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A proposal for what could be the tallest building — a high-end senior home — in downtown Redwood City by over 10 stories returned to the table at the City Council meeting Monday.
Located at 910 Marshall St., the project could be up to 21 stories, with 188 units for independent living and 34 for assisted living and memory care. The proposed residential facility was discussed at the meeting in study session, to reintroduce public comments and preliminary council input. No immediate action was taken.
The majority of speakers from the public endorsed the project, while council members had split opinions.
Vice Mayor Kaia Eakin voiced numerous concerns, from interference of the building’s height with the San Carlos Airport to the fact that the tower could be 158 feet taller than “what’s contemplated in the general plan.”
She also doesn’t like that the project would live “right next to the ‘Climate Best by Government Test’ sign,” and that the architects intend to build a two-story parking garage as well, which she finds “kind of ugly” for “our core downtown.”
Moreover, she believes the project is “catering to very, very wealthy people,” citing the Vi at Palo Alto, as what she considers to be a comparable facility. The Vi’s smallest rooms start at $1.4 million1,400,000. The units at 910 Marshall would be market-rate.
Council member Isabella Chu also said she worries about the affordability component, though she believes the project is overall a good one, and “addresses many of the likely risks to our aging population,” like isolation.
The project “delivers desperately needed housing,” Chu said, adding that she doesn’t mind the height. “I believe cities should evolve over time.”
Among the council members, Diane Howard was the only other, aside from Eakin, who had real concerns with the project. Mayor Elmer Martínez Saballos, Jeff Gee, Chris Sturkin and Chu each expressed enthusiasm about the project, while Marcella Padilla remained neutral. Across the board, most said they’d care to hear more from the community about their opinions of the proposal, especially the would-be building’s height.
R&M Properties, the Palo Alto development firm behind the project, first submitted a preliminary application in March 2024, and then a formal one in September 2024. However, the firm withdrew the housing proposal in February to scale it back, according to a news release from the developer.
R&M resubmitted a revised and smaller preliminary app in July, then pursued feedback from the City Council this week, ahead of further environmental and architectural reviews.
The updated plans, filed July 3, propose 222 units—down from 313—and lowers the height from up to 30 stories to 21.
The previous proposal included two towers with rooftop amenities, a pedestrian bridge, and more than 2,000 square feet of retail. The new proposal includes 1,200 square feet of retail space, along with 95 private parking spaces, 36 bike parking spaces and six motorcycle stalls.
The project is being submitted under the state density bonus law, which allows qualifying developments to exceed local zoning limits and seek flexibility on standards like height and density.
Community members should expect to hear more about the project and offer input as R&M readies to submit a formal application for a second time.
