Yesterday, Blach Construction (Blach), along with co-developers MidPen Housing and EPACANDO, designer David Baker Architects, community members and supporters, gathered to celebrate the topping out of Colibri Commons, a transformative affordable housing development in East Palo Alto. Marking a significant milestone, attendees participated in a traditional beam signing ceremony, signifying completion of the structural phase of the project.
Located at 965 Weeks Street, the 236,000 sq.ft. high-density, multi-family residential development spans a 2.61-acre city-owned site. Colibri Commons addresses critical housing needs of the East Palo Alto community by providing 136 affordable housing units ranging from studios to four-bedroom apartments, across four structures. Planned amenities include a community room with kitchen, outdoor play areas, an after-school learning center for resident children, laundry room and on-site office space for supportive staff. Completing the site will be a five-level parking garage with 218 stalls.
“This is an exciting moment for the entire Colibri Commons team,” said Kevin McIntosh, vice president, Blach Construction. “This milestone signifies significant progress, achieved through strong collaboration, cutting-edge construction techniques and a shared commitment to creating much-needed affordable housing for East Palo Alto residents. We are proud to be part of this important project and look forward to its completion.”
Breaking ground earlier this year, the ambitious project has remained on schedule due to meticulous project team coordination. Blach leveraged its experienced self-perform carpentry teams along with advanced virtual design and construction techniques to prefabricate all wall panels. Specifically, Building Information Modeling (BIM) was employed to model each structure, including the wood framing, as well as for mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) clash detection and elevated walkway slope requirements. This process has been instrumental in enabling safe, efficient and more precise on-site wall panel installation, subsequently ensuring high levels of quality.
Colibri Commons is co-developed by MidPen Housing and EPACANDO, with professional property management provided by MidPen Property Management. Additionally, MidPen Services will offer free onsite services to residents, including employment preparation, exercise and nutrition classes, and adult education programs.
“This development reflects the vision and dedication of so many partners and stakeholders who understand the importance of creating safe, inclusive and high-quality housing for the East Palo Alto community,” said Polo Muñoz, director of housing development for MidPen Housing. “Thank you to Blach Construction and the entire project team for your steadfast commitment to our goal.”
Colibri Commons is expected to open in Summer 2025. Interested prospective residents may visit https://www.midpen-housing.org/property/colibri-commons/ to join the interest list.
About MidPen Housing
MidPen Housing is one of the most trusted nonprofit developers, owners, and managers of high-quality affordable housing in California. Our mission: To provide safe, affordable housing of high quality to those in need; establish stability and opportunity in the lives of residents; and foster diverse communities that allow people from all ethnic, social and economic backgrounds to live in dignity, harmony and mutual respect. Founded in 1970, MidPen currently serves nearly 20,000 residents at 127 properties in 12 Northern California counties. For more information visit: www.midpen-housing.org.
About EPACANDO
The East Palo Alto Community Alliance Neighborhood Development Organization (EPACANDO) is dedicated to creating affordable housing and promoting community and economic development in the City of East Palo Alto. For more than three decades, EPACANDO [pronounced “E.P.A. Can Do”] has worked for “progress of, by, and for” local residents, including a necessarily strong emphasis on anti-displacement. They have pursued two key strategies: co-developing permanently affordable rental housing (450 apartments so far) and supporting residents in acquiring and maintaining homeownership. They partner proudly with the City government to – quoting our City motto – build a just city.
Collaborative builders committed to quality, innovation and customer satisfaction since 1970.
