Living, Working, Dining, Shopping at the Gateway of Menlo Park
RENTAL HOUSING TO MEET REGIONAL HOUSING NEEDS
TASTEFUL DESIGN IN KEEPING WITH MENLO PARK'S VILLAGE CHARACTER
LIMITED OFFICE SPACE LOCATED ON THE PROJECT'S SOUTHERN END
ADJACENT TO THE STANFORD PARK HOTEL.
CAREFULLY SELECTED RETAIL BUSINESSES CENTERED AROUND A PUBLICALLY ACCESSIBLE YET PRIVATELY MAINTAINED PUBLIC PLAZA
Learn More, Ask Questions, Provide Feedback at Our November Open House
SITE LOCATION
HISTORY
Stanford trustees are granted ownership over four parcels of land at the site that would become 500 El Camino Real.
Stanford enters into long-term commercial lease agreements with automakers, designating its parcels on El Camino real as auto dealerships for Ford and General Motors until 2013.
The City of Menlo Park embarks on a visioning process to define its priorities for growth. This process paves the way for the creation of the El Camino Real/Downtown Specific Plan, which was approved in 2012 and reaffirmed by the City Council in 2013 and the voters in 2014. It includes the parcels comprising the 500 El Camino Project. Stanford was long an active participant in this process.
The last of Stanford’s long-term leases expires and the university continues efforts to redevelop the parcels, under the vision of the Specific Plan and into a one cohesive project with community benefits.
THE SITE TODAY 2015
LISTENING TO THE COMMUNITY
We have spent two years listening to the community and learning what the residents and city officials of Menlo Park envision for the future of this site. When the community objected to the designs originally submitted for review, Stanford restarted the process to better match its proposal with a design that is supported by the community and better aligned with the character of Menlo Park.
WHAT WE HEARD
Residents are deeply invested in the future of Menlo Park, and they support a transformation of the site at 500 El Camino Real that’s thoughtfully done and community oriented. Input focused on the project supporting:
Outdoor seating that’s accessible and easy to spend time in with friends and family
Landscape that’s peaceful and promotes more time outdoors
Activities and events that are fun and dynamic
Great restaurants or other retail options that are accessible during the week or on the weekends
THE FUTURE
Introducing a multi-purpose project that aligns with the character of Menlo Park and offers a community gathering spot for the benefit of all who live in, work or visit the area.
MIDDLE PLAZA AT 500 EL CAMINO REAL SITE MAP
Hover over the icons in the map below to learn more about this project's features
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As envisioned by the El Camino/Downtown Specific Plan, the project will include approximately 145,000 square feet of commercial office space. This is less than 40 percent of the project’s total size and will occupy primarily the southern end of the site near Cambridge Avenue and the Stanford Park Hotel. The site is located in close proximity to both Menlo Park and Palo Alto Caltrain stations and other transit options. No medical professional offices are proposed.
Middle Plaza will offer approximately 215 rental housing units, including Below Market Rate options, designed to fit with the character of the surrounding community. With easy access to underground parking, nearby transit options and the project’s pedestrian pathways, the homes at Middle Plaza will provide easy access to Menlo Park’s retail districts, jobs and schools in the community and beyond.
Middle Plaza anchors this project around an expanded, outdoor gathering place that will be publically accessible, but privately owned and maintained. Situated at the intersection of ECR and Middle Ave. at the project’s northern end, the plaza is located close to parking and pedestrian and bicycle access and provides ample opportunities for residents and visitors to grab a bite to eat at a nearby restaurant, sit outside and enjoy.
The project will include a variety of retail options in the 10,000 square feet of space concentrated around Middle Plaza at Middle Avenue and El Camino Real. Retail options will be handpicked to match the community’s tastes, retail needs and will include a variety of upscale and casual eateries with outdoor seating on the public plaza.
