Mirassou Site Redevelopment

Process | FAQ | Project Information | Contact

Union School District has historically been underfunded in comparison to other school districts. This underfunding has highlighted the need for additional resources to adequately support USD's students and programs. To address this funding shortfall and secure sustainable, local revenues, in 2020, the District began exploring possible options to use underutilized properties owned by the district as long term revenue sources that would benefit the community as well as supplement the district’s operating budget.

Process

In the summer of 2023, USD initiated a Request for Qualifications/Proposals (RFQ/P) process and chose a developer to redevelop a portion of the Mirassou site into housing. However, by fall of the same year, the district opted to terminate this agreement. Subsequently, USD redirected effort toward a new design approach characterized by larger lot sizes with a strong emphasis on harmonizing the development with the existing neighborhood.

Per the direction from the Board of Trustees, an RFQ/P was issued on November 27, 2023, to solicit offers from developers to acquire (by exchange) the approximately 4.28 acre field area of the Mirassou (known as Mirassou A). In addition to public notices published in the San Jose Mercury News, San Jose Post Record and the Los Gatos Times, the RFQ/P was directly sent out directly to 75 regional developers. On December 13, 2023 USD responded to questions posed by several developers. By the conclusion of the RFQ/P deadline on January 12, 2024, the district received three proposals.

On January 23, 2024, a committee comprising staff, Board members, and consultants conducted interviews with the three prospective developers. The committee recommended advancing negotiations with Robson Homes as the preferred exchange partner whose proposal includes 12 total single family homes on expanded lot sizes emphasizing neighborhood compatibility. On March 11, 2024, the Board approved the exchange agreement with Robson Homes. 

We are committed to being good neighbors

Any redevelopment of school campuses is carefully chosen to ensure it brings community benefit. In Spring 2024, USD selected Robson Homes to develop a portion of the Mirassou site (approximately 4.28 acres) into 12 residential homes. The school district will maintain ownership of the school building which is currently leased.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an exchange property?

The governing board of a school district has the authority to exchange its real property with that of another individual or private business entity. The exchanged property may include revenue generating assets, thereby providing the district with additional revenues that can be utilized to support student, staff, and programming needs.

Why is the field area not accessible to the public?

The Mirassou field access has been restricted due to deteriorating conditions and safety issues, prompting its closure and fencing off from public use. The estimated cost to repair the field is approximately $2.2 million, prompting the district to explore alternative utilization options.

What are the next steps?

For detailed information on the Town of Los Gatos housing development and the entitlement process, please visit Town of Los Gatos Community Development Department or planning@losgatosca.gov

When will construction start?

Construction of the new homes is expected to commence following the close of escrow, which is anticipated in Spring 2026.

Community Meeting

On February 22, 2024, Robson Homes conducted an informational session with the Preserve Belwood Association to discuss the proposed development and address any inquiries from the community.

Details of future meetings will be provided here once available.

Contact

Questions regarding the development should be directed to Robson Homes project management team Jack Robson at jack@robson.com or (408) 345-1767

Questions regarding the school campus should be directed to Kirsten Perez, Assistant Superintendent Business Services at perezk@unionsd.org or (408) 558-4224