Council extends Junior League Gatehouse lease for one year, schedules study session on long-term terms and roof repairs

The Menlo Park City Council approved a one-year extension of the Junior League of Palo Alto Mid-Peninsula’s lease of the historic Gatehouse as part of the consent calendar on Dec. 16, after multiple public speakers urged the city to preserve the League’s stewardship role.

Speakers from the Junior League and supporters, including current and former members and local nonprofit partners, described long-standing community programs, volunteer training, grantmaking, and the League’s offer to dedicate capital funds (speakers cited a multi-year contribution figure in the millions over decades and more than $200,000 set aside for a roof repair) to maintain the Gatehouse. They asked the council for a multi-year lease to make capital investments feasible.

Councilmembers clarified the consent item would extend the lease through at least January 2027 and schedule a study session in early 2026 to address longer-term arrangements and capital needs. City staff told the council the city would partner with the tenant to address urgent roof work as needed during the extension; staff hopes to resolve roof work within calendar year 2026 where practicable.

Mayor Betsy Nash moved and Councilmember Drew Combs seconded approval of the consent calendar including the lease extension; the motion passed by roll call with a unanimous vote recorded.

Council directed staff to return with a study-session agenda and analysis so the council can decide on longer-term lease terms and responsibilities for historic preservation and capital repairs.