A NEW THRIFT SHOP is bringing estate furniture, vintage china, clothing and other unique finds to San Jose’s Creekside neighborhood — with all proceeds going toward preserving the city’s architectural heritage.
Housed in a 5,000-square-foot warehouse, the Found SJ Rummage & Reuse Hub provides a second life for items while supporting the efforts of the Preservation Action Council of San Jose. The nonprofit works to safeguard San Jose’s cultural heritage and unique buildings, and releases an annual “Endangered Eight” list of spaces threatened by neglect and development. The thrift shop is open Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
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“We’re a community resource providing both a place to donate things that would otherwise go to the landfill, and turning them around … for people who are looking for cool finds,” Ben Leech, executive director of the Preservation Action Council of San Jose, told San José Spotlight. “The ultimate goal is this underwrites our bigger mission. It remains an important fundraising strategy for (the Preservation Action Council).”
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Since its Jan. 31 grand opening, the space has seen a constant rotation of items. There was a line of people waiting to come inside on opening day, Carl Foisy, a board member with the nonprofit, said. He notes the name of the space, Found SJ, refers to finding unique items while paying homage to the building’s history as a foundry.
What started 30 years ago as a series of neighborhood garage sales has found a home at 57 Barack Obama Blvd., joining Good Karma Bikes, Happa’s Brewing Company, Local Color and a dog park in activating the area. With Google’s Downtown West megacampus development stalled, the company engaged Jamestown, a real estate firm, to create a gathering place for residents.
The organization rents the warehouse from Google. Two years ago, Jamestown offered the Preservation Action Council a chance to hold one of its garage sales in a warehouse across the street. The rummage sale was a hit, tapping into a new audience, and led the nonprofit to lease the current space.
Household goods, estate furniture and a treasure trove of unique items entice shoppers at Found SJ. (Lorraine Gabbert/San Jose Spotlight)
“It’s really been a sort of full circle moment,” Leech said. “Our first conversations with Google were as an advocacy organization saying, ‘Don’t overlook these background buildings because they can be an asset. And don’t just look at everything as a blank slate to be torn down and rebuilt.’’And to their credit, they got that. Now, this is bringing value to the community.”
Some customers are finding the thrift shop through social media, such as Cali Gonzales, who came across Found SJ on Instagram. She said she appreciates the chairs, mirrors and dishes on offer.
“They are constantly bringing in new stuff, which is also really nice, because it’s something new every time,” she told San José Spotlight.
‘An heirloom I can keep forever’
Customer Alma Jauregui drove from San Francisco to Found SJ to buy two small tables.
“I saw the Instagram post and I saw those tables,” she told San José Spotlight. “I was like, ‘Those are pretty.’ It’s an heirloom I can keep forever.”
Barbara Soltes, who lives in downtown San Jose, stumbled upon Found SJ and appreciates what it brings to the neighborhood.
“It’s really fun to see the community get built up,” Soltes told San José Spotlight. “It makes it more walkable … with fun things to go to.”
Barbara Soltes, who lives downtown, is excited to have more fun things to do in Creekside. (Lorraine Gabbert/San Jose Spotlight)
Efrat Shahar, warehouse manager and merchandise curator, said shoppers include enthusiastic young people who like vintage and secondhand merchandise. She especially enjoys watching youth interact with antiques.
“We have kids coming in and parents showing them how to use a rotary phone,” Shahar told San José Spotlight. “We had a couple of typewriters that went to a 10-year-old kid. He’s going to write letters on (them).”
Patt Curia, a board member with the Preservation Action Council, said Found SJ depends on volunteers and the donation of items. Heather David, an advisory board member, would like to see the organization grow through corporate sponsorships.
“San Jose has so much wonderful history it’s worth celebrating,” David told San José Spotlight. “Volunteers have made miracles happen … but it’d be nice to see more support.”
Contact Lorraine Gabbert at lorrainegabbertsjspotlight@gmail.com.