The North 13th Street Business District is home to a number of long standing retailers and light industrial businesses. The Business District is bounded by Jackson and Hedding Streets, and serves as the main thoroughfare between Highway 101 and Downtown San José. Traffic counts on North 13th Street are as high as 36,030 cars a day.

In the early 20th Century, North 13th Street was once an Italian enclave and the location of historic Luna Park, a popular amusement park destination in the early 20th century, before evolving into a commercial businesses area. Because of the growing population of the surrounding areas, the need for additional retail, restaurants and services continued to increase. To encourage more neighborhood serving businesses, the business district was rezoned to a Commercial Pedestrian designation in 2004, which has opened great opportunities for retailers.

The Business District is anchored by Backesto Park, one of San Jose's oldest parks, which serves as a popular venue for tennis, Bocce ball, softball, handball and leisurely walks. Japantown is just a few short blocks away. A number of historic buildings are located along the Business District, as well as charming homes in the nearby Hensley Historic District.

A major streetscape project, including new street trees and antique-style lighting, has created an inviting and pedestrian-friendly business environment. New storefront improvements, as well as the opening of new restaurants, have helped revitalize the District. With the many positive changes taking place along North 13th Street, the area continues to attract new businesses to serve the surrounding neighborhoods.

North 13th Street was designated as a NBD in 2004 and is part of the Strong Neighborhoods Initiative Redevelopment Project Area that was adopted in 2002.

The association meets the 4th Thursday of each month, 9 a.m.-10a.m. at Gecko Grill located at 855 N. 13th Street.

For more information about the North 13th Street/Luna Park Business District, please contact: Maria Le at (408) 795-1859 or email maria.le@sanjoseca.gov or visit www.sjredevelopment.org.

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