Lume is a landmark residential development that transforms a previously zoned industrial 4.83‑acre site into a contemporary, high‑density neighborhood centered on community, landscape, and urban livability. Designed by Heller Manus Architects, the project comprises two seven‑story buildings delivering 441 multi-family units along with a significant allocation of below‑market‑rate housing within a newly designated high‑density mixed‑use district. Its massing and site planning reflect the ambitions of the Connect Menlo Area Plan, leveraging bonus‑level height and density to provide public benefits including open space, pedestrian connectivity, and community amenities.
A defining feature of Lume is its tree‑lined paseo, a landscaped pedestrian corridor that bisects the site and links a publicly accessible pocket park with ground‑floor neighborhood spaces. This paseo, complemented by a dog park and generous seating areas, creates a porous, walkable environment that invites both residents and the broader community. The buildings integrate on‑structure landscapes, including a courtyard pool with lounge deck and multiple rooftop terraces.
Architecturally, Lume balances urban scale with human comfort through articulated facades, warm materials, and active ground‑floor edges. Amenities such as a fitness studio, paw spa, co-working spaces, game room, bike parking, and fully automated smart parking systems with robotic EV charging capabilities support a modern, sustainable lifestyle. As one of the first developments to pursue bonus‑level density in the district, Lume establishes a forward‑looking model for resilient, community‑oriented housing in Menlo Park.
