Developer unveils 82‑unit Forest Commons for 332 Forest Ave.; neighbors split over scale

A conceptual plan to build an 82‑unit rental building called Forest Commons at 332 Forest Avenue drew mixed reactions at a second study session on Aug. 11, where the developer and architect emphasized transit‑oriented infill and shared open space while immediate neighbors warned about scale, daylighting and traffic impacts.

The applicant described the site as unusually large for Downtown Palo Alto and proposed an eight‑story building with below‑grade and at‑grade parking. The project team said the proposal would pair a new building with the adjacent historic Casa Real under common ownership and would create a large shared open space between the two properties. The developer said the project would provide 16 deed‑restricted affordable units in perpetuity and full, “real” parking for each unit (not mechanical lifts), as well as long‑ and short‑term bicycle parking and a bike maintenance area.

Architect Rob Steinberg said the new building is designed as a “sibling” to Casa Real and that massing details would be shaped to transition to adjacent buildings: “Sculpting the massing of the building gracefully to transition to adjacent buildings will be critical to the new building success,” he told council.

Public comment split along neighborhood lines. Supporters, including downtown residents, said the location is suitable for higher density because it is walkable and within a half‑mile of the University Avenue Caltrain station. One supporter noted that nearby buildings already exceed base zoning heights and densities and that downtown residents have lower car‑ownership rates.

“Site is close to Caltrain, bus lanes, bike lanes, services, retail, jobs — all the good stuff,” said Amy A., a downtown resident. “It is exactly this kind of project that enables more of our residents to live a healthy, enjoyable, and sustainable lifestyle.”

Opponents, including residents of 707 Bryant and 315 Homer, said the proposal would create an imposing wall directly adjacent to two‑ and three‑story buildings and could cause daylight loss, privacy impacts and driveway safety issues where construction, a new garage ingress and increased traffic intersect a bike boulevard. One resident said property values have already been affected by the pending proposal.

Several neighbors asked for clearer sidewalk/driveway geometry and for step‑backs on the elevations facing Bryant and Homer. Staff noted the project currently proposes 110 parking spaces where a base requirement would be about 137; the site is within the half‑mile zone around downtown transit but will need a parking analysis. Staff also noted two conflicting historic evaluations exist for the site and said a peer review of any applicant study would be performed if a formal application is filed.

Council members praised the concept of combining the Casa Real grounds with new housing and asked for clearer design responses to adjacent low‑rise properties. Several members said the project presents a rare opportunity for substantial downtown housing and urged attention to bicycle parking, step‑backs and careful setbacks for the building façade closest to homes on Bryant and Homer. Council member Stone said the project “completes the corner” and encouraged the team to continue working with neighbors.

No formal action was taken. Staff will expect a formal application to include a peer‑reviewed historic resources analysis, a parking plan that meets code or documents any durable off‑site parking agreements, full bicycle parking and a daylighting/arborist analysis as needed. If the applicant proceeds, the formal application will be subject to CEQA and public hearings.

Ending: Council voiced support for pursuing a careful design that balances downtown housing goals with protections for immediate neighbors; next steps will require the applicant to return with more detailed studies and a formal submittal.