BARRY SWENSON, THE groundbreaking developer who reshaped the city’s skyline and became a household name, has died at age 85.
Swenson was the third generation leader of Swenson Builders, one of Silicon Valley’s most prominent construction and development firms, known for developing iconic buildings throughout San Jose. Those who knew him remember him for his optimism and encouraging demeanor, as well as his business prowess. His cause of death has not been released.
“That’s just first and foremost his real gift to everybody else, is that he was always upbeat and always encouraging people,” Ron Swenson, CEO of Solar Skyways and Barry Swenson’s younger brother, told San José Spotlight.
Ron Swenson said his brother’s encouraging nature set him apart in a cutthroat development industry. He recalled a time when the pair ran into a friend at breakfast, who was performing in a live band at the restaurant. His brother invited the band to San Jose to play for one of their family’s events.
The Swenson brothers often donned wide brimmed hats, standing out from the crowd. Barry enjoyed gardening and ranching, and raised pheasants and ducks in the family’s backyard while in high school. He gave the birds away as Christmas presents to the family’s business partners.
Swenson Builders was founded by Barry Swenson in 1961, but Ron and Barry Swenson’s grandfather Carl Swenson began the family’s first construction company in 1926. The family has a century-long history of constructing some of San Jose’s most iconic buildings, including the De Anza Hotel and San Pedro Square Market.
Urban Catalyst Founder Erik Hayden said Barry’s white cowboy hat and boots gave him a laid back first impression — until they started talking about business and he became a sharp and formidable force. Hayden said he supported San Jose’s culture, including Christmas in the Park and the San Jose Jazz Festival, among others.
Hayden worked with Barry about 15 years ago when he was with Republic Urban Properties. His company had partnered with Swenson Builders for the Ohlone projects, an 8.32 acre multi-family apartment project at the intersection of West San Carlos and Sunol streets. Hayden said he is fortunate for the opportunity to learn from Barry early in his career.
“Barry was a true icon — a mentor to me and so many others in our industry. His character was endearing and his legacy lives on under the care of his amazing family as they carry on his banner and mission.” Josh Burroughs, Urban Catalyst Chief Operating Officer
“When you know what you want to do in your career and you’re getting to meet icons in the industry, it’s just amazing,” Hayden told San José Spotlight. “It made a big difference in my career, to see how the best do it. We try to have a lot of those same values.”
Urban Catalyst Chief Operating Officer Josh Burroughs worked alongside Barry during his decade as a development manager for Swenson Builders. Swenson’s name is stamped across the city and his impact will live on, Burrough’s said.
“Barry was a true icon — a mentor to me and so many others in our industry,” Burroughs told San José Spotlight. “His character was endearing and his legacy lives on under the care of his amazing family as they carry on his banner and mission.”
Land use consultant Erik Schoennauer recalled working with Barry when he was chief of staff to former San Jose Councilmember Patricia Dando, then in his current role as a consultant working with developers on San Jose projects.
He said the Swenson family has impacted Silicon Valley through revolutionary construction projects and their philanthropy.
“He was incredibly generous and engaged in the San Jose community, as a person,” Schoennauer told San José Spotlight. “That legacy is of equal importance to any physical building.”
Contact B. Sakura Cannestra at sakura@sanjosespotlight.com or @SakuCannestra on X.
This story originally appeared in San Jose Spotlight.