Inside San Jose's Iconic DeForest Building at Santana Row

By Joshua Pulpan, REALTOR® — Pulpan Brothers Group, Christie's International Real Estate Sereno, Los Gatos, CA

I'm thrilled to share that another home has closed escrow at one of San Jose's most sought-after addresses: 333 Santana Row #222 in the DeForest Building, right in the heart of Santana Row. If you've been searching for Santana Row condos for sale or wondering what it's really like to live above one of the Bay Area's premier shopping and dining destinations, this one's for you.

About the DeForest Building at Santana Row

The DeForest Lofts are among the most distinctive residences in San Jose's Santana Row neighborhood, and they're a great example of what urban-style living in the South Bay can look like. The building sits on the west side of Santana Row, near a striking public sculpture of a figure holding a circle that's only visible from the Row itself — a fun detail most people walk right past without noticing.

Inside, these lofts are known for their scale: ceilings soar up to 22 feet in many units, and many homes look straight down Santana Row's famous main street. The floor plans themselves are light-filled and open, which makes these homes especially good for entertaining before a night out on what's often called the "Rodeo Drive of the South Bay." At the same time, they're tucked back just enough from the street that you can pull the shades and settle in for a quiet night at home. Original, unmodified units typically feature a modern industrial look — exposed ductwork, high ceilings, granite counters, stainless steel appliances, and in-unit washer/dryer hookups in most homes.

Building amenities are minimal here by design; the real amenity is the address itself. That said, DeForest is a secure building with controlled parking and building access. It's also worth noting for investors: as of our last check, this building carries no restrictions on short-term rentals like Airbnb, which makes it one of the few buildings anywhere in Silicon Valley where that kind of investment strategy is still an option.

What makes the DeForest Building special isn't just the architecture, though. It's the location. Residents step out their front door directly onto Santana Row's pedestrian-friendly main street, putting world-class shopping, entertainment, and some of San Jose's best restaurants literally at their doorstep. The Row itself takes its name from the nearby half-acre Santana Park, and the whole district — developed by Federal Realty and opened in the mid-2000s — was built around hundreds of trees and green spaces woven through a pedestrian-first layout. It was designed to be more than a shopping center, and two decades later, it still delivers on that promise as one of the most walkable, lived-in neighborhoods in the Bay Area.

Life at Santana Row: Walkable, Vibrant, Unmatched

Santana Row has redefined what urban living looks like in Silicon Valley. It's a true live-work-play community with luxury retail, boutique fitness studios, a movie theater, weekly farmers markets, and a packed calendar of community events — all within a few blocks. For buyers and sellers alike, that lifestyle is a huge part of the value proposition, and it's something I make sure every client understands when we talk about DeForest Building condos for sale or any other property in this pocket of West San Jose.

Where to Eat Near the DeForest Building

One of my favorite parts of representing buyers and sellers at Santana Row is talking about the food scene right outside the front door. A few standouts worth knowing about if you're considering a move here:

• Pizza Antica — Literally across the street from the DeForest Building, this is the neighborhood's go-to for wood-fired pizza and a laid-back Italian menu. It doesn't get more convenient than this.
• Augustine — A polished spot for elevated American fare, popular for both date nights and client dinners.
• Ozumo — Upscale Japanese and sushi with a sleek atmosphere, a longtime favorite among Santana Row diners.
• Suspiro — Spanish and Peruvian tapas with a bright, airy dining room — great for sharing plates and sangria on a warm evening.
• Maggiano's Little Italy — Family-style Italian-American comfort food, perfect for group dinners and celebrations.

Whether you're hosting out-of-town guests or just want a five-minute walk to dinner, living in the DeForest Building means the best of Santana Row's dining scene is always close by.

Thinking About Buying or Selling in the DeForest Building?

I recently represented the sale of 333 Santana Row #222, and it's a great example of how strong demand continues to be for well-located lofts in this building. If you're curious what your DeForest Building or Santana Row condo could sell for in today's market — or if you're looking to buy into this lifestyle yourself — I'd love to help.

Josh Pulpan REALTOR® | The Pulpan Brothers Group | Christie's International Real Estate Sereno | [email protected] | 📞 (408) 761-2341

Serving San Jose, Santana Row, Los Gatos, Saratoga, Campbell, and the greater Silicon Valley luxury real estate market.