San Jose’s Katherine Court: A Century-Old Street Gets a Modern Makeover
A quaint residential street in San Jose’s Rose Garden neighborhood, Katherine Court, has received an innovative facelift. After a century of traditional concrete paving, this unique 500-foot stretch now features permeable concrete pavers, promising a sustainable solution to persistent flooding issues.
Katherine Court’s Enduring Challenge
For decades, Katherine Court stood out as one of the rare San Jose streets not paved with asphalt, instead relying on concrete laid around 1929 or 1930. While concrete can last longer than asphalt, Katherine Court’s surface was heavily cracked and repeatedly patched, indicating its age and wear. More critically, the street lacked essential storm drains and gutters, leading to significant flooding during heavy rains, with water unable to run off due to the flat terrain.
Rose Garden Neighborhood Association President Bob Sippel, a long-time resident, often resorted to sweeping water down the street himself. This recurring problem highlighted the need for a more permanent and effective solution.
Innovation Paves the Way for a Sustainable Future
Embracing the spirit of innovation, the city of San Jose, under the leadership of Mayor Matt Mahan and Councilmember Michael Mulcahy, unveiled a first-of-its-kind project for Katherine Court. A team from the city’s Department of Transportation, led by Project Manager Isaiah Watts, replaced the old, broken concrete with interlocking permeable concrete pavers. These specialized pavers are designed to allow stormwater to seep directly underground, mitigating flooding and recharging local groundwater.
The project also prioritized community engagement, with city workers conducting door-to-door consultations to ensure residents’ concerns were addressed. This collaborative approach helped preserve some of the street’s unique charm, including its gently sloping curbs.
A Model for San Jose’s Historic Neighborhoods
Councilmember Mulcahy hailed the initiative as “a small street with a big impact,” positioning it as a model for future urban development. The project demonstrates how San Jose can preserve the distinctive character of its historic neighborhoods while investing in more sustainable and resilient infrastructure.
The innovative repaving project cost approximately $800,000. While significantly more than the $2,104.30 contract from 1929, the investment is expected to provide a lasting solution for another century or more, offering long-term value in flood prevention and urban sustainability.
Comparing Paving Solutions
| Feature | Traditional Concrete (Old Katherine Court) | Permeable Concrete Pavers (New Katherine Court) |
|---|---|---|
| Material | Solid concrete slabs | Interlocking permeable concrete units |
| Drainage | Surface runoff only; prone to flooding without gutters | Allows water to infiltrate soil beneath, reducing runoff and flooding |
| Maintenance | Patching for cracks; periodic resurfacing for asphalt alternatives | Individual paver replacement possible; reduces surface ponding |
| Sustainability | Limited stormwater management | Enhances groundwater recharge; reduces burden on storm drains |
| Lifespan | Decades (if well-maintained); susceptible to cracking | Expected to last a century or more due to design and drainage benefits |
Frequently Asked Questions
- What makes Katherine Court’s makeover innovative?
It’s the first time San Jose has used permeable concrete pavers for a street of this kind, specifically designed to allow stormwater to drain underground, addressing long-standing flooding issues. - Why was this project necessary?
The original concrete street was heavily cracked, and critically, it lacked gutters and storm drains, causing significant flooding in the Rose Garden neighborhood during heavy rains. - How do permeable concrete pavers work?
Unlike solid concrete or asphalt, these interlocking pavers have small gaps that allow water to filter through the surface and seep into the ground below, effectively managing stormwater on-site. - Who was involved in this project?
San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan, Councilmember Michael Mulcahy, Project Manager Isaiah Watts from the Department of Transportation, and Rose Garden Neighborhood Association President Bob Sippel, along with collaborative neighbors. - What is the long-term impact of this project?
The project provides a sustainable solution for flood prevention, preserves neighborhood character, and serves as a model for future environmentally conscious infrastructure investments across San Jose.
This forward-thinking project on Katherine Court truly highlights San Jose’s commitment to solving local challenges with innovative, sustainable urban planning that benefits residents for generations to come.
San Jose Katherine Court Solves Flooding With Permeable Paving
