Detailed plans have been published for the mixed-use redevelopment of the former United States Geological Survey offices at 345 Middlefield Road in Menlo Park, San Mateo County. The property could accommodate hundreds of new apartments and nearly double the office space next to the proposed Parkline masterplan, and be less than half a mile from a potential new skyscraper at 80 Willow Road. Presidio Bay Ventures is responsible for the application.
345 Middlefield Road site plan, illustration courtesy Presidio Bay Ventures
Plans start with the demolition of around 253,000 square feet of office space across 16 existing structures, while Building 15 will be retained, reskinned, and expanded with two additional floors. Between Building 15 and three new office buildings, the developer expects to deliver approximately 729,000 square feet of office space.
Residential construction will produce around 670 dwelling units across three structures. The site includes 101 deed-restricted below-market-rate units, though the affordability range is not specified. Parking will be included for 2,637 cars. The plan set adds that there will be “a shared parking and Transportation Demand Management strategy to reduce vehicle trips and support alternative modes. On-site parking for 1,265 bicycles will be provided for residents, employees, and visitors.
345 Middlefield Road pedestrian view near the expanded Building 15, rendering courtesy Presidio Bay Ventures
345 Middlefield Road Building 15, image via Google Satellite
345 Middlefield Road view of the neighbor’s plaza towards two of the residential buildings, rendering courtesy Presidio Bay Ventures
The masterplan has been designed by Gehl, with Gensler overseeing design, RG Architecture focusing on residential architecture, Studio MLA overseeing the landscape architecture, and Langan overseeing Civil Engineering. The commercial office buildings will be wrapped with a consistent curtain-wall glass and extended solar shades with wood-panel soffits. The residential architecture is defined by a familiar boxy articulation, balconies, and top-floor setbacks.
The landscaping plan integrates a mixed network of streets and pedestrian paths weaving between the buildings. Two larger lawns will serve as neighborhood anchors between apartment complexes and office buildings, with a neighborhood dog park added along Redwood Way.
345 Middlefield Road view from the dog park towards an apartment complex, rendering courtesy Presidio Bay Ventures
345 Middlefield Road, rendering courtesy Presidio Bay Ventures
345 Middlefield Road perspective of the playground between two offices, rendering courtesy Presidio Bay Ventures
Presidio Bay Ventures is the project applicant and developer, working on behalf of the property owner, USGS Menlo Park LLC. The developer describes this project as offering “a rare opportunity to replace static vacancy with lasting community value while preserving and thoughtfully integrating the site’s existing natural landscape.”
The 17.75-acre property is positioned along Middlefield Road directly across from the Saint Patrick’s Seminary & University Campus. The property abuts the current SRI International Headquarters, another sprawling office campus where Lane Partners plans a major mixed-use redevelopment. The proposed 458-foot-tall plan for 80 Willow Road is just a ten-minute walk down Middlefield Road, and Menlo Park Caltrain Station is 20 minutes away on foot or nine minutes by SamTrans bus.
345 Middlefield Road aerial view of the neighborhood context, illustration courtesy Presidio Bay Ventures
The estimated cost and timeline for construction have yet to be shared.
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Yeah, I would like this to happen (this is one of the lowest-density parts of the Bay Area relative to the cost of housing and proximity to jobs), but I will only believe it when I see cranes. This is the ultimate NIMBY fortress.
This does ZERO to help relieve the housing crisis. There’s room for 3,600 desks in the office, yet less than 1100 beds in the housing component. Keep building 15, and build another 1k+ houses rather than office.