Miro Towers

Supporting the San Jose Mayor’s long-held vision of building a vibrant and high-reaching downtown, Miro lies at the heart of downtown San Jose directly across from the iconic San Jose City Hall, bringing much-needed housing supply to the local market. In lieu of a monolithic structure, the 1.1 million square-foot project was set atop a unifying podium and split into two towers that respect strict FAA requirements and step back from City Hall, providing view corridors towards the public plaza. Due to its scale and visual impact on the city skyline, Miro’s façade design was of utmost importance. The towers share design DNA; the abstracted and elongated ‘checkerboard’ façade pattern is created by alternating recessed terraces juxtaposed with a glass and metal window wall that is offset at an angle. The patterned panelization created by the façade design contributes to a continuous, rhythmic, and activated backdrop that creates visual interest for passers-by. Together, the towers form a dramatic addition to the San Jose downtown skyline while providing homes for more than 630 families and single residents. It architecturally complements the iconic San Jose City Hall, creating a visual gateway and new landmark in downtown San Jose.

Miro Towers rises as an example for what the future of sustainable high-rise development can look like. The design goes beyond the goal of LEED Silver certification and meets the 2030 challenge by decreasing energy usage by 73%. It exemplifies how design can reach beyond the surface achievements of beauty, and advocate for green design and health and wellness.