As part of Housing Leadership Council’s Affordable Housing Month, MidPen Housing joined San Mateo County and City of Belmont leaders to celebrate the Grand Opening of Firehouse Square, a new – and MidPen’s first – community in Belmont.
Firehouse Square is the result of long-standing partnerships and commitment to bring affordable housing to Belmont along amenity-rich El Camino Real, several years in the making. The community provides 66 apartments for families and individuals with income levels up to 80 percent of Area Median Income (AMI) including eight units reserved for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
“Firehouse Square is a shining example of what can be achieved when people work together to create a common goal,” said Julia Mates, Mayor of the City of Belmont. “Our partnerships have contributed to creating a centrally-located, vibrant, diverse, affordable, and sustainable neighborhood that Belmont be proud of.”
The City of Belmont prioritizes vibrant, mixed-use, community-oriented development on this City-owned property. Firehouse Square incorporates the beauty of the old historic Firehouse façade and includes two murals by local artist Xuan May Ho, who incorporated salvaged materials from the original firehouse into her pieces.
“Firehouse Square is high-quality housing in an incredible community with access to good jobs, great schools, public transportation and nearly everything else our residents look for in a great place to live,” said Matthew O. Franklin, President & CEO of MidPen Housing. “We know that housing is more than just a roof over someone’s head. It’s a foundation for futures, a source of stability and opportunity, and a key to well-being. We are proud to partner with the City of Belmont and local organizations to make this community a reality.”
At Firehouse Square, the Family Services Program will help working-age adults build resources, better manage their assets, and advance in their life goals. The After School Program will provide academic youth services based on four core elements: homework assistance, nutritious snacks, enrichment, and literacy. In addition, targeted supportive services will be provided to the eight residents with I/DD by Housing Choices, in coordination with Golden Gate Regional Center.
Firehouse Square is situated in a prime location in Belmont across the street from the Belmont Caltrain station and within walking distance of restaurants, grocery stores, parks, and more. The community also provides residents with ideal access to high quality jobs and schools and includes retail space below along El Camino Real.