Better Block

Mission San Jose Town Center Map highlighting Ellsworth StreetThe Mission San Jose Town Center is a commercial district near Washington and Mission boulevards, anchored by the historic Mission San Jose church and museum. The Better Block Foundation and City of Fremont are working to bring your ideas to life and make Mission San Jose a more vibrant place to gather as a community.

The goal is to reimagine Ellsworth Street, nestled between Washington and Mission Boulevards, as a lively area blending commercial activity and neighborhood vibes in a 2-day, community-led placemaking event in September 2022 that will help residents get creative with their public space. Some potential changes could include the arts, greenery and landscaping, shade, small businesses and vendors, and opportunities for community gathering, like an outdoor market. This trial will help create a safe, welcoming neighborhood space for all ages and backgrounds and will incorporate the current vision for Ellsworth as part of a thriving commercial district. Additionally, we hope to test some ideas and get feedback that will be incorporated into the long-term vision of Mission San Jose.

Provide Your Input

While the 2-day event will take place in September, the vision starts now with YOU. Your opinion matters and will directly shape the direction of the project! 

Please fill out the Community Survey and share with anyone else you think may be interested. This will help us get a better sense of what kind of businesses and activity you would like to see in the area. Your answers will help guide the design of the community event in September and the ongoing transformation of Mission San Jose into a thriving commercial district. Survey closes June 9, 2022.

Community Kick-Off Meeting

On May 9, we held a virtual Community Kick-Off Meeting to introduce the Better Block team, share what we want to accomplish in Mission San Jose, and answer questions from the community. If you missed it, the video recording of the event will be available to view here on this webpage soon.

View of empty lot on Ellsworth Street with houses and hills in background
View Ellsworth street from intersection with Washington boulevard

Calling all Volunteers!

If you want to roll up your sleeves and get involved in your community, we’d love to hear from you. We're calling on any community members who want to share their ideas and leadership: artists, performers, food vendors, small business owners, students - all are welcome.

Please reach out to volunteer or with any questions to Kristin Leiber at kristin@betterblock.org. 

Check out Better Block's transformative work in other communities:

Ottumwa Better Block - YouTube

MLK Food Park Better Block - YouTube

Copley Road Better Block - YouTube