The Campbell Reporter
News
City explores project that mixes senior living, retail
By Moryt Milo
The planning commission is considering what city planners described as a "keystone" project along the Winchester corridor, a proposal to redevelop 3.69 acres at the corner of Winchester Boulevard and Rincon Avenue into a mixed-use project with senior living units above retail.
The Campbell City Council paved the way for the development when it approved an amendment to the city's General Plan on Jan. 16 that rezoned the parcel from central commercial to medium-density residential. The change in zoning was required to allow for the construction of a 21-unit Alzheimer's facility that would not have been permitted in the commercial district under the existing code.
The project will be known as Merrill Gardens at Campbell. Merrill Gardens is a family-owned business that operates senior housing facilities nationwide. The operator is working closely with Barry Swenson Builder on a 98-unit project in Willow Glen at the intersection of Curci Drive and Meridian Avenue.
The Campbell project would include 127 units, of which 19 will be provided as affordable housing rentals. The complex will be made up of 101 senior rental units for independent or assisted living, 26 non-age-restricted rental units and the separate Alzheimer's facility. The 16,710-square-foot project would include retail facing out onto Winchester Boulevard.
Campbell planning commissioners met for the first time with Merrill Gardens representatives and project managers to informally discuss and familiarize themselves with the plans and ask questions about the services and amenities that would be provided to residents. Traffic and parking were also discussed, with Merrill Gardens representatives telling the commissioners that since the average age of a resident living in these facilities is 82, most do not have vehicles, and those who do drive them infrequently. The facility provides shuttles for seniors to shop and run errands.
The initial drawings for the project include amenities such as a lounge and library, activity center, wine bar, wellness center, landscaped courtyard and patio in addition to dining facilities that also include a private dining room. The Alzheimer wing of the development would have its own dining area, living room and a secured courtyard. Each of the 21 studio apartments in the Alzheimer wing would be individualized to fit the needs of each patient.
If the project is approved, the developer would be required to pay park in-lieu fees that are estimated at $836,930.
The property is owned by Annette Martin, whose father owned the former Winchester Hardware at the corner of Winchester Boulevard and Rincon Avenue, and the Thompson Family Trust. The approval of the project would dislodge Teen Challenge, which now occupies the old hardware store building, and the tenants in an adjacent strip mall that is occupied by several small businesses, including Restaurant O.
The project is still in the preliminary stages. The planning department expects to have a community meeting with residents living near the proposed development. The planning commissioners will be present to hear residents' input.
