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Mountain View has seen a handful of proposals for rowhouse developments in the past year, all modest in size. That changed last week with a developer seeking to construct nearly 200 rowhouses in the East Whisman neighborhood, a part of the city slated for major housing growth.
The developer, Brian Griggs of Griggs Resource Group, wants to build 195 rowhouses on a 10-acre site, replacing two vacant commercial buildings at 515 and 545 North Whisman Road. If the project gets built, it would provide opportunities for home ownership at a cheaper price point than typical single family residences. Housing affordability has been identified as a priority for the city.
The developers met with city staff last week to review the project plans during a Design Review Consultation, which are public hearings that provide feedback on the architecture and design of development projects.
“This is one of the largest rowhouse projects that we’ve seen in a number of years,” Deputy Zoning Administrator Rebecca Shapiro said at the Nov. 5 meeting.
The project plan shows a slate of rowhouses spread across 30 buildings on the east side of North Whisman Road between Evandale and Murlagan avenues. The three-story homes would have three or four bedrooms each and include garages. Forty-six of the homes have been set aside as below market-rate units, which are sold at more affordable prices to lower-income buyers.
David Burton, the project architect, described efforts to lay out the buildings as continuous blocks, maintaining walkability and bicycle connections so that residents from surrounding areas could pass through the site easily.
“Continuity of the blocks and continuity of the circulation across North Whisman, (we) really felt that was super important to be consistent with the vision for the area,” Burton said.
The plans also show a mini-park and outdoor walkways.
Currently, there are 319 trees on the site, 146 of which are considered heritage trees. The developer plans to remove all but nine of the heritage trees, as well as 16 street trees. The plan is to then plant 274 new trees.
Lot of trees to kick down. But very nice plan. Daughter has been looking for one of these.
Stop. No. Absolutely not. Too much traffic already.