Downtown San Jose Then and Now: 1975 to Today

"A collection of photographs from 1975, discovered in 2006 by architect Gerald Greenleaf while working for the San Jose Redevelopment Agency, offers a striking look at Downtown San Jose's evolution. These images, captured during a comprehensive street survey, stand in contrast to current views, with nearly half the scenes transformed beyond recognition and others heavily modified. The comparisons serve as a visual record of urban redevelopment, touching on themes of memory and city identity."

"In 1975, Downtown featured wide streets, low-rise structures, and open blocks dotted with parking lots, creating a sparse and exposed landscape under the sun. Fewer trees left sidewalks bare, contributing to a slower, smaller-scale feel with plenty of visible sky. Fast forward to today, and the area boasts increased density through office towers, hotels, cultural spaces, and improved transit options that redefine the skyline and grid. Greenery has multiplied, with trees now shading walkways and softening the edges of buildings for a more inviting environment."

"The shift stems largely from 1990s redevelopment efforts that pushed for ambition and vertical growth, turning underused spaces into a modern hub. This change reflects San Jose's ongoing transition from agricultural roots to a regional powerhouse. These side-by-side views remind residents of what has been gained in vibrancy and lost in openness, preserving stories of the city's layers. Downtown San Jose continues to adapt, blending past elements with new possibilities."

A collection of photographs taken in 1975 documents Downtown San Jose's streets, buildings, and parking lots, showing wide streets, low-rise structures, and sparse tree cover. Nearly half of the photographed scenes have been transformed beyond recognition while others were heavily modified. Redevelopment in the 1990s promoted vertical growth, adding office towers, hotels, cultural spaces, and improved transit that increased density and redefined the skyline and street grid. Trees and greenery have multiplied, shading walkways and softening building edges. The transformation marks a shift from agricultural roots toward a regional economic hub. Side-by-side comparisons preserve memories of lost openness and gained urban vibrancy.

Read at Thesanjoseblog