Parking Lots to Skyline Marvels: In the heart of Silicon Valley, a recent real estate feat caught the spotlight. Urban Catalyst, the Opportunity Zone Fund investor-developer, recently secured the last piece of a two-acre land puzzle adjacent to San Jose City Hall. It might be the tiniest plot to wield such influence in Silicon Valley history a mere 10,000-square foot parking lot housing 26 spaces for the Town Park Tower retirement community. This seemingly small acquisition connects the dots for a colossal one million square foot development known as the Icon/Echo Towers. The complexity of this transaction was no small matter, and it garnered significant attention when it concluded.
Nearly two decades in the making, this achievement began with a visionary team. Maggie Bludau, a pioneer broker and activist from Ritchie Commercial Downtown, joined hands with the author to convince the four legacy property owners on this block. Back in 2004, as the new city hall was taking shape, they embarked on a mission that many considered far-fetched. It required an ensemble cast of characters and unwavering determination. The miracle of Opportunity Zone funding in an otherwise challenging market made it possible.
As the sole broker engaged in this remarkable journey, I can’t help but marvel at the success story unfolding right next door the Miro Towers. Their newest addition, Rollati, a restaurant, is a testament to the ever-evolving landscape of downtown San Jose.
I can’t help but recall the days when the city streets had a different story to tell. In 1989, a tragic double police killing at the very intersection where the Icon/Echo Towers will stand discouraged most people from venturing beyond 2nd or 3rd Street. Once these towers grace the skyline, they’ll transform this area into a thriving commercial district.
My journey to San Jose began in 1987 when I arrived to assist my father with his brokerage firm, Ritchie & Ritchie. The firm, originally founded in San Francisco in 1956, had set up an office in San Jose in 1963. Like many San Francisco natives, I had rarely ventured to San Jose before. The differences between these two major cities were astonishing. To this day, I divide my time happily between the two.
Back in my early 20s, I was transitioning from an exciting career working for major developers in the heart of San Francisco to becoming a broker. Most of that time, I was with Lincoln Property Company, involved in the construction and marketing of four significant office buildings in the Financial District. Those were wild times for office development in the 80s. I still remember my first day at Lincoln when I was tasked with surveying the competition. I roamed the Financial District with my trusty yellow pad, observing an astounding 34 office buildings under construction. The consequences of that building frenzy are well-documented, and it partly influenced my decision to take a break from San Francisco and join my charismatic father in San Jose.
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My father had opened the San Jose office in 1963 and was a staunch supporter of downtown in all his office locations, which numbered up to eight along the West Coast at its peak. He followed the path of freeway expansions from Redwood City in 1959 to San Jose when it became a convenient hour’s drive away, thanks to the Eisenhower era. It seems like we hit a roadblock in infrastructure progress after that, at least until we complete the BART extension. When I arrived, he still had a small office downtown at 99 North First at St. John. This modest edifice received a development award from the chamber of commerce in 1973, highlighting the downtown’s struggles during those times.
My journey in San Jose began with three agents, two of them in their 70s, dial phones, and a receptionist on duty for just two hours a day. When I inquired about other commercial brokers in the area, I was told that they had abandoned downtown years ago when it fell into disarray, opting for the modern airport office parks. This was a period when downtown was undergoing a complete transformation due to the light rail and other significant public and private developments. Intrigued by the potential, I ventured out, knocking on doors.
It was during this time that I crossed paths with Mayor Tom McEnery, an uber-visionary, and Frank Taylor, the head of the San Jose Redevelopment Agency (RDA). Both of them were brilliant strategists who orchestrated an ambitious and daring plan. The transformation of San Jose was in full swing, with iconic landmarks like the Fairmont (now Signia), the Shark Tank, Convention Center, MLK Library, Tech Museum, San Jose Museum of Art expansion, and the new city hall. The list of achievements is overwhelming when you look back. Over the years, I engaged in numerous transactions associated with the RDA, including the purchase of two buildings. However, it remains a mystery why all California RDAs were dissolved abruptly in 2012 under Gov. Jerry Brown
Our Reader’s Queries
How do you get parking lots in city skylines?
Let’s start by discussing the vanilla and unmodded method of obtaining car parks. The first step is to create a district over the desired area and paint it out. This will allow for the creation of car parks in that specific location.
Are there car parks in cities skylines?
Traffic flow enthusiasts can rejoice as Cities Skylines 2 now includes parking lots in the game. This exciting addition is sure to improve traffic flow and make gameplay even more enjoyable. In addition, the game also introduces parking spaces, adding another layer of realism to the experience.
How do you deal with traffic in cities skylines?
To steer clear of traffic congestion in Cities: Skylines, there are several strategies you can employ. One effective method is to incorporate roundabouts into your road network. Additionally, it’s important to regularly check and adjust traffic routes to ensure smooth flow. Investing in public transportation and creating cargo depots can also alleviate traffic. Avoid making everything high-density and consider using narrow roads strategically. Spacing out intersections and providing multiple entrances to neighborhoods can also help keep traffic moving smoothly.
How do you charge for parking in city skylines 2?
To access the district, simply click on its name. Once you do, a small window will appear at the top of the screen. To expand your parking options, select the “roadside parking” tick box.