Architectural Review Board backs conversion of 3950 Fabian Way to girls' middle school, imposes follow-up reviews

The Palo Alto Architectural Review Board recommended on May 1 that the director of planning and development services approve a proposal to convert the office building at 3950 Fabian Way to a private girls' middle school, including a roughly 4,444-square-foot gym addition and a conditional use permit allowing enrollment up to 240 students.

The decision follows a staff recommendation that the board find the project exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act under CEQA Guidelines section 15332 (infill development) and approve the project subject to findings and conditions. The board voted 4-0 to forward the project with conditions and to form an ad hoc committee to review several design and operational items.

The project converts an existing two-story, approximately 32,500-square-foot commercial building and adds a north-end gymnasium of about 4,444 square feet. The school proposes 10 classrooms plus shared spaces, new skylights at two stair towers, expanded bicycle parking and perimeter walkways, and an enclosed outdoor area. Staff said the application includes a conditional use permit to…