6-story offices, teen center, moves ahead in Redwood City

Staff and applicant research found there would be no substantial adverse changes to the adjacent district, Project Planner William Chui said.

“The project does not cause adverse change because it is located across the street, does not demolish, destroy, relocate or alter any of the physical characteristics of the historic district,” Chui said at the meeting.

With El Camino Real as a significant buffer, the project will have no physical effect on the historic site. Additionally, the facets of the high school that qualify the district to be historically recognized are significantly far away in distance from the project site, separated by a large field, mitigating any concern for visual blight.

Plans for the 305,225-square-foot mixed-use space will include the majority dedicated to office, 2,548 square feet of retail and a 6,500-square-foot teen center. Between the office building and the teen center would be a 4,000 square foot public space to be called the ‘Chrysanthemum Plaza” meant to honor the Japanese American flower growers who gained the city the title of “Chrysanthemum Capital of the World” before the internment during World War II. 

The development also includes associated off-site affordable housing to be constructed at 920 Shasta St. With the Historic Resources Advisory Committee recommendation and that of the Architectural Advisory Committee made May 2, 2024, the Redwood City Planning Commission will review the project next.