Mercy Housing Opens 179-Unit Affordable Community in San Mateo County's North Fair Oaks
Mercy Housing and San Mateo County have officially opened Middlefield Junction, a 179-unit, affordable residential community in North Fair Oaks, marking the completion of a project nearly a decade in the making. The development converts a formerly underutilized County-owned parcel into a services-integrated residential neighborhood serving low- and moderate-income families in one of the Bay Area's most expensive housing markets.
Project Scope and Unit Mix
Middlefield Junction offers one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartment homes. The community is income-restricted for households earning approximately 30% to 80% of Area Median Income. Within that total, 20 units are reserved for individuals and families transitioning out of homelessness through California's Housing for a Healthy California program. The development also includes project-based voucher units.
The site will feature a future on-site childcare center to be operated by Peninsula Family Services, along with resident gathering spaces, landscaped courtyards, and pedestrian-friendly pathways. A full-time Resource Coordinator and on-site property management are slated to provide ongoing resident support services.
The site is located adjacent to the Fair Oaks Health Center and near key transit corridors, providing residents with access to healthcare, employment centers, and public transportation. The community also features more than 90 electric vehicle charging stations, supported through Peninsula Clean Energy's EV Ready program.
Public Land Policy and a Decade of Planning
San Mateo County first identified the site as an affordable housing opportunity in 2016, with the goal of creating a community hub that integrated housing and services. Mercy Housing California was selected to lead the development in 2018, and extensive community engagement subsequently shaped the project's design and programming.
Fire Setback and Recovery
Construction of Middlefield Junction was not without significant challenges. In June 2024, an eight-alarm fire destroyed one nearly completed residential building on the site. Through coordinated efforts involving local firefighters, construction partners, public agencies, and community stakeholders, rebuilding proceeded and the project reached full completion. The opening was held July 15, 2026.
The completed community represents an example of public land, community vision, and partnership applied to address affordable housing needs in a high-cost market.