Palo Alto Launches Plan to Reimagine San Antonio road Corridor as a ‘15-Minute City‘
Palo Alto, CA – October 8, 2025 – The City of Palo Alto is initiating a comprehensive planning effort to transform the San Antonio Road corridor into a more vibrant, pedestrian-amiable “15-minute city,” aiming to provide residents with convenient access to daily needs within a short walk or bike ride. The enterprising project, unveiled this week, seeks to address concerns about traffic congestion, limited housing options, and a perceived lack of community spaces along the heavily-trafficked artery.
The plan envisions a shift away from the area’s current character – often described as a “concrete jungle” – towards a mixed-use surroundings prioritizing local businesses, increased housing density, and improved transportation infrastructure. This initiative directly responds to growing community demand for more sustainable and livable neighborhoods, and aims to alleviate pressure on downtown Palo Alto while fostering a stronger sense of place along San Antonio Road. The project’s success hinges on balancing advancement with the existing character of the area and addressing potential impacts on traffic and parking.
The San antonio Road planning area, encompassing approximately 1.7 miles between El Camino Real and Middlefield Road, has long been dominated by auto-oriented businesses and sprawling parking lots. City officials hope to encourage a more compact, walkable design through zoning changes and incentives for developers. Key elements of the plan include allowing for increased building heights, promoting a mix of residential and commercial uses, and prioritizing pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure improvements.
“We want to create a San Antonio Road that is a destination, not just a drive-through,” explained City Planner lisa Martinez during a community meeting on October 7th. “The goal is to ensure residents can easily access groceries, healthcare, parks, and other essential services without needing to rely on a car.”
The city’s planning process will involve extensive community engagement, including workshops, surveys, and public hearings. The first phase, focused on gathering input and developing a draft plan, is expected to conclude in the spring of 2026. Following public review, the plan will be presented to the City Council for approval, with implementation anticipated to begin in late 2026. The long-term vision extends beyond immediate infrastructure changes, aiming to cultivate a thriving local economy and a stronger sense of community along San antonio Road.
