Hitachi Global Storage Technologies (Hitachi GST) was formed on January 1, 2003 when Hitachi, Ltd. combined its own hard disk drive operation with the acquired IBM hard disk drive business. Hitachi GST is continuing all current local operations (including its corporate headquarters, research, development and technology manufacturing functions) in the City of San Jose. This required a workplace plan that effectively supported these operations and was economically feasible.

This workplace plan included two major elements. The first was the relocation of the Hitachi GST research function and the corporate headquarters function to its current location at 3403 Yerba Buena Road in San Jose. The second element was a major repositioning of the facilities at the 5600 Cottle Road site in San Jose.

On February 19, 2004, Hitachi GST submitted to the City of San Jose, California, an application for an Amendment to the General Plan (GPA), specific to the property at 5600 Cottle Road, San Jose. This application was the beginning of the master planning process for the site, and indicated to the city that Hitachi GST proposed changes to the zoning of the site from industrial-only use to a mix of industrial, residential and commercial uses. On April 8, 2004, Hitachi GST continued the master planning process by submitting the Planned Development Zoning application.

The Planned Development Zoning application proposed that the Cottle Road property be rezoned from 332 acres of industrial property (including roads and a PG&E substation) to approximately 148 acres of industrial, 145 acres of residential and commercial, and 38 acres of roads and PG&E substation.

Hitachi GST proposed the rezoning and development of the Cottle Road site in a manner that was intended to be beneficial to all major stakeholders in the San Jose community. Successful conclusion of the approval process enabled Hitachi GST to maintain current operations in San Jose as well as to provide land for the development of a significant new mixed-use neighborhood. Such development is being done in a manner consistent with the City's smart growth, economic development and fiscal objectives. The strategic location of the Cottle Road site lends itself to a true mixed use, transit-oriented urban village — a self-sustaining neighborhood with a strong employment base, retail opportunities, housing near key transit options (CalTrain, Light Rail and two major freeways are nearby) and community amenities, including open space.

On June 21, 2005, the City Council of the City of San Jose unanimously approved Hitachi GST’s application for the General Plan Amendment and Planned Development Zoning allowing for the redevelopment of Hitachi GST facilities and the development of a mixed-use transit village.

Hitachi GST selected Signature Properties, a well-regarded master developer of mixed-use projects throughout the Bay Area, as the master developer for the mixed-use transit village. Hitachi GST, along with Signature Properties, submitted an application for a Master Planned Development Permit and Tentative Map to the City of San Jose. This application was the first in a series of development permit phases. The initial phase allowed Hitachi GST to start the campus consolidation process and begin the public realm infrastructure improvements.

As the master planning process continues, Hitachi GST, Signature Properties and the City of San Jose will ensure that future development is in accordance with a well-conceived and comprehensive overall plan. The result will be consistently pleasing in appearance and ambience, as well as efficient and effective in delivering needed retail services and community amenities in the Edenvale area in addition to new housing opportunities.

In an on-going effort to provide information and facilitate community input, Hitachi GST will maintain this website during the permitting process. In addition to an overview of the approved project, other information available on this website includes a fact sheet and links to published media articles related to the General Plan Amendment and Planned Development Zoning, as well as a comprehensive Q&A section related to the project.

Contact with Hitachi GST relative to the project should be directed to: 
David Koury, david.koury@hitachigst.com / 408-717-5576

Media inquiries should be directed to: 
Kevin Kimball, VP of Communications kevin.kimball@hgst.com / 408-717-5400