467 First St.

This prominent gateway site to downtown Los Altos is located at the intersection of San Antonio Road and First Street, a major entry point into the downtown.

A former, corner, gas station site, was combined with two other parcels on either side of the corner parcel.  A public alley bisects the combined parcels.

Since the site marks an entry into the First Street and Downtown Districts, an open space, defined by the building forms, with landscaping, sculptural forms and decorative paving is provided as an entry marker for the districts. The building forms extend away from the corner, creating street edges along both frontages and concealing the parking and service areas from view. Additional parking is provided in an underground garage. Pedestrian amenities are provided for the entire length of both frontages with decorative, textured paving, landscaping, arcades and stone seat wall planters.

The building style responds to the Los Altos Village Character Guidelines, provides for current needs and looks to both the past and to the future for inspiration.  The palette of materials is authentic, rich, warm and lasting. The building forms are simple, flexible, rectangles of varying heights offering day-lighting and sustainable building opportunities to the users. The two-story portion, along San Antonio, is a warm-wood clad, simple form with a rustic, cut-stone base. Deep recesses, natural day-lighting, formal syncopation, terrace railings and a richness of materials define this façade that is terminated with a green roof amenity for the upper floor. Adjacent to the driveway an entry walkway leads to a two-story lobby entrance off the parking area.

Along First Street, the building is divided into two, two-story sections, one on each side of the main entrance doors and canopy. Each section is further syncopated to provide visual interest and definition of structure. The portion closest to the corner is shielded from the harsh sun by a rich, warm-wood, vertical trellis. A pedestrian arcade with abundant glass defines the base of this portion of the building. The portion closer to downtown is more solid, with the same structural syncopation. Deep recessed windows on both floors allow daylight to enter; windows on the second floor have sunshades to provide shielding from the summer sun. The form steps down to a second-floor terrace to transition to the adjacent building scale.

A third floor, set back from the second floor along First Street, connects the two building segments together. A simple shed roof with an array of photovoltaic panels and high performance windows define this upper floor. A large, vegetative, roof terrace extends out from the third floor providing an amenity that captures the wonderful views and opportunities for outdoor activities possible at this site. Several roof gardens and above garage level planters were provided for rain water filtration as well as contribute to cool roof concepts including reduction of the heat island impact.

The building responds to the site and respects the village-like design characteristics through the defining elements of rhythm, scale, warmth, texture, quality, permanence, and sustainability while offering a fresh look of fitting in with a streetscape of diverse architecture. This project has received a Leed Gold precertification and is seeking final certification.