San Jose Unveils “100 Sharks – Stitching Districts” to Connect Communities Along New “Sharks Way”

"100 Sharks - Stitching Districts," is a major new public art and augmented reality (AR) project. This innovative collaboration will transform the pedestrian experience between San Pedro Square and the SAP Center, creating a vibrant, connected corridor now being called "Sharks Way."

Led by the San José Downtown Association in partnership with artist Jim Fonseca, '27 BFA Studio Art, (known as Jimmy Paints), the City of San José, Office of Cultural Affairs, San José State University, and the San Jose Sharks, the project entails the installation of 100 artistically painted shark murals along the pathway. The sharks will appear to "swim" in the direction of the SAP Center, creating a dynamic visual narrative that builds excitement and guides visitors toward events. This installation is a continuation of the community-focused vision for the area, turning a simple sidewalk into an engaging public destination.

What is "Stitching Districts?"

Stitching Districts is a transformative urban placemaking project to unify previously established city districts into a vibrant, walkable and art-filled corridor. This initiative promotes economic development, cultural expression, and civic pride through intentional public space design, art installations, and pedestrian-friendly infrastructure.

Proudly supported by the Reimagining the Civic Commons, "100 Sharks" is designed to deliver on four key outcomes:

• Civic Engagement: The project activates a vital public space, inviting residents and visitors to interact with their city in a new way.
• Socioeconomic Mixing: By creating a shared, playful experience, the sharks will draw people of all ages and backgrounds together, fostering a sense of shared ownership and belonging along the corridor.
• Value Creation: This investment enhances the appeal of the area, supporting local businesses in Little Italy and the San Pedro Square Market by creating a more walkable and attractive destination.
• Environmental Sustainability: The project encourages walking and active transportation between key districts, reducing reliance on cars for short trips.

The project is further strengthened by a deep commitment to collaboration and innovation. Students from SJSU's CADRE Lab and Digital Media Art program are creating digital assets that will bring the sharks to life through an immersive augmented reality experience. Visitors will be able to scan the sharks with their phones to unlock interactive content, including wayfinding maps, local restaurant recommendations, and highlights of public art, seamlessly blending the physical and digital worlds.

"This project is a perfect example of what Reimagining the Civic Commons is all about," said Lou Jimenez, street life manager and project lead of Stitching Districts Initiative at SJDA. "By intentionally investing in a connected network of public spaces and layering in technology and art, San José is not just beautifying a street; it is actively cultivating community, driving foot traffic to local businesses, and creating a more resilient and connected city."

"100 Sharks - Stitching Districts" transforms a commute into a journey, turning the path to the "Shark Tank" into a destination itself, adding a permanent, interactive asset to San Jose's civic landscape.

A Landmark Collaboration

Beyond the 100 sharks that will line the way, the project itself is a testament to what a truly collaborative city can achieve. "100 Sharks - Stitching Districts" is made possible by an unprecedented partnership that brings together diverse sectors to invest in the public realm:

• The City of San José, providing systemic solutions for creative placemaking, economic vitality and community connection.
  • Mayor Matt Mahan
  • District 6 Councilmember Michael Mulcahy
  • District 3 Councilmember Anthony Tordillos
• The San José Downtown Association (SJDA), serving as the convener and leading the charge to create a vibrant, activated urban core.
• The San Jose Sharks, embracing the project as a symbolic and literal extension of their identity, connecting the team to fans and the community in a new, permanent way.
• San José State University, where students from the CADRE Lab and Digital Media Art program are gaining real-world experience by designing the cutting-edge augmented reality assets that bring the sharks to life.
• Local artists and community, including artist Jimmy Paints, ensure the project has authentic artistic roots and reflects the neighborhood's unique character.

This collective effort demonstrates that when the public sector, private organizations, major sports franchises, academic institutions and local artists align, they can create impressive, large-scale placemaking initiatives that benefit everyone.

About Reimagining the Civic Commons

Reimagining the Civic Commons is a collaboration of national foundations and local leaders working to transform public spaces to connect people of all backgrounds, cultivate trust, and build more resilient communities. The initiative's groundbreaking model emphasizes a portfolio approach to managing public assets and measures success through civic engagement, socioeconomic mixing, environmental sustainability, and value creation. Learn more at https://civiccommons.us/about/ .