Vacant San Jose building finds new life as creative hub for local artists

A long-vacant building near downtown San Jose is getting new life as a creative hub, with local artists preparing to move into studio spaces as early as next month.

Local Color is transforming the ground floor of the Davidson Building at 255 W. Julian St. into the Big Arts Building through a partnership with developer Westbank. The space will include about a dozen below-market-rate art studios and offices, along with areas for public programming including a gallery dedicated to muralism. The nonprofit is giving residents a first look at the space Saturday from 3-7 p.m. as part of its 11th anniversary celebration.