Move-in begins for Middlefield Junction in Redwood City

“When you think about the day of the fire, that was devastating for so many people,” Gauthier said, whose district represents North Fair Oaks. “I could only imagine dreams were shattered that day because move-in would be delayed.” 

The affordable housing development, located at 2700 Middlefield Road, was under construction for a year when the fire occurred. Response teams, developers and the county have worked tirelessly to bring the units live as quickly and safely as possible. Move-in for the first building was only delayed by eight months. 

The focus of everyone involved was to make sure it was “delayed, but not denied,” Gauthier said. 

“I can only imagine the families packing up ready to move in next week to a brand-new unit, a brand-new building,” Gauthier said. “They can be proud of what has been put into this building.” 

Gauthier, who was elected the District 4 supervisor in 2024, inherited this project that was championed by former Supervisor Warren Slocum. She spoke of the pride she feels in his work and her role in bringing affordable units to families.

North Fair Oaks, the unincorporated area near Redwood City, is home to a diverse population of residents that have dealt with the consequences of gentrification and growing costs of living. The addition of a major development that will offer 179 affordable units is critical, Gauthier said.

The development includes on-site child care services, and its location near a major transit center and a health care facility is a major facet of the site. 

“Those things in close proximity, that’s what it looks like to come together in community for intentional affordable housing,” Gauthier said. 

The $155 million development includes two buildings. Monday’s move-in is for the five-story building with 75 apartments and a new child care center for three dozen infants and toddlers. The second, a six-story building with 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 need for affordable housing throughout the county is vast. Mercy Housing received more than 2,000 applications for the 179 units, which showcases the need for developments such as Middlefield Junction, Gauthier said. 

“We can see the finish line,” Gauthier said. “Some of our team has already crossed, and they’re wrapping up work on the rest of Building 2 so the rest can too.”