Developers Vying for Depot Circle Space

Housing with retail stores on the first level? An office space with a restaurant? Or a boutique hotel? Developers are submitting a variety of proposals for the Depot Circle project, the area across from the Caltrain and Sequoia Station.

Twenty-five local developers are looking to build on , consisting of two parcels: the 2-acre “Block 2” bordered by Jefferson, Middlefield and the Caltrain tracks, and the 0.3-acre Winslow parking lot, according to Downtown Business Development Specialist Edesa Bitbadal.

“This is an exciting and ambitious project that will create a new, welcoming gateway to our Downtown,” said Redwood City Mayor Jeff Ira in a statement. “It’s the next big step in Redwood City’s Downtown renaissance, building on our success so far and offering the opportunity to bring an inspiring and brilliant vision to life for our community.”

Despite developers’ various interests, the city envisions certain features for the space. A traffic circle surrounding a monument will provide a dramatic focal point for the western portion of the city.

Drivers also need not worry about inadequate parking. Developers will have to incorporate equivalent parking into their designs. Designs also cannot exceed 12 stories.

Developers can submit requests for qualification by Oct. 17. The city will then schedule interviews with select firms in late November, and present a developer recommendation to the city council in mid-December, according to city spokesperson Malcolm Smith. The city anticipates a firm agreement in Feb. 2012 and a completed project two to three years after.

“We’ll only accept the most creative, inspiring, and innovative firm to carry this project forward, which is what Redwood City deserves,” said City Manager Bob Bell in a statement. “We’re imagining a bold, original design for the new Downtown gateway that Depot Circle will become, and the selected developer must have the vision and ambition to make that happen.”

The development is part of the city’s Downtown Precise Plan, which has a vision of revitalization to bring in more foot traffic and Bay Area residents to the area.

However, some residents are concerned about the Depot Circle project’s ability to allow for a four-track .

Resident Adrian Brandt said he was concerned about “costly future demolitions or property takings” should the chosen development utilize the space needed to build the high-speed rail through Redwood City.

The request for qualification does address this issue, "Describe your strategy for dealing with the potential widening of the Caltrain railroad to accommodate High Speed Rail. In particular, explain how far, if at all, would you set the project structures from the current railroad, and any other site design strategies that might be employed to minimize effects of a potential future widening of the railroad.”

“We just want to continue to become a great city,” Bitbadal said.