Time does tell 🕰️

San Jose’s historic landmarks: Then and now

A comparison graphic of an old + new picture of San Jose State's tower.

Looks similar, but a lot has changed since the first picture. | Photos via History San José + Wikimedia Commons

We’re taking a look back at three historic San Jose landmarks, and what transformations they have gone through since their inception.

📚San José State’s Tower Hall

Believe it or not, this iconic part of SJSU’s campus wasn’t always there. In the late 1800s, the San Jose Normal School (SJSU’s original name) wooden building stood on the site until it was destroyed by the 1906 earthquake. The tower we know and love today took its place in 1910.

As the oldest building on the campus of the oldest California State University, it was designated a historic landmark in 1949. Due to earthquake concerns, it was almost demolished in 1960 — if it were not for students + faculty who advocated for its restoration. And, just as it did so many years ago, still operates as an auditorium + lecture hall.

🛎️ Vendome Hotel

This grand, 150-room hotel opened in 1889 — and was one of the finest hotels in California at the time. Located on a 13-acre property previously owned by the first mayor of San Jose, the hotel boasted greenhouses, gardens, a bowling alley, and tennis courts.

Back then, one could stay at this center of San Jose tourism for $2.50 to $4 a night.

Eventually facing competition from more modern hotels Downtown, it was sold to a realtor who had it demolished in 1930 to make way for homes — which now comprise the residential Vendome neighborhood.

🏫 The Moir building

Completed in 1894, this brick building was originally known as the Straford Hotel, until it adopted the moniker of the “St. James Hotel” in the 1930s.

Since then, the Moir was home to the United Farm Workers + law offices — and, soon, a Los Gatos private high school. Local developer Urban Community is currently leading the Hillbrook School project which will preserve the historic character while adding modern updates + open work areas. This project is expected to be complete in 2023.

Let us know what other historic landmarks you’d like us to explore.

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Tuesday, October 11

Drone Racing League | Tue., Oct. 11 | 7:30 p.m. | PayPal Park, 1123 Coleman Ave, San Jose | $15.00 | Watch the soccer field turn into a video game-inspired aerial course for the top drone racers in the world.
Turntables & Tacos | Tue., Oct. 11 | 5 p.m.-2 a.m. | Mama Kin, 374 S. First St., San Jose | Free | Take a night off to splurge on these $2 tacos + $6 drafts all night long.

Wednesday, October 12

GOLD MONEY BAND JAM | Wed., Oct. 12 | 6-9 p.m. | Little Lou’s BBQ, 2455 S. Winchester Blvd, Campbell | Free | The jam session is open to all.
Trivia Night with Mike | Wed., Oct. 12 - Thu., Oct. 13 | 6:30-9 p.m. | Tessora’s Barra di Vino, 234 E. Campbell Avenue, Campbell | Free | Come in to challenge your minds, make some friends, and drink some fine wines

Thursday, October 13

Online Author Talk : Dr. Aziz Gazipura | Thu., Oct. 13 | 1-2 p.m. | Los Gatos Library, Los Gatos | Free | Listen to one of the world’s leading experts on social confidence as he discusses how to stop being too nice and worrying about what others might think.
San Jose Mayoral Candidates Forum | Thu., Oct. 13 | 7-9 p.m. | The Pavilion at Mexican Heritage Plaza, 1700 Alum Rock Ave, San Jose | Free | Tune in to hear from mayoral candidates Cindy Chavez + Matt Mahan as they discuss the issues they would face as mayor and the solutions they would pursue if elected.

Friday, October 14

13th Annual Silicon Valley African Film Festival | Fri., Oct. 14 - Sun., Oct. 16 | 2-10 p.m. | Historic Hoover Theatre, 1635 Park Ave, San Jose | $40.00 - $100.00 | Enjoy 100+ films, performances, panel discussions, a fashion show, awards, and more centering the authentic stories + voices of seasoned and emerging creatives from the African continent.

We have a monthly guide filled with events + activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.

MORE THIS MONTH

Celebrating what makes San Jose healthcare great 🩺

Celebrating what makes SJ healthcare great 🩺

Presented by an SJtoday Partner

Discover the good work our local healthcare professionals do for you and your loved ones. | Photo via Pexels

This week is National Healthcare Quality Week — a time to celebrate the sacrifice + hard work that healthcare professionals do everyday to keep us healthy. From mending broken bones and healing our loved ones to being there through life’s challenges and transitions, San Jose healthcare professionals have our backs. 🩺

Check out what Stanford Medicine Children’s Health and Dignity Health are doing to deliver excellent healthcare quality for all San Joseans.^

Content marked with a ^ is created by our Branded Content Studio — see more of their work + learn how they can create engaging paid content for your brand here.

