mile isn't even enough to connect to Caltrain in Santa Clara. The only option would be connecting a Loop to a Lightrail Station on First, but that would likely not get a ton of use. Then I looked for options in various parts of Downtown to find the maximum utility you could get within 1 mile. Here was my best effort:

• Stop 1 - Diridon Station / SAP
• Stop 2 - Guadalupe River Trail / Adobe HQ
• Stop 3 - Plaza De Cesar Chavez / The Tech Interactive / Convention Center
• Stop 4 - SJSU Campus

For the ride vehicle, I could see something like the old DASH Downtown Shuttle. Even a 20-person AV that just goes back and forth between Diridon and SJSU would make it so much faster to get around Downtown and encourage more people (especially SJSU students) to take advantage of public transit. What do you think? Is there a better 1 mile option?

Source: Boring

Pick-Up Party Launches Content Magazine's Sight and Sound Issue at Hobee's

Content is hosting an engaging evening on February 26 with the Pick-Up Party for Content Magazine issue 18.2, themed Sight and Sound. Held at Hobee's Restaurant and Beer Garden on North 2nd Street, the event runs from 6 to 9 p.m., offering a blend of art, music, and community gathering. This celebration spotlights local talent and creativity, drawing attention to the city's thriving cultural landscape.

Attendees can explore a pop-up gallery exhibition in partnership with 1Culture, displaying works from featured artists like graffiti creator Akeem Raheem, photographer Buggsy Malone, painter Cooper Salmon, sound designer George Psarras, rapper Joe Fresco, muralist Karime Dawll Contreras, composer Mauricio Rodriguez, visual artist Nata Drachinskaya, SJSU photography students, and musician William Johnston Bohrer. The lineup also includes a DJ set and a live performance by Bohrer, creating an immersive atmosphere that ties into the issue's focus on visual and auditory experiences.

Hobee's provides a cash bar and menu selections, with a sneak peek at their upcoming taproom offerings set for summer 2026. Content Magazine members receive complimentary beverages and hors d'oeuvres, adding an extra incentive to join. All ages can participate, making it a family-friendly way to connect with San Jose's artistic community.

To get your free tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/pick-up-party-182-sight-and-sound-at-hobees-restaurant-tickets-1981244476563?aff=oddtdtcreator

Celebrate the Year of the Horse at San Jose's Lunar New Year Festival

Mark the Year of the Horse with a free Lunar New Year Festival on March 14, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at History Park on Phelan Avenue. Organized by History San José and the Chinese Historical & Cultural Project, the event welcomes families to immerse themselves in traditions that showcase Chinese heritage through lively demonstrations and interactive elements.

Lion dance teams take center stage, accompanied by Chinese cultural dances and music that fill the air with rhythm. Martial arts displays demonstrate skill and discipline, while participants try Chinese calligraphy and brush painting. Children will find plenty of hands-on crafts and games, with story-telling sessions sparking imagination and selfies with dragons to create memorable moments.

Food trucks will serve diverse bites, O'Brien's Ice Cream Store tempts with desserts, and trolley rides will offer a relaxed way to explore. The Chinese American Historical Museum will open its doors for deeper insights into our community's past.

For more information: www.chcp.org www.historysanjose.org