20 years later, Wheeler Plaza project moves forward, San Carlos

Post California Redevelopment,
another infill development moves forward

The Daily Journal/Bill Silverfarb, 2/7/15.  "Condo project back on track:  Wheeler Plaza project stalled as San Carlos negotiated with state over city-owned properties."

"Ground will break on the Wheeler Plaza condominium project in a few months as some of the current tenants in city-owned property on San Carlos Avenue prepare to close their businesses. The project has stalled for nearly two years as San Carlos officials negotiated with the state over a few properties once owned by the city’s redevelopment agency.

Now that the haggling with the state is over after Gov. Jerry Brown dissolved the agencies, the city is inviting the public to review the revised design plans for the project, which include 109 condominiums for sale, a new public parking structure and about 10,000 square feet of new retail space right in the heart of downtown.  It’s a long overdue project that was first conceived by the City Council 20 years ago, City Manager Jeff Maltbie said.  Wheeler Plaza, along with the Transit Village project on nearby El Camino Real, represents a $200 million investment by the private sector in the city, Maltbie said.  ....  The current plans by Silverstone Communities first came to the council back in 2009."   Read article.

Related -  San Jose Mercury News/Daily News/Bonnie Eslinger, Staff, 4/8/13. "San Carlos will sell Wheeler Plaza area for $1 to get mixed-use project." "The San Carlos City Council voted 4-1 Monday night to sell Wheeler Plaza and some surrounding downtown parcels owned by the city for $1 to a developer who wants to build homes, restaurants and a parking garage there.The developer, Redwood City-based Silverstone Communities, was selected by San Carlos officials in 2009 to develop the properties. Mark Sawicki, the city's economic development and housing manager, told the council that although Silverstone expects to make about $72 million from the sale of housing and commercial units, the total development costs will eat almost all of the profit."

References.  City of San Carlos - Projects and Development.  Full description of Wheeler Plaza Redevelopment Project, (location Walnut Street to Laurel Street, between the borders of San Carlos Avenue to Cherry street).  News Details, 2/10/09,"Wheeler Plaza Redevelopment - Silverstone Communities selected".  News Details, 1/28/15, "Wheeler Plaza Development Community Meeting, 2/12/15.  Developer - Silverstone Communities.

Related - White Oaks blog: "Wheeler Plaza,"  "Transit Village." Note:  graphic of Wheeler plaza by Van Meter Williams Pollack, Exhibit A the City of San Carlos, posted on White Oaks blog.  

Posted by Kathy Meeh