A fire on the site of the deserted IBM 25 Building has substantially damaged it. Arson is suspected. The irony of the timing is that after six years of controversy and legal battles--in which PAC-SJ has contended that a proposed new big box Lowe's store could share the 18-acre site with the historic building* or could build nearby-- the parties were on the verge of settlement. "This is devastating, in every sense of the word," said PAC-SJ Interim Executive Director Brian Grayson. "We have worked for years to save this iconic building that reflects not only architectural innovation and excellence but Silicon Valley's high-tech heritage. We are obviously very concerned at the recent losses of a number of the City's historic buildings by fire and look forward to working with the City to change this pattern."
The National Trust for Historic Preservation opposed the demolition of IBM Building 25 throughout the City approval processes for the Lowe's project, and was part of the successful court case, acting as an amicus. "We are saddened by the loss of this building of great architectural and cultural significance on a national level of importance," said Anthea Hartig, Director of the Western Office of the National Trust.
"Despite this terrible fire, the settlement that we have all been working on for months should proceed." said PAC-SJ attorney Susan Brandt-Hawley. "We expect that there will be a reconstruction of a portion of IBM Building 25 that can tell the story of its fascinating past. We know the City is making efforts to salvage the historic fabric from the fire site as much as is feasible."
Photographs by Franklin Maggi, March 8, 2008
* See PAC-SJ v. City of San Jose (2006) 141 Cal.App.4th 1336.