01.04.2024

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Today’s Forecast

57º | Mostly sunny | 5% chance of rain | Sunrise: 7:22 a.m. | Sunset: 5:06 p.m.

This historic highrise could be your new home

Historic Bank of Italy Tower to convert to housing

A black-and-white picture of the Bank of Italy picture taken between 1982-1992.

The Bank of Italy tower hasn’t gone under renovations for nearly 40 years. | Photo via History San José

In another push to revitalize downtown San Jose + bring more housing, The Bank of Italy tower may soon be transformed into a residential development.

The historic landmark, located at 12 S. First St., is switching gears from its previous plans of office renovation to apartment units.

Let’s take a look at how this 98-year-old tower may become the newest housing development in downtown.

San Jose’s first skyscraper

Built in 1926, the 13-story tower is Silicon Valley’s oldest skyscraper and was the tallest building between SF + LA until the 1980s.

For most of its life, the tower was occupied by Bank of America (formerly Bank of Italy) — which kept its lease until around 1970. Since then, two banks have shuffled in + out, but the tower has mainly sat dormant in recent years.

When the tower was purchased in 2017, developers Urban Community + Westbank (in partnership with architecture firm Bjorke Ingels) went to work on high-scale renovations to draw tenants back into the office space.

The Bank of Italy Tower from a ground view. — The Bank of Italy tower is continually going under renovations.
|
Photo via Don DeBold

New and improved

Now, instead of offices, the newest proposal envisions residential units on floors 2-12.

Previous plans also proposed an exterior spiral staircase with green features + ground floor retail, but those have been scaled back to make way for the following:

Garden + outdoor gathering areas
Rooftop restaurant
Upgrades to energy systems with the aim to make the tower “net zero”
Upper + lower floor penthouses

With its proximity to Fountain Alley, the developers hope to loop in local businesses to create a pedestrian-friendly, outdoor social area.

There’s no word yet on a concrete construction timeline, but we’ll keep an eye out for updates.

Events

Thursday, Jan. 4

Edwin San Juan | Thursday, Jan. 4 | 8 p.m. | San Jose Improv, 62 S. Second St., San Jose | $22-$72 | This funnyman has made numerous appearances on Comedy Central, BET, and in NBC comedy specials.

Friday, Jan. 5

First Friday | Friday, Jan. 5 | 6:30 p.m. | Plaza de Cesar Chavez, 1 Paseo de San Antonio, San Jose | Free | Float Addicts host their first community ride of the year to celebrate 2024.
Rock En Español Night | Friday, Jan. 5 | 9 p.m. | The Ritz, 400 S. First St., San Jose | $15-$20 | Sing and dance to tunes by Cafe Tacvba, Maná, Caifanes, and many more.
Community Game Night | Friday, Jan. 5 | San Jose Museum of Art, 110 S. Market St., San Jose | Free | Local organizations host a variety of games like Mahjong, Twister, musical chairs, and more while you explore open galleries + jam to music by DJ Cedric D.

Saturday, Jan. 6

El Dia de los Tres Reyes | Saturday, Jan. 6 | 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. | Children’s Discovery Museum of San Jose, 180 Woz Way, San Jose | $16-$18 | Join in on the festivities of Mariachi youth performers, crown decorating, folklorico dance, tortilla-making lessons, and more.
Lowrider Family & Friends Bowling | Saturday, Jan. 6 | 3 p.m. | 4th Street Bowl, 1441 N. Fourth St., San Jose | Free | Bring the kiddos for free lanes, participate in a 50/50 raffle, and enjoy a lowrider show + shine.
UGWA: Shark Infested | Saturday, Jan. 6 | 5-9 p.m. | Narrative Fermentations, 101 E. Alma Ave., San Jose | $17-$77 | Enjoy the over-the-top showmanship at the first underground wrestling event of the year.

Events calendar here

Click here to have your event featured.

News Notes

Development

A Mountain View veterinarian recently purchased a building at the corner of North First and Devine streets for $2.2 million. Previously a uniform emporium for blue-collar workers, the buyer wants to convert it into a pet hospital + overnight daycare. The development timeline is unknown. (The Mercury News)

Closing

The Japanese American Museum of San Jose‘s “The Story Continues” exhibit is closing this Sunday, Jan. 7. Its 35th anniversary exhibit displays personal photos, past exhibits, and more that tell the history of the museum’s founding. Visit Thursday through Sunday, 12-4 p.m.

State

Many new California housing bills are going into effect this year. We previously discussed affordable housing on religious + college property, but there are a lot more that address tenant rights, ADUs, environmental restrictions, and more. See the highlights + how they may affect you. (KQED)

Ranked

Have a New Year’s resolution? You’ve got better luck keeping it in the 408. A new study from WalletHub ranked San Jose No. 10 out of 182 best cities for keeping your New Year’s resolution. We scored high in health resolutions, ranking No. 3 in the lowest percentage of obese adults. (WalletHub)

Plan Ahead

A San Jose icon is celebrating his 32nd birthday soon — that’s right, San Jose Sharks’ own Sharkie. Join in on the festivities happening Saturday, Jan. 27, at 1 p.m. at the Sharks’ match against the Buffalo Sabres. Your ticket will get you a special SJ Sharkie birthday shirt.

Fun Fact

Did you know 56,000 of you welcome us into your inbox every morning? We’re asking you to take two minutes to tell us more about yourself so we can continue to write about things you find interesting. One lucky SJ survey participant will win $500. Take the survey.

Drink

🍹 You’ve got nothing on us, Dry January

10 sober-friendly places to grab a drink in San Jose

Three bottles of zero-proof alcohol laid out on a table with the mocktails beside it.

Oh it’s a (zero-proof) party. | Photo via Meso

Although there’s been nothing dry about this month so far, “Dry January” is here, and we want to help.

Whether you’re taking that 31-day challenge, looking to make a lifestyle change, or simply don’t enjoy alcohol — we’ve rounded up 10 local places to grab a drink (without fear of a hangover).

🍽️ Restaurants

Wild Rose Eatery and Bar, 200 E. Campbell Ave., Campbell
Along with light bites + a club-like atmosphere, enjoy a choice of three specialty mocktails. Try the tropical “Mango Mule,” made with mango puree, lime juice, and ginger beer. Or, try the “Sonora Sunrise” with pineapple juice, mint, cucumber, and Sprite.

🍹 Bars and breweries

Guildhouse, 420 S. First St.
Head to this local esports bar where you and your friends can enjoy a wide variety of games + drinks. Along with thirst-quenching limeades and lemonades, try the “Megalixer” made with lemon, Orgeat, and Red Bull.

8 more sober-friendly spots

The Buy

The Buy 1.04.23 (Affiliate + Six & Main)

Pvolve’s signature equipment bundle, so you can try the at-home functional fitness method that has proven results and a Clinical Advisory Board. Fun fact: Jennifer Aniston liked it so much, she joined the company.

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The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Alyson

From the editor

I’ve opted for “Damp January,” a slightly less quit-cold-turkey option. Any small improvement is still progress, am I right?

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