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Habitat for Humanity Greater San Francisco is moving ahead with a plan to build eight affordable town homes in Menlo Park’s Belle Haven neighborhood. Proponents say it is a chance to own a home in a city where the average price is about $2.7 million.
The development, called Laurel Landing, would bring a mix of two-, three- and four-bedroom homes to 335 Pierce Road.
Habitat said in planning documents that it will reserve all homes for households earning under 80% of the area median income in San Mateo County. Most units will be available to households earning between 50% and 80% of the median income, with one home set aside for a family earning below 50%.
In 2025, the San Mateo County median household income for a family of four is $186,600, The average varies by household size.
Menlo Park contributed $3.6 million from its below-market-rate housing fund to purchase the site and cover early design costs. Santa Clara County allocated $1.5 million from its Stanford Affordable Housing Fund.
The total cost of the project is estimated at $11.6 million as of January 2025 and Habitat still needs additional public and private funding. The organization plans to seek state and federal housing grants and pursue philanthropic support to close remaining financing gaps.
The final purchase price of each home will be set at the time of sale using a formula that accounts for construction costs, market conditions and affordability standards, Habitat told this news organization.
According to Zillow, the average home value in Menlo Park is nearly $2.7 million, compared with about $1.2 million in Belle Haven.
Habitat’s proposal includes townhomes averaging roughly 1,255 square feet with attached garages and EV charging. The development is still in the city entitlement process, with construction expected to begin late next year and homeowners moving in by summer 2028.
Habitat is seeking waivers from several Menlo Park development standards, including minimum land area per unit, minimum setbacks, maximum floor area ratio, driveway and parking requirements, and building profile standards.
Families will be selected for the homes based on need, willingness to partner with Habitat, and ability to pay a mortgage. Applications will be reviewed in an order determined by lottery, Habitat said.
The site at 335 Pierce Road is located near the new Belle Haven Community Center. The lot was originally owned by MidPen Housing, which operated four affordable units there. MidPen sold the property to Habitat in June 2025.
