Since 1921, Faber’s Cyclery has occupied a legendary, leaning building at the corner of First Street and Margaret in San Jose. The structure was already steeped in local lore when Alex LaRiviere took over Faber’s in 1978. Built in 1884, the place began life as a saloon called Benjamin’s Corner. A well-preserved old blacksmith shop still sits out back, right next to a heritage pepper tree eight feet in diameter. The original wooden bar from 1884 still sits inside the place and serves as a parts counter.
Despite the landlord’s fervent desire to sell the property, Faber’s business still plods right along. It is San Jose’s oldest continuously operating bike shop, and they are currently looking for a white knight to purchase, repair and develop the property so as to preserve the historic structures and pepper tree.
Now Faber’s has its own calendar. For $10 you get a glossy piece of work featuring photos of vintage Schwinns along with female models in retro garb, and historical facts about the property.
The calendar release party takes place next Thursday at 9pm, at the Voodoo Lounge in downtown San Jose. It’s part of the one-year anniversary of the Community Rebirth series of art happenings, events where painters paint and DJs do their thing.
The models will be present to sign the calendars.
LaRiviere himself is a busy man. Aside from operating the bike shop, he is currently working with the Children’s Discovery Museum to build a bicycle history timeline for an exhibit next month. He’s also one of only a few qualified forensic experts in bicycle accidents, and often gets called upon to testify in court on such matters.
I’m there!
I’ve never been to that bike shop, but I’ll buy a calendar.
The Fabers Cyclery Building is exactly the sort of thing our redevelopment agency should be investing in. Purchase the property, rehab it, and lease it back to the nearly 90-year-old cyclery. Sell the refurbished building at a profit a few years from now when the market rebounds.
This would both save a beautiful historic building and save a local retail outfit engaged in a business good for the environment, while saving some of what little “there there” that is left in San Jose. And done right, there may even be a direct return on investment.
Don,
That’s a wonderful idea and you’re absolutely correct that our poor excuse for an RDA should care about things like this.
But I think the bigshot RDA movers and shakers would much prefer to sink their teeth into those 100 mil and up projects.
They’re far more prestigous and spending that kind of dough gives Mavrogenes and his staff a real buzz. A small deal like Faber’s would be like a pimple on his arse, uncomfortable and bothersome at best.
I am so happy to see a movement to help preserve this cycle shop. Though I have not been there personally, my family has a history with this place. I don’t know how far back this was, as my father (Duane Vennum) has since passed away and I can’t ask him. My aunt tells me that my great great grandparents (the Smiths) were good friends with Al Faber’s parents and they attended Lutheran church together in San Jose. Whenever I drive by this place I take a look and notice the work that needs to be done, but also notice what a gem it is. Its one of the few old-timer shops in San Jose that has charm because of its appearance. I wish it the best of luck to maintain and restore the building.
Do hope you can save this piece of San Jose
History.
At almost 77 years old I remember Al Faber bringing my sister and I our first bike. I was about 5 or 6 years old. It wasn’t a new bike but it looked great to us.
Al’s family and ours were friends for many generations and his parents and my great grandparents knew each other well.
Again I sure hope you can save it as I’m sure there are many others our there with memories of their first bike from Fabers shop.
Sincerely, Joan “Vennum” Stegall
Hi Joan—
I cam across your name while browsing about Faber’s
Cyclery.
I haven’t seen you for about 60 years, and I hope that
you’ve had a good life.
With Fond Regards,
Bill Nave
No…Tear it down and build more condos!
I have visited this shop many a times. Even built my daughters first bike from a gem found on the wall. Bicycle collectors love this place as we never know what will be found. And the ever mysterious basement have many asking and that the hell is down there? Some day some day we will know….so for now…PRESERVE IT!!