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Downtown Santa Clara Today
Downtown Santa Clara Today
Downtown Santa Clara is situated in the center of the Old Quad neighborhood. Santa Clara University is directly to the northeast across Lafayette Street. Santa Clara Station is about a half mile to the northeast along Franklin Street, much of which is now a pedestrian mall. Not far away are the commercial areas along El Camino Real to the northwest, and The Alameda to the southeast.
Downtown includes the Franklin Square and University Plaza commercial centers; the historic Post Office; the County Courthouse; the Commerce Plaza office building; and the Park Central Apartments. Downtown is home to some great community events: the weekly farmers’ market and the annual Street Dance.
CENTRAL SANTA CLARA
CENTRAL SANTA CLARA
THE SITE TODAY
THE SITE TODAY
THINK ABOUT OTHER DOWNTOWNS IN OUR AREA. WHAT KIND OF DOWNTOWN DO WE ENVISION FOR SANTA CLARA?
THINK ABOUT OTHER DOWNTOWNS IN OUR AREA. WHAT KIND OF DOWNTOWN DO WE ENVISION FOR SANTA CLARA?
What Kind of
Downtown do we Envision for the Future?
What Kind of
Downtown do we Envision for the Future?
Based on our conversations with community members and stakeholders and our study of opportunities and constraints, we envision a downtown that is authentic, adaptable, and affordable.
Downtown’s physical development pattern must have a few fundamental qualities. It must:
re-establish the street grid where it has been lost;
create an active and pedestrian-scaled Franklin Street; and
feature open spaces and places for community gathering. Streets should support all modes of travel, and provide parking in a way that doesn’t detract from the environment.
Development types that have both community support and market feasibility include restaurants and retail, boutique office, a hotel/conference center, a business incubator, and a variety of multifamily housing including both condos and apartments, market-rate and affordable, and student and community-oriented. Downtown should include a theater and potentially other “catalyst” uses that provide identity and support the cohesive whole.
VISION FOR DOWNTOWN
VISION FOR DOWNTOWN
WHAT WE HEARD
WHAT WE HEARD
What is feasible in the MARKET today
What is feasible in the MARKET today
Economics favor buildings that are bigger than the buildings in Downtown today, typically rising to 6-8 stories. There are opportunities to “sculpt” the form of these buildings so that they step down to be compatible with existing neighborhoods, and ensure a human scale on streets.
The design and placement of retail spaces will be critical to their success. Retail needs good visibility, clear access, and space designed to be adaptable.
If Downtown were to be developed at market-feasible densities and intensities, we project that this could result in approximately 1,000 to 1,500 new residential units, 40,000 to 120,000 square feet of retail, and 450,000 to 670,000 square feet of office, hotel, and civic uses.
WHAT TYPES OF BUILDINGS WILL THE MARKET SUPPORT?
WHAT TYPES OF BUILDINGS WILL THE MARKET SUPPORT?
LESS PARKING, MORE public amenities
LESS PARKING, MORE public amenities
Parking is both expensive to provide and can detract from the “walkability” of a downtown environment. Shared parking and an emphasis on travel by other means can mean more amenities and a better downtown experience while also satisfying the demand.
Land Use Framework OPTIONS
Land Use Framework OPTIONS
We are looking for your feedback on three potential development patterns for a future downtown introduced here. Each of these draws from a menu of land uses that balance community desires and development realities, and each has its own unique character.
These concepts are just initial ideas to test the placement of public space, the types of activities, retail and housing, and the size and shape of buildings. Your feedback will be critical in helping us create a downtown that will be cherished by Santa Clarans. This is just one of many opportunities to share your ideas.
CENTRAL SQUARE
CENTRAL SQUARE
A Downtown with a strong central gathering space at the intersection of an active main street (Franklin) and cultural street (Main).
LAFAYETTE GATEWAY
LAFAYETTE GATEWAY
A Downtown catalyzed by a cultural and entertainment hub supported by students and University-related development, and a community or civic hub around the historic post office.
CONTEXTUAL
CONTEXTUAL
A Downtown defined by taller buildings along the new Franklin Street, and lower buildings along Benton and Homestead, “stepping down” to the scale of the adjacent neighborhood
Share Your Ideas
Share Your Ideas
Please click the Online Survey button to share your ideas and help us build the future downtown on the best pattern!
THE DESIGN TEAM
THE DESIGN TEAM
To be added to the Downtown Precise Plan e-mail notification list, please contact the Planning Department at Planning@santaclaraca.gov or by phone at 408-615-2450.
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