Fairmont Plaza

Fairmont Plaza is a 17-story postmodern skyscraper with a striking geometric exterior combining glass and concrete in downtown San Jose. The building features a sleek facade that stands out among surrounding structures.

The structure opened in 1988 as San Jose's tallest building at that time. It held this distinction until other taller developments were built in the following years.

This tower stands where Market Street Chinatown once thrived as a center for Chinese American communities from 1866 to 1887. The location carries deep meaning for the region's cultural memory and heritage.

The tower contains multiple elevators serving different floors and office spaces. As a working office building, access to interior areas may be restricted unless you have business there.

Knight Ridder, a major newspaper publisher, chose this building as its headquarters in 1998. This decision reflected the growing importance of the location in the region's media sector.

Location: San Jose

Inception: 1988

Architects: Skidmore Owings Merrill

Architectural style: postmodern architecture

Floors above the ground: 17

Elevators: 6

GPS coordinates: 37.33360,-121.88920

Latest update: December 9, 2025 20:23