Blackstart Digital acquires IBM's Almaden Research Center in San Jose to repurpose the campus for AI data-center operations.

A former IBM research campus in San Jose, California, is being acquired by data center developer Blackstart Digital. The company has purchased the former IBM Almaden Research Center at 650 Harry Road in a deal expected to close before year-end, according to Mercury News. Terms have not been disclosed.

Blackstart has already filed for environmental review of planned renovations. "For decades, researchers on this hilltop did work that helped make Silicon Valley what it is today," the company said. "Our first goal is simply to put this campus back to work in a way that honors its legacy."

The campus comprises seven buildings across 35 acres, totaling more than 500,000 square feet. The site already operates some data center space and is served by a 25MW substation that Blackstart intends to expand. The company plans to leave more than 500 acres of open space undeveloped.

In August, San Jose City Council voted to rezone the campus as an industrial park, potentially enabling data center development. City staff had noted that multiple real estate executives have discussed development opportunities with planners. The Sierra Club opposed the rezoning due to concerns over data center expansion.

Little public information is available about Blackstart or its specific plans. The California-based company was founded last year by Chadwick Manning, a veteran of renewable energy and power sectors. LinkedIn profiles show other executives include alumni from Digital Realty and Deutsche Telekom, along with several firms linked to Manning. Arman Khalili, founder of Element Critical/Evocative and CEO of Foundation DC, is listed as a partner.

IBM placed the Almaden campus on the market after deciding to relocate staff to its Silicon Valley Lab at 555 Bailey Road in San Jose last year.

The site, launched in 1986, generated numerous innovations including the first inkjet printer prototype, the first hard-disk drive, the relational database, and DVD and Blu-ray encryption. It was also where IBM developed TrueNorth, its brain-inspired neurosynaptic chip.