Project Spotlight: Mixed-Use Architecture at 250 California Drive Redefines Downtown Burlingame
- mbharch
- 11 minutes ago
- 3 min read
A New Standard for Mixed-Use Architecture in Downtown Burlingame
250 California Drive is a landmark example of mixed-use architecture in the heart of downtown Burlingame. In collaboration with Dewey Land Company and Lusardi Construction, MBH Architects delivered a four-story, 35,770-square-foot office and retail development that honors the city’s past while charting a path toward its urban future.
Strategically positioned adjacent to the Caltrain station, 250 California Drive exemplifies transit-oriented development, reinforcing sustainable growth by encouraging alternative transportation and reducing car dependency. The project has become a key anchor in Burlingame’s Auto Row district, catalyzing revitalization while preserving architectural continuity with the city’s historic character.
Historic Context Meets Modern Mixed-Use Design
Led by Principal and Design Director Andres Grechi, MBH Architects’ design team drew inspiration from Burlingame’s 19th-century train station and early industrial structures. The resulting building is a harmonious fusion of modern functionality and historic sensibility, featuring a hyper-realistic brick veneer—a visual and material reference to the early 20th-century aesthetic. Given the constraints of the California Building Code, which has limited brick construction since the 1930s, the use of this material makes a bold architectural statement.
Accentuated with sculptural concrete piers and custom metal canopies, the façade conveys both durability and modern elegance. The design language continues at street level, where retail spaces—spanning over 4,500 square feet—offer double-height ceilings, expansive glazing, and two prominent entries along California Drive and West Lane. These details promote an active pedestrian experience and encourage commercial vibrancy.
Forward-Thinking Urban Office Space
Upstairs, the project offers more than 31,000 square feet of office space, thoughtfully designed for contemporary workplace standards. Expansive windows flood the interiors with daylight and offer panoramic views across Burlingame. The top floor, leased to a local venture capital firm, includes outdoor terraces and luxury suite configurations—ideal for companies seeking sophisticated, wellness-centered environments for employees and clients.
Sustainable Innovation: First-of-Its-Kind Automated Parking System
Among the building’s most distinctive features is its automated parking system, the first of its size on the West Coast. Designed and installed by U-tron, the underground structure utilizes a three-tiered steel rack system, providing high-density vehicle storage within a compact footprint. Users retrieve vehicles through a kiosk or smartphone app, with the system averaging a retrieval time of just over 60 seconds.
This next-generation parking solution exemplifies the role of sustainable urban design in modern architecture—freeing above-ground space for active use while reducing energy and land consumption.
Preserving the Past: Integrating Burlingame’s Historic Mural
MBH Architects worked closely with the Burlingame Historical Society to integrate a rare 1917 advertising mural into the new development. Preserved in a courtyard near the building’s main entrance, the mural serves as a tangible link between the city’s past and its forward-facing identity. This thoughtful integration of history reflects MBH’s commitment to designing buildings that are not only innovative but also culturally rooted.
A Model for Downtown Burlingame Development
With 250 California Drive, MBH Architects has set a new precedent for downtown Burlingame development—balancing form and function, innovation and preservation, sustainability and style. The project reflects the firm’s enduring partnership with Dewey Land Company and Lusardi Construction, demonstrating the power of team-based collaboration and design-build efficiency.
As Burlingame continues to evolve, 250 California stands as a model for how cities can honor their heritage while embracing the future.
Whether you're a city planner, developer, or business leader shaping the future of your community, 250 California Drive is a powerful example of what's possible when innovation, heritage, and sustainability come together. Ready to reimagine your next project? Connect with MBH Architects to explore how our design-forward, community-centered approach can bring your vision to life.
