A good indicator that the real estate recession is a thing of the past is all of the recent chatter about construction going on. And there is plenty of chatter happening about more highrises being built in downtown San Jose. The latest proposed high-rise development is called Centerra, a 21-story high rise tower, 347 unit project by Simeon Residential Properties. And according to the Silicon Valley Business Journal, the developers of Centerra are ready to jump into the real estate market in downtown, possibly as soon as this summer.

The Centerra project will be located on the city block between Almaden Avenue and Notre Dame Avenue, and Carlysle Street and W. Saint John Street. The project will face the San Pedro Square Market and kitty-corner to Axis, another high-rise development in downtown San Jose. If this location sounds familiar, this site was previously slated for another highrise residential building called The Carlysle, which was going to be built by Barry Swenson Builder (developer of City Heights). It sounds like Barry Swenson Builder will be helping with the design-build for the new Centerra highrise. According to plans for Centerra, the project will also include 7,000 square feet of retail facing the San Pedro Square Market.

Centerra
Downtown San Jose
21-story highrise, 347 units
7,000 square fee of retail
Simeon Residential Properties

For additional information about real estate and high-rise living in downtown San Jose, call Tony at (408) 891-8289.

It was announced last Tuesday evening at a City of San Jose Planning meeting that the highly anticipated Whole Foods Market at the corner of The Alameda and Stockton Street in downtown San Jose will likely break ground in March 2013.

Representatives from the city’s Planning Division, Whole Foods Markets, and Field Paoli Architects were on hand to unveil preliminary design plans and to try to address and answer neighbors’ concerns and questions.

The architects unveiled a dual building scheme, with the 33,000 square foot main grocery building running along The Alameda, and a smaller 2-story building at the corner. This second building will house a beer garden, coffee and juice bar, and possibly a take-away pizza joint. Future plans may also include a brewery.

Design elements will take inspiration from previous local landmarks including an old bottling facility and cannery and will include painted corrugated metal, wood, and plenty of windows, hopefully including some views into the inner workings of the store. The courtyard between the two buildings will include shade cover and plenty of indoor and outdoor seating. It is the goal of Whole Foods to make this not only a gateway into the Rose Garden and Shasta/Hanchett neighborhoods, but also a community gathering spot for all of downtown San Jose.

As a business owner and high-rise condo resident in downtown San Jose, I know this Whole Foods Market will be a welcome addition to the downtown San Jose landscape.

A new coffee house has opened in downtown San Jose. DevineGrind has opened on Devine Street at the corner of 2nd Street. Besides coffee, espresso, and tea, DevineGrind has freshly squeezed juices, blended drinks, Italian sodas, and fruit smoothies. They have a lovely assortment of pastries, breakfast burritos and croissants, and sandwiches. DevineGrind is open daily from 7:00 am – 7:00 pm. With free WiFi, their outdoor patio makes a great place to while away some time. Nearby residents of Park Townsend and The Plaza have discovered DevineGrind – now it’s time for the rest of downtown San Jose to join suit.

DevineGrind is located at 27 Devine Street in San Jose.

During November last year, our blog post “San Pedro Square Market Slowly Coming to Life” brought you updates on the new arrivals of restaurants and vendors that made their debut in the San Pedro Square Market.  This year has brought more changes to the landscape of Downtown San Jose, which can only mean one good thing - more delicious food.  Since our last post, new vendors and restaurants have opened and more are still on their way.  Let’s take a look at what’s taking up real estate at the San Pedro Square Market.

On a Roll is one of the newly arrived ethnic cuisines in the area.  A Vietnamese restaurant, they serve grilled pork sandwiches on a French baguette topped with fresh cilantro and Jalapenos, a variety of noodle and tofu plates, spring rolls, and many other items. On a Roll is located towards the front of the Market.

Crepe-Paris will be opening within 2-4 weeks and serving both sweet and savory crepes. Crepes-Paris will be open late (past 10pm) for your dining pleasure as well. It may not be Paris, but it’ll come close. In addition, Loteria Taco Bar will be opening later this year featuring an assortment of tacos in the El Dorado building of San Pedro Square Market.

