Menlo Park: Twelve new homes on less than an acre Menlo Park: Twelve new homes on less than an acre (September 28, 2005)

By Rory Brown

Almanac Staff Writer

A Menlo Park site that is no longer commercially viable will soon be filled by structures unusual to the city's architecture: homes that build up rather than out.

Three parcels totaling 9/10th of an acre at 996-1002 Willow Road near Bay Road will be merged to accommodate the building of 12 three-story single-family homes, the City Council decided September 20.

The council voted unanimously to approve the Benchmark Homes proposal, which includes a general plan amendment to change the land use from commercial to residential. Several members of the council applauded the project, labeling the design of the units unusual but very attractive.

Lot sizes will vary from 1,668 to 3,217 square feet, and each home will provide 1,971 square feet of living space plus a 428-square-foot parking garage.

Although the units have only three bedrooms, they will be approximately 36 feet tall, with a bedroom on the first floor; a living room, dining room, kitchen and family room totaling more than 800 square feet on the second floor; and two bedrooms on the third floor.

Site owner Jeff Warmoth of Los Altos-based Benchmark Homes said his goal is to have the homes built within a year.

The new units will be bordered by the U.S. 101 off-ramps.

From 1961 to 1979 the site was occupied by a gas station and a 2,046-square-foot commercial building. The building had various subsequent uses, including office space and storage, before being demolished by Mr. Warmoth in May.

Mr. Warmoth said he has spent about two and a half years on the project, and admitted, "It's risky to see how people will be receptive to modern architecture."

The sites will require little to no maintenance, according to Mr. Warmoth.

Before construction can begin, the site must be cleaned to remove residue left from underground gas tanks.

The homes will be accessible by a private street, and a homeowner's association will be responsible for maintaining the units.

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