Have you heard the news? The Fry’s Electronics store in San Jose, which closed down a couple of years ago, is set to serve a brand new purpose! While plans for a massive office campus on the site take a break, a portion of the iconic Fry’s building is now available for lease. This exciting opportunity is being led by brokers Phil Mahoney and Joe Kelly of Newmark, a well-known commercial real estate firm.
A New Beginning for the Fry’s Building
The one-time Fry’s Electronics building, with its magnificent entrance reminiscent of a Mayan temple, is not going to be bulldozed just yet. Instead, this architectural gem will possibly be transformed into industrial, logistics, or light manufacturing space. Newmark is offering up to 124,000 square feet of warehouse space for lease, making it an excellent opportunity for businesses looking for a unique and versatile location.
Image Source: Bay Area News Group
The Charm of the Fry’s Building
With a total size of 293,900 square feet and occupying 19.7 acres, the Fry’s building has more to offer than meets the eye. It once housed the beloved consumer electronics superstore, a warehouse, and even the corporate headquarters for Fry’s and the San Jose Sabercats arena football team. The impressive facade, designed to resemble a Mayan temple found in Mexico’s ancient city of Chichen Itza, adds a touch of grandeur to the property. The building has been a part of San Jose since its opening in 1996 and remained a landmark until the closure of the Fry’s Electronics chain in 2021.
A Tech Campus on the Horizon
While the fate of the Fry’s building is being decided, plans for a nearby tech campus have already received approval from city officials. This ambitious project, spearheaded by Bay West Development, aims to create a state-of-the-art tech campus spanning a whopping 1.92 million square feet. The campus will consist of seven eight-story buildings, providing ample space for innovation and collaboration. However, due to the uncertainties caused by the pandemic, construction has yet to begin.
Image Source: Gensler
The Shifting Landscape of the Bay Area Office Market
In the wake of the pandemic, the Bay Area office market has experienced significant changes. Tech companies have been forced to reassess their office space needs, resulting in job cuts and a reduction in leased spaces. As a result, the demand for traditional office spaces has decreased. On the flip side, industrial, warehouse, and manufacturing buildings have seen a surge in popularity. Conveniently located near the interchange of Interstate 880 and East Brokaw Road, the Fry’s site in North San Jose offers easy freeway access, making it an attractive option for businesses.
Your Opportunity Awaits
Exciting times lie ahead for the iconic Fry’s Electronics building in San Jose. With its rich history, unique design, and versatile leasing options, it’s no wonder that there’s a lot of interest surrounding this space. So, if you’re in the market for a distinctive and accessible location for your business, look no further. Explore the possibilities and get in touch with Mahoney and Kelly at Newmark to secure your spot in this one-of-a-kind building.
