Palo Alto Welcomes New Businesses as Others Move Out

Downtown Palo Alto is saying goodbye to some current tenants and hello to a few new ones in the upcoming weeks.

Pinterest, a social media startup, will relocate its headquarters to San Francisco. Previously, the company’s offices were in a humble, unmarked building on High Street. The company will move to a larger office in the SOMA district that can hold up to 200 employees, compared to the previous office that fit around 50.

Two new furniture stores will move Downtown - West Elm at 180 University Avenue and Inhabiture at 248 Hamiton Avenue. West Elm is owned by Williams Sonoma and will sell classic, contemporary pieces while Inhabiture will sell only eco-friendly items made from local materials. Inhabiture is expected to open in September and West Elm in November.

There is still no final word on what will move into a few of Downtown Palo Alto's other vacancies, like the former homes of Borders Books and Diddams.

Stanford Shopping Center will also see some major changes in the coming year. In the western portion of the outdoor mall, a colossal structure is being built, currently covered with black sheeting. The 12,000 square foot giant will be home to a new Apple Store, which will replace the current Stanford Apple Store come completion.

Downtown’s Apple Store will also be replaced by a new store at 451 University. It is expected to have two stories, plus a basement, with glass walls and a glass roof.

Seen any other major construction or new businesses around Palo Alto? Tell us in the comment section!