One key task facing the city is the creation of a vibrant
downtown, which is a destination point for residents and
visitors.
One key task facing the city is the creation of a vibrant downtown, which is a destination point for residents and visitors. To accomplish this, the city will need to create a mixed-use environment in downtown. We typically think of mixed use as a blend of residential and commercial uses, but it is more complex than that. The primary objective of mixed-use development is the creation of a sense of place or identity for a community. The Urban Land Institute (ULI), a non-profit education and research institute which studies emerging land-use trends and creative solutions, best summarizes “mixed use” as the significant mixing or integration of both physical and functional different land uses such as residential, shopping, entertainment, and offices into a pedestrian friendly environment. While the mixed-use concept has been around for centuries (think Europe and Asia), the modern mixed-use concept is different. Today mixed use is usually developed in a relatively short period of time and master planned by one developer, instead of evolving over time with many builders. The best local example of a mixed-use development is Santana Row in San Jose. While Santana Row is a created environment, it doesn’t feel contrived and the various uses/parts create a synergy for the whole. (That’s a technical way of saying it’s a fun place to hang out and visit).
I consider the entire downtown as one mixed-use development. We anticipate downtown will add about 500 new homes, if you include the 100 units under Measure F, and about 40,000 square feet of new commercial/retail space over the next five years. Each individual project is a piece of the puzzle and contributes to the whole. The city’s role is to create the masterplan, modify the zoning to accommodate the desired uses, and build public improvements to encourage private development and, in some cases, provide assistance to stimulate catalyst projects. The challenge is coordinating the pieces to ensure that the physical and function uses are all integrated into a pedestrian-friendly environment, or more simply put, a place where people want to live and visit.
Who’s coming to town?
Last month, I had commented that another Panda Express was coming to town, bringing the total to three. Well, I was wrong. It turns out Panda Express is not going into the retail center at the northeast corner of Cochrane Road/U.S. 101 (The Center). However, there is another Jamba Juice coming to town. The Safeway on Dunne Avenue that is currently being remodeled will have a Jamba Juice in it. So, how many Jamba Juice’s can a community support? It appears three is the correct answer (Vineyard, The Center). If it works for Starbucks why not for Jamba Juice.
I’m also happy to report that latest newcomer to The Center is
The Men’s Wearhouse. A nice addition if I say so myself.
Now I think I may have opened a can of worms by mentioning new businesses in town as some have asked me why I don’t mention their business. This is somewhat flattering as this implies enough people read this column to consider it “free advertising” or that my recommendation would influence anyone’s decision to try a restaurant (watch out Zagat). Typically, I was focusing my comments on businesses in the downtown. But in fairness to other businesses, let’s discuss the new development on the east side of town with an emphasis on retail/restaurant businesses. In the Harvest Plaza (E. Dunne and Murphy avenues), there is Hanami Sushi which was opened by the previous owner of China Orchid. It has sushi boats which my kids like to watch. Harvest Plaza will also be the future home of a Specialized Concept Store which will sell Specialized Bikes (not surprising) as well as other high-end, quality bikes (bet you didn’t know that). There is currently only one Concept store in Northern California. Each store is individually owned and no two stores are alike. A local firm,
Weston Miles Architects, is the designer for the store. Also, let’s not forget there are now two Las Palmas restaurants in town. The new one is at the miniature golf course.
Garrett Toy is the director of business assistance and housing services (BAHS) for the City of Morgan Hill. BAHS is responsible for the city’s economic development, redevelopment and affordable housing activities. Should you have any questions, comments or suggestions for this column, feel free to e-mail Garrett at garrett.toy @morganhill, ca gov.
