Construction has started for Eucalyptus Grove, an affordable housing complex rising at 1875 California Drive in Burlingame, San Mateo County. The property will bring several dozen new apartments near El Camino Real and a five-minute walk from the Millbrae Transit Station. CRP Affordable is the project sponsor.
Eucalyptus Grove groundbreaking, image courtesy the City of Burlingame
The developer used Senate Bill 35 and the State Density Bonus program to increase residential capacity and streamline approval. SB35 allowed the project to gain approval without the need for a public hearing because the base project conformed with the city’s zoning code. In a public statement, the city shared that 18 of the 69 units will be designated for homeless veterans.
Once complete, the 83-foot tall structure will yield around 79,900 square feet with 53,110 square feet of apartments, 9,260 square feet for the 22-car garage, 320 square feet for storing 36 bicycles, and additional area for circulation, amenities, and mechanical functions. Residents will have access to laundry, community spaces, and a clubroom beside the 3,700-square-foot inner courtyard. Unit sizes will vary, with seven studios, 21 one-bedrooms, 21 two-bedrooms, and 20 three-bedrooms.
Eucalyptus Grove at 1875 California Drive view from across California Drive, rendering by Studio T-Square
Studio T-Square is the project architect. Facade materials will include stucco, Hardie fiber cement, and smooth fiber cement panels with alternating colors of grey, white, beige, and rust-tone accents. Renderings show the project will be a quiet contributor to the area’s built environment, with a less-then-obtrusive articulated exterior design.
Jett Landscape Architecture + Design is responsible for designing the open space and courtyards. The streetscape will feature improvements with six trees, planting areas, and improved sidewalk surfaces. The podium-capping courtyard will include a playground space, seating, and an outdoor dining area. Room for a community garden is available, though not included in the project plans at this period.
Eucalyptus Grove at 1875 California Drive pedestrian perspective, rendering by Studio T-Square
Eucalyptus Grove at 1875 California Drive second level floor plan, rendering by Studio T-Square
Ironcore Construction is the general contractor. John Stewart Company will be the property manager, and Abode will provide residential services.
The 0.36-acre parcel is at the corner of California and Murchison Drive, in an area dominated by apartments, strip malls, offices, and the very wide El Camino Real. One block south of the affordable project, Carmel Partners has started vertical construction of the future eight-story residential infill at 1766 El Camino Real.
Demolition crews have already removed the former car wash, which has been vacant since at least 2011, the first year Google Street View documented the site. Construction is expected to cost around $74 million and be finished between late 2025 and 2026.
Subscribe to YIMBY’s daily e-mail
Follow YIMBYgram for real-time photo updates
Like YIMBY on Facebook
Follow YIMBY’s Twitter for the latest in YIMBYnews
That’s a good program for veterans who are homeless