Art is everywhere at the new Exhibit at JTown mixed-use apartment complex, located in the middle of the art-centric Japantown neighborhood in San Jose, California.
The complex's six-story murals, sculptures and 40-foot bonsai tree at the entrance anchor it to the lively, culture-forward Japantown neighborhood, and that cultural homage and sense of place contributed to Exhibit at JTown receiving a 2023 CoStar Impact Award for multifamily development, as judged by real estate professionals familiar with the market.
Developed by LandForge and Timinia Pacific, Exhibit at JTown has 97 apartment residences ranging from one- to four-bedroom design plans.
Notably, the building achieved LEED Platinum certification, the U.S. Green Building Council's most rigorous designation, because of its sustainability objectives. The building has an advanced solar array feeling a whole-building battery backup system, solar-powered EV chargers, water reuse strategies and an emphasis on indoor air quality.
Amenities for residents include an indoor/outdoor common lounge, a sky deck, a coworking space, a fitness studio, outdoor fire pits, a dog run and bike parking.
Rounding out the artistic and cultural offerings, Exhibit has a dedicated top-floor gallery and is also the new headquarters of Empire Seven Studios, a Bay Area art gallery and creative production house.
About the Project: Exhibit at JTown has nearly 10,000 square feet of community-facing mural and sculpture grounds in a park setting.
What the Judges Said: "Having a new development that ties in with the surrounding community especially in art and culture is needed and a value-add play," said judge Jason Villarreal. "We need more of these, and it's great that they achieved LEED Platinum certification in the mix. A win-win for the area for sure."
They Made It Happen:
- Derek Allen, president, LandForge.
- Michel Jreissati, managing partner, LandForge.
- Neal Yung, managing principal, developURBAN.
- Collin Eckles, developer, Triminia Pacific.
- Juan Carlos Araujo, executive director, Empire 7 Studios.
- Jennifer Ahn, artistic collaborator, Empire 7 Studios;
- Ben Seager, principal, KTGY Design.
- Brian Glick, landscape architect manager, HMH Engineers.
- Rebekah Ross, planner IV, City of San Jose Parks Department.
Jesse Wagner, resident experience advisor, Greystar.
From left to right: Triminia's Collin Eckles, LandForge's President Derek Allen, City of San Jose's Mayor Sam Liccardo, Empire Seven Studios' Jennifer Ahn and Juan Carlos Araujo, developURBAN'S Neal Yung and Zwick Construction's President/CEO Darin Zwick. (CoStar)