Sand Hill Property Sets World Record in San Jose Area

By Ioana Neamt, Associate Editor

Cupertino is in line to become a record-holder in an unusual category. As part of the proposed $3 billion overhaul of Vallco Shopping Mall, Sand Hill Property Co. has revealed plans to create the world’s largest roof garden.

Menlo Park-based Sand Hill’s 30-acre green space would eclipse the current record-holder, Chicago’s 24.5-acre Millennium Park.

Designed by renowned architect Rafael Vinoly, the LEED Platinum roof would be developed at the site of the Vallco Shopping Mall, and would be part of a mixed-use project dubbed The Hills at Vallco. Vinoly is designing the development in collaboration with OLIN Landscape Architects of Philadelphia.

Sand Hill’s plan calls for 3.8 miles of walking and jogging trails, vineyards and organic gardens, and the use of recycled water for heating, cooling and irrigation systems.

Sand Hill shelled out $316 million for Vallco late last year, CBS San Francisco reports. In the statement detailing its plans, Sand Hill pointed out that the center has been in decline for years. The mall’s lower level has been empty for more than 10 years, and its Macy’s closed in March. When Sears follows suit next month, vacancy will rise above 50 percent.