Goodwill of Silicon Valley acquires office building near San Jose Mineta International Airport
New facility is part of expansion, renovation plans Acquisition aided by 2020 $10 million gift from MacKenzie Scott
SAN JOSE – (Jan. 9, 2025) – Goodwill of Silicon Valley, a charitable organization dedicated to improving job opportunities and the standards of living for those facing employment barriers, announced today the acquisition of a vacant office building in San Jose at 1600 Technology Drive.
The building will house Goodwill’s headquarters and an array of innovative job training and employment opportunity services, including the Career Technical Education (CTE) Program, which provides no-cost skills training to help a variety of local residents – veterans, individuals with disabilities, previously incarcerated and unhoused individuals – in their efforts to achieve self-sufficiency and secure long-term employment.
Goodwill of Silicon Valley offices and training programs are currently housed in a 75-year-old warehouse complex on North Seventh Street. The aging facility, which once was a Levi Strauss manufacturing plant, also serves as a hub for collecting, sorting and distributing donated goods for its network of thrift stores. Proceeds from these sales help fund Goodwill’s workforce training programs.
“Goodwill of Silicon Valley’s mission to help people overcome employment barriers is at the heart of this real estate decision,” said Erik Hallgrimson, Chairman of the Board of Goodwill Silicon Valley. “Our new headquarters will enable us to fulfill our mission more efficiently, befitting our immediate and future needs. The dramatic decline in office-building values post-Covid presented us with an opportunity we never thought possible and one that will serve us well over the next several decades.’’
The eight-story, 198,033-square-foot building was acquired by Goodwill of Silicon Valley for $17 million.
Goodwill of Silicon Valley intends to immediately begin relocating its administrative and programmatic operations to the new building on Technology Drive, with the intention of using any vacant space there to house other local nonprofit organizations.
Meanwhile, Goodwill of Silicon Valley plans to construct a new, state-of-the-art warehouse facility within three years, replacing its current operations on North Seventh Street, which no longer accommodates the organization’s growth. The new warehouse facility will incorporate new equipment and advanced technology to enhance efficiency and sustainability.
“We are deeply grateful for the incredible support we’ve received from the community, city, state and federal partners in recent years,’ said Chris Baker, acting Chief Executive Officer of Goodwill of Silicon Valley. “Thanks to this support, combined with fiscal prudence and close attention to operational details, we are in a strong financial position to make this acquisition, which will benefit the community for years to come.’’
Baker also noted that in 2020, Goodwill of Silicon Valley received an unsolicited $10 million donation from author and philanthropist MacKenzie Scott – the largest single gift ever received in the organization’s history. He said that gift is allowing Goodwill to make the office-building purchase, as it continues to develop and expand innovative programs tailored to the needs of Silicon Valley residents.
“Silicon Valley is a special place, and Goodwill is fully committed to growing our footprint so we can deliver the job training and supportive services that give everyone an opportunity to succeed,” Baker said. “We are excited and eager to move into our new HQ to make an impact on the lives of those we serve.”
About Goodwill of Silicon Valley
Founded in 1928, Goodwill of Silicon Valley is dedicated to improving employment opportunities, increasing standards of living and supporting economic independence. The nonprofit provides an array of services that include workforce creation, vocational training, and environmental stewardship. With 17 retail stores throughout Silicon Valley, an online store, an extensive reuse/recycling operation, and many other progressive programs, Goodwill of Silicon Valley helps people overcome barriers to employment and build sustainable livelihoods. For more information, please visit www.goodwillsv.org.
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