Bay Area Real Estate & Development Blog | Oakland, Piedmont & Cupertino - Vallco redevelopment

The Rise Cupertino Phase 1 Final Map: July 2026 City Review

Updated August 2026: The transformation of the former Vallco Mall property has reached another important stage. On July 21, 2026, the Cupertino City Council reviewed and considered approval of Final Map Tract No. 10706 for Phase 1 of The Rise, along with public street dedications, easements and a detailed Subdivision Improvement Agreement covering infrastructure associated with the first phase.

This is not simply another conceptual rendering or redevelopment announcement. The documents now under review get into the mechanics of turning the approved project into actual parcels, streets, public-access areas, easements and infrastructure.

I reviewed the City's draft resolution, the accompanying Subdivision Improvement Agreement and the 13-sheet Phase 1…

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CBS’s Cupertino TV Show: The Real Silicon Valley City Behind the Drama

When CBS announced its new television series "Cupertino", curiosity quickly followed. Was the show inspired by the real Cupertino, California? Does it accurately portray life in one of Silicon Valley's most recognizable communities? And perhaps most importantly for locals, what exactly is fact versus Hollywood fiction?

While the television series takes creative liberties, the real Cupertino has long captured national attention for entirely different reasons. Home to Apple Park, top-performing public schools, and some of the most sought-after neighborhoods in Silicon Valley, Cupertino has become synonymous with innovation, education, and an exceptional quality of life.

Is CBS's "Cupertino" Based on the Real Cupertino?

Although CBS has drawn…

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The Truth About The Rise Affordable Housing Controversy | Cupertino Town Square West Explained

Updated September 2026

The affordable housing planned at The Rise in Cupertino has changed substantially since the former Vallco Mall redevelopment was first approved under California's SB 35 law. The original 2018 SB 35 project proposed 2,402 homes, including 1,201 affordable homes. A later version increased the overall residential count to 2,669 homes while reducing the affordable component to approximately 890 homes. The current plan continues to include approximately 2,669 homes overall but calls for approximately 356 affordable homes.

Those numbers can be confusing because they come from different versions of the project and different affordability calculations. They also should not be confused with Town Square West, the first major phase of…

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The Rise at Vallco: Cupertino’s Largest New Housing Development Launches Town Square West

Update: February 2026 — Revised Plans for The Rise Approved

On February 27, 2026, the City of Cupertino approved the third modification to The Rise development under California’s Senate Bill 35 process. The revised project continues to include 2,669 homes while adjusting the mix of affordable housing, office space, retail space, building design, and site planning. The developer has indicated that the first vertical construction could begin in 2026, with initial homes potentially ready for occupancy in 2028.

Latest update: This article explains the approved plans for The Rise and Town Square West. For current construction activity, permitting milestones, photographs, and newly announced housing information, visit the The Rise Cupertino LIVE Updates…

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