A
long-vacant Safeway supermarket site in downtown San Jose is up for sale through an auction, according to a marketing brochure from Prudentia. The 24,100-square-foot space on the ground floor of a 197-unit residential tower near San Jose State University has been empty since 2019.

    The location's proximity to the university and its corner spot at South Second Street and East San Fernando Street make it an attractive opportunity for potential buyers. "There is a built-in customer base for robust daily foot traffic," the brochure notes.

    Mark Ritchie, president of Ritchie Commercial, suggests that dividing the space into smaller units could be a viable solution to attract multiple tenants. This could include restaurants or shops, which Erik Hayden, an executive with Urban Catalyst, believes would thrive in the area.

    Hayden's affiliate owns a parking garage adjacent to the commercial space and is optimistic about its potential. "Retail and restaurant tenants are very interested in this space," he said. With the right configuration, the site could attract a variety of users, including beauty schools, trade schools, or government agencies.