Jack Wimberly, a young hipster, would be the first to tell you that life in downtown San Jose IS all that it is cracked up to be.  From his work/live loft, Jack runs a bustling communications firm and a bachelor pad fit for a king.

Located on First Street, just north of downtown San Jose between the old city hall and Trial’s Pub, Wimberly’s loft houses a ground floor 330 sq. ft. office (enough for 4 work stations), spacious living space on the second floor and a third floor bedroom / loft overlooking the main floor and patio.  The unit has exposed duct work and concrete floors, but Wimberly’s eclectic mix of grandma’s 8 foot hand me down sofa and Asian touches create a warm environment that instantly makes you feel relaxed and ready for a martini.  He balances his low Japanese and Korean furnishings with bistro height tables and chairs, filling the cavernous space with a modern style that you could not find at a mass produced furniture store.

Having grown up in the upscale suburb Los Gatos, Jack was surprised to find that downtown San Jose had so many housing options for bargain hunters who want to live close to downtown amenities.  His home is often a gathering spot before he and his friends hit downtown’s nightlife, whether it be dinner out or a show at the Rep.  Often skateboarding is his transportation of choice to travel through downtown.

He commented that “Living downtown has a nice pulse.  People make eye contact and know each other.  There are all sorts of creative types here – an opera voice coach lives upstairs and a painter lives next door.  It’s like Melrose Place in San Jose without the pool.”

Here’s the complete slideshow: