Redwood City studies greater downtown area

The focus area of the plan builds upon the downtown core, which has been the focus of development and attention in the past decade. The updated Greater Downtown Area Plan expands upon that core into six nearby districts. 

The expanded focus area includes the Centennial and Stambaugh-Heller residential neighborhoods, the transit district surrounding the Caltrain station, the mixed-use district south of the transit district, the area north of downtown including Redwood Creek, and the eastern corner which is deemed as the innovation and incubation district. 

The focus area is largely bound by Highway 101 and El Camino Real, and Whipple Avenue and Woodside Road — however, councilmembers hope the plan will also consider how those living beyond the project scope can still be connected to the core downtown area. 

Multiple councilmembers said too often it feels as though Woodside Road is a great divider in the city that limits access to the main downtown area. 

“It can feel like there is a flaming sword at Woodside and it can feel like nothing comes east of Woodside,” Councilmember Isabella Chu said.

The expanded focus area includes the Centennial and Stambaugh-Heller residential neighborhoods, the transit district surrounding the Caltrain station, the mixed-use district south of the transit district, the area north of downtown including Redwood Creek, and the eastern corner, which is deemed as the innovation and incubation district.

The innovation and incubation district is envisioned to be a mixed-use employment district that would be suitable for startups, creative businesses or even entertainment and nightlife. The transit district would be apt for high-density residential mixed-use buildings that bring in commuters to the central downtown, according to a staff report. 

The residential districts seek to preserve the existing and historical homes, but consider intentionally placed midrise developments in strategic locations, such as along Brewster Avenue, Arguello Street or Broadway. These neighborhoods will also be looked at to establish neighborhood amenities and open spaces.

The scope of the work is grand and ambitious. Councilmember Jeff Gee said while planning will always help, he hopes the city approves a plan that can truly come to fruition. 

“We can plan forever and never get anything done, and we need to do both,” Gee said.

In addition to strategizing the best land use zones and permitted densities for the various neighborhoods near downtown, the plan also looks to establish a network of public spaces that “offers more equitable access to open space” throughout the project area. 

A particular focus in the plan is establishing Redwood Creek as a signature community space within the north of downtown district. 

Though many councilmembers said they hope the city can incorporate more small neighborhood parks, Principal Planner John Francis said the options are sparse. 

“Land available for new parks within the planning area is extraordinarily limited, especially land the city owns,” Francis said. “We’re trying to be creative.” 

Redwood City Mayor Elmer Martínez Saballos said the Greater Downtown Area Plan will help bring the city through the next quarter century and looks forward to working with various stakeholders on refining the document. 

“I think this is going to be something that all of us look back on with great pride as something we did together,” Martínez Saballos said. 

The plan won’t be finalized, with an environmental review conducted, until late 2027 or early 2028.