Sand Hill Property Co. proposes to demolish the Vallco Shopping Mall in Cupertino, Calif., and replace it with 625,000 square feet of commercial and civic areas. Unlike most malls,omega replica watches the design calls for a 30-acre green roof with public open space and trails. The green roof component is already being touted as the "largest in the world." The applicant proposes to remove 372 trees, retain 522 trees (including six trees to be transplanted) and plant 1,282 new trees within the project area.
Rendering: The Hills at Vallco, Sand Hill Property Co.

Sand Hill Property Co. has submitted to the city of Cupertino, Calif. a proposal to demolish the 1.2 million sq. ft. Vallco Shopping Mall and associated parking to construct the "Hills at Vallco," a mixed use commercial, residential (800 residential units) and office spaces. Built in 1977, Vallco has been important to the economic and social life of Cupertino. However, since the late 1980s, the mall has had a series of owners and an increasing vacancy rate.

Cupertino (62,000) is on the western edge of Silicon Valley at the foothills of the Santa Cruz Mountains, 42 miles south of San Francisco. It is home to many high-tech companies, including one you might have heard of: Apple, Inc.

In addition to the 30-acre green roof with public open space and 3.8 miles of trails, the plan calls for two town squares (east and west); an amphitheater; a 10,000 sq. ft. High School Innovation Center; a 5,000 sq. ft. community center; restaurants; movie theaters; ice skating rink; a bowling alley; retail kiosks and underground, surface and structured parking for 9,175 vehicles. Untypical mall amenites include vineyards, orchards, organic gardens and areas for native plants and birds Amenity space for residential and office use will include a fitness center; clubhouses; cafeteria; conference center; testing and workshop areas; and loading and security management areas.

The project architect is Rafael Vi????(R)????oly Architects; the landscape architect is OLIN Landscape Architects; and the project manager is Piu Ghosh AICP, Cupertino senior planner.

The Hills at Vallco is targeting LEED Platinum certification through the use of sustainable buildings, recycled water, and rainwater recapture, as well as native, drought tolerant and climate responsive landscaping.

Over the past eight months Sand Hill Property has worked with residents and the city on the design details, with some 1,400 residents and business owners sharing over 3,800 suggestions.

"We have heard from the city and more than a thousand residents that the revitalization of Vallco is a top priority for the community," said Sand Hill Property Company Managing Director Reed Moulds. The city will review the proposal for compliance with building codes and municipal ordinances, followed by an environmental review. The public review is expected to take from between 12 and 18 months.

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