The central public place and primary catalyst project in the larger downtown revitalization plan. Positioned between the restored 1910 San Mateo County Courthouse and historic Fox Theatre, featuring two semi-enclosed cafe pavilions flanking a decoratively paved plaza space that frames views between the two historic structures.

Before

Prior to demolition, a vacant annex building blocked the view of the historic courthouse at Broadway and Middlefield Road.

• A vacant Courthouse Annex building to the historic San Mateo Courthouse covered the prominent site.
• There was no central gathering space in the historic downtown.
• The most architecturally significant building in the downtown was obscured from view.

Assignment

• Design a vibrant public space on the reclaimed ½-acre space in front of the historic courthouse.
• Provide flexibility in hosting a variety of uses including markets and performances.
• Introduce activity-generating uses within the space to insure everyday vitality.

Outcomes

• Design approved by City Council in 2004
• Construction completed in February 2007
• Recognized with a 2007 Charter Award from the Congress for the New Urbanism, under the category, Block, Street, and Building Scale.

In collaboration with:

FMG Architects, SFE Design, Carlile Macy, Horton Lees Brogden Lighting Design, Peter Kogan Associates, OLMM Consulting Engineers