Alliant Communities breaks ground on 88-home affordable housing project in Menlo Park

Alliant Communities and partners have started construction on Sheridan Apartments, an 88-unit affordable housing development at the former Flood School site in Menlo Park. The project is designed to serve educators, public employees and working families, with completion expected in late 2027.

Why it matters: - Sheridan Apartments will add 88 affordable homes in Menlo Park, where housing near schools and public jobs remains scarce. - The project is aimed at educators, public employees and working families who often cannot afford to live close to where they work. - The development converts underused public land into a long-term housing asset through a public-private partnership.

What happened: - Alliant Communities and Community Revitalization and Development Corporation (CRDC) broke ground on Sheridan Apartments at 320 Sheridan Drive in Menlo Park. - The project is being built on a long-term ground lease with the Ravenswood City School District. - The site is the former Flood School property. - Construction is now underway, and completion is anticipated in Q4 2027.

The details: - Sheridan Apartments will include one-, two- and three-bedroom homes across three residential buildings. - The community is designed to preserve the site’s heritage oak trees. - Planned amenities include solar power, EV charging, water-wise landscaping, a community room, fitness center, playground, BBQ area, parking and bike storage. - The project uses California’s AB 2295 legislation to support affordable housing on land owned by local educational agencies. - The City of Menlo Park supported the development through its Below Market Rate Housing Fund. - Project partners include the County of San Mateo, California Housing Finance Agency, KeyBank, Western Alliance Bank, Brown Construction, Inc., SDG Architects, Inc., DP Advanced Engineering Inc., KPFF Consulting Engineers, SY Lee, R3 Studios, Inc., Partner Energy and CONCORE Development Group.

Between the lines: - The project reflects a broader push to put housing near the people who serve local schools and public agencies. - Ravenswood City School District says the development could help retain educators and improve stability for staff, students and families. - Local officials frame the project as part of a wider affordability problem across the Peninsula. - Alliant Communities says the project shows how long-term partnerships can turn public land into housing for the community.

What's next: - Builders will continue work on the three-building community over the next year. - Partners expect Sheridan Apartments to deliver 88 affordable homes by late 2027. - The project will serve as a new housing option for workers in Menlo Park and across San Mateo County.

The bottom line: - Sheridan Apartments is a public-private effort to turn a former school site into affordable housing for the local workforce, with a goal of easing commute burdens and strengthening community stability.