Three vacant buildings lining the street on San Fernando and half a dozen more continuing around the corner on South First Street are now filled with artists' displays and installations. Phantom Galleries was created to both renew the magic in the daily journey downtown and increase the awareness of the importance of our local artists in the cultural/economic development of our city.

Phantom Galleries are along one of the busiest pedestrian corridors in San Jose. Street traffic and light rail also pass along this area.

The street itself is beautiful. Very clean, wide sidewalks with light rail passing along the historic buildings. Only one lane of one-way traffic and one transit/loading zone lane.

It's rare not to pass down either San Fernando or South First Streets while either working or playing downtown. The San Jose Museum is directly across the street on San Fernando, some of our nicest restaurants are either across the street from the Phantom Galleries or just around the corner. The University is just a few blocks away as well.

San Fernando Street's Phantom Galleries have no benches or wide sidewalks. They really are meant for passing pleasure. South First Street has potential. However, the only benches currently are for transit users. The space itself is beautiful and it would make great sense to put even more energy into it.

Phantom Galleries is produced by Brian Eder and Cherri Lakey of Two Fish Design. We are part of a collective called POPULUS Presents which came together in response to a city initiated request for proposals for public space programming.