Downtown Gilroy

The Heart of 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 a great location for many businesses. Downtown has ample parking, great transit access, and many residents in close proximity. In the coming years, Downtown's existing train station will be expanded to accommodate a station for the future high speed rail.

Downtown Events


Downtown regularly hosts a wide variety of fun, family-friendly events.  Whether it's the Friday night music series, art & wine stroll, Halloween beer crawl, or car show, there's always something going on in downtown Gilroy!  For a taste of what's happening, check out the Welcome Center's event calendar, take a look at the Downtown Business Associations featured downtown events.
   

Downtown Businesses


Downtown is home to a wide range of restaurants, entertainment establishments, and specialty retail shops.  From antiques to furniture and from clothes to toys, downtown's local businesses offer an eclectic mix of products.  Similarly, services abound in downtown, where you'll find fitness studios, hair salons, medical facilities, and much, much more.  In conjunction with a number of partner organizations, a comprehensive list of downtown businesses is currently being developed.  Check back soon for this information.  
City staff work closely with downtown merchants and prospective business owners to help entrepreneurs open or expand their businesses.  Peruse the information below to learn more.
Available Properties. Browse downtown properties that are for sale or lease through the Economic Development Corporation’s available properties listing.  Permitting Information.  Looking to open or expand your downtown business?  The city is here to help. Contact the City's Customer Service Manager, email Julie Wyrick, or call 408-846-0451 to understand what you'll need.  We are always happy to answer your general questions, and here are some of the services that the city offers free of charge:
  • Development Review Group (DRG).  The city's development services team (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.
  • Expedited Permitting.  Many downtown proposals are eligible for streamlined permitting, for example, through our plan check by appointment services where building permits are often issued at the initial meeting.   
Sidewalk Cafés Downtown.  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. The policy, submittal checklist, and application information are available online as an application packet.