Food bank buys big chunk of empty land in Alviso district of San Jose

SAN JOSE — Second Harvest of Silicon Valley has bought a big chunk of empty land in San Jose that is next to a choice site where the high-profile food bank aims to establish its future headquarters.

The nonprofit has paid $13 million for a vacant land site near the corner of North First Street and Nortech Parkway in north San Jose’s Alviso district, according to documents filed on June 27 with the Santa Clara County Recorder’s Office.

The parcel is adjacent to the 4553 North First Street property where Second Harvest is developing a new headquarters that’s expected to total 215,700 square feet.

Second Harvest bought a 5.8-acre site of undeveloped land that could provide significant flexibility in how the nonprofit operates at its anticipated headquarters complex.

“This additional space will not materially change the current building design or construction plans,” said Diana Baker Hayward, a spokesperson for Second Harvest Silicon Valley. “It offers us the flexibility to optimize our operations, decrease our carbon footprint over time, and flex during emergencies.”

Second Harvest bought its future headquarters site in 2022, paying $37.2 million for the 4553 North First property, which is also undeveloped.

The food bank’s plans for the additional acreage won’t increase the number of employees planned for the site and won’t add to the number of vehicles expected to operate at the headquarters complex.

“The extra space improves the safe and efficient movement of trucks and food behind the building while also creating space for future sustainability investments like expanded solar capacity and fleet electrification,” Hayward said.

These outcomes could greatly cut environmental impacts and long-term operating costs, according to the food bank.

At one point, the just-sold property was slated to become part of an entertainment district of shops, restaurants, hotels and open spaces that were to be anchored by the Top Golf sports and dining hub.

Over the years, only the Top Golf component of the entertainment district has materialized. The other elements have evaporated, victims of the coronavirus outbreak and the faltering prospects for hotels.

In the face of these and other economic challenges, officials with Second Harvest of Silicon Valley foresee steady demand for the nonprofit’s services and programs.

“At a time when food insecurity remains at record levels and public safety net programs are increasingly at risk, we are committed to long-term solutions that allow us to serve our community’s growing and changing needs with greater impact, efficiency and sustainability,” Hayward said.