Proposed High-Rise in San Jose Claims Coronavirus Friendliness

The public relations and marketing messaging of the new normal.

1 minute read

June 30, 2020, 8:00 AM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Downtown San Jose

The Almaden Boulevard Tower is proposed for a location in Downtown San Jose currently occupied by a surface parking lot. | Google Streetview

"A dramatic new office tower is being eyed in downtown San Jose, a highrise that would be crafted with elements that contain safety features and amenities for the coronavirus era," reports George Avalos. 

J.P. DiNapoli Cos. is the developer for the proposed 20-story tower, planned for a transit-proximate location in Downtown San Jose. "Gensler, a top architectural firm, would total 781,000 square feet and include six terraces for gatherings, recreation, and dining at a choice spot in downtown San Jose," according to Avalos. 

"The coronavirus-era features in the building include an ultra-flexible and touchless entry area that can accommodate multiple tenant lobbies," adds Avalos. "Interconnecting staircases within a tenant’s space and access to fresh air through outdoor areas will also be featured. Plus, a combination of centralized and decentralized building systems is expected to allow for flexible ventilation and new air filtration."

More information on the history of the parcel and the developer is available in a separate article by Marlize van Romburgh.

Monday, June 29, 2020 in The Mercury News

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Cover CM Credits, Earn Certificates, Push Your Career Forward

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

July 2, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Aerial view of town of Wailuku in Maui, Hawaii with mountains in background against cloudy sunset sky.

Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly

Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.

July 1, 2025 - Honolulu Civil Beat

Person wearing mask walking through temporary outdoor dining setup lined with bistro lights at dusk in New York City.

Restaurant Patios Were a Pandemic Win — Why Were They so Hard to Keep?

Social distancing requirements and changes in travel patterns prompted cities to pilot new uses for street and sidewalk space. Then it got complicated.

June 19, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Aerial view of new neifhborhood under construction with enpty lots in foreground.

In California Battle of Housing vs. Environment, Housing Just Won

A new state law significantly limits the power of CEQA, an environmental review law that served as a powerful tool for blocking new development.

July 2 - CALmatters

Low-rise Pearl Sreet mall in Boulfer, Colorado.

Boulder Eliminates Parking Minimums Citywide

Officials estimate the cost of building a single underground parking space at up to $100,000.

July 2 - Boulder Reporting Lab

Two-story buildings with porches in walkable Florida neighborhood.

Orange County, Florida Adopts Largest US “Sprawl Repair” Code

The ‘Orange Code’ seeks to rectify decades of sprawl-inducing, car-oriented development.

July 2 - CNU Public Square