By Lorraine Gabbert
Publication Date: 2026-10-01 15:30:00
The former IBM Almaden Research Center in the rolling hills of Coyote Valley has a buyer.
Blackstart Digital — a data center development and investment firm focused on sustainable redevelopment — has entered into an agreement to acquire the historic campus in South San Jose, according to land use consultant Erik Schoennauer, who represents IBM. The agreement is expected to close by the end of the year.
In August, the San Jose City Council rezoned the property — which prompted concern from residents and environmental advocates about attracting more data centers to the region before uniform standards are in place.
The property includes seven buildings containing more than 500,000 square feet within a 35-acre industrial park. A company spokesperson said Blackstart Digital doesn’t intend to develop the surrounding 565 acres of open space, knowing how much the trails and hillsides mean to the community.
“For decades, researchers on this hilltop did work that helped make…
