REDWOOD CITY
CONNECTING TO CALTRAIN
The overarching framework for Redwood
City’s infill is its far-reaching Downtown
Precise Plan. The planning process
involved community residents from
start to finish, with four public hearings
and two tutorials—all in less than six
months. Once adopted, the plan replaced
all existing downtown zoning.
The Downtown Precise Plan also includes
a detailed plan for Depot Circle, a new
public space next to Redwood City’s
Caltrain station. Funded by two grants
from the Metropolitan Transportation
Commission, the Depot Circle plan
envisions a walkable area full of homes
and shops, which creates a needed link
between the downtown and the train
station.
Entertaining Destination
A new movie theater was a key element
of Redwood City’s strategy to attract
people to the downtown, where they
could then visit restaurants and other
businesses.
The city has even succeeded in making
urban planning into entertainment, with
a monthly “Forum at Redwood City” at
the Little Fox Theater, next door to the
historic Fox Theater downtown. The
educational series brings nationally
known speakers to discuss city planning
and design; it costs $10 per person and is
well attended.
Redwood City’s comprehensive planning, focused investment, and creative ideas offer valuable lessons for cities seeking to revive ailing downtowns.
The County Seat Redwood City has made rapid strides to fill in its downtown, whose past emptiness prompted some to call it “Deadwood City.” Today, thanks to the city’s strong commitment to infill and downtown revitalization, the historic city center is on the rebound. In mid-2007, the City Council adopted a Downtown Precise Plan that lays out a comprehensive vision for development over the next 10–15 years. Redwood City has also gained national attention for its innovative approach to parking. With a vision of becoming a regional center and restoring its position as San Mateo’s county seat, Redwood City set out to create a more attractive public area downtown—and add housing to give it life. |
"The Forum at Redwood City has helped elevate the urban
planning discussion in our community. It has given Council
members, Planning Commissioners, staff, and residents exposure
to the best ideas in the business. This knowledge helped us adopt
infill-friendly zoning, create great public spaces, and begin a
robust downtown revitalization program. The Forum has really
helped Redwood City raise the bar.”
– Daniel Zack, Downtown Development Coordinator,
Redwood City