Palo Alto Historic Depot Activation

The Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) has issued an RFI regarding revitalization of the Palo Alto Train Depot, located at 95 University Avenue and listed on the National and California Registers of Historic Places, with RFI responses due October 6, 2026. This is a market-research solicitation; VTA states that responding does not preclude participation in any future formal procurement and does not constitute a guarantee that a subsequent RFQ, RFP, or IFB will follow.

VTA seeks information from food service vendors, café operators, and retail professionals regarding capability and interest in operating a public-facing commercial venture at the Depot. The envisioned scope includes food and beverage service (minimum activation via coffee cart), community activations, historic or art exhibitions, small-front retail, pop-up events, and flexible coworking space. Vendor responsibilities encompass food and beverage service plus cleaning and maintenance of interior Depot space. Respondents must demonstrate knowledge of food service retail regulations and codes, current California business experience, and relevant experience launching and operating community or retail centers with food service, pop-up events, or coworking spaces.

VTA will provide up to $325,000 in vendor improvement funds toward facilities upgrades, including kitchen or other Depot facility improvements. VTA has not established a rental fee and seeks vendor input on the best pricing model. The RFI questionnaire requires responses on proposed days and hours of operation, cleaning and maintenance concerns, compensation model recommendations, operational challenges, menu offerings, vendor improvement requests with cost estimates, experience in similar spaces, recent food service or retail business experience demonstrating financial success, and proposed staffing structure.

A mandatory site tour is scheduled for Wednesday, September 9, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Questions are due September 15, 2026, by 2:00 p.m. Responses must be submitted through OpenGov at https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/vta/projects/29748.