Facebook
X
Pinterest
Copy Link
Google Downtown West in San Jose: Where the Project Stands
If you’ve been following Google’s massive Downtown West project in San Jose, you know the story has changed quite a bit over the years.
Back in 2024, demolition of the former Orchard Supply Hardware complex at 720 W. San Carlos Street created renewed attention around the project. At the time, the work was viewed as another step forward for Google’s ambitious plans near Diridon Station.
But Downtown West is a long-term project, and its development timeline remains uncertain.
Here’s a look at the original vision, what’s happened since, and where things currently stand.
What Is Google Downtown West?
The San José City Council approved Google’s Downtown West Mixed-Use Plan in May 2021.
The approximately 80-acre development near Diridon Station was approved to include a major combination of offices, housing, retail, public spaces and other uses.
Google’s current Downtown West materials describe plans for:
- 7.3 million square feet of office space
- 4,000 housing units, with study of up to 5,900 units
- 500,000 square feet of retail, cultural, arts, education, hotel and other uses
- 15 acres of parks, plazas and green space
The project is also tied to affordable-housing and community-benefit commitments associated with the broader Diridon Station area.
What Happened at the Former Orchard Supply Hardware Site?
In February 2024, Google announced another phase of demolition involving the former Orchard Supply Hardware complex at 720 W. San Carlos Street.
At the time, demolition was expected to run through May 2024. But even then, the timeline for the larger Downtown West development remained unclear.
That distinction is important when looking back at the announcement today.
Demolition activity did not mean construction of the full Downtown West development was immediately beginning.
So, Is Google Downtown West Still Happening?
The project remains approved, but I would be careful about attaching a construction date to it.
Google currently describes Downtown West as a multi-decade effort and says it is still identifying a timeline for the project. In the meantime, Google says it is working with the City and project partners on site activation and community engagement.
The City of San José also continues to maintain information about the approved Downtown West plan and Development Agreement.
So the most accurate description today is:
Downtown West remains an approved major development plan, but I cannot confirm a date for construction of the larger project because Google has not announced one.
Why Downtown West Still Matters to San Jose
Even with an uncertain timeline, Downtown West remains an important project to follow because of its scale and location.
The approved plan covers roughly 80 acres in the Diridon Station area and contemplates a significant mix of housing, offices, retail, public spaces and infrastructure.
For those of us who live and work in San Jose, it’s worth following what ultimately happens here.
But from a real estate perspective, I wouldn’t advise a buyer or seller to make assumptions about future property values based on a proposed development or an anticipated completion date.
Projects of this size evolve, timelines change, and plans can be modified along the way.
Following the Changes in Downtown San Jose
Downtown San Jose continues to evolve, and Downtown West is only one piece of the larger picture around Diridon Station and the surrounding neighborhoods.
I’ll continue following the project as Google and the City of San José release additional information.
For the most current official information, you can also follow:
City of San José Downtown West Project
Michelle Elliott
Coldwell Banker Realty
408-839-7915
DRE #01777533
GET YOUR FREE HOME SELLING BOOK
About the Author – Michelle Elliott
With over 20 years of experience navigating the fast-paced Silicon Valley market, I provide a strategic, results-driven approach to residential real estate. My career is built on a foundation of deep local expertise and a relentless commitment to my clients’ success, resulting in over $235 million in lifetime sales volume and a consistent ranking in the top 3% of agents in Santa Clara County and top 2% at Coldwell Banker. My expertise has been featured on KTVU Fox 2, Real Producers and the Willow Glen Resident. She is also the co-host of the San Jose Podcast “Say What You Want About Real Estate”
A Hyper-Local Expert with Global Reach
I specialize in San Jose, in the neighborhoods of Willow Glen (95125 & 95124) Cambrian Park and Almaden, Downtown San Jose/Japantown (95112) markets. As a certified Luxury Property Specialist with Coldwell Banker Realty, I combine high-end marketing strategies with granular neighborhood knowledge to help my clients achieve premium results.
The “Tiger” at the Negotiating Table
My clients have characterized me as a “tiger” at the negotiating table who remains “sweet and patient” with my clients throughout the process. I pride myself on being a fierce advocate for my buyers and sellers, ensuring the best possible terms in every transaction, and I strive to be the best Realtor in 95125! This balance, drive, and tenacity have earned me consistent 5-star ratings across Google, Zillow, Realtor.com, and Yelp.
Michelle Elliott
Michelle@michelleelliottrealtor.com
1712 Meridian Ave, Ste C, San Jose, CA
DRE 01777533
