Last week, construction permits were issued for initial work on the 185 Park Avenue parcel at CityView Plaza in San Jose. The permit will allow construction to begin on the eight-story structure, consisting of ground-floor retail and a multi-story parking garage. SF YIMBY initially reported on initial site demolitions and preparations in August of 2025, and the new approval marks steady progress for the project.
The 185 Park Avenue site is part of the overall master plan for The Shops at CityView and CityView village project in San Jose’s Downtown. The masterplan for this site was originally brought as a primarily office and commercial project in 2020. However, an addendum was approved in 2025 to shift focus from office to residential. The modified project is expected to produce approximately 330 residential units and 35,000 square feet of commercial space through a combination of new construction and the adaptive reuse of existing buildings on site.
Cityview Plaza phase one and phase two site map, with 185 Park Avenue in yellow (bottom left), illustration by SCB
The portion of the project at 185 Park Avenue is comprised of new construction. Jay Paul Company is responsible for developing the site, and they have brought in DES for the new building’s design. The ground level will be split, with part retail space and part lower-level parking garage, with the upper floors consisting exclusively of parking. Renderings show the structure will be wrapped with a perforated metal skin with vertical fins, adding variety to an otherwise basic design. The ground floor shops will feature floor-to-ceiling retail windows overlooking a wide landscaped sidewalk.
Cityview Plaza night view at 185 Park Avenue, rendering by DES
Aside from 185 Park, the remaining site has undergone several small permitting processes and plan variations. The building at 125 S Market currently has outstanding permits for repairs to its electrical systems, but it is unclear if the repairs are routine or in preparation for more significant building modifications.
Altogether, the continued progress at 185 Park Avenue signals progress for the project as a whole, changing the landscape of downtown San Jose. With both new shops on site, and access to nearby options nearby commercial options in Downtown San Jose, future customers and residents will benefit from easy proximity to a variety of options.
185 Park Avenue Site Location, image via ArcGIS Online
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Such a sad consolation prize after seeing the initial plan for City View’s redevelopment
Ugh. Hope the tide turns eventually and some version of the old plans are brought back