Why is Lowe uniquely suited to redevelop Sequoia Station?
Lowe is a unique developer because we take on complicated mixed-use projects like Sequoia Station and have extensive experience developing projects that incorporate retail, residential, and office. Effective mixed-use development requires a depth of knowledge and expertise in each asset class (office, retail and residential), and the ability to balance the needs of each use.

Our recently completed Ivy Station project in Culver City is a Transit Oriented Development that includes residential, retail, hotel, and office space – all located directly on the train station. Putting these diverse uses together in one development is challenging, and we are excited about the opportunity to develop retail, residential and office at Sequoia Station that integrates seamlessly to serve the community.

Why is it important to build mixed-use developments on transit? 
The biggest benefit of TOD is environmental sustainability. Getting people out of cars and riding transit reduces greenhouse gases, which is paramount to the future of the Bay Area and the planet. Creating walkable and bikeable communities and making it easier to ride transit is good for our local communities in Redwood City, will help connect neighborhoods to Downtown and sets examples for what’s possible for future developments.

Sequoia Station is located directly on a bus stop and rail station. Redevelopment of the existing shopping center to include residential, office and retail gets people out of their cars. Redevelopment of Sequoia Station also unlocks land for future Caltrain improvements and expansion, which benefits the entire Redwood City community, as well as the region at large.

What are the challenges with TOD?
Getting the land uses right in TODs and getting them to work together is challenging. It’s important to ensure a project adds uses that are purposeful and beneficial to the community. Retail is the most challenging aspect in mixed-use developments and should be community-serving and complimentary to the development as a whole. The retail on the ground floor should be attractive to the community and to those living and working on-site.  

How does a TOD at Sequoia Station support Redwood City’s environmental goals?
The redevelopment of Sequoia Station is a once in a generation opportunity to help the city plan for the future of local and regional transportation. The land we are dedicating to Caltrain is an investment in Redwood City’s transportation infrastructure, enabling future grade separation projects, and enhancing connections between SamTrans and Caltrain. Our project, as well as Redwood City’s long-term vision for the Transit District, will create a far more walkable and bikeable Redwood City and empower residents to use transit – which is critical to reducing greenhouse gases.

How does TOD support Redwood City’s equity goals?
Eden Housing, Sequoia Station’s affordable housing partner, will deliver 254 affordable homes directly on transit. Building affordable housing on transit offers residents access to critical resources. This would be the largest affordable housing project in Redwood City’s history, and once completed, Sequoia Station will serve residents at all income levels with a walkable community featuring neighborhood serving retail, an art grove, and open space that is public and accessible to all.

What sets this project apart from others in Redwood City and the region?
There are very few examples of projects like Sequoia Station, and the robust benefits the project will deliver to the local community and the region set the project apart. Sequoia Station will bring transportation, neighborhood connections, affordable housing, childcare, next generation community retail, outdoor dining, family-friendly activities, and activated open space – providing Redwood City the ability to maintain and expand its role as an attractive retail destination for the broader region, in addition to serving local residents.

Daytime office tenants will benefit exiting retailers in Downtown Redwood City, the new retail at Sequoia Station, as well as those within the larger Transit District. Having office on-site means there will be people in the area to shop during the day.  Having residential on-site, means people will activate the shops and restaurants in the evenings and on weekends, a win-win for all.

The acre of right-of-way dedicated to Caltrain is also unique to this location. It enables Redwood City to become a regional transfer hub, connecting to the future Dumbarton line and expanding Caltrain up and down the Peninsula.