353 Main Street

As part of the North Main Street Precise Plan, Redwood City sought to develop the banks of Redwood Creek to connect to downtown. The design solution places five residential floors over two levels of on-grade parking, which feature an open facade. Setting the complex 30 feet back from the creek bank provides adequate space for an emergency access lane and protects the sensitive bank land. Stepped back from Main Street, the two-story leasing office and lobby is scaled to meet the retail context envisioned by the city. Rising behind the entry space and following L shape of the site, the five-story, 119-unit community comprises studios, one- and two-bedroom apartments, 19 of which are affordable units.

The architecture of the building is contemporary Craftsman with wood brackets, beams and balconies. A trellised portico shades the podium level courtyard above the entry building. Pitched roofs, mullioned windows and bright awnings contribute to the residential sensibility of the complex.