Why the Former Office Depot at Ravenswood 101 Has Stayed Empty for Five Years — And What’s Needed to Unlock Its Potential

Christopher Kao
Christopher Kao
The former Office Depot space has sat vacant for five years due to restrictive CC&Rs blocking popular tenants and difficult amendment rules—stalling redevelopment despite city plans for a vibrant, mixed-use district in East Palo Alto.
Food

Mega Mart in East Palo Alto: A Mismatch or a Market Strategy?

Christopher Kao
Christopher Kao
Mega Mart’s new East Palo Alto store may seem out of place demographically, but with 40,000 Asians nearby, no local Asian grocers, and high traffic, it’s a bold and strategic market move.

Building Our Way Out of a Deficit in East Palo Alto

East Palo Alto’s empty lots could solve its structural deficit — if we start building now. If we don’t encourage development today, we’ll pay for it down the road. East Palo Alto faces a $2 million structural deficit, and it’s projected to worsen. Simply put, the revenues
- 4 min read

Why is Affordable Housing So Damned Expensive to Build?

The new Colibri Commons housing project in East Palo Alto is opening soon, and it's a reason to celebrate. 136 units will be providing housing for hundreds of people and this is a really big achievement. However, I have concerns about this project. City of East Palo Alto
- 4 min read

Big Wins for East Palo Alto: $25M in New Transit Investments

The San Mateo County Transportation Authority just funded $25M in projects that boost mobility for East Palo Alto—Dumbarton West Connector design, EPX service expansion, and Ride Plus to Palo Alto Transit Center. Here’s why this matters.
- 4 min read

Closing the Gaps to the University Avenue Overcrossing

The new University Ave Bicycle & Pedestrian Overcrossing has unlocked safer travel across Hwy 101, but nearby streets remain dangerous. Urgent fixes to University, Donohoe, and Woodland Ave are needed to prevent more collisions.
- 7 min read