SAN JOSE — A preservationist organization has released its annual list of the “Endangered Eight,” a group of San Jose properties that the activists warn could vanish or fall into ruin due to development or neglect.
The latest properties deemed to be endangered include an abandoned church, a fire-scorched hotel, an old farm, a youth center, a one-time sports arena, a 19th-century winery site, a landmark cannery and a long-gone movie palace, according to the report released by Preservation Action Council of San Jose.
“These irreplaceable sites embody tangible, authentic connections to San Jose’s rich past and vibrant present, yet face imminent threats due to neglect, development pressures, and a lack of recognition of their cultural significance,” PAC SJ stated in its new report.
The preservationist group states that the latest list signals which sites need the greatest focus for the current period.
“We seek to preserve our unique cultural and architectural history and the Endangered Eight is our best take on what matters most at this time,” said Mike Sodergren, president of PAC SJ.
Here is PAC SJ’s latest “Endangered Eight” list of properties, all located in San Jose:
— First Church of Christ, Scientist, located at 43 East St. James Street next to a downtown park, was built in 1905 and faces neglect. A China-based developer had promised to restore and renovate the church but has failed to come through on its obligations.
— Sakayue Farm site at 2620 Seely Avenue on the north side of the city, was built out and heavily in use from the 1900s through the 1940s. Redevelopment imperils the property.
— MACSA Youth Center at 660 Sinclair Drive, was built in 1995 and faces redevelopment and neglect.
— Lawrence Hotel, located at 71 to 89 East San Fernando Street in the downtown, was built in 1893 and is jeopardized by neglect after a disastrous fire.
— Forman’s Arena at 447 West St. John Street is an old boxing and wrestling site that was built in 1926. The downtown property faces redevelopment and neglect.
— Bayside Canning Co. at 1290 Hope Street in Alviso was built in 1925. The property was once the site of the nation’s third-largest cannery and employed immigrants from Asia and Europe. A partial collapse of its roof in 2023 could hasten the building’s demise due to neglect.
— Almaden Winery Cellar at 5533 Le Franc Drive in south San Jose. Part of California’s first commercial winery, it was built in 1852. Neglect jeopardizes the site.
— Burbank Theater is a long-shuttered movie palace at 560 South Bascom Avenue that faces redevelopment and neglect.
“Threats to these sites include speculative real estate practices and development pressures, neighborhood disinvestment and lack of financial resources,” PAC SJ stated in its report.
PAC SJ also stated that it isn’t simply attempting to block progress but hopes to work with developers whenever possible.
“Preservation of these important places does not mean stopping progress,” PAC SJ stated in a report on its website. “It means making informed decisions and investments to ensure that this inevitable change doesn’t needlessly erase important layers of our history and identity.”