Willow Glen, San Jose

Willow Glen, San Jose
Originally uploaded by gojanelin

Lincoln Avenue was formerly a street served by a streetcar. Today, “downtown” Willow Glen, on Lincoln Avenue in San Jose thrives as a main street that is 4 lanes wide. The existing urban development pattern along Lincoln retained many elements of walkability from its streetcar days: the stores on Lincoln are close to one another, storefronts are narrow, 1-3 story buildings frame the street, shared parking lots are located behind the stores, alleys and paths through the back of stores allow multiple ways to access the main street, sidewalks are wide, and crosswalks make it easier for shoppers to get from one side to the other. There are also many opportunities to sit; landscaping is mature and appropriately scaled. Pedestrians feel safe in Willow Glen and vehicular traffic moves without too much burden on two lanes in each direction.