619-625 California Drive Project IS/MND

FCS is preparing an IS/MND for a new 4-story, 26-unit live/work development with at-grade parking at 619–625 California Drive in Burlingame, California. This infill project implements the Downtown Specific Plan by building new housing within walking distance of the Caltrain Station. The new commercial building requires an environmental review because it exceeds the 10,000-square-foot floor area and does not qualify for an exemption from CEQA.

Members of the community have expressed concerns pertaining to the impact of the development on aesthetics and landscaping; effects on existing businesses, parking, and traffic; as well as the attractiveness of the main commercial area on the ground floor. In response to the community’s concerns, FCS prepared visual simulations from two public vantage points using state-of-the-art 3D modeling, GIS, and photo-editing software to support the analysis of potential visual impacts.

The visual simulations incorporated advanced computer rendering techniques to accurately depict the project’s architectural features, such as finishes and fenestration to photorealistic detail as it would be seen by a pedestrian on the street. The simulations also addressed public concerns about tree removals and streetscape quality by showing which trees in the public right-of-way would be removed and the subsequent streetscape improvements. Additional concerns about height and scale suitability were also addressed by showing the potential 4-story development juxtaposed to an existing 3-story apartment building adjacent to the site.