City project
Lot T Affordable Housing Project
100% affordable housing development proposed for the City-owned Lot T parking site.
- Current status
- Exclusive negotiating agreement and revised design planned for 2025.
- Location
- Downtown surface parking Lot T, Palo Alto, CA
August 13, 2026 update
Alta Housing reported work with the City on plans and a fast-tracked permit process, while exploring added density through ADUs on its Palo Alto properties.
Read related coverageMay 7, 2026 Architectural Review Board study session
The Architectural Review Board conducted a study session and advised further work on the garage entrance and loading, building massing and future light-and-air conditions, facade detailing, color, window design, and resident amenities.
Read related coverageMarch 19, 2026 update
Staff anticipated bringing the project forward at the April 16, 2026 meeting.
Read related coverageNovember 17, 2025: Conceptual scenarios and future RFP feedback
Council discussed a range centered on Scenarios 2 and 3, including height, unit count, parking, financing, creek setback, and potential resident populations. Staff said it would prepare an RFP with a range of options and return it to Council for review.
Read related coverageOctober 22, 2025 design and financing update
Council reviewed three design alternatives and generally favored the six-story, 72-unit Option 2. Discussion addressed affordability, gap financing, massing, courtyard orientation, parking, and future design review.
Read related coverageJune 17, 2025: Consent approval
Council approved the consent calendar, including authorization of an Exclusive Negotiation Agreement with Alta Housing and a resolution declaring Lot T exempt surplus land.
Read related coverage2025 proposed milestones
Staff proposed taking an exclusive negotiating agreement with Alta Housing to council in Q2 and a revised design reflecting January 2025 council direction in Q3 or Q4.
Read related coverageJanuary 21, 2025: Development Partner Selected and Preliminary Design Direction Provided
Council selected Alta Housing, directed resident-only on-site parking under Scenario A, and requested an up-to-seven-story plan maximizing units while maintaining an emphasis on family-sized housing.
Read related coverage
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