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The City’s Plans for the Pedestrian Plaza
San Carlos is taking a major step toward revitalizing its downtown district, with new improvements set for the fully closed Pedestrian Plaza, which includes 700 block of Laurel Street and Harrington Park:
Changes in Laurel Street’s 700 block and Harrington Park will feature a striking, multipurpose two-way stage and pavilion, complete with high-quality lighting and audiovisual equipment. Rather than being tucked away at the back, this iconic structure will take center stage at the entrance of Harrington Park, creating a grand focal point for performances and community gatherings.
Directly across from the pavilion, on the opposite side of Laurel Street, an organically designed, interactive water fountain sculpture will offer a playful space for children and parents. Equipped with spray jets, the fountain will serve as both a visual centerpiece and a fun, engaging feature for visitors looking to cool off.
The pavilion’s wooden canopy, along with a similar structure over the water mechanics / storage / restroom area inside Harrington Park, will reinforce the natural aesthetic of the plaza. Complementing this design, the plaza will be lined with groves of trees, rain gardens, and mounted landscaping inside Harrington Park and / or along Laurel Street, enhancing both shade and sustainability.
The restrooms are is comprised of two neutral-gender restrooms with a common handwashing sink outside.
Public amenities will include backless seating along the street, bicycle parking, and designated spaces for public art and event programming. The 700 block of Laurel Street will maintain the signature “sway” design introduced in the 600 block, ensuring a cohesive and inviting pedestrian experience.
For events and community gatherings, flexible furnishings such as foldable tables and chairs will be available from the storage space, allowing for versatile space usage. The new single-occupancy restroom area, located at the back of Harrington Park, will include a drinking fountain and a diaper-changing station to enhance convenience for families.
Construction is set to begin no later than November 2025. Ahead of this, additional study sessions, design reviews, and material selection meetings will be held, providing opportunities for public input and engagement.
As for the preservation of the memorial brick pavers, these will be discussed in future meetings as well.
Images of Laurel Street Block 700 Renovations (Phase 1)
What About Parking?
One of the key concerns for local businesses and visitors is how these changes will affect parking availability. While the 700 block of Laurel Street will be converted into a pedestrian plaza, 600 and 800 blocks at Laurel Street will be accessible to traffic and will have both parallel and angle parking spaces.
The implementation of other parking adjustments will be closely monitored, with community input shaping potential changes in future phases of the project.
Next Steps & Future Expansion
Beyond the 700 block of Laurel Street and Harrington Park, additional downtown blocks are set for future upgrades as funding becomes available. These include:
- San Carlos Avenue (1100 & 1200 blocks)
- Laurel Street (600 & 800 blocks)
To fund these next steps, the city has applied for a Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) grant for additional design work on San Carlos Avenue. If approved, the grant will provide partial funding, with remaining costs covered by the city’s Downtown Implementation Fund (C2215).
Community Engagement and Future Meetings
San Carlos officials have emphasized their commitment to keeping the community involved throughout the process. A series of public Study Sessions will allow residents and business owners to provide feedback and help refine the final design.
Where to Find Updates?
For the latest updates on the project, residents can:
- Attend City Council meetings (in person or online).
- Visit the official City of San Carlos website link for public meetings.
- Subscribe to city newsletters and announcements.
- Follow city social media pages for real-time updates.
San Carlos is shaping its downtown to be more walkable, community-driven, and vibrant, ensuring it remains a thriving destination for years to come.
Stay Informed
For more details and updates on the project, visit the City of San Carlos website or attend upcoming public meetings.
For More News
For more of what’s happening in and around San Carlos, please visit San Carlos Life Blog
About the Authors
Mark Martinho and Vivienne Kelvin are the hosts of San Carlos Life and have been residents of San Carlos for years. While running San Carlos Life together with an awesome team, Mark and Viv are also in the business of real estate. They are co-owners of Vabrato Real Estate, a luxury real estate brokerage serving the City of Good Living, and the whole of San Mateo and Santa Clara counties.
With over 30 years of combined experience in the business and 95% of their clients coming in from referrals, Mark and Viv take great pride and joy in exceeding your expectations.
