(Above) Looking NE  at St. James Historic - "Creating a neighborhood to linger in, rather than pass through", pretty much says it all.

And downtown is the beneficiary

Vendome |Hensley Historic |Japan Town|Downtown Historic

Just outside of what is considered the core of downtown , to the north of Santa Clara Street, nestled quietly in an area representative of what can be considered some of San Jose's FINEST HISTORICAL  District's ,  you will find Vendome, Hensley Historic, Japan Town and the Saint James Historic District. Each with it's own unique  character; creating  boutique neighborhoods , or be better said, "creating neighborhoods to linger in , rather than pass through!"   With RDA's agressive plan to create an economically sound and vibrant downtown with a commitment to "Place Making", implementing the  much needed infill - residential, businesses, and destination places - infuses a key element that transforms suburban-like blight into "Walking Communities". Neighborhoods can now have a chance to become Urban Oasis' - akin to those brand name districts  of  San Francisco, to finally happen here, in our own downtown San Jose.  -Click here for a LIST OF KEY DOWNTOWN PROJECTS-

   Right next door to St. James Historic?The Urban Market will be similar to the Ferry Building in SF.

 North San Pedro's URBAN MARKET

The San Pedro Square Urban Market concept aims to centralize retail, public space and entertainment .  Vendors would include a butcher, a fish market, a bakery, florists, produce and ethnic food shops filling the Urban Market. Built in two phases, San Pedro Square's future includes three market halls, ground-floor garage kiosks, a Friday farmers market, public areas and expansions of existing restaurants.

-Click here for JRDV Architects  URBAN MARKET-

Phase I will carry the bulk of the project. Totaling 30,000 square feet, the El Dorado and Earthquakes buildings will be gutted and retrofitted to serve as market halls. A new 25,000-square-foot building will be built on a site called Perazzo to connect to the El Dorado.

Phase II will replace a parking lot with a new market hall across West St. John Street.

ATTENTION URBAN MARKET STAKE HOLDERS! The project plan calls for staff to work with area stakeholders to identify potential projects that will give new life to this downtown core area.

It takes you to make a difference!

...and being a member of Downtown Dwellers is one sure way to be involved and in the know! -Click here to join!-

Saint James Historicity

NEWS & UPDATES

(Updated as of August 1, 2009)

(As it stands in n 2009) Designed by famous California Architect Willis Polk in 1904.  Located on St. James and 2nd, St. James Square (Historic)

Ready for renovation?

Barry Swenson planned demolition and restoration plans.  Details to be reported as soon as they become available. - FULL UPDATE NOT AVAILABLE UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE Thanks for your patience!-

NEXT MEETING: TBA

DISCUSSION TOPIC: TBA

SQUEAKY WHEELS: (Neighborhood & Activist concerns!)

• What is Swenson's plan for this building? Downtowner's have a suggestion!

• Integrity of the renovation? - Attention to detail or quick fixes?
  

More info: RDA Resolution Doc

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St. James Park Master Plan Phase I

Fountains better days. In 2008 investigation,  RDA & The St. James Advisory, with PRNS, concluded "not leaking", as rumored, to the fountain and it's mechanism.

The Park delayed?

Currently on hold UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE.  Should we worry?  -  FULL UPDATE NOT AVAILABLE UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE. Thanks for your patience!-

NEXT MEETING: TBA

DISCUSSION TOPIC: Phase 1 updated plan.

SQUEAKY WHEELS :(Neighborhood & Activist concerns!) 

• In lieu of the delay,  so far nothing to be alarmed about.

More info: RDA Updates Park Improvements , The Saint James Master Plan update 2002

FYI - SQUEAKY WHEELS presents a neighborhood or an organizations concern on a specific project.  Info here may be captured at public meetings or are  emailed to us, by you.

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"ON OUR RADAR"

(Proposed projects within or affecting St. James Historic)

• Proposed Federal Court house
• VTA's Victory Parking Lot
• St. James Senior Center
• Pellier Park & West Julian
• Park View Towers
• San Pedro Urban Market
• Rail Road Museum & Fire Museum
• Saint James Vision Project?