Arbora | Palo Alto, CA

At the corner of Hamilton Avenue and Webster Street in Palo Alto, three separate parcels sat side by side, each with its own lot lines. Wilson Meany envisioned something more complete: a single mixed-use building that would bring new homes and workspace together on one prominent corner.

Getting there meant first solving the site itself. The three parcels were merged, dissolving the internal lot lines to form a single parcel, and the resulting building had to conform to both the CD-C(P) and RM-40 zoning regulations that govern the corner. Parking for 55 cars was tucked into a below-grade level, while Type IVA construction above a Type IA base gave the project its structure. BDE Architecture worked with Wilson Meany to resolve these constraints into one cohesive design.

Completed in 2022, Arbora delivers 19 residential units and up to 7,450 square feet of office space, along with a roof deck and shared open space for those who live and work there. What was once a patchwork of lots now reads as a unified address that adds homes, jobs and activity to the Palo Alto streetscape.

Address: 588 Webster Street, Palo Alto, CA, 94301

Client: Wilson Meany

Number of Units: 19

Construction Type: IVA / IA

Year Completed: 2022

Photographer: Isabelle Eubanks (2024)

Modern multi-story building with large glass windows, surrounded by landscaped trees and plants, parked cars, and a traffic light, under a clear blue sky.
An aerial view of a modern multi-story building with large glass windows, a rooftop terrace with seating, surrounded by trees and cars in the parking lot, with a cityscape and hills in the background.
Cityscape view of modern buildings, trees, vehicles parked along the streets, and a tall office building under a blue sky with some clouds.
Modern residential building with balconies, greenery, and a paved walkway leading to the entrance.
Modern building with a concrete and gray metal facade, featuring a sign with the word 'ARBOREA' and a tree illustration. There are architectural sculptures and outdoor greenery, including plants and trees, with some small bushes and a garden bed in t
Modern multi-story building with large glass windows, a wooden door, and landscaped greenery in the front.
Modern outdoor patio with seating area, woven chairs, a built-in bench, and a pergola with wooden slats, overlooking trees and a building with a patterned facade.
A modern building with large glass windows and wooden paneling, surrounded by various plants and bushes in the foreground.
Wooden slatted wall with a staircase and a black handrail.
Modern architectural design featuring an open structure with concrete walls, wooden ceiling, and sculptures in front of a building with trees and street outside.
Modern building with concrete and wood facade, large glass windows, and abstract white sculpture in front, surrounded by green plants and a pond.
A balcony or patio area with modern outdoor furniture, including chairs and a large rectangular fire pit filled with rocks, overlooking trees and a bright sky.
Outdoor patio area with gray sectional sofa, decorative pillows, woven chairs, trees, and a fire pit with rocks.
Modern building with large glass windows, grey concrete exterior, and green landscaped plants including grasses and vines in front.