San Mateo designates Glazenwood neighborhood as historic district

The historic designation means that the contributors in the district — which comprises 39 total properties — must adhere to the architectural style that characterized its historical origins. The neighborhood is a unique early-1920s development of Spanish Colonial Revival homes near the grounds of the old Peninsula Hotel, the former Hayward Mansion, in Hayward Park just south of Central Park.

A 1989 historic survey found the district met the criteria and was thus eligible.

“There was a subsequent discussion before the City Council in 1994 but ultimately no action was taken following that study session,” Community Development Director Zach Dahl said during the council meeting April 20.

The prior and current general plans made reference to it, but those don’t solidify the designation.

In February, the council agreed to move forward with official recognition “to align with the past documented history that existed for this neighborhood,” Dahl said.

The city has undergone a multiyear effort to strengthen its historic districting policies after a controversial renovation project was proposed in the Baywood neighborhood. Part of that has entailed robust study on the process the city will undergo to label districts and structures as historic. When a district is considered historic, significant alterations and renovations must be approved by a reviewing body to ensure the changes adhere to the original architectural standards.

Around 2024, however, after conducting more research and engaging with residents, the city realized there weren’t any records or documentation proving the Glazenwood designation had actually occurred — making downtown the only official historic district. The realization concerned many residents, especially as some homeowners bought their Glazenwood homes under the assumption it was in a historic district.

One public commenter said that he bought a home in Glazenwood last year, “with the understanding that we were buying into a historic district, and we were excited about that.”

Another commenter, Chris Eckert, added that the official designation would catch up to what has already been long-understood by city staff and residents for decades.

“We are not asking for a new designation or a change to the standards. We are asking that you recognize what’s already been settled over the past 30 years,” Eckert said during the meeting.

The council unanimously approved the historic district designation. Currently, the Glazenwood and downtown neighborhoods are the city’s only two official historic districts.