I
n the heart of downtown San Jose, a neglected stretch of retail space is poised for transformation. Hines, a prominent real estate firm, has unveiled plans to revitalize three blocks along South First Street and surrounding areas, injecting life into a once-thriving commercial hub. Dubbed Paseo Place, this ambitious project aims to breathe new energy into the city's core.

    By reimagining the spaces between East San Fernando Street and Paseo de San Antonio, Hines seeks to create an inviting pedestrian experience that celebrates innovation and technology. The proposal envisions vibrant outdoor dining areas, dynamic storefronts, and engaging signage to activate the paseo and foster a stronger connection between San Jose State University and downtown.

    Paseo Place is designed to become a social hub for downtown, attracting popular food, retail, and entertainment concepts. By doing so, it will not only revitalize the area but also serve as a catalyst for downtown's revival. City leaders hope this revitalization will help attract visitors drawn to San Jose for major sporting events in 2026, including the Super Bowl and FIBA World Cup.

    To achieve its goals, Hines plans to incorporate modern elements while preserving historical charm. The project will feature canopies, trellises, and street furniture to create a comfortable pedestrian scale, with spacious outdoor dining zones and inviting seating areas. By showcasing San Jose as an innovation hub, Paseo Place aims to put the city on the map.

    The site's history is marked by the presence of The Pavilion, a former shopping center that once thrived in the area. Bob Staedler, principal executive at Silicon Valley Synergy, notes that "the pavilion has needed this level of upgrade for quite some time." With Hines' proposal, city and business leaders are optimistic about San Jose's potential to offer a lively downtown experience.

    As Hines moves forward with its plans, the project's viability is bolstered by the success stories in the surrounding area. Eos & Nyx, Scott's Seafood, and Urban Putt have already demonstrated the appeal of this location. Staedler concludes, "This is exactly the type of investment downtown San Jose needs."