The Cupertino Courier

News

Development plans for The Oaks under review

Big development plans are being proposed in an effort to revitalize The Oaks Shopping Center, located on Stevens Creek Boulevard across from De Anza College.

A proposal for a four-story, 122-room hotel and a three-story, mixed-use retail/office/convention center building over an underground parking garage is currently being reviewed by Cupertino's design and environmental review committees.

The hotel would be built in the back parking lot and the commercial building closer to the front, on the west side of the shopping center near Highway 85.

The proposal requires the demolition of the vacant theater building, 2,430 square feet of commercial space and the removal of 47 trees, though 67 trees will be planted, according to Colin Jung, senior planner for the city.

The plans also include a number of site improvements to enhance traffic circulation, said Jung.

Although Sand Hill Property Co. sold the shopping center to Homeland Management in 2006, Peter Pau of Sand Hill remains involved in the shopping center's future.

"It's our understanding that Peter Pau intends to purchase one of subdivided lots and build the hotel," Jung said.

Marriott Residence Inn is currently the proposed tenant for the hotel.

The first phase of the proposed project involves the hotel, underground parking garage and surface and utility improvements.

Phase 2 would involve the three-story, 56,194-square-foot mixed use building.

Jung said no housing is proposed.

"It's a good plan to help revitalize the shopping center by introducing uses that previously have not been there before," he said. "Different kinds of commercial uses have the best chance of revitalizing a center that has had its ups and downs over the years."

Jung said plans have been in the works for more than six months. The project is expected to be heard at public hearings during the later part of May or early June.