The Lusardi building at the San Pedro Square Market will also be calling on those with a sweet-tooth, the health-conscious, and cheese-lovers alike. Here’s the inside scoop on some of the new vendors that have recently opened or that will be arriving soon:

Treatbot Karaoke Ice Cream Truck

Veggiebox - fresh, local veggies and prepared dishes

Blush - Sushi, oysters, and a hip, modern bar

Showroom - Boutique apparel

Ay Dios Mio - Unique Boutique

The Little Cheese Shop - Cheese, Charcuterie, and Gourmet Foods

San Pedro Square Seafood

One of the perks of living in Downtown San Jose, at great places like Axis, City Heights or Plant 51, is being within walking distance of the liveliness of the Market. San Pedro Square Market is a few short blocks from these high-rise buildings. And don’t forget about the new Saturday Farmer’s Market taking place in front of the San Pedro Square Market. Delicious foods, small business vendors are just a few steps away from home and all at affordable prices.

More information can be found on www.sanpedrosquaremarket.com.

Are you looking for a spectacular place to rent in one of the new high-rises in downtown San Jose? Look no further. Silicon Valley Lofts & Condos has two spectacular units available in two of downtown San Jose’s most desirable complexes – Axis and Plant 51.

Rentals at Axis are very rare. We have a one bedroom, one bath condo on the 11th floor with spectacular views available for rent. There are designer upgrades galore, including gorgeous walnut hardwood floors, a designer paint palette, upgraded stainless steel appliances, granite counters, and much, much more. Axis has all the modern amenities you’re looking for – concierge service, round-the-clock security, and a third level pool area with two hot tubs, a BBQ and cabana area, and fitness center. For pictures and more information, click here.

We also have a one-of-a-kind one bedroom, one and one-half bath loft at Plant 51. It is the only floor plan of its kind at Plant 51. 18-foot high windows let in tons of natural light. The loft has beautiful and eco-friendly bamboo floors, granite counters, stainless steel appliances, and elegant designer draperies. Plant 51 is where history meets the modern – what was once an old cannery has been repurposed as a contemporary residential community. Plant 51 features lushly landscaped courtyards with water features and seating areas for dining or relaxing, two 15’ fire pits, a bicycle “kitchen”, and a modern fitness center. For pictures and more information, click here.

Silicon Valley Lofts & Condos is your destination for high quality condo, loft and townhouse rentals in downtown San Jose. Visit our website’s Rentals page to find out why our rentals are unique. If you want to rent downtown, make Silicon Valley Lofts & Condos your first stop.

Even though the much-anticipated grand opening event didn’t happen on October 22, there’s still much to be excited about at the new San Pedro Square Market in downtown San Jose. Slowly but surely, space is filling up and there are some exciting vendors and events to talk about.

The San Pedro Square Market Bar is located on a piece of real estate once home to the historic El Dorado Bakery. The bar will serve as a meeting place for people to enjoy a cocktail or take a leisurely stroll throughout the entire 50,000 square foot project. The bar has a wide selection of specialty drinks and eight beers on tap. It opens onto the amazing 18,000 square foot Peralta Adobe Plaza which will offer daily entertainment for people of all ages.

Store Hours
Monday-Thursday 4:00 pm - Midnight
Fridays 11:00 am- Midnight
Saturday & Sunday 10:00 am - 9:00 pm

Pizza Bocca Lupo is the first Neapolitan pizzeria in the South Bay that bakes in a hand-made brick oven imported from Naples. The oven cooks the pizza in 1-2 minutes at very high temperatures giving them a distinct taste and texture. The pizza will be baked using the same ingredients as the best pizzerias in Naples: very fine Tipo 00 flour, authentic San Marzano Tomatoes grown in the volcanic soil of Mount Vesuvius, fresh mozzarella (buffalo or cow), and more.

Store Hours
Monday – Wednesday 11:00 am - 1:30 pm & 5:30 pm - 8:30 pm
Thursday – 11:00 am - 1:30 pm & 5:30 pm - 9:30 pm
Friday - 11:30am - 2:00pm & 5:30 pm - 10:00 pm
Saturday - 11:00 am - 10:00 pm
Sunday - 11:00 am - 8:30 pm

Vino Vino Wine Bar knows there are a lot of people out there that are fans of wine but hate the attitude that sometimes comes with it. They emphasize great music, great food and, of course, great wine. Vino Vino offers 13 wines on tap and another 3-dozen in the bottle, featuring local wineries. Click here to check out their food and wine menu.

Store Hours
Monday - Friday open at 11:30AM
Saturday & Sunday open at 2:00 PM

Crewners is a unique, single-chair, full service barbershop providing exceptional customer service in a nostalgic and relaxing atmosphere. Integrating vintage decor with modern furnishings distinguishes Crewners Barbershop above any others. Crewners mission is to provide the utmost level of service and professionalism while maintaining the integrity and distinction their customers deserve.

