Art installations, a beer garden, music and events are breathing life into downtown San Jose’s Creekside neighborhood, helping to revitalize the local economy.
What started a couple years ago with Creekside Socials on the west side of town near Diridon Station, and the once-anticipated and now on hold future home of Google’s Downtown West mega development, is gaining momentum with a new art corridor and community spaces. Google engaged Jamestown, a real estate firm, to manage the events.
@sanjosespotlight Art installations, a beer garden, music and events are breathing life into downtown San Jose’s Creekside neighborhood, helping to revitalize the local economy. What started a couple years ago with Creekside Socials on the west side of town near Diridon Station, and the once-anticipated and now on hold future home of Google’s Downtown West mega development, is gaining momentum with a new art corridor and community spaces. Google engaged Jamestown, a real estate firm, to manage the events. Ricardo Cortez’s artwork “408Innovates,” located at The Landmark Lot, takes viewers on a historical journey of San Jose. It features milestones ranging from the Luis María Peralta Adobe, Alum Rock Park and the San Jose Electric Light Tower to San Jose State University, Happy Hollow Park & Zoo, Eggo Waffles and Stephen’s Meat, where its Dancing Pig sign once stood. The “Flora and Fauna” installation bordering The Lot at Creekside depicts native flowers, the Guadalupe River and birds in flight. The designs, created by father-daughter artists Francisco and Alyssarhaye Graciano, celebrate the vibrancy of the natural environment. Charmin Roundtree, concept artist and founder of Art Is Luv, curated “The Buzz” to convey feelings of joy, connectivity and community, while celebrating the city’s diversity. The circular panels, created by artists Nicole Dixon, Carmen McNall, Rayos Magos and Ian Johnson, surround Hapa’s beer garden, which is gaining in popularity. Read more at SanJoseSpotlight.com. #artinstallation #art #publicart #sanjose #siliconvalley
Jamestown designed Creekside to be a vibrant destination blending sports, art, culture and local businesses to activate the area and strengthen its identity as a gathering place for residents. Activations by Google and Jamestown near the SAP Center at Barack Obama Boulevard and South Montgomery Street are welcome catalysts for nearby businesses Good Karma Bikes and Local Color. Hapa’s Brewing Company has also joined the mix.
Jenny Circle, director of development for Good Karma Bikes, said the additional development of Creekside creates an exciting place for people to explore.
“It’s going to be a fantastic boost for the local economy and community vibrancy,” she told San José Spotlight. “It brings new energy to the area and it’s going to help build a thriving community. We see this is a win-win … (giving) us more opportunities to be visible, share our mission with people and connect with new potential volunteers.”
In June, a FIFA World Cup “One Year to Go” festival provided player meet-and-greets, entertainment, games and street soccer demos there.
“It was an opportunity to see the space light up and what its potential is,” Amanda Rawson, co-founder of consultant firm Art Builds Community, told San José Spotlight.
The firm curated artwork celebrating nature and San Jose’s rich history. Rawson said the installations encourage people to hang out in an area once isolated and desolate.
“Now, you can walk down this street and feel a sense of place,” she said.
Ricardo Cortez’s artwork “408Innovates,” located at The Landmark Lot, takes viewers on a historical journey of San Jose. It features milestones ranging from the Luis María Peralta Adobe, Alum Rock Park and the San Jose Electric Light Tower to San Jose State University, Happy Hollow Park & Zoo, Eggo Waffles and Stephen’s Meat, where its Dancing Pig sign once stood.
The “Flora and Fauna” installation bordering The Lot at Creekside depicts native flowers, the Guadalupe River and birds in flight. The designs, created by father-daughter artists Francisco and Alyssarhaye Graciano, celebrate the vibrancy of the natural environment.
Charmin Roundtree, concept artist and founder of Art Is Luv, curated “The Buzz” to convey feelings of joy, connectivity and community, while celebrating the city’s diversity. The circular panels, created by artists Nicole Dixon, Carmen McNall, Rayos Magos and Ian Johnson, surround Hapa’s beer garden, which is gaining in popularity.
“The idea of ‘The Buzz’ is ‘What’s up? What’s happening?’ When things are buzzing, they’re activated,” Roundtree told San José Spotlight. “There’s something magical about an outdoor space. People feel a little bit freer. It’s vibrant. It’s cozy. People will want to be here.”
As a gateway to downtown, Creekside adds a boost to its look and feel, Kerry Adams Hapner, director of the San Jose Office of Cultural Affairs, said, adding it provides local artists with opportunities to showcase their creativity.
“The new art… has sparked curiosity,” she told San José Spotlight. “It makes you wonder, ‘Oh, wow, where did I just arrive?’ and makes you feel good about entering downtown. I’m also very excited about the venue as a space for forthcoming events. It will attract additional businesses.”
Hapner sees Creekside as an asset to the city looking its best for the World Cup, Super Bowl and the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Championship West Regional in 2026.
“What they’ve created is a unique location,” she said. “We’re going to be attracting a lot of visitors … so having this as a hub, something to do before and after those games is going to be a huge win.”
Contact Lorraine Gabbert at [email protected].
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