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Bay Area Housing Surge, Market Shifts & Free Summer Events!

Bay Area Housing Surge, Market Shifts & Free Summer Events!

Wilson Leung
May 16, 2025

Live from the Bay Area, cloudy and warm day.

Here is your weekly update:

250+ New Units coming to Alameda
Real Estate Updates in San Mate and San Francisco
3 Bay Area Restaurants Join CA Michelin Guide
Free Summer Events in The Bay Area

Let’s get to it.

— Wilson Leung

Bay Area’s Developments & Real Estate

New Plans for West Midway Project

Brookfield Properties has filed updated design plans for the 284-unit West Midway housing project in Alameda, moving the 12.4-acre development closer to construction.

The mix includes duets, townhomes, and condos, along with green spaces, multi-use pathways, and a central plaza to enhance community living.

Housing types range from four-bedroom duets with optional rentable studios to spacious townhomes and stacked condos, each with ample parking.

Part of the broader transformation of Alameda Point, the project supports the city’s vision of turning the former Naval Air Station into a vibrant residential hub.

Housing Plan Could Add 4 New Homes in Alameda

A new proposal in Alameda could add four single-family homes behind an existing duplex at 1622 Fernside Boulevard, increasing housing options in a peaceful residential area.

The plan involves subdividing the lot into five parcels, with the new homes ranging from two to three stories in height.

Currently under city review, the proposal raises questions about road access, building height, and the absence of added parking.

Despite the denser layout, the homes would be set back from the street, preserving the quiet character of the neighborhood.

San Mateo Sees Housing Boom

San Mateo is in the middle of a major development wave, with over 4,000 housing units in progress and more than half of its state housing goal already met.

This surge follows the approval of Measure T, which loosened height and density rules, especially near transit areas like Caltrain.

Big projects include a possible 1,400-unit redevelopment of Hillsdale Shopping Center and several other proposals using fast-track approval under Senate Bill 330.

While some residents welcome the transit-friendly growth, others worry about traffic and safety in quieter neighborhoods.

Major Housing Opportunity in San Francisco

The former St. Anne's Home property at 300 Lake Street is up for sale for the first time in over 100 years, with an asking price of $58.5 million and strong interest from major developers.

Spanning 6 acres in a prime San Francisco neighborhood, the site could be rezoned to allow taller buildings and support hundreds of new housing units.

While city officials back its potential for helping meet San Francisco’s 82,000-unit housing target by 2031, local groups worry about overdevelopment and neighborhood impact.

The future of the site depends on who buys it and whether they balance new housing with community values.

3 Bay Area Restaurants Join CA Michelin Guide

Three Bay Area restaurants just earned a spot in the California Michelin Guide, each bringing something unique to the table:

Ethel’s Fancy

A creative Palo Alto spot offering seasonal, shareable plates rooted in chef Scott Nishiyama’s heritage. Inventive flavors and elegant presentations without the formality.

📍 Palo Alto

Eylan

Fire-cooked Indian dishes meet California ingredients at this bold newcomer in Menlo Park. From the team behind ROOH and BAIA, it's a modern twist on traditional cuisine.

📍 Menlo Park

Sungho

A standout Korean restaurant in San Francisco known for rich stews and marinated crab. Bold flavors and a refined touch that caught Michelin’s attention.

📍 San Francisco

Bay Area Top News

Here’s what’s making headlines around the Bay Area this week:

Free Summer Events in The Bay Area

Looking for summer fun that won’t cost a thing? Check out these free events happening around the Bay Area:

Carnaval San Francisco

A vibrant two-day celebration of Latin American and Caribbean cultures featuring colorful parades, live music, dancing, food vendors, and family-friendly fun.

📅 Saturday and Sunday, May 24th — 25th

📍 Various locations

Stern Grove Festival

A beloved summer tradition offering free Sunday concerts in a beautiful outdoor setting. Enjoy performances from major artists across genres, from funk and soul to classical and rock.

📅 June 15th — August 17th

📍 19th Avenue and Sloat Boulevard

Fillmore Jazz Festival

The largest free jazz festival on the West Coast. Stroll through the historic Fillmore District while enjoying live music, local art, and gourmet food from Bay Area vendors.

📅 Saturday and Sunday, July 5th — 6th

📍 Jackson to Eddy Street

San Francisco Free Folk Festival

A grassroots celebration of folk music and dance, with free concerts, jam sessions, dance workshops, and activities for all ages in Golden Gate Park.

📅 Saturday, July 12th

📍 Golden Gate Park