Palo Alto Architectural Review Board Considers Reduced Plans for 273-Unit Fabian Way Apartment Project

The Palo Alto Architectural Review Board is set to review revised plans for a seven-story apartment complex at 3997 Fabian Way. Developer Juno Realty Partners proposes 273 rental units, a reduction from an earlier eight-story, 350-unit Builder's Remedy application. The project, designed by TCA Architects, will feature 408,000 square feet, including 224,100 square feet for housing, with 43 studios, 155 one-bedrooms, 66 two-bedrooms, and nine three-bedrooms.

The current proposal utilizes Senate Bill 330 and the State Density Bonus Law to facilitate approval and increase residential capacity. Of the 273 units, 12 are designated as affordable for very low-income households. The developer has indicated the ability to revert to the larger Builder's Remedy project if necessary, highlighting the strategic use of state housing mandates. The site, near East Charleston Road and Highway 101, is close to major employment centers like the Googleplex. Two existing structures will be demolished for the development. This project underscores the ongoing tension between local design review and state-level housing acceleration policies.