(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 Historic |Hensley Historic |Japan Town

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 blend of character -creating  boutique neighborhoods - or maybe better said..."creating neighborhoods to linger in , rather than pass through!  Of course, by finally implementing urban "infill", in neighborhoods that now seem  destined to  adjoin; infuses a key element that transforms suburban-like blight into "Walking Communities". Neighborhoods that now have a chance to become Urban Oasis' - akin to those brand name districts  of  San Francisco;  a chance to finally happen here, in our own downtown San Jose.  -More in ADVOCACY-

   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'S IMPORTANT FOR ALL TO BE INVOLVED!

Saint James Historicity

NEWS & UPDATES

(Updated monthly as of  June 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. - Click for FULL UPDATE-

NEXT MEETING: TBA

DISCUSSION TOPIC: TBA

SQUEAKY WHEELS: (Neighborhood & Activist concerns!) 

• ALARMED? When can this be done so we may prevent any chance of "fire"? Please contact Sam Liccardo- and ask him when this can be done.
  

• 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

* * *

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?  - Click for FULL UPDATE-

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

* * *

"ON OUR RADAR"

(Projects within  St. James Historic, that will need our  attention much sooner rather than later!)

• 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? (A list of recommended projects from the SJHDNA & Frank Penrose 2006).