Mixed Use | A Possible Solution for the Safeway Development

In recent months the Citizens for a Better Burlingame have been promoting open public forums to discuss new ideas on growth and sustainable communities. 

 

These Smart Growth forums featured, among others, local architects Martin Dreiling and Dan Ionescu who have both suggested that the parcel of land at the corner of Howard an El Camino (Safeway lot) should be developed as a mixed-use project.

 

In November Dan Ionescu principal of DIAP approached the Burlingame City Council and in a public study session presented an aggressive mixed use proposal for the Safeway lot.  Combining 60,000 square feet of Safeway space with approximately 300 living units, and additional retail space, Ionescu’s plan has created a lot of discussion.

 

Mr. Dreiling’s company, CSS Architects,  has recently released a concept proposal for the Safeway / public lots at Howard and El Camino.  This more moderate proposal calls for a mixed use project that would combine retail, office and residential space that encourages pedestrian activity and life, while also providing Safeway with the size of store that they have long argued is essential for their business. 

 

While the CBB does not necessarily embrace these proposals unilaterally we do see many positive elements that are worthy of full and open public discussion.