Public spaces that could be part of a History San Jose space within the Knox-Goodrich Building at 34 and 36 South First Street in downtown San Jose, concept (Urban Catalyst)
SAN JOSE — History San Jose is considering several sites for a downtown venue, including a historic building the city recently acquired, according to multiple sources.
One of the most notable locations scouted by History San Jose is the Knox-Goodrich building at 34 and 36 S. First St., according to a city official and staff email.
“We are having discussions with History San Jose about the Knox-Goodrich Building,” Kevin Ice, the city’s director of real estate, told this news organization. “I know they are looking for a downtown location.”
On Aug. 7, The city bought the historic building and an adjacent structure at 30 S. First St., where Lido’s Nightclub previously operated.
San Jose paid $3.6 million for the properties, files show. An affiliate of real estate firm Urban Catalyst sold the building.
History San Jose plans to retain its primary site at 1650 Senter Road in History Park. A downtown site would enable it to host events as well as display and rotate some assets that are being held in storage and not being shown, according to Ice.
Since acquiring the Knox-Goodrich building, San Jose officials have been considering multiple options for it.
“We are looking at community-serving, cultural-serving, and economic activation in the building,” Ice said.
The city already intends to demolish the adjacent site to clear the way for a housing development. Urban Catalyst had proposed a 165-unit housing project at the former Lido’s property, according to Ice.
For the Knox-Goodrich Building to become a public venue, some work must be done inside.
“It needs a bathroom, flooring, and lighting to be usable,” a city email states.
The cost for the work ranges from $250,000 to $350,000, stated the email from Ice. An Urban Catalyst executive provided the cost estimate.
The exterior of the Knox-Goodrich building, which was constructed in 1889, can’t be altered even if work is done inside the property.
“The building is historic, and all walls have to remain intact so it can be fixed up and occupied before the construction on the rest of the site,” the city email stated.