Property Development
For more than four decades, we have shaped notable commercial properties throughout downtown Palo Alto by balancing historic preservation with long-term functionality and value. This commitment has been recognized with two Historic Preservation Project of the Year awards from the City of Palo Alto.
​431 Florence St. Palo Alto
In 1990, we personally oversaw and built the property 431 Florence Street. At a time when most downtown Palo Alto buildings prioritized retail at the street level, this project received a rare exemption that allowed for first-floor office use, making it one of the few buildings in the area with office space throughout.
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We developed the property with the goal of creating a practical, efficient office building that would serve long-term tenants and adapt to evolving business needs. The building features well-planned office layouts, natural light, and convenient on-site parking, all contributing to its continued functionality and appeal.
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431 Florence Street stands as an example of our thoughtful design approach and our ability to deliver buildings that balance practicality, durability, and long-term commercial value.
317- 323
University Ave. Palo Alto
317–323 University Avenue is one of our most meaningful redevelopment projects, blending family history with long-term commercial vision. The property includes two adjoining buildings, one of which—317 University Avenue—formerly housed Barry Shoes, our family’s shoe store.
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Years later, we redeveloped the site with the goal of preserving the historic storefront at 323 while expanding the property’s commercial potential. In recognition of our efforts, we received the Commercial Preservation Project of the Year by the City of Palo Alto.
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The project combined thoughtful design, efficient space planning, and respect for the original building, transforming a familiar family property into a contemporary commercial space in the heart of downtown Palo Alto. Though we no longer own the property, the redevelopment remains a lasting example of our ability to honor history while creating functional, future-focused environments.
460 -476
University Ave. Palo Alto
460 University Avenue is a notable historic building in downtown Palo Alto, and its redevelopment reflects our vision of blending preservation with functionality. In the late 1990s, the property consisted of a single-story retail structure. We recognized the opportunity to increase its usefulness while respecting its historic character and proposed adding a second story to accommodate new office space.
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The project, completed in 1998, included restoring the original façade and constructing an upper floor designed for a specific tenant in 1997. The City of Palo Alto recognized the redevelopment as its Commercial Preservation Project of the Year, acknowledging the thoughtful approach to expanding and preserving a historic property.
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460 University stands as an example of our ability to maximize space, work within historic guidelines, and enhance the long-term value of a building while maintaining its architectural significance.
