Groundbreaking For 11 El Camino Real, San Carlos

Construction has officially started following the groundbreaking ceremony at 11 El Camino Real in San Carlos, San Mateo County. The project is replacing a former CVS pharmacy with over two hundred rental apartments between the Belmont and San Carlos Caltrain Stations. SummerHill Apartment Communities is the project developer.

Sara McDowell, former mayor and current Councilmember, stated for the event, “The groundbreaking for 11 El Camino Real, which will become our city’s largest housing development to date, will create 251 new homes in San Carlos, including 38 essential affordable homes at various income levels.”

11 El Camino Real pedestrian view, rendering by KTGY

The 78-foot-tall structure is expected to yield around 393,000 square feet, including just over a quarter million square feet of housing, 12,800 square feet for amenities, and 128,400 square feet for the garage. Parking will be provided for 84 bicycles and 292 cars across the first floor and basement. Unit sizes will vary, with 4 studios, 163 one-bedrooms, 73 two-bedrooms, and 11 three-bedrooms.

KTGY is the project architect. “Our goal with 11 El Camino Real was to design a community that feels rooted in its setting and welcoming to its neighbors,” said Lily Ciammaichella, associate principal at KTGY. “The development brings new housing and amenities to a key stretch of the corridor while contributing to a more connected, walkable environment.” The podium-style building will be clad with lap siding, stucco, brick veneer, and concrete panels.

11 El Camino Real sidewalk activity, rendering by KTGY

Jett is overseeing the landscape architecture. The residential floors will conform around tw podium-top courtyards to form a 6-shaped floor plate. Residential amenities will include a pool deck, clubroom, fitness center, and lounge.

The 2.2-acre parcel is located between El Camino Real and the Caltrain tracks, across from a strip mall and just over half a mile from both the Belmont and San Carlos Caltrain Stations. To reach either transit stop, future residents would be roughly 4 minutes by bicycle and 15 minutes on foot away.

11 El Camino Real pre-demolition, image by Google Street View

With construction now underway, completion is expected as early as 2028.

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