Reflections on living on block long Hoover Street in downtown Menlo Park

Menlo Park resident Sandy Bardas shared these reflections about living on Hoover Street, which is just one block:

“I moved here 30 years ago promising the previous owner that I would make this place my permanent residence She wanted the house preserved by someone who would appreciate its craftsmanship.

“Around me were families who had lived on the street from as early as 1927. They all welcomed me and I became very close friends.  I really enjoyed hearing the history of Menlo Park first hand from these eye witnesses

“The house was built in 1940 by an Italian contractor whose family still lives in Menlo Park.

“As the years past, the early residents began to pass away and their home were inherited by their children or estates. Most of the homes were old and small. Some were on large lots.

“Developers bought them and constructed townhouse complexes or two-house flag lots. We saw Fire Station 6 rebuilt and the historic old firehouse installed as a museum on Hoover Street.

“Hoover Street still retains that mix of older homes with the newer constructions. Young couples moved into these new homes. Soon the neighborhood had young children in strollers and lots of dog walkers It’s a great way to meet your neighbors!

“Several of us saw the importance of developing a feeling of community so three years ago we began the Hoover Street tradition of “Neighbors Night Out” We all especially appreciated the visits from Menlo Fire and Menlo Police.

“Some people think Menlo Park is akin to an English village. Even villages are born, mature, and reincarnate With proper oversight by our Planning and Building Department we can continue to enjoy and appreciate our evolving community.”

Here are the current development projects:

• 1346 Hoover- demolition occurred and work stopped because of permitting issues
• 1300-1308 Hoover- plans submitted for a 34 unit condo building – There are currently 3 buildings with a total of 12 units on the site
• 1305 – a vacant house with no current submission for development
• 1220- under construction for an 8 unit residential development

Photos by Robb Most (c) 2026