About the Project

The project plans can be viewed here: 11 El Camino Real Project Plans

Existing Conditions: The project site is located at 11 El Camino Real on an approximately 2.2-acre parcel located across from Spring Street. Surrounding uses include San Carlos Plaza to the south, a vacant San Mateo County-owned parcel to the north, the complete Hyatt Place hotel as well as Woodcraft Supply store across El Camino Real to the west, and elevated Caltrain tracks on a berm to the east. The property is currently occupied by an approximately 28,000-square-foot CVS Pharmacy store and associated parking.

Project Description: The 11 El Camino Real project proposes to redevelop an underutilized auto-centric site into a vibrant 242-unit development in a transit and service-rich location, catalyzing the transformation of an existing commercial district into an enlivened and walkable mixed-use neighborhood. This proposal is the largest multifamily development ever presented in the City under the updated zoning code and Housing Element.  Within this development, 15% of the units will be designated as deed-restricted below-market-rate units (BMR), comprising 24 units affordable to very low-income households and 12 units affordable to low-income households.

The project includes an underground parking area offering 297 spaces, which includes 14 visitor stalls and three loading stalls. The entire building will operate on all electric power (no gas appliances). The developer has formally submitted requests for two incentives and six waivers from the City’s development standards. 

The project also introduces a comprehensive Transportation Demand Management (TDM) plan to achieve the targeted 20% reduction in drive-alone vehicular trips. The project intends to leverage incentives, concessions, and waivers permissible under the State density bonus law. 

The architectural design for 11 El Camino Real seeks to take full advantage of the opportunities presented by its prominent Grand Boulevard frontage and unique site conditions to create a compelling yet integrated new residential community. The carefully crafted and thoughtfully articulated building form responds to its context by establishing a pedestrian-oriented street facade, terracing the ground level uses to follow the sloping terrain, and featuring architectural variations to mimic the rolling San Carlos hills. This includes significant horizontal stepbacks from all property lines at its upper levels, with the tallest masses concentrated inward to minimize perceived mass from adjacent public vantage points.

While the El Camino Real frontage tops out at a maximum of 5 stories, the building increases to 6 stories beyond a large step back from El Camino Real. Other strategically planned step-backs on all 4-sides of the top floor further diminish the perception of the overall building height from the ground. A variety of high-quality exterior materials in a warm and timeless palette are incorporated throughout the design, including tactile, durable materials to anchor the base of the building to the ground, strategically composed accents, and the use of texture and special detailing on the most visible corner elements.

Project Status

The Planning and Transportation Commission, at its Monday, September 18, 2023, meeting, unanimously approved the proposed 242-unit residential rental development at 11 El Camino Real (the CVS site). The Planning and Transportation Commission is the final decision-making body for this proposed development unless appealed within 10 days (September 28, 2023) from approval to the San Carlos City Council. There were no appeals received for this project.

Project Documents

Project Plans

Initial Study Environmental Documents (CEQA In-fill Exemption)

Initial Study
Appendix A: Air Quality and Greenhouse Gas Assessment
Appendix B: Arborist Report 
Appendix C: Biological Resources Report
Appendix D: Geotechnical Engineering Report
Appendix E: Phase I and Phase II ESA
Appendix F: Noise and Vibration Assessment
Appendix G: Transportation Analysis
Appendix H: Cultural Resources Report is Confidential

Contact

City: Rucha Dande, Senior Planner, rdande@cityofsancarlos.org or planning@cityofsancarlos.org
Summerhill Apartment Communities: Richard Norris, Director of Development, RNorris@shapartments.com