If the proposal moves forward, it would mean the end of the Bandley Center in its current form. The property today houses small businesses, including a tax service, a Chinese language school, and a clay studio. None of these businesses have commented on the proposed change, but the redevelopment would likely mean they could not return after construction begins. The developer has only filed a preliminary application so far, which means a formal proposal still needs to go before the Cupertino Planning Commission and City Council before any approval can be granted.
Local residents have already begun weighing in on the idea, and some are expressing optimism about the project. Longtime Cupertino resident Jean Bedord believes that the Bandley Center has outlived its usefulness, calling it outdated and underused, with several vacant offices. She noted that the location, slightly removed from major thoroughfares, is not well-suited for retail and therefore a housing project may be a better fit for the neighborhood. According to Bedord, the city has long needed more middle housing options, and townhomes provide an entry-level opportunity for families seeking to move into Cupertino.
She also added that the proposed community could help address the shortage of diverse housing types in the area. With the city dominated by single-family homes on one end and larger apartment complexes on the other, townhomes often serve as a middle ground. They are more attainable for first-time buyers compared to single-family houses, which remain among the most expensive in Silicon Valley, while also offering more privacy and space than traditional apartments. The introduction of moderately affordable units in the proposal further addresses community needs by ensuring some level of accessibility to a wider range of residents.
For SummerHill Homes, the proposal is another sign of growing interest in transforming commercial properties into housing as the Bay Area continues to confront an ongoing housing shortage. Cupertino, like many cities in Silicon Valley, has seen pressure to adapt underused office and commercial spaces into residential communities as companies adjust to hybrid work models and changing business demands. The Bandley Center is just one example of how development trends are shifting in the region to prioritize housing over commercial space.
While the plan is still in its early stages, the city will eventually need to weigh the potential benefits of increased housing supply against the loss of small businesses currently operating at the site. The Planning Commission and City Council will be responsible for reviewing detailed plans, considering public input, and determining whether the project aligns with Cupertino’s long-term growth strategy. If approved, the project could serve as a model for how other underutilized commercial spaces in Cupertino might be redeveloped to meet the city’s housing needs.
For now, the Bandley Center remains standing, with businesses continuing operations until any official decisions are made. However, the proposal signals that Cupertino may soon see another shift toward more residential development, reflecting broader changes across the Bay Area. If the project succeeds, it could bring a new wave of younger families to Cupertino, reshape the neighborhood landscape, and contribute to easing housing pressures in one of the region’s most competitive real estate markets.
