Mixed Use Development Attracts Crowds Despite High Prices

"Technically speaking, Santana Row is a mixed retail, housing and entertainment complex. The builder calls it an 'urban neighborhood.'Detractors call it a phony, elitist, Disneyland North -- the brute that knocked out punch-drunk downtown San Jose...In three short years, the 'fake' development has arguably turned into the city's favorite hangout for folks of all stripes. Most surprisingly, it's become a real neighborhood...

They're flocking to the 18 restaurants and bars, often filling dozens of sidewalk tables before sundown. On weekends the farmers markets are packed. And daily, pilgrims are plunking themselves on small town benches to read, work on laptops, people-watch, listen to music or surrender to a gentle snooze. "