Meeting Tonight For Proposed Buddhist Preschool in Japantown, San Jose

The San Jose Planning Commission is scheduled to review plans tonight for an expanded preschool operated by San Jose Buddhist Church Betsuin in the Japantown neighborhood. The project would span well over an acre across several lots at 639-645 North Fifth Street and 620-642 North Fourth Street. The Buddhist church is responsible for the application.

San Jose Buddhist Church Betsuin preschool view from the surface lot, rendering by Aedis Architects

Construction will result in two structures, the largest of which is a linear two-story structure occupied by classrooms, a multipurpose room, a conference room, offices, and a library. The smaller structure will include storage and workshop space.

The site will include a large surface parking lot and landscaping. The mid-block open space will feature a themed playground, a courtyard plaza, and outdoor seating areas. The application states that a Japanese Garden is expected to be located close to North Fifth Street in a future phase. Aedis Architects is responsible for the design.

San Jose Buddhist Church Betsuin preschool aerial view, rendering by Aedis Architects

Langan Engineering will be responsible for the civil engineering, and Kimley Horn will oversee the landscape design. Spectrum PMG is currently listed as the construction manager for the project, pending the commencement of work.

The property will occupy 1.17 acres spanning North 4th and 5th Street, on a block bound by Jackson Street and Taylor Street. The San Jose Betsuin Temple was originally founded in 1902 by Japanese immigrants and has served as a landmark within the city’s historic Japantown neighborhood.

Demolition will be required for an existing church education facility, four vacant homes, and six trees. The estimated cost and timeline for construction have yet to be shared.

San Jose Buddhist Church Betsuin, image via Google Satellite

The Planning Commission is scheduled to meet tonight, July 9th, starting at 6:30 PM. The event will be held inside the City Hall Council Chambers. Written comments will be accepted via email up until 1 PM today, with in-person comments allowed at the meeting. For more information about how to attend and participate, visit the meeting agenda here.

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