The Belle Haven Community Campus, recipient of the 2025 Green Building Honorable Mention cosponsored by Sustainable San Mateo County and the San Mateo County Chapter of the American Institute of Architects, is a shining example of how architecture can serve both environmental and social justice goals. The project was recognized in a highly competitive field, which included a diverse array of sustainable residential, commercial and civic projects. This LEED Platinum, net-zero energy facility stands as a beacon of resilience and innovation in the Belle Haven neighborhood of Menlo Park.
Owned by the City of Menlo Park, with architecture by Hart Howerton and construction by Level 10 Construction and ENGIE North America, the campus reflects a deep commitment to addressing historical inequities while meeting the needs of the community at a multigenerational level. The 155,000-square-foot site hosts a 37,000-square-foot facility that co-locates essential services: a library, aquatic center, childcare, senior center, gymnasium, and fitness center; a commercial kitchen, maker space and emergency shelter capabilities. Completed in May 2024 in partnership with Meta, the campus has built on the legacy of the facilities it replaced as a vital hub for a historically underserved neighborhood. And, by serving as a Red Cross shelter and community hub, it’s not just a building, it’s a promise of a healthier, more sustainable future for Belle Haven.
What sets this facility apart is its groundbreaking approach to sustainability. The all-electric campus will be powered by a 546 kW solar photovoltaic array and a 367 kW/1468 kWh battery storage system which comprise a microgrid that will ensure resilience during outages. The pools, a key feature, are heated through a combination of solar thermal loops and air source heat pumps, eliminating the need for fossil fuels. Despite the challenges of designing a facility with energy-intensive features like an aquatic center and a commercial kitchen, the campus achieves an impressive 55% reduction in simulated energy performance and generates more energy annually than it consumes. The campus addresses local air quality concerns, reduces vehicle trips through co-located services and supports electric vehicle adoption with robust charging infrastructure.
Judges highlighted the project’s thoughtful integration of sustainability and community impact, noting, “The Belle Haven Community Campus exemplifies how green building can have a profound positive impact on both the environment and the people it serves, enhancing the quality of life in the Belle Haven neighborhood. Its innovative design sets a benchmark for equitable, sustainable development.”
Owner: City of Menlo Park. Architect: Hart Howerton, San Francisco. Builder: Level 10 Construction, Sunnyvale.
