Sunnyvale is actively enhancing its downtown core to create a more welcoming environment for both residents and visitors by revitalizing its historic Murphy Avenue block.
The Sunnyvale City Council gave unanimous approval on Tuesday to concept plans aimed at converting the historic Murphy Avenue block in downtown Sunnyvale into a permanent pedestrian mall. This decision, made with Councilmember Russ Melton absent, marks a significant step in the city’s ongoing downtown revitalization efforts. The approved plans encompass several key improvements, including increased bicycle parking availability near Washington and Evelyn avenues, and enhanced accessibility features such as handrails and sloped pathways.
Mike Johnson, Executive Director of the Sunnyvale Downtown Association, expressed strong support for the project on behalf of the organization and its board. He noted that the concept plans have undergone numerous revisions to reach a design that effectively balances the diverse needs of potential visitors and the businesses located along Murphy Street.
“We’ve got about a 2-mile radius that we protect and I think … we’ve done a great job with what we’ve had to work with,” Johnson told San José Spotlight. “I think what’s coming is going to be phenomenal.”
Murphy Street Pedestrian Mall: A Key Component of Downtown Revitalization
The creation of a pedestrian mall on Murphy Street is a central element of Sunnyvale’s ambitious downtown revitalization project. This large-scale initiative aims to modernize and invigorate the downtown area. Over the past few years, Cityline, a prominent developer, has been instrumental in this transformation, adding new housing and retail spaces to the area, including popular destinations like an AMC movie theater and a Target store. This development is designed to create a more vibrant and attractive downtown for the Sunnyvale community.
Johnson emphasized the importance of collaboration with a wide range of businesses in the reimagining of downtown Sunnyvale. He pointed out that the majority of businesses operating on Murphy Street and in the surrounding downtown area are small, family-owned enterprises. Integrating their perspectives and needs into the development plans is crucial for the project’s success and its positive impact on the local business community.
During the city council meeting, councilmembers raised specific questions about the plan, focusing on aspects such as improved signage for parking and cycling. However, the council ultimately voiced strong support for the proposed plans. City staff estimates that construction work could commence as early as fall 2025 and be completed by early 2026, bringing the vision of a pedestrian-friendly Murphy Street closer to reality.
Enhancing Walkability on Historic Murphy Avenue
The city’s commitment to transforming Murphy Street into a pedestrian haven began with the temporary closure of the 100 block of Murphy Avenue to vehicle traffic in 2020. This was followed by a permanent closure in early 2023, signaling a long-term vision for a pedestrian-focused downtown. The upcoming renovation project will allow the city to remove outdated traffic and parking signs, further enhancing the pedestrian experience. Additionally, some parking spaces on Washington Avenue will be repurposed to facilitate loading and unloading for businesses, ensuring the practical needs of local enterprises are met within the pedestrian-friendly zone.
Councilmember Alysa Cisneros, representing the district that encompasses historic Murphy Avenue, highlighted the long-term benefits of these renovations, particularly in making downtown Sunnyvale permanently walkable.
“I’m excited for my kids to be able to grow up there, because when I grew up in Sunnyvale, I was in the middle of the suburbs, I couldn’t walk to anything,” Cisneros told San José Spotlight.
People walking on a pedestrian street with outdoor seating and businesses
Downtown Sunnyvale Redesign: Approaching Completion
The Murphy Street renovations are just one part of the broader downtown Sunnyvale redesign, which, according to Johnson’s estimates, is more than halfway complete. Cityline is currently in the second phase of its development plan, with two significant projects still to come: Block 6, located at the intersection of McKinley and Murphy avenues, and another development parcel at the intersection of McKinley and Mathilda avenues. These future developments promise to further reshape and enhance the downtown landscape.
Despite ongoing construction, the positive impacts of the downtown redesign are already evident, and residents are taking notice of the improvements. The Martin, one of the newly constructed apartment buildings, opened approximately four months ago and has already achieved over 60% occupancy. Johnson considers this a significant success, indicating strong demand for downtown living in Sunnyvale and the appeal of the revitalized area.
The city has also prioritized the development of affordable housing in the downtown area, recognizing the importance of inclusive growth. Cisneros emphasized that strategically locating affordable housing near essential resources is a key strategy to support low-income residents and ensure equitable access to opportunities within the city.
Adding to the downtown’s appeal and accessibility, the Sunnyvale Caltrain station is conveniently located adjacent to historic Murphy Avenue. Furthermore, Redwood Park, a new green space, recently opened at the corner of McKinley and Murphy avenues, providing a valuable public amenity for residents and visitors alike.
“There’s so much opportunity in District 2 and the downtown area, we’re truly fortunate to have these kinds of opportunities,” Cisneros told San José Spotlight, underscoring the positive trajectory of Sunnyvale’s downtown transformation.
Contact B. Sakura Cannestra at [email protected] or @SakuCannestra on X, formerly known as Twitter.
