Located on the banks of the Guadalupe River in downtown San Jose, the South Almaden project transforms a vacant surface parking lot into a prominent new 20-story office building with a vibrant public realm that winds beneath and throughout the building. Amenity-rich breezeways and open-air lobbies activate the ground floor and create a unique urban transition experience from the street edge to the banks of the river.

Throughout the ground floor with a 30-foot ceiling, custom furnishings accent both sunny and shady areas. Projected light installations activate the north and south plazas, and accent lights in the paving system create artful passive wayfinding throughout the public spaces leading to the water. A multi-use trail along the river provides seating, showcases public art, and serves as a continuous linear garden to treat the site’s stormwater. Terraces and courtyards distributed throughout the levels above articulate the mass of the large structure and provide outdoor amenities and microclimates for all seasons.