Weather

84º | Partly cloudy | 11% chance of rain

Development

Google is looking to build its own electrical microgrid to power its upcoming Downtown West development — with City Council expected to approve the plan by the end of the year. This first microgrid would act as a pilot program for San Jose, as the city considers PG&E alternatives. ⚡ (San José Spotlight)

Community

The San Jose Planning Commission recently approved a permit to officially turn a vacant block of stores on Alum Rock Ave. into an 200-seat theater for the School of Arts and Culture. It will also include a cafe + a wellness center — and is expected to open late 2023 to early 2024. 🎭 (San José Spotlight)

Listen

The new era is here. After announcing that KGO 810 was going off-air last Thursday, station owner Cumulus Media unveiled “The Spread” yesterday — Bay Area’s first sports gambling station. Expect sports betting insights, entertainment, and news from various hosts. 🎙️ (The Mercury News)

Theater

The Tabard Theatre will bring psychological thriller “Wait Until Dark” to its stage at San Pedro Square — opening on Fri., Oct. 21. The production is darker than the Tabard’s usual shows, so its recommended for ages 13 and up. (The Mercury News)

Trending

A recent survey from GasBuddy found that San Jose gas prices rose ~$1.04 a gallon since last month — nearing $6.37 on average. Part of the reason for the increase is due to issues at state oil refineries, but don’t fret too much, relief checks are on the way. 📈 (Silicon Valley Business Journal/CBS News)

Concert

The Saratoga Symphony will perform a free concert on Sun., Oct. 23 at 3 p.m. in the Lincoln Glen Church (2700 Booksin Ave.). It will feature Ukrainian compositions from 1910-1921, with conductor Dr. Jason Klein to educate audience about each piece. 🎼 (The Mercury News)

Legacy

Atherton businessman and philanthropist Lorry I. Lokey recently died at the age of 95, but left his mark by donating millions to local schools, like Bellarmine College Prep + Santa Clara University. Lorry’s major success came from his founding of the Business Wire news agency in 1961. 🕊️ (The Mercury News)

Biz

Small business owners looking to make energy upgrades are encouraged to sign up for San José Energy Efficient Business Program — which offers nearly 90% off refrigeration, HVAC, and water heating upgrades. Inquiries can be directed to San José Clean Energy’s website or its email. ♻️

DYK

Did you know you can set up shop in our online retail store? We’re looking to support local brands in our SJtoday shop. We want to work with you. Send us an email to get started.

Eat

D’Artagnan is a farm-to-table pioneer, serving top chefs + home cooks nationwide since 1985. Their small farms provide a wide range of high-quality meat — think: duck, organic poultry, grass-fed beef, heritage pork + more. And because they offer overnight delivery, everything stays super fresh (and super delicious). 🥩 *

Trending

Fast-track those holiday shopping plans. For the first time, Amazon is hosting a second Prime Day with the Prime Early Access Sale running today, Oct. 11 and tomorrow, Oct. 12. Snag tech like earbuds or kitchen appliances at Black Friday prices — 45 days in advance.*

Real Estate

The outcome of the generational battle between baby boomers and millennials just might wage on these very survey results. Learn more about how each generation feels about finances + real estate in this Financial Wellness Study. 🏡*

Content marked with an * is brought to you by our advertising partners and helps make this newsletter free.

Put us in, coach

It’s been an exciting fall season for local sports — the San Jose State Spartans are now 4-1 + atop the MWC West Division, our Sharks played in Prague for the NHL Global Series, and the Golden State Warriors are just about to start their 2022-23 season.

The CEFCU Stadium in Downtown San Jose — Rep the blue and gold at CEFCU Stadium.

We want to make sure that you’re catching all the sports coverage you need to join the conversation. As the fall season gets going, what kind of sports content do you want to see in SJtoday?

Grab your foam finger and tell us by filling out this survey. You’ll be entered in a drawing for a chance to score big with team-branded swag up to $100 in value.

TAKE THE SURVEY

THE WRAP

Today’s issue was written by Alyson.

Editor’s pick: Hey everyone, I’m once again asking for your help to suggest San Jose bucket list items. A friend of mine is moving to the area soon, and I would love to give them your recommendations for what you think is truly San Josean. Don’t want them thinking there’s nothing special to do here, ya feel me?

Missed yesterday’s newsletter? Grab a slice from these pizzerias.

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Editorial: Alyson Chuyang, Nicole Calande, Trevor Peters, Britt Thorson, Ashlea Hearn, Emily Shea | Send us a scoop, question, or feedback.

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