image of an exotic destination landscape (for a travel tech)

Don’t Let City Hall Rewrite History

The St. James Historic District is a unique piece of San Jose’s heritage. Proposed amendments quietly crafted by City Hall threaten the character and integrity of this local, state, and nationally designated historic district. We need your voice to stand up for our community and stop this government overreach.

ACT NOW! GET INVOLVED

Why It Matters

St. James Historic District is more than just a neighborhood, it’s a living story of San Jose’s past. Its historic architecture, tree-lined streets, and community spirit reflect decades of culture, innovation, and civic pride.
‍
City Hall's Proposed Historic Preservation Ordinance Amendment is dangerous:
‍

Eroding our historic character

Setting a dangerous precedent for other historic districts in the city

Contradicting San Jose’s own General Plan priorities


Your voice ensures that our history is not rewritten for short-term gain.
Eagles Club
image of company milestones in a timeline format (for an edtech)
[background image] image of an urban landscape (for an ai marketing tech company)
image of volunteerism in nature
image of headstones for a cemetery and funeral home
image of headstones for a cemetery and funeral home

St. James Historic District:

Santa Clara County Courthouse:

Built in 1866, the former courthouse is located at 161 North First Street.

Trinity Episcopal Church:

The church was constructed in 1863 and is located at 81 North Second Street.

First Unitarian Church:

This church was built in 1891 and is located at 160 North Third Street (formerly 162 North 3rd Street).

Sainte Claire Club:

The Sainte Claire Club was built in 1893 and is located at 65 East St. James Street.

Eagles Club:

Built around 1900, this building is located at 152 North Third Street.

Post Office:

The historic post office building was built in 1933 and is located at 105 North First Street.

Scottish Rite Temple:

Constructed in 1924, the Scottish Rite Temple is located at the intersection of North Third and East St. James Streets.

First Church of Christ Scientist:

This building, designed by Willis Polk, was constructed in 1904 and is located at 61 East St. James Street.

How You Can Help

1. Send an email to the City Council

Here’s a template you can use:

Draft Email / Letter to City Council
Subject: Preserve St. James Historic District
‍
Dear San Jose City Council Members,I am a supporter of San Jose’s historic neighborhoods. I urge you to deny the proposed amendments affecting the St. James Historic District. These changes threaten the integrity of our historic buildings and community, and could set a precedent that undermines other historic districts across the city.Preservation is about more than architecture, it’s about maintaining the unique character and identity of our city. I ask that you uphold San Jose’s General Plan priorities and protect our historic heritage.Thank you for your consideration and your commitment to preserving our city’s history.Sincerely,
‍
[Your Name]
[Your Address / Neighborhood]
[Send Your Email to City Council / city.clerk@sanjoseca.gov]

Click Here to Send Your Email to City Council
2. Show Up in Person
Tuesday, December 2 at 1:30 PM


Join the community in person to stand for preservation.
‍
San Jose City Hall, Council Chambers
200 E. Santa Clara St., San Jose, CA 95113

3. Sign the Petition

Join us in protecting the heart of our community—where history, nature, and neighbors come together.

‍

SIGN PETITION

“San Jose is the first established City and first State Capital of California. If the City Council approves this amendment, every historic neighborhood in San Jose could face the same attack on its character and historic status.” 

– Joshua DeVincenzi Melander, President 

Little Italy San Jose

“As a resident of the St. James Historic District, my fellow neighbors and I know this amendment will create confusion and uncertainty for everyone in the area. Clear historic protections exist for a reason, and our City government should pay attention to that.”

– Gordon McDonald, AIA

Downtown Resident 

"This City amendment would profoundly weaken San Jose’s Historic Preservation Ordinance and the 200+ City Landmarks and Landmark Districts it was designed to protect.”

‍

– Ben Leech, Executive Director,

Preservation Action Council of San Jose

“We’ve endured egregious overreach from City Hall before. This amendment threatens to erode our quality of life, and as residents and taxpayers, we deserve the peace and protection guaranteed by our historic district boundaries.”
‍

– Matt Stevens, Vice President

St. James Place Board of Directors