City project
Downtown Parking Garage Project
Replacement of Parking Lot D with a six-story downtown parking garage, with an area reserved for potential future affordable housing.
- Current status
- Major Architectural Review approved by Council action in this meeting.
- Location
- 375 Hamilton Avenue, Palo Alto, CA
September 14, 2026 Major Architectural Review hearing
Staff presented a six-story, 265-space garage replacing the 86-space Lot D surface lot, with a temporary plaza for a future 15-unit affordable-housing site. Staff recommended considering an addendum to the prior EIR and approving Major Architectural Review.
Read related coverageJune 4, 2026 Architectural Review Board recommendation
The Board recommended approval subject to revising or re-evaluating the corner stair flare to preserve a minimum 5-foot pedestrian passage. Discussion also addressed the future housing interface, elevator placement, and future rooftop solar panels.
Read related coverageMay 21, 2026 update
Staff identified the project as an anticipated item for the June 4 meeting.
Read related coverageMay 7, 2026 schedule update
Staff identified the project as planned for an upcoming Architectural Review Board meeting.
Read related coverageApril 16, 2026: Public-art concept and fabrication funding approved
The Commission approved the conceptual design for an integrated stainless-steel artwork depicting locally rare or vulnerable plants, plus up to $237,000 for fabrication and delivery. Material details, including colored concrete or mesh behind the artwork, remain under development.
Read related coverageDecember 4, 2025 preliminary architectural review
Staff presented a six-story, 266-space garage proposal replacing 86 existing Lot D spaces, with 25 spaces intended for potential future affordable housing and a temporary plaza on the reserved housing area. The Board began applicant questions; discussion was not complete in this chunk.
Read related coverageJune 19, 2025: Conceptual art-design funding approved
The garage concept was reduced in scale and no longer extends to the Waverly frontage. The Commission funded renewed conceptual design by the previously selected artist.
Read related coverageApril 14, 2025 City Council next-stage approval
The liaison reported that City Council approved the project's next stages on April 14, 2025.
Read related coverageApril 14, 2025: Council selects Option 1A for preliminary design and environmental review
Council selected Option 1A: a six-level, 274-space garage with separately accessed space on Waverley Street reserved for future affordable housing.
Read related coverageDecember 9, 2024 status update
Staff reported that Council had approved a design contract the prior week and that work would start shortly.
Read related coverageDecember 2, 2024 contract approval
Council approved contract C25193007 with Watry Design, Inc. for design, environmental review, and construction-administration services.
Read related coverage
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