In the news: Revitalizing Retail and Innovation: Santana Row's New Shops, South SF's Life Science Leap, and Alameda's Expanding Research Park
Research Park at Marina Village in Alameda saw about 100,000 SQFT in new and expanded leases.
The Redwood City Planning Commission has given the green light to a pioneering life science development at 1 Twin Dolphin Drive, Redwood Shores. This project, led by Prince Street Partners, aims to replace two older office buildings with a state-of-the-art facility, thereby boosting the area's life science sector.
Architectural firm brick., based in Oakland and recently joined by HGA, has designed the project. It features a contemporary aesthetic with metal panels, stone, concrete, ceramic glass, and perforated screens. The building, reaching 87 feet in height, will provide nearly 200,000 square feet of advanced laboratory space. It includes a parking structure for 456 cars and 40 bicycles, alongside additional parking and bicycle facilities, supporting diverse commuting options.
A key aspect of this initiative is its focus on public space improvements within the Redwood Shores neighborhood. Enhancements include a food truck program, a new crosswalk, and upgraded sidewalks and landscaping, aiming to create a pedestrian-friendly environment. The project's landscape is being developed with the expertise of Creo.
Adjacent developments include plans by RIOS for three new life science lab buildings at 10 Twin Dolphin Drive, highlighting a growing interest in the area's development potential. Prince Street Partners purchased the 1 Twin Dolphin Drive property in March 2022 for $82.8 million from Rockpoint Group, with construction details still to be finalized following the project's approval.
The 316,000 SQFT Life Science and Office Project by Vigilant Holdings and SmartLabs Partnership has been approved by the South San Francisco Planning Commission.
A new mixed-use development aimed at enriching the life science and office space offerings in South San Francisco has recently advanced in its planning stages. The South San Francisco Planning Commission endorsed a project by Vigilant Holdings and SmartLabs, which involves constructing an eight-story laboratory and office building alongside an eight-level parking garage on the city's east side, close to San Francisco Bay.
The development team includes DGA as the architect, BKF Engineers handling civil engineering, Studio Five Design Inc. as the landscape architect, and Affiliated Engineers for mechanical and structural engineering. The project will replace a 33,248 square-foot warehouse on a 2.8-acre site at 573 Forbes Blvd., an area already surrounded by notable life science and technology firms, including Genentech.
Purchased last year by Vigilant Holdings and Breed’s Hill Capital for $30 million, the property was previously owned by an entity linked to Raymond Wong of Hillsborough, California. The proposed steel-framed building, covering 315,718 square feet, will feature a modern design with tinted glass, dark metal panels, and accents in wood and copper colors. The design optimizes the site's panoramic views and integrates sustainable features like bio-filtration for rainwater treatment.
The project emphasizes accessibility, with a main vehicular entry from the west, a pedestrian entrance from Forbes Boulevard, and service access on the east. Landscaping will enhance the building's Forbes Boulevard frontage, and the parking structure will have a copper-colored mesh for a ventilated façade.
During the presentation, Gary Leivers of DGA highlighted the design's intention to leverage the site's views and orientation. The planning commission expressed satisfaction with the project, appreciating the design solutions to the site's topographic challenges and the overall aesthetic of the development.
Welcoming 7 NEW retail experiences to Santana Row
Santana Row, located in San Jose and developed by Federal Realty, has become a symbol of the retail sector's resilience and growth in the Bay Area. This mixed-use village recently announced the arrival of seven new retailers, highlighting a rejuvenation in the retail industry amid economic challenges. These new additions span a variety of sectors, enhancing the diverse shopping and lifestyle experience available to visitors.
The newcomers include Cast, a boutique jewelry store; 7th Avenue, an innovative furniture retailer; Evereve, a women’s fashion outlet; New Balance, offering sports footwear and apparel; Todd Snyder, a menswear designer; Solidcore, a fitness studio; and Kohler, known for its luxury plumbing fixtures. This expansion not only broadens Santana Row’s retail mix but also signals a positive shift in the retail market’s dynamics.
Additionally, the area is witnessing an influx of professional entities, with global fintech firm Acrisure securing office space and discussions of leases by PricewaterhouseCoopers International and UBS Group. This blend of retail, residential, and professional spaces contributes to Santana Row's vibrant community and the overall vitality of the Bay Area's retail and commercial landscape.