Former San Jose Baseball site, now Google Downtown West
As the Real Estate Manager for the San Jose Redevelopment Agency, Bob Staedler spearheaded the acquisition of a significant 12-acre parcel intended for a potential Athletics ballpark. Demonstrating exceptional strategic acumen, Bob devised a plan to leverage the Agency`s assets, orchestrating their sale to secure the necessary funds for the purchase of the coveted Diridon Area property.While the relocation of the Athletics to San Jose did not materialize, this turn of events proved fortuitous for the future of the Diridon Station Area. In a twist of fate, Major League Baseball`s decision not to proceed with the relocation paved the way for new opportunities to unfold.
In a remarkable development, technology giant Google expressed keen interest in developing a transit-oriented campus in the very same area. Recognizing the immense potential, the City made the decision to sell the property to Google, enabling the realization of their visionary Downtown West project. Spanning an impressive 7.3 million square feet and with a staggering investment of $19 billion, the Downtown West project promises to transform the Diridon Station Area into a bustling hub of innovation, commerce, and community.Bob Staedler`s astute leadership and strategic decision-making played a crucial role in laying the foundation for this transformative project. While the Athletics` relocation plans did not materialize, the subsequent sale of the property to Google signifies a bright and prosperous future for the Diridon Station Area, ensuring its evolution into a dynamic and vibrant destination at the intersection of technology, transportation, and urban development.