The collision of aliens, mysterious spirits, and time machines is about to happen in a way that has nothing to do with Halloween. Get ready for an extraordinary new entertainment destination in downtown San Jose.
Urban Putt San Jose is set to bring interactive miniature golf, delicious food, and craft cocktails to the heart of the city. Spanning 13,000 square feet in the former Camera 12 Cinema on Paseo de San Antonio, this mixed-use building will also house Unofficial Logging Co., an exciting axe-throwing and craft beer venue, and Eos & Nyx, a fine dining restaurant. The highly-anticipated mini-golf course is scheduled to open in December.
Unlike your typical mini-golf holes, this venue will transport you into the world of movie sets. Picture a crashed alien spaceship and the iconic nautilus submarine from “20,000 Leagues Under the Sea.” The themes also pay homage to Silicon Valley, featuring quantum computer time machines, a giant circuit board, and even a nod to the San Jose Sharks. An impressive three-dimensional mountain range, complete with Lick Observatory, borders the course. Additionally, patrons can play through an exciting homage to the Winchester Mystery House, where they’ll encounter heritage wallpaper, a self-playing piano, and mysteriously disappearing holes.
Steve Fox, the Owner and CEO of Urban Putt, explains that the inspiration for this innovative venue comes from the era of discovery, particularly the mechanical world with its gears. He promises an immersive experience where all these elements interact with visitors. This is not your typical mini-golf; this is their extraordinary and whimsical dream brought to life.
Steve Fox left his journalism career of 35 years to transform his beloved mini-golf hobby into a thriving business. With successful locations in San Francisco and Denver, he is now bringing his vision to San Jose at a cost of $6 million. The San Jose site features its own mezzanine, complete with a bar and tables showcasing 1,000 golf balls.
Fox emphasizes that every element in the venue is designed to enhance the overall experience. His goal is to provide a family-friendly environment during the day and an exciting after-hours spot for ages 21 and up. He envisions partnering with other businesses to create a downtown San Jose “passport,” enticing even more customers and revitalizing the area.
Although downtown San Jose has faced challenges during the pandemic, such as closed storefronts and reduced foot traffic due to remote work, Fox remains optimistic. He believes that his unique entertainment venture, along with other neighboring businesses like Unofficial Logging and Eos & Nyx, will create a magnetic attraction, enlivening the downtown area once again. He hopes to spark socialization and bring back the vibrant energy that the community craves.
General Manager Franklin Meltzer is drawn to the project by its remarkable design concept, which embraces creativity and innovation. Urban Putt San Jose is actively seeking partnerships with nearby businesses to mutually drive customers to their respective locations.
One such partner is George Lahlouh, co-owner of Eos & Nyx, who envisions Paseo de San Antonio becoming a vibrant downtown restaurant row. This would provide people with an array of options for enjoying drinks, appetizers, axe-throwing, and mini-golf.
Alex Stettinski, the CEO of San Jose Downtown Association, sees Urban Putt San Jose as a prime example of a new breed of businesses invigorating the downtown area.
He explains, “Our downtown has a unique appeal, with its gritty and edgy vibe, cultural diversity, and plethora of fun experiences. Visitors are drawn to this uniqueness and have a memorable time when they come to downtown San Jose.”
Despite only a fraction of workers returning to downtown San Jose, Stettinski points out that visitorship from outside the region has increased compared to pre-pandemic rates, based on a study of 26 U.S. downtowns. He declares that downtown San Jose is thriving, especially during evenings and weekends, thanks to the variety of activities available.
For Steve Fox, the realization of Urban Putt San Jose is immensely gratifying.
He shares, “There are few things as fulfilling as creating something from scratch. I’ve poured everything I’ve learned over the past decade into this passion project.”
Contact Lorraine Gabbert at [email protected].
Daniel Miller takes readers to the greens with his passion for golf. He offers coverage of major golf tournaments, player achievements, and insights into the sport’s rich history, making him a trusted source for golf enthusiasts.
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