Following in the footsteps of Google, Facebook has revealed its plans to construct a 59-acre mixed-use community near its corporate headquarters in Menlo Park, California.
First proposed in 2017, this marks the third iteration of the proposed project — a collaboration between Facebook and Oakland-based Signature Development Group. Dubbed Willow Village, the neighborhood calls for homes, offices, greenspaces and a grocery store to replace a dated industrial and research park.
The community would include 1,729 residential units, with 320 units set aside for low-income households and 120 units reserved for seniors. A 193-room hotel is also pitched for the northwest corner of the site.
Less office space is included in the latest proposal — 1.25 million square feet compared to 1.75 million square feet. This would allow Facebook to attract 3,400 hundred employees to the site, which is located a half-mile away from its corporate headquarters. One of the highlights of the plan is a futuristic glass dome that’s meant to be used by Facebook employees for collaborative work.
Approximately 200,000 square feet of retail is planned, bringing about cafes, restaurants, shops and a grocery store along Main Street, a new road that would bisect the property. The construction of these community-serving amenities would be prioritized to make Willow Village more readily accessible.
There are several parks in the works that would be open to the public, among them a dog park, town square, traditional park, and a 30-foot-high park inspired by The High Line in New York City. This elevated outdoor oasis would feature walking and biking trails, children’s playgrounds, lush landscaping, shade structures and ample seating.
The neighborhood atmosphere is intended to discourage vehicle use with wide sidewalks, bike lanes and outdoor seating areas. The town square, for example, would serve as a community gathering place for alfresco dining, meeting up with friends or working remotely.
The City of Menlo Park is currently reviewing the development plans for Willow Village and could make a decision regarding its approval later this year.
