Downtown Gilroy

3.9 Million Clean California Grant

The City of Gilroy was awarded a $3.9 million grant through the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) Clean California Local Grant Program for improvements within Gilroy’s Historic Downtown. The Clean California Local Grant Program prioritizes grant funding towards projects that enhance communities and improve spaces for walking and recreation. Gilroy’s project includes the renovation and beautification of Gourmet Alley and Railroad Street within the downtown area, renovating these spaces into pedestrian and bicycle-friendly pathways through infrastructure and aesthetic improvements. Also included in the project is a “Keep Gilroy Clean” anti-littering campaign.

The grant money was awarded based on the projects included in the grant application documents. A summarized list is included below.

Project Construction/Infrastructure Improvements Award is $3,738,465 and includes:

 Gourmet Alley between 4th and 7th

  • Repaving of alley in decorative stamped asphalt 
  • Pedestrian and bicycle-friendly markings along each block   
  • Improvements to the stormwater drainage system 
  • New trash enclosures and trash receptacles
  • New signage
  • Additional lighting
  • New benches 
  • New trees

 Railroad Street between 4th and 7th

  • Repaving
  • Pedestrian and bicycle-friendly markings along each block
  • New trash receptacles for pedestrians 
  • New signage
  • Additional lighting
  • New benches 
  • New fencing

Clean Up and Media Campaign Award for $210,300 to include: 

  • Cleanup days for the alleys
  • An anti-littering campaign

 The project must be completed by June 30, 2024.

Grant Application Documents

Project Narrative

Aerial Map

Infrastructure Projects

Non-Infrastructure Projects

Local Grant Program Application

Discover Downtown Gilroy

Downtown Gilroy is the heart of our City. Its walkable character, historic charm, and eclectic mix of restaurants, shops, services, and entertainment make it popular with residents and visitors alike.

Downtown Gilroy is an ideal location for many businesses, with ample parking, easy transit access, and many residents living in close proximity. In the coming years, it is anticipated that the Downtown's existing train station will be expanded to accommodate a station for the future high-speed rail.
 

Downtown Gilroy Events

Downtown Gilroy regularly hosts a wide variety of fun, family-friendly events. Whether it's an Art & Wine Stroll in the spring, the Friday Night Music Series and Garlic City Car Show in the summer, or the Halloween Beer Crawl in the fall, there's always something going on in downtown Gilroy!  For a taste of what's happening, check out the Visit Gilroy Event Calendar.
 

Parking in the Downtown

Parking in the downtown is simplified by the multiple public parking lots between 3rd and 7th Street.

PDF Map

Downtown Parking Map Front 5x7 
 
 Bring Your Business to Downtown Gilroy

Downtown Gilroy is home to a wide range of restaurants, entertainment venues, and specialty retail shops. Many locally-owned service businesses also abound in downtown, including art galleries, fitness studios, hair salons, medical offices, and more.

City staff work closely with downtown merchants and prospective business owners to help entrepreneurs open or expand their businesses. Here is some general information about doing business in downtown Gilroy:

  1. Development Review Group (DRG): The City's development services team (which includes Planning, Building, Public Works, Fire Prevention, Hazardous Materials, and Police) can review your conceptual proposal early in the process to let you know what is needed to get your business up and running.
  2. Expedited Permitting: Many downtown proposals are eligible for streamlined permitting, such as our Building Plan Check by-appointment services where building permits are often issued at the initial meeting.   
  3. Available Properties: You can find a complete listing of downtown Gilroy properties that are available for sale or lease on the Gilroy Economic Development Corporation website.
  4. Sidewalk Cafés: Interested in opening a sidewalk café downtown? Updated regulations provide increased flexibility in where you can put tables or chairs in the public right of way. In addition to using sidewalk space directly in front of your business, you may be eligible to place tables in front of neighboring businesses and in up to two parking spaces in front of your business. 

Please call 408-846-0451 if you have any questions about doing business in Downtown Gilroy. We are always happy to answer your questions and provide additional information and support.