Partly cloudy skies early will give way to cloudy skies late. Low 54F. W winds at 10 to 20 mph, decreasing to less than 5 mph..
Partly cloudy skies early will give way to cloudy skies late. Low 54F. W winds at 10 to 20 mph, decreasing to less than 5 mph.
Updated: April 8, 2026 @ 5:52 pm
An eight-alarm fire destroyed one of the two buildings at the development known as Middlefield Junction in just three hours on June 3, 2024.
A year after a massive fire at an affordable housing complex under construction in North Fair Oaks destroyed a six-story building, the development is nearing completion and close to welcoming 179 families home.
The affordable housing development, located at 2700 Middlefield Road, was in the works for a year when a huge fire engulfed all six floors of the larger of two apartment buildings under construction, prompting the largest fire response in recent county history.
The eight-alarm fire destroyed one of the two buildings at the development known as Middlefield Junction in just three hours on June 3, 2024. However, efforts by nonprofit developer Mercy Housing and the construction team have made it so the $155 million development is set to bring a large supply of affordable units to unincorporated San Mateo County just six months later than initially planned.
“Someone told me the other day that the fire was a year ago,” Project Manager Elena Palacios said in a press release. “I’ve been in the trenches of it all, and I didn’t realize how fast time has gone by.”
The $155 million development includes two buildings. The first is a five-story building with 75 apartments and a new child care center for three dozen infants and toddlers. The second, 104 apartments, was the building destroyed by the fire. The units are split between one-, two-, and three-bedrooms reserved for residents earning between 15% and 80% of the area median income.
The smaller building — which sustained only minor heat damage last year — is expecting residents to move in this August.
Located in the county’s District 4, former Supervisors Warren Slocum was a key proponent of pushing the project forward. Now, Supervisor Lisa Gautheir applauds the efforts taken to make sure the units are brought online as soon as possible.
“To see Middlefield Junction rising again after such a devastating setback is truly inspiring,” Gauthier said in a statement. “This project began more before my time and is the result of the vision and dedication of those who came before me.”
More than 2,000 applications were filed for apartment units at Middlefield Junction, according to Mercy Housing, demonstrating the great need for affordable housing in the area.
“In the middle of a housing crisis, this development is more than just new buildings; it’s hope,” Gauthier said in a statement. “I look forward to the day families move in, because when people are housed, our entire community thrives.”
(65) 344-5200 ext. 106
Daily Journal staff
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