Joint Statement: Sale Agreement of a Portion of the Cubberley Property

Joint Statement: Sale Agreement of a Portion of the Cubberley Property

Published on October 05, 2026

JOINT STATEMENT OF THE CITY OF PALO ALTO AND PALO ALTO UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT REGARDING CONDITIONAL SALE AGREEMENT OF A PORTION OF THE CUBBERLEY PROPERTY

The City and the PAUSD believe it is in the best interest of our constituents that a portion of the property at the Cubberley Community Center be sold to the City by the District so the property can be refurbished and used as a thriving community center for many years to come.

Following years of community advocacy and negotiation, the City Council and the School District have reached an agreement for the City to purchase a 7-acre portion of the Cubberley Community Center currently owned by the District.

Because the City owns 8 building-occupied acres of the site and the District owns the remaining 7 building-occupied acres, separate ownership has hindered long-term planning, investment in renovations and improvements that are now overdue. Consolidating ownership under the City ensures permanent public use and advances the plan to modernize the campus for wellness, arts, culture, and outdoor programs. Alongside City funding, nonprofit partners plan to contribute tens of millions to expand the variety and quality of programs offered at Cubberley. The City will maintain its lease on the remaining 20 acres of playing fields and parking lots from the District, preserving the community's popular athletic activities.

For the community, this property presents a rare opportunity due to its size and adjacency to the City's current Cubberley property. And, valuing the Cubberley property is imprecise due to a lack of comparable sites; further, it is zoned for public facility use and state law prioritizes public agency buyers. The District's asking price of $90 million reflected the site's potential value to interested third-parties under a long-term lease, including possible use as a private school. The City based its offer on its 2024 property appraisal of $43.6-$60.2 million. Following protracted negotiations, the City and District ultimately agreed on a purchase price of $60.65 million (2024 dollars), equivalent to the $65.5 million 2027 purchase price.

Learn about the City's plans to improve the Cubberley Community Center.

Sent By:

Meghan Horrigan-Taylor

Chief Communications Officer

City Manager's Office

Email: [email protected]

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