Urban Confluence Silicon Valley
Project Update
Neighborhood Services and Education Committee
December 8, 2022
Presented by:
Jon Cicirelli, Director, [email protected]
Steve Borkenhagen, Executive Director, Light Tower Corporation 1 Breeze of Innovation
.
2 Urban Confluence Silicon Valley
Breeze of Innovation
symbolizes people coming
together, working together,
and standing together.
Created by the people, our mission is to build an artistically inspired iconic landmark that will become the architectural legacy of our diverse community and present it as a profound gift to the citizens of San José, Silicon Valley, and the World! AN ICON AWAITS!
Learn more us at: www.urbanconfluencesiliconvalley.org
Who Are We?
3 World-Wide Design Competition
During this difficult time, we
challenged the design world to
create a 21st Century iconic
masterpiece appropriate for
America’s tenth largest city that
celebrates humanity and reflects its
extraordinary legacy.
“Silicon Valley is not about replicating the past; it’s about shaping the future. Our goal from the beginning was to capture the ever-changing magic of Silicon Valley while also creating a deep connection with the San José community. This is why we came up with the idea of designing a dynamic landmark, one that is alive, moving with the wind and light, a magical space that includes a tribute to the San José Electric Light Tower of 1881. We want visitors to enjoy a unique experience on their ascent, connecting with the memory of the Valley while dreaming about its future possibilities.”
A Challenge Met
Sabine Albers Photography
Fernando Jerez & Belén Pérez de Juan
Architects, SMAR Architecture Studio
Designers
4 Structural Engineer
Ron Klemencic
Magnusson, Klemencic & Associates (MKA)
“My job as structural engineer is to make sure structures are safe and generally don’t move. Designing a structure that is intended to gently sway in the wind while remaining safe is an exciting challenge, and first-in-the-world! Collaborating with the design team to realize this vision for the future of Silicon Valley is a great honor.” Ron Klemencic
5 Sam Liccardo, Mayor of San José
The San José City Council unanimously approved the San
José Light Tower Corporation to move forward with plans, Arena Green as site, and Breeze of Innovation as the design.
This iconic structure will help
tell the story of San José and
Silicon Valley.
“
THREE UNANIMOUS Approvals
May 1, 2018
March 12, 2019
May 4, 2021
”
6 “This project is our opportunity to be a
shining icon that inspires us
as a symbol of the human and
technological innovation that is Silicon
Valley.”
Norm Mineta
Former U.S. Secretary of Transportation “As San Josè’s first Mayor of Latino background since statehood, I
appreciate the values this project will
represent to our community. It will serve
as a reminder of our past, present and
future innovative spirit.”
Ron Gonzales
Former Mayor of San José
“This entry stood out because of its
elegant and sophisticated visual style,
representing Silicon Valley through
vibrant motion and singular grace on an
imposing scale. A living
landmark, this design is destined to
have a positive and profound impact on
our community.”
Jon Ball
Founder / Advisory Council Member
Urban Confluence Silicon Valley
“This is the perfect place for a landmark.
Breeze of Innovation
symbolizes a city of
opportunity, a city of
inclusiveness. It will be an iconic
landmark not just for San Josè, not just
for Silicon Valley… but for the world.”
Madison Nguyen
Former Vice Mayor of San Jose and
former Executive Vice President of The
Silicon Valley Organization
“Breeze of Innovation
will be thoroughly scrutinized by
the California Environmental Impact
Report process. That well-defined public
evaluation of the environmental, social,
and economic impacts of the project will
proceed at the expense of the project
sponsors. Let’s trust that process and
retain civility out of respect for all
concerned and proceed collegially with
pride in our unique community.”
Rod Diridon Mass Transit Expert, Former
Chair of California High Speed Rail
Authority
What’s been said…
“Silicon Valley is the world capital
for innovation, but it has never had a
sense of 'place’. An iconic structure will fix
that -- something recognized the world over,
that fills people with a sense of wonder and
excitement. As soon as we accomplish that,
Silicon Valley will at long last take its rightful
place among the other great world capitals.”
Russell Hancock
President & CEO,
Joint Venture Silicon Valley
7 The Case for Plaza de Cesar Chavez
Plaza de Cesar Chavez has great potential to become a first-rate urban park.
Plaza de Cesar Chavez could be a world-class urban gem with the addition of:
Breeze of Innovation including a roof-top bar at approximately 300 feet high. An improved stage and amenities for live performances and public gatherings of all types. Yet-to-be-designed creative elements that honor Cesar Chavez in a way that is appropriate for a man of his stature. Greater educational and recreational opportunities for children.
The improvements listed above will result in hundreds of community events in the park each year bringing millions of visitors.
Increased economic activity in downtown San Jose:
Visitors to Breeze of Innovation at Plaza de Cesar Chavez will need hotel rooms, purchase local food and beverages, and spend money throughout the downtown area, thus generating tax revenue to improve the entire City of San Jose for all citizens. Rents, property values, and tax revenue near Plaza de Cesar Chavez will dramatically increase based on data gathered from successful park improvement projects around the world (e.g., Bryant Park in New York) The City of San Jose, current users of the park (including San Jose Jazz and Christmas in the Park), all park neighbors, and community stakeholders will be part of the process of converting Plaza de Cesar Chavez into a world-class destination.
Breeze of Innovation will be presented as a gift to the City of San Jose. 8 Next Steps
• Obtain the formal approval of the San Jose City Council to explore placing Breeze of Innovation in Plaza de Cesar Chavez
• Continue to meet community stakeholders
• Design the park to maximize the benefit to park neighbors, users, and stakeholders ...and to the citizens of San Jose, Silicon Valley, and the world 9 Urban Confluence Silicon Valley
Project Update
Neighborhood Services and Education Committee
December 8, 2022
Presented by:
Jon Cicirelli, Director, [email protected]
Steve Borkenhagen, Executive Director, Light Tower Corporation 10