Store Hours
Tuesday - Thursday 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Friday 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Saturday 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Sunday - Monday Closed

The San Pedro Square Market offers music and entertainment most nights of the week. San Jose Sharks away games are shown throughout the bar area and projected outside onto a 13-foot screen. Many special events will be taking place at the Market like the upcoming Tamale Making Workshops.

Come check it out. The San Pedro Square Market is destined to become one of the coolest places to be in downtown San Jose. Check back here often upcoming news on new tenants.

The San Pedro Square Market is located at 87 N. San Pedro Street on the corner of W. St. John Street in downtown San Jose. For more information visit their website at www.sanpedrosquaremarket.com.

Have you ever driven past The 88 or Axis and wondered what it would be like to live in one of downtown San Jose’s high rises with their spectacular views and amazing amenities? Well wonder no more. This Saturday, October 29 is the San Jose Condo Crawl Open House. From 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm high-rise complexes Axis, The 88 and City Heights will open their doors so everyone can experience what downtown San Jose urban high-rise living is all about. Print your passport here, then get out and experience downtown San Jose. Take one of the designated walkable routes between buildings, or catch an Eco City Cycle pedicab. Make sure you get your passport stamped at each property – it will be good for a complimentary drink at the San Pedro Square Market, the rendezvous point after the condo crawl.

So spend Saturday afternoon experiencing everything that’s new in downtown San Jose. You never know, you may find your future home.

What: Downtown San Jose Condo Crawl Open House

When: Saturday, October 29, 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm

Where: Start at any one of three high-rise residential complexes-

The 88
88 E. San Fernando Street between 2nd and 3rd.

Axis
38 N. Almaden Blvd. near Santa Clara Street

City Heights
175 W. St. James Street near Julian Street

Finish at the San Pedro Square Urban Market
87 N. San Pedro Street at E. St. John Street

After a hard day’s work, are you looking for somewhere to kick back, enjoy a cocktail, and just relax without breaking the bank? Look no further than downtown San Jose. Whether you’re looking for a quiet lounge or a rowdy bar crowd, downtown San Jose has what you’re looking for. As a downtown San Jose high-rise condo resident and worker, our office often gets together after work to decompress and enjoy some time together away from the office. It’s been a while since I’ve written about this, so here are some new and revisited of mine and my coworker’s favorite places:

Billy Berk’s - 99 S. 1st Street
A great people watching place with 180° of glass and a large square bar in the heart of the restaurant.
Monday - Friday, 3:00 pm – 7:00 pm, and Sunday 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm
$2 off Billy’s specialty cocktails, all 6 oz. wines by the glass, select beers, and well drinks.
$4 - $7 appetizers including BBQ pork sliders, calamari, crispy oriental beef (one of my favorites!), assorted sausage and mustard plate, buffalo chicken tenders, and chipotle pepper jack potato skins.

Firehouse#1 – 69 N. San Pedro Street
An intimate, lively bar where everybody knows your name.
Monday – Friday, 3:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Draft beer and mixed drink specials
½ price appetizers (no food specials when the Sharks play at home) – chicken wings, sliders, steak bites, potato skins, tiger prawns

Loft Bar & Bistro – 99 S. 2nd Street
A long, rustic bar offers plenty of seating, as does the rooftop patio.
Monday – Friday, 3:00 pm – 7:00 pm
$4 Beers, $6 House Red or White Wine, Specialty Cocktails
$6 Appetizers – Buffalo wings, ½ lb. burger with fries, calamari, turkey and avocado sliders, Chinese chicken salad, quesadilla

McCormick & Schmick’s – 170 S. Market Street
Sit back on the patio in the heart of downtown San Jose for some excellent people watching.
Monday - Friday, 4:00 pm - 6:30 pm and 9:30 pm to close
Daily drink specials
$1.95 – $4.95 bar menu - corn on the cob, quesadilla, Buffalo wings, nachos, BBQ pork sliders to name a few, including the $2.95 – ½ lb. cheeseburger

Morton’s, the Steakhouse – 177 Park Avenue
Enjoy “Power Hour” in this sophisticated and luxurious oasis.
Daily – 5:00 pm to 6:30 pm and 9pm to close
$5 beers, $6.50 wines, $7.50 “Mortinis” and cocktails
$6 and $7 Bar Bites – iceberg wedge bites, mini crab cake BLTs, smoked salmon pizza, sliders, petit filet sandwich

San Jose Bar & Grill – 85 S. 2nd Street
A lively crowd for the young and young at heart.
Monday – Friday, 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Drink specials - $2 PBR, $2.50 Bud Lights, $3.50 drafts and well, $5.50 call, $1.00 off premiums
Daily slider, appetizer, burger/sandwich, and salad special - $7 - $9

The Grill on the Alley – 172 S. Market Street
Feel like a member of the Rat Pack with a warm and inviting ambience reminiscent of a 1940’s dinner clubs.
Sunday – Thursday, 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm, Friday – Saturday, 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
$5 Draft Beer and Well Drinks
$3, $5, $6 Small Plates – potato skins, calamari, popcorn shrimp, loaded mac & cheese, crab cake or Kobe sliders

If you’ve ever thought about moving to a high-rise residential complex in downtown San Jose but are aren’t sure you want to buy before trying downtown living, why not think about renting? Silicon Valley Lofts & Condos has several 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom condos available for rent.

Three units are available at the Park Townsend complex. They range in size from 1583 – 2000 square feet – probably the largest condos you’ll find in downtown San Jose. All the units feature granite counters and stainless steel appliances in the kitchens, walk-in closets, large bathrooms, in-unit laundry, and plenty of storage. They all come with 2 parking spots. Park Townsend is a secure building with secured underground parking, a pool and hot tub, fitness room, and social room with full kitchen. It’s within walking distance of everything downtown San Jose has to offer – restaurants, bars, theater, sports, and special events.

We also have a condo available for rent at the historic Plant 51 on The Alameda in downtown San Jose. The condo is 1200 square feet and features hardwood floors throughout, a beautiful kitchen with granite counters, stainless appliances, and a custom file backsplash. The master bedroom has a walk-in closet, and the master bath features a tile floor, granite counter, and large tiled shower. There is an in-unit full-sized washer and dryer. Plant 51 is a very cool building. The builders wisely kept the old brick facade of the original cannery. It features lushly landscaped outdoor spaces including a BBQ area, several outdoor dining and seating areas, outdoor fire pits, a bicycle storage room, and a very modern fitness room with separate studio and locker room. Cahill Park and Diridon Station are in the Plant 51’s backyard, and the HP Pavilion is one block away.

So come to downtown San Jose and find out what people in-the-know already know – downtown San Jose is a great place to live!

Caffe Trieste is Now Caffe Frascati

Caffe Frascati is in the same downtown San Jose location (next to Original Joe’s and in the 360 Residences’ backyard), has the same owners and offers the same great authentic Italian espresso - it just is no longer a franchise of San Francisco’s Caffe Trieste. Other specialties at Caffe Frascati include panini, baguette sandwiches, salads, pastries and desserts, Italian wines, and my favorite, Moretti beer on tap! Caffe Frascati offers live music on Friday and Saturday nights, and has open mic night on Tuesdays. They are a regular stop on downtown San Jose’s South First Fridays art walk.

Caffe Frascati is at 315 S. 1st Street, just south of San Carlos Street, in downtown San Jose.

Modern Greek Food Comes to Downtown San Jose

The old Smoke Tiki Lounge on Post Street has been reinvented as a modern Greek restaurant and lounge. Myth Taverna & Lounge features modern Greek cuisine, signature cocktails, fine wines, and a great selection of domestic, micro-brewery, and imported beers. They have elegant indoor seating as well as a chic and comfortable patio. Both areas are open for lunch and dinner. Some of the highlights of Myth’s authentic Greek menu include dolmathes, spanakopita, gyros, souvlaki, moussaka, and baklava for dessert. The patio features live music at Happy Hour, and DJs spin house, techno, and old school music into the night.

Myth Taverna & Lounge is located at 152 Post Street, one block south of Market Street at San Pedro Street, near the HP Pavilion and the Axis high-rise residential complex.

Crema Coffee Roasting Company Opens Its Second Location in Downtown San Jose

Crema Coffee Roasting Co. is a family-owned coffeehouse with an intensely loyal following and a devotion to giving back to the community. They now offer a second location to join their Rose Garden coffeehouse on the Alameda near downtown San Jose. The new location is in the Fairmont Plaza near the Circle of Palms and the San Jose Museum of Art. This new location offers the same great coffee drinks (Caramel Almond Royale anyone?) made from fresh in-house roasted beans, Italian sodas, pastries, desserts, and sandwiches. Free wifi is available.

Crema Coffee Roasting Co. is at 50 W. San Fernando Street, between Market and 1st Streets in downtown San Jose.