Lessons From Past
The three latest high-density commercial buildings approved by the City Government (Marlin Cove Complex, Miramar, and Inktomi Building shown below) have not been as successful as envisioned. In particular, the apartment complex and the Inktomi Building have historically had low occupancy rates
There are notable lessons to be learned from these projects and should serve as guiding lights to any future developments.
• A developer may build and create the supply, but the corresponding demand may not materialize. Many factors bring demand. It is
presumptuous to assume it will automatically come.
• Quality matters. Good quality buildings (materials and design) increase the desirability of rental units. Sadly, in the goal to maximize units,
the quality of these three buildings have been compromised. More rental units does not translate to higher revenue. If fact, lesser number
of rental units of high quality will result in higher occupancy rates that will generate more revenue vis-a-vis a multitude of low-quality units that
are barely occupied.
• It pays to be considerate of the community and to make sure to blend with the surrounding residences not only in design, but also in
purpose.
Hopefully, our city officials and planners will learn the hard lessons to be derived from the results and experiences in these projects.
The Three Recent Commercial Projects
A. 1001/1051 Hillsdale, aka Baja Fresh, aka Parkside Towers, aka Inktomi
Extremely large footprint with continuous garage.
Very bulky and awkward design with hardscape and a few trees.
All pedestrian and bicycle traffic routed around it and into traffic pinch points.
B. Marlin Cove Apartments
This was a shopping center with rezoning to Mixed Use.
Center of parking lot has always been congested leading to more aggressive parking.
They tower over the surrounding residential homes affecting the vista and privacy of some surrounding homes.
Vacancy rates are reportedly high.
Rating review is at a very low 2.5. Inferior quality of the apartment buildings have been noted.
Marlin Cove Commercial Building
Very high and obtrusive for neighboring residents even with a parking lot and car port separating adjacent residences.
Looks high from Foster City Blvd, even with very significant setback.
The question remains, why a commercial building of this height and magnitude was allowed in a very quiet residential neighborhood.
Does this complex truly serve the needs of Foster City residents and reflect our values?
This complex has brought increased traffic and congestion to a once quiet suburban residential enclave.
B. Miramar Complex
This is another example of a developer’s overbuilding through vertical design.
The design has some positive elements, but overall the building overpowers the neighboring structures and blocks vistas. It is shown
here compared to a two story apartment and a tower in the distance.
Has high vacancy rates. Though rated slightly higher than the Marlin Cove Complex with a 3-star rating, it is still below average.
Summary Note for Marlin Cove and Miramar
Because of their height and density, the Marlin Cove and Miramar Complex do not blend well with the surrounding residential homes.
They have created a negative impact on the residents’ privacy and overall neighborhood ambiance. They have departed from the spirit
and objective of a planned community.
There are notable lessons to be learned from these projects and should serve as guiding lights to any future developments.
• A developer may build and create the supply, but the corresponding demand may not materialize. Many factors bring demand. It is
presumptuous to assume it will automatically come.
• Quality matters. Good quality buildings (materials and design) increase the desirability of rental units. Sadly, in the goal to maximize units,
the quality of these three buildings have been compromised. More rental units does not translate to higher revenue. If fact, lesser number
of rental units of high quality will result in higher occupancy rates that will generate more revenue vis-a-vis a multitude of low-quality units that
are barely occupied.
• It pays to be considerate of the community and to make sure to blend with the surrounding residences not only in design, but also in
purpose.
Hopefully, our city officials and planners will learn the hard lessons to be derived from the results and experiences in these projects.
The Three Recent Commercial Projects
A. 1001/1051 Hillsdale, aka Baja Fresh, aka Parkside Towers, aka Inktomi
Extremely large footprint with continuous garage.
Very bulky and awkward design with hardscape and a few trees.
All pedestrian and bicycle traffic routed around it and into traffic pinch points.
B. Marlin Cove Apartments
This was a shopping center with rezoning to Mixed Use.
Center of parking lot has always been congested leading to more aggressive parking.
They tower over the surrounding residential homes affecting the vista and privacy of some surrounding homes.
Vacancy rates are reportedly high.
Rating review is at a very low 2.5. Inferior quality of the apartment buildings have been noted.
Marlin Cove Commercial Building
Very high and obtrusive for neighboring residents even with a parking lot and car port separating adjacent residences.
Looks high from Foster City Blvd, even with very significant setback.
The question remains, why a commercial building of this height and magnitude was allowed in a very quiet residential neighborhood.
Does this complex truly serve the needs of Foster City residents and reflect our values?
This complex has brought increased traffic and congestion to a once quiet suburban residential enclave.
B. Miramar Complex
This is another example of a developer’s overbuilding through vertical design.
The design has some positive elements, but overall the building overpowers the neighboring structures and blocks vistas. It is shown
here compared to a two story apartment and a tower in the distance.
Has high vacancy rates. Though rated slightly higher than the Marlin Cove Complex with a 3-star rating, it is still below average.
Summary Note for Marlin Cove and Miramar
Because of their height and density, the Marlin Cove and Miramar Complex do not blend well with the surrounding residential homes.
They have created a negative impact on the residents’ privacy and overall neighborhood ambiance. They have departed from the spirit
and objective of a planned community.