Historic downtown San Jose park revamp hit with major setback following a court ruling

The plan to turn a historic-yet-blighted downtown San Jose park into a major event venue as part of the city’s revitalization plans faces a major delay.

After a four-year battle over a redesign of St. James Park between the city and the Saint Claire Club — the second oldest men’s club in California — the state Court of Appeals has ruled in favor of the club. The court has ruled the city could not approve a permit for the redesign because the park is registered as a national historic site. The court has ordered the city to go back to the drawing board and rework the design so it doesn’t affect its historic features. The city has spent $4.6 million on the design to date.