This project represents a study for a large new multimodal transit facility and the planning of the surrounding area which will be redeveloped as an extension of downtown.

San Jose is the largest city in the Bay Area, and the center of Silicon Valley. Yet it is, for all practical purposes, not very urban. More than other major centers in California, it is governed by a suburban pattern of development not only in terms of where people live, but also where they work - generally office park developments along highway interchanges. Like most of America, the primary mode of getting around is the private automobile. Transit service is limited.

Nevertheless, transit improvements are being made. In addition to a new light rail service, and upgrades to the local and regional bus systems, BART is being extended through the downtown and will connect to the airport. High Speed rail service is also being explored as part of a San Francisco - Los Angeles connection. All of these various transit modes connect at one location - which happens to be the center of a redevelopment area adjacent to downtown San Jose. This is the project site.

These infrastructure improvements will have an immeasurable impact on the city. The downtown will be extended west across the highway, creating opportunities for more commercial and residential development. A new neighborhood will be created, with a mix of uses and a transit focus. It will be a highly impacted area, with considerable traffic generation not only from the new uses and planned new transit station, but also from the adjacent San Jose Arena.

A new open space corridor is being developed along the nearby Guadalupe River and Los Gatos Creek. The plan creates a new parkway along this open space, in part to solve traffic problems, but also to introduce this major amenity to the city by giving it a more public face. Blocks were then reconfigured to facilitate access to this open space and to rationalize development parcels which are currently a mix of soft sites including light industrial usage.

The new multimodal station was located adjacent to the old, historic structure, but in such a way as to preserve its character. The entrance to the new station facility will be located one block north, at Crandall Street. Crandall street would become the location of the intersecting BART concourse below. It will become a landscaped plaza and transit mall surrounded by new commercial development.

Role: Brian Jennett led the urban design portion of the study and created graphics, 3d models, physical models, a report narrative, and other supporting materials to explain the concepts proposed.