Densifying all uses on transit is important for reducing car trips and therefore greenhouse gases (GhG). Building affordable housing on transit and near services is particularly important to our residents because transit rich, walkable locations reduce or eliminate the need for personal cars by providing residents with access to critical resources including mobility, jobs, high-quality schools and food. The onsite affordable housing at Sequoia Station will create a more sustainable community in downtown Redwood City, where residents of all income levels can live in the community in which they work.  

How will these units help meet Redwood City’s need for affordable housing? 

Redwood City is a leader in this space, prioritizing the development of affordable housing to address displacement and the equitable distribution of affordable housing throughout the community – and committing to housing targets far and above the RHNA requirements allocated by the State. Sequoia Station’s 254 onsite affordable homes help the City of Redwood City to begin quickly working toward its affordable housing goals. 

How would you say this project helps address the region’s equity goals? 

Developing affordable housing in a high-opportunity area like Sequoia Station provides residents of all income levels with an opportunity to access critical resources including high-quality housing, jobs, and mobility. The project also offers residents an equitable opportunity to save money, and make sustainable choices, such as taking public transit.  

As a nonprofit developer, securing a site like Sequoia Station can be challenging for Eden Housing. Partnering with Lowe provides the opportunity to maximize affordable housing and other critical resources to more Redwood City residents.

One of the benefits of working with an affordable housing developer is the services they provide to residents. What specific programs does Eden Housing anticipate providing at Sequoia Station? 

In addition to our commitment as long-term owners and operators of stable, high-quality housing, Eden Housing provides programming and resources that help our residents on their paths to personal and economic empowerment. 

Our services vary and are tailored to the specific needs of our residents, from youth to seniors, individuals, and families, as well as those with limited English language skills and people with special needs. Programs we offer include education, access to technology, economic empowerment and financial literacy resources, health and wellness, and opportunities for meaningful community engagement. In addition to direct services, Eden Housing connects our residents to resources within their communities. 

The open space and public plaza planned for the Sequoia Station project will provide places for our residents to spend time outside and connect with their neighbors. Eden Housing looks forward to utilizing this open space to bring together residents as well as the larger Redwood City community.

What sets this affordable housing project apart in Redwood City and the region? What elements of the project will be beneficial to Sequoia Station residents? 

Sequoia Station is considered a high-opportunity area for housing due to its proximity to transit, jobs, high-quality schools, and other community assets. Typically, it can be challenging for nonprofit affordable housing developers to competitively bid on such sites, due to high cost. The unique partnership between Lowe and Eden Housing enables development at this prime location and leverages the ability to target deeper levels of affordability than required in the City’s affordable housing ordinance. The commercial aspect of the project also helps to subsidize the production of affordable housing on site, and the mixed-use nature of the project helps to provide jobs, transit, and services close to affordable housing.

Building onsite affordable housing at Sequoia Station provides Redwood City residents of all income levels an opportunity to access critical resources, as well as the community benefits planned for the project which include open space and onsite childcare facilities. This is an opportunity to deliver housing, transportation and walkable connections within Redwood City – an opportunity that does not come around very often.