Gateway Apartments (Gateway) was a 130-unit apartment complex on the 1200 and 1300 block of Willow Road in Menlo Park. The property was originally built in the 1960s. It was purchased and lightly rehabbed in 1987 by MidPen Housing Corporation (MidPen), a regional non-profit developer. Given the age of the property, it is in significant need of revitalization. The 1200 block was the first phase of the revitalization and redeveloped as Sequoia Belle Haven, a 90 apartment community which completed construction in 2017. The 1300 block is the second phase and the existing community, known as “Gateway”, consists of 82 apartments. The property is 100% low-income housing, serving families in a mix of studios to 3-bedrooms.
The City of Menlo Park rezoned the site in 2013, creating the potential to add an additional 61 units. MidPen explored various scenarios, and in 2017, the City Council approved a conceptual plan and funding commitment for up to a 141 unit community. Our proposed plan is for a 140 unit community, for a total of 58 net new apartments. Please click on “Proposal Updates” for more information on the evolution of the design. Of the 140 new units, 82 will be for the returning households that will be temporarily relocated during construction.
In addition to providing more affordable housing, MidPen expects to address several existing challenges with the site’s current design and physical condition. The redevelopment will also improve the site’s functionality as well as enhance quality of life and security for residents through design and green building techniques.
MidPen is currently working on the final financing of the project and submitted for building permits in December 2020. The projected construction start date is June 2021.
Our Goals
Our Commitments
Modernize existing housing community, improving aesthetics and functionality
Design that compliments the neighborhood and creates spaces that support robust resident services programs
Increase access to affordable housing for Belle Haven residents
Increase the supply of high-quality, permanently affordable housing
Enhance safety for community residents
Create pedestrian-friendly Willow Road
Commitment to an inclusive process
Transparency and willingness to listen
Tailored outreach based on input from stakeholders
About MidPen
Building Communities MidPen Housing is one of the nation’s leading non-profit developers, owners and managers of high-quality affordable housing. MidPen has been recognized as an innovator in the creation of affordable housing since its founding in 1970. During that time, MidPen has developed over 100 communities with more than 8,000 homes for low-income families, seniors and special needs individuals in Northern California. Throughout its history, MidPen has strived to be responsive to the community development needs identified by the communities it serves. For more information, go to www.midpen-housing.org.
Changing Lives At MidPen, it’s about the mission and the people we serve. We build beautiful buildings but our vision goes well beyond that. Our work at MidPen is driven by the belief that safe, affordable housing provides the foundation people need to advance other areas of their lives and to contribute to their communities. We’ve seen this happen time and again. To read about some of the lives we’ve helped change, visit Our Residents.
