Builder

Barry Swenson

« Previous | Next »

Barry Swenson was squeezed out of the family business, the Carl N. Swenson company, which built San Jose’s old City Hall. Left on his own, and not enjoying status as one of the Redevelopment Agency’s favored developers, Swenson nonetheless bought up downtown blocks in San Jose, as well as Santa Cruz and other California communities, rehabilitating historic buildings one by one. His restorations of the New Century Block of First Street and the De Anza Hotel, which was built by his grandfather, helped give San Jose some of its battered soul back. A longtime proponent of high-density housing, he also built downtown’s first residential tower, City Heights. Barry Swenson Builders is now one of the largest privately owned companies in the valley.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Latest Giveaways

Enter for a chance to win a Car Pass to Christmas in the Park Drive Thru Light Show at History Park in San Jose. Drawing November 20, 2024.
Enter for a chance to win a 4-Pack of tickets to the Exploratorium at Pier 15 in San Francisco. Drawing January 8, 2025.
spot_img
10,828FansLike
8,305FollowersFollow
Metro Silicon Valley E-edition Metro Silicon Valley E-edition