Spanish-eclectic mixed-use project to be built on Los Gatos Boulevard
By Gloria I. Wang
As the new Los Gatos Boulevard begins to take shape, the Los Gatos Planning Commission gave its approval to the most recent mixed-use development proposal, citing as a major attraction the complex's affordable housing component.
The commission on Jan. 30 approved the design for Cupertino Development's 14,000-square-foot office building combined with several apartments, townhouses and single-family homes. The development, on Los Gatos Boulevard and Terreno de Flores, is an a Spanish-eclectic style building inspired by the existing house on the lot.
The office building will face Los Gatos Boulevard, with apartments behind it, separated by a courtyard and fountain. Behind the apartments are the townhomes and single-family houses, accessible through the Terreno de Flores cul-de-sac. An underground parking lot offers 72 spaces for employees and residents.
Of the eight single-family residences in the development, two will sell for below-market price, a program that determines housing costs based on household income. One of the seven apartments on the site will rent for below-market price, while another will house teachers at an affordable rate. There are also four townhouses in the complex.
Planning commissioners gave the project, and project designer Rodger Griffin, high marks at its Jan. 30 meeting. Commissioner Lee Quintana said she liked the interaction between the office, apartments and homes, saying that the elements blended together and were not isolated from each other.
Quintana added that she was not "overwhelmingly enthusiastic" about the architecture of the homes, which ranged from 1,100 square feet to twice that size. Quintana said, however, she preferred architecture that led to a strong positive or negative reaction rather than "blah" architecture that would evoke no response.
Commissioner Phil Micciche, in past hearings, had repeatedly asked for more below-market price units. "I liked this so much that I hesitated to ask for more [below-market price] units this time," Micciche joked.
Chairman Jim Lyon, in his last meeting as chairman, asked Griffin to make some minor changes in the project relating to planters in the courtyards, landscaping and lighting. Quintana added that a garbage pickup plan was needed, while Commissioner Suzanne Müller asked for a change in lantern design from a Craftsman to a Mission style.
Planning commissioners unanimously approved the development's design application and subdivision application.
In June, the Los Gatos Town Council approved Cupertino Development's request to change the zoning to allow for commercial uses on the property.
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Los Gatos, California Since 1881
