Architectural Review Board - July 17, 2025

Board seeks refinements to the diagonal Cubberley concept

The Architectural Review Board concluded a study session without a vote after generally supporting further refinement of a diagonal-based concept for the Cubberley Master Plan. Members favored incorporating the linear option’s gathering space and the grid option’s circulation features while requesting more work on parking, vehicle circulation, signage, fire access, trash collection and project phasing.

The 35-acre site includes 8 acres owned by the city and much of the remaining 27 acres leased from the Palo Alto Unified School District. A 2024 memorandum of understanding contemplates the city purchasing another 7 acres, contingent on voter approval of a November 2026 bond measure. Staff said most existing buildings have an effective life of about five more years, leaving renovation versus replacement as a major unresolved issue. The board also called for continued accommodation of existing tenants and major uses, including the Pavilion and the 350-seat theater.

The updated concept includes a widened diagonal promenade, separate bicycle and pedestrian paths, a mobility hub, partially underground parking near Middlefield Road and tennis courts above parking at the rear of the site. Members supported those elements but sought further consideration of the pool’s location and fencing, transit integration, parking access points, programmed courtyards and landscaping.

Staff reported that more than 130 people attended a June 12 community meeting. During the board’s study session, one commenter requested an accessible book-donation area and short-term parking for Friends of the Palo Alto Library operations, while another urged the city to incorporate prevailing wages, apprenticeship standards and jobsite-safety expectations. Staff plans to present one refined concept at a third and final community meeting on Sept. 17, followed by the proposed master plan, cost estimates and phasing scenarios for the community and City Council on Dec. 8.

Board recommends Cedar & Sage redesign in 3-0-2 vote

The Architectural Review Board voted 3-0-2, with two members reported absent, to recommend approval of revised plans for Cedar & Sage at Stanford Shopping Center. The recommendation now goes to the Director of Planning and Development Services, who will consider approval subject to the board’s recommended findings and conditions.

The revised proposal relocates bollards and slightly reduces the patio footprint to provide an eight-foot clear pedestrian path. It also would replace the existing metal canopy with a fixed canopy following the curve of the building façade, retain retractable sun shades and revise the plaster treatment. Board members supported those changes and the proposed operable glass windscreen system.

Gas patio heaters remain in the proposal after the applicant explored electric alternatives. Existing electrical service could support only four electric heaters, while new service was estimated to cost approximately $90,000. Members accepted gas heaters as a reasonable solution but raised a safety concern about the fire feature’s glass windscreen. The applicant said it would consider additional buffering or protection during construction.

Primary sources

Watch the meeting on YouTube · Read the official meeting packet