Where Things Stand
Two of West San José’s largest development projects — El Paseo de Saratoga and the new Westgate West Costco — continue to move forward. At the same time, the City is developing a Saratoga Urban Village Plan that will help shape future development throughout the corridor.
El Paseo Moves Above Ground
After years of planning and site preparation, El Paseo is now under construction, with work moving above ground earlier this year. (See progress photos here)
The approved project allows up to 994 residential units, approximately 166,000 square feet of commercial space and a 1.1-acre park.
For many residents, the most anticipated addition will be Whole Foods Market, currently targeted to open in 2028.
The project also received City assistance this year through approximately $3.7 million in construction-tax and housing-related fee reductions, intended to help the residential development move forward amid high construction and financing costs.
Costco Moves Forward
The planned 165,000-square-foot Costco at Westgate West, near Prospect Road and Lawrence Expressway, also continues to advance.
A lawsuit challenging the City’s approval was dismissed earlier this year, removing a significant obstacle to the project. Costco is working through the building permit process, but we have not yet found a confirmed construction start or opening date.
Once construction begins, City officials have estimated approximately 21 months to completion. The project includes a tire center and rooftop parking, along with pedestrian, bicycle and traffic improvements.
What Comes Next for Saratoga Avenue?
El Paseo and Costco are only part of a larger discussion about the future of this area.
The City is preparing the Saratoga Urban Village Plan, covering the Saratoga Avenue corridor and the Westgate/El Paseo area. The plan will guide future decisions involving housing density, building heights, transportation, parking, pedestrian and bicycle improvements, and new development near existing neighborhoods.
September 24 Community Meeting
Baker West residents are invited to attend the Moreland West Neighborhood Association community meeting on Thursday, September 24 from 6:30–8:00 p.m. at the Moreland Community Center, 1850 Fallbrook Ave.
The meeting is expected to include an update on the General Plan and Saratoga Urban Village planning, along with updates on nearby developments including El Paseo, Costco, the Chick-fil-A drive-thru and Apni Mandi Farmers Market. MWNA is coordinating with Councilmember Rosemary Kamei’s office, City planning staff and developers to provide the latest information.
The League of Women Voters will also present an overview of the candidate races and measures on the November 3 General Election ballot.
With El Paseo now under construction and Costco moving toward construction, the meeting is a good opportunity to learn what’s happening now — and what may be coming next for the Saratoga Avenue corridor.
Baker West residents are welcome to attend.
More on this corner: Progress Photos of the El Paseo Construction Project — see how construction looked earlier this year. Just up the road, the burned-out Kato Building is coming down this month. And for the backstory, Before Santana Row: How This Corner of West San José Changed.
