Who we are

We are dedicated to preserving San José’s architectural heritage through education, advocacy, and events.

The Preservation Action Council of San José (PAC*SJ) began in 1990 as a group of concerned residents, who felt that historic buildings were being torn down needlessly. They felt that San José had already lost many beautiful buildings, and that it would lose many more unless something was done. Since that time, PAC*SJ has become a fully staffed 501(c)(3) nonprofit, dedicated to saving and finding new uses for old buildings, and to encouraging quality new design. We believe that historic preservation is good for our quality of life and good for business.

We aim to integrate a strong commitment to historic preservation into the land use and development decisions of the City of San José that affect historic resources, as well as into the private decisions of property owners and developers. We try to bring owners and developers together to create historically sensitive projects that make economic sense.

PAC*SJ saved the beautiful Scheller House on the SJSU campus. It is now the SJSU Associated Students’ House (shown being moved in August 2000).

Our Board and advisory members have expertise and knowledge in:

Applicable local, federal and state preservation laws
History of Santa Clara County
Historic architecture and construction
Urban Planning requirements and goals
Related community organizations and local leaders
Current affairs and projects

PAC*SJ worked to save the Montgomery Hotel from demolition in 1998. We supported Mayor Gonzales in his decision to rehabilitate this majestic boutique hotel

What we do

Provide educational lectures, walking tours and movie nights about the architectural heritage of San José, to show both what we have lost and how to save what is left.
Provide Technical assistance from our experts in home restoration, tax credits, landmark designation and construction financing.
Publish Continuity, our quarterly newsletter, offers features and updates on preservation and development in San José.
Our Resource Center helps residents research the history of their homes and obtain copies of local codes, ordinances, guidelines and environmental reports.
Work closely with City staff and elected officials, helping to draft guidelines and publications relating to San José’s historic structures. We act as citizen advocates for San José’s neighborhoods, tracking new development proposals and their effects on historic resources.

PAC*SJ sued to prevent the 1904 José Theatre from being demolished and replaced with parking. Now, the Comedy Improv has become a vital anchor for the downtown economy.

Achievements

1990 Saved the First Church of Christ Scientist from demolition.

1994 - 2002 Created the River Street Historic Business District

1994 - 1995 Saved the Scheller House on the SJSU Campus

1997 - 2003 Saved Mark’s Hot Dogs in Alum Rock, a 1930s hot dog stand shaped like a giant orange

1998 - 2000 Ensured the reuse of the José Theatre

1998 - 2000 Secured the preservation of the historic Montgomery Hotel

2001 Saved the historic Houghton-Donner Mansion

PAC*SJ worked for nine years with Barry Swenson Builder to save River Street, an old Italian working-class neighborhood now filled with thriving businesses.

Awards and Honors received

Mark’s Hot Dogs, one of San José’s most unusual landmarks.

Contact Us

Mail: P.O. Box 2287, San Jose, CA, 95109-2287

Telephone: (408) 998-8105

E-mail: info@preservation.org

PAC*SJ is a registered 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization. EIN: 77-0254542