In 2008, the Pilgrim Triton Master Plan was instituted in Foster City, CA to replace an old commercial space with new office and commercial properties. As demand and markets have shifted over the years, there’s talk now of supplanting some of those commercial plans to make room for more housing.

Sares Regis would like to take the 3.3-acre Phase C portion of the 20-acre master plan and create what could eventually include up to 730 housing units and 296,000 square feet of office space. In the immediate future, they’d like to build 68 townhomes on a space originally approved for office space, a parking structure, and a smattering of housing units.

Concern from many locals is that Foster City already has more than enough housing in the works. The developer countered by saying office tenants are looking for space closer to mass transit and this lot makes more sense for housing. The nearby Bayfront community has been able to attract large companies but Pilgrim Triton’s lack of transportation options has made it a harder sell. While there are plenty of housing options nearby (166 apartments at One Hundred Grand, 220 apartments at Triton, 307 apartments at The Plaza), these townhomes would be the first new home-buying opportunities in the city in some time.

As per the master site plan, 20 percent of the townhomes or housing units will have to be set aside as affordable housing. Sares Regis is also open to including a small amount of commercial space on the property.