Case Number: SLS No. 03-001
Title: Santa Clara Campus Sun Microsystems, Inc.

Case Files: Case (15 pages)  |  Exhibits

Teaching Note:

• SLS No. 03-002 (7 pages)
• Exhibits
• (Request Access to Teaching Notes and Materials)

Author: Margaret A. (“Sandy”) Sloan, Case Writer; Meg Caldwell, Senior Lecturer

Abstract: This case study tracks Sun Microsystems’ efforts to build a Sun Microsystems campus from the perspective of a land use attorney hired by the Sun Microsystems’ real estate group. After considering three sites, Sun Microsystems selects a state-owned property that once housed a facility for the “developmentally disabled” called the Agnews Developmental Center that contained several historical buildings, along with various non-profit lessees, including a daycare center. Along the way to City Council approval for their development plans, Sun Microsystems must contend with various stakeholders, CEQA compliance, the Office of State Historic Preservation, historical buildings, Ralph M. Brown Act, public/private access, CEQA lawsuit, and a petition to referend the Development Agreement.

Key Words: Santa Clara, Sun Microsystems, California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), CEQA litigation, historic preservation, Ralph M. Brown Act, conservation and historic easements, referendum, development agreements, disposition of state property, stakeholder analysis, site evaluation, charter vs. general law cities, redevelopment