Apartment Complex Proposed for El Camino Real

A new 156-unit project at 2675 El Camino Real could add affordable housing options to the Palo Alto neighborhood.

Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Commercial

Apartment Complex Proposed for El Camino Real

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Bayspring Development Partners submitted an application to replace an existing commercial building with a 156-unit apartment complex. The proposed development includes a mix of studios, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom residences.

Why it matters

The developer is seeking a planned home zone designation to merge parcels at El Camino Real and Sheridan Avenue to exceed local development standards. This project aims to integrate 15% affordable housing into the local residential stock.

The proposal features 156 units, including 86 one-bedroom apartments and 27 studios, housed in an 85-foot-tall structure. Residents would have access to 200 parking stalls across three podium levels.

The players

Bayspring Development Partners

The private development firm responsible for the proposal to transform the commercial site into a residential complex.

The details

The design spans five residential floors situated above three podium parking stories. To mitigate the visual impact of the building's 85-foot height, architects incorporated articulation on the upper floors to reduce the structure's perceived mass from the sidewalk. The developer intends to merge two parcels into a single district to facilitate construction.

Timeline

  1. The city received the development application in October 2026.

The Home Front

The proposal follows a trend of leveraging planned home zone designations to increase residential density along established commercial corridors. This move aligns with broader efforts to integrate high-density housing into existing transit-adjacent neighborhoods.

Nearby residents should monitor the upcoming planning commission agendas to track public hearing dates for this proposal. If you are interested in local zoning changes, check the city's project dashboard for updates on the parcel merger application.

The takeaway

This development marks a significant shift for the El Camino Real corridor by replacing commercial square footage with varied residential housing. Interested parties can follow the progress of the application by contacting the city planning department for future meeting schedules.

Further reading

For more on local development trends, explore the Palo Alto Commercial section.

Live Poll

Do you support replacing local commercial buildings with taller, high-density residential complexes in your area?