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News and thoughts from our staff

Filtered by Category: Downtown

 
Where culture, community, and hospitality thrive

Where culture, community, and hospitality thrive

By Brittney Sherman

When Dan McCranie decided to build an art gallery in Downtown Morgan Hill, he made clear he wanted none of the white walls and sharp lines found in traditional galleries. Instead, he mixed materials, shapes, colors and used mass-timber to design a building that in itself is a piece of art. Cura Contemporary Art Gallery exhibits both emerging and mid-career artists from the Bay Area and beyond in an open and engaging environment. Representing a large variety of styles and mediums, the featured artwork gives a fresh perspective and often has a deep connection to process and materiality. In addition to thoughtfully curated exhibitions, the gallery will host artist workshops, unique culinary experiences, and special events. It is truly a space where culture, community, and hospitality are blended and celebrated.

Read the full article on Architectural Record HERE!


 
Median trees shine twinkle pink

Median trees shine twinkle pink

By Brittney Sherman

If you drive through Downtown Morgan Hill tonight, you might notice that the center median trees from Main-2nd Street are covered in pink twinkling lights! This is the latest project funded and organized by the Downtown Morgan Hill Improvement District, a nonprofit organization that manages the Property Business Improvement District funds. In 2024, the organization illuminated trees around Depot and the Railroad Park to increase safety and beautification in that area. Phase 2 of the project was to implement lights on all center median trees on Monterey Road between Main-Dunne. The color, intensity, and motion of the lights can be changed to coincide with holidays and seasons. The remaining blocks of the Downtown median trees are expected to be strung with lights by the end of February.

Learn more about the DMHID HERE!


 
A public art conversation

A public art conversation

By Brittney Sherman

Join the City of Morgan Hill for a Public Art Conversation on October 14th from 5p to 8:30p, to receive updates on signature Downtown projects, learn what the City is currently doing to support art activations, and hear from industry professionals. Community engagement stations will collect community feedback on future art programming, performance art, culinary art, artist housing, makers spaces, and live music. Live performances will take place from 5p-6p and formal programming, including two panel discussions, will take place from 6p-8p.

Learn more and RSVP HERE.


 
A small business in full bloom

A small business in full bloom

By Brittney Sherman

Jerry Ayala, owner of the Flower Cottage located on First St in Downtown Morgan Hill, is preparing for one of his store’s strongest days of the year- Valentine’s Day. After owning the store for 10 years, Jerry has found long stem roses, chocolates, and teddy bears to be the top sellers.

“In 2024, consumers are projected to spend approximately $25.8 billion on Valentine’s Day purchases,” reported the National Retail Federation. Top gifts include jewelry, an “evening out,” clothes, and flowers.

Read the full Morgan Hill Times Article HERE.


 
Two Los Gatos businesses expand in Downtown Morgan Hill

Two Los Gatos businesses expand in Downtown Morgan Hill

By Brittney Sherman

Los Gatos-based businesses Enoteca La Storia and Oak & Rye are both expanding in Morgan Hill. Oak & Rye will open The Silos, a full-service restaurant and bar, at the newly constructed 1,464-square-foot restaurant space tucked behind the iconic 45-foot-tall silos, historical remnants from the original granary operation. Enoteca La Storia plans to open its wine shop called Ancora Vino in Downtown Morgan Hill at 17337 Monterey Rd., the current Murphy’s Mercantile Store. Ancora Vino will be a 2,200-square-foot retail wine shop and tasting room offering 150 wines under $25 and ten different wine clubs.

Read the full Press Release HERE


 
Shop artisan products at the Holiday Market

Shop artisan products at the Holiday Market

By Brittney Sherman

Shop homemade, custom, artisan products from 35+ home-based vendors at the Sidewalk Saturdays Holiday Market on December 16 from 9a.m-1p.m. BONUS- this event will include a hot cocoa bar by MoHI Farm, a bracelet making station by Luxe, and a photo booth by Memory Spot and bLoom inflatables. There might even be a special visit from a special someone!

Started in 2020 to support home-based and retail small businesses through the pandemic, Sidewalk Saturdays has morphed into a beloved community event embodying the Buy Local spirit. This popular maker’s market located on 3rd street in beautiful Downtown Morgan Hill, features a Spring and Fall season, highlighting 15-25 local makers, between the hours of 9a.m.-1p.m.

Learn more about Sidewalk Saturdays HERE.


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