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\u201cWe\u2019re a community resource providing both a place to donate things that would otherwise go to the landfill, and turning them around \u2026 for people who are looking for cool finds,\u201d Ben Leech, executive director of the Preservation Action Council of San Jose, told San Jos\u00e9 Spotlight. \u201cThe ultimate goal is this underwrites our bigger mission. It remains an important fundraising strategy for (the Preservation Action Council).\u201d<\/p>\n \nContribute to Local News Matters\n<\/p>\n 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\u2019s history as a foundry.<\/p>\n What started 30 years ago as a series of neighborhood garage sales has found a home at 57 Barack Obama Blvd., joining\u00a0Good Karma Bikes<\/a>, Happa\u2019s Brewing Company,\u00a0Local Color<\/a>\u00a0and a dog park in activating the area. With Google\u2019s\u00a0Downtown West<\/a>\u00a0megacampus development\u00a0stalled<\/a>, the company engaged Jamestown, a real estate firm, to create a\u00a0gathering place<\/a>\u00a0for residents.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s really been a sort of full circle moment,\u201d Leech said. \u201cOur first conversations with Google were as an advocacy organization saying, \u2018Don\u2019t overlook these background buildings because they can be an asset. And don\u2019t just look at everything as a blank slate to be torn down and rebuilt.\u2019\u2019And to their credit, they got that. Now, this is bringing value to the community.\u201d<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n \u201cThey are constantly bringing in new stuff, which is also really nice, because it\u2019s something new every time,\u201d she told San Jos\u00e9 Spotlight.<\/p>\n \u2018An heirloom I can keep forever\u2019<\/p>\n Customer Alma Jauregui drove from San Francisco to Found SJ to buy two small tables.<\/p>\n \u201cI saw the Instagram post and I saw those tables,\u201d she told San Jos\u00e9 Spotlight. \u201cI was like, \u2018Those are pretty.\u2019 It\u2019s an heirloom I can keep forever.\u201d<\/p>\n Barbara Soltes, who lives in downtown San Jose, stumbled upon Found SJ and appreciates what it brings to the neighborhood.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s really fun to see the community get built up,\u201d Soltes told San Jos\u00e9 Spotlight. \u201cIt makes it more walkable \u2026 with fun things to go to.\u201d<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n \u201cWe have kids coming in and parents showing them how to use a rotary phone,\u201d Shahar told San Jos\u00e9 Spotlight. \u201cWe had a couple of typewriters that went to a 10-year-old kid. He\u2019s going to write letters on (them).\u201d<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n \u201cSan Jose has so much wonderful history it\u2019s worth celebrating,\u201d David told San Jos\u00e9 Spotlight. \u201cVolunteers have made miracles happen \u2026 but it\u2019d be nice to see more support.\u201d<\/p>\n Contact Lorraine Gabbert at\u00a0lorrainegabbertsjspotlight@gmail.com.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/1773950231_666_LNM-20250616-SJSPOTLIGHTLOGO-01.jpg\")
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Household goods, estate furniture and a treasure trove of unique items entice shoppers at Found SJ. (Lorraine Gabbert\/San Jose Spotlight)<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/1773950232_141_IMG_7071-1024x768.jpeg\")
Barbara Soltes, who lives downtown, is excited to have more fun things to do in Creekside. (Lorraine Gabbert\/San Jose Spotlight)<\/p>\n