The San Jose Chamber of Commerce building is in need of some urgent upgrades, and the organization has launched a foundation to raise the funds.
Built in 1942, the historic building that fronts the corner of West Santa Clara and Market streets is in need of a new cooling and heating system, water pipes and a front door to maintain safety and security. For the first round of upgrades, the chamber aims to raise $500,000 through its Bob Kieve Chamber Building Preservation Foundation .
“It’s an absolutely beautiful building, and as usually happens, maintenance is really hard to keep up, especially as a nonprofit organization,” Chamber CEO and President Leah Toeniskoetter told San José Spotlight.
When Toeniskoetter took the helm at the beginning of this year , she did an assessment of the building and found the needed upgrades to be substantial. She wants to start repairs as soon as possible. Top of the list is to replace the front door, as it’s not secure enough and has led to multiple break-ins.