The KPF-designed development has been recognized by the Urban Land Institute’s magazine as an exemplary conversion of a defunct shopping mall into a vibrant mixed-use town center.
The Rise replaces the former Vallco Shopping Mall near Apple Park in Cupertino, California with a dynamic, pedestrian-friendly environment. KPF’s revised design, undertaken after the passing of original designer Rafael Viñoly in 2023, directly responds to community feedback and evolving needs. As highlighted by Patricia Kirk and Ron Nyren in the article, KPF’s updated design increases the number of housing units to more than 2,600—including 890 affordable homes—while stepping building heights down toward adjacent residential neighborhoods. The project also delivers seven acres of new open space, including event plazas, parks, playgrounds, and trails, making it Cupertino’s largest-ever residential development and fulfilling more than half of the city’s state-mandated housing obligations.
The article highlights the complex challenges such