Downtown Parking Garage Project

Project Description

The City intends to construct a new parking garage at parking Lot D, an existing surface parking lot located at 375 Hamilton Avenue in the Downtown Business District. The project is part of the 2014 Council Infrastructure Plan and is intended to supplement parking inventory as part of the City’s efforts to address parking and, traffic congestion and affordable housing.

Primary elements include:
A new 274-space parking garage, featuring six levels of above-ground parking with a reserved area to allow for future construction of affordable housing on the site with separate access on Waverley Street, and associated site improvements.

Upcoming Meetings

There are currently no upcoming meetings scheduled.

Project Status

As of May 2025, Watry is actively developing the schematic design for a 274-space, six-level above-ground parking garage. The design includes a reserved area on the site to accommodate future affordable housing, with separate access proposed along Waverley Street.

City staff is working closely with Watry to ensure the project aligns with City objectives. Preliminary environmental review work will begin soon to support the updated project scope.

Project Timeline

Project History
- June 2014 – Council Infrastructure Committee included the New Downtown Parking Garage Project in the City’s Infrastructure Plan.
- December 2016 - The City entered into a contract with Watry Design, Inc. (Watry) in December 2016 to provide design and environmental assessment service services for a new Downtown Parking Structure Capital Improvement Program process (PE-15007). The contract with Watry includes preparation of environmental documents, schematic designs, design development packages and construction documents for a new parking garage at surface parking lot D.
- April 2017 - On April 11, 2017, parking garage options were presented to Council. Council directed staff to begin design for a parking garage with five above-ground levels and one basement level with retail space.
- May 2017 - The Draft Initial Study and Notice of Preparation were circulated to the State Clearinghouse, and notice was provided under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) on May 8, 2017.
- August and September 2017 - HRB (Historical Review Board) and ARB (Architectural Review Board) study sessions were held on August 24, 2017, and September 7, 2017. Conceptual project plans were presented to HRB and ARB to receive initial comments from the Board members.
- February 2018 - On February 15, 2018, the Architectural Review Board reviewed the project.
- June 2018 - On June 21, 2018, three members of the ARB reviewed the project, and the public had the opportunity to provide testimony regarding the Draft EIR that was published on May 18, 2018.
- July 2018 - On July 19, 2018, the Architectural Review Board recommended approval of the project. The public comment period for the Draft EIR closed on July 2, 2018. Staff and the City’s consultant are preparing a final EIR addressing comments submitted during the review period for Council action on the project.
- February 2019 - On February 11, 2019, the City Council certified the EIR by adopting the Resolution and Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program (MMRP). The Record of Land Use Action was approved for 3 years and the project is on hold until after the City returns to the Policy and Services Committee for further discussion on the downtown parking management strategy.
  The City of Palo Alto has completed the Final Environmental Impact Report (EIR).
- December 2023 - In December 2023, Council directed staff to resume work on the Downtown Parking Garage project, integrating it with plans for affordable housing development on the site.
Design Phase
- December 2024 - In December 2024, Council authorized a contract with Watry to provide design, environmental review, and construction administration services for the New Downtown Parking Garage.
- April 2025 - On April 14, 2025, Council directed staff to proceed with preliminary design and environmental review for Option 1a, a new 274-space parking garage, featuring six levels of above-ground parking with a reserved area to allow for future construction of affordable housing on the site with separate access on Waverley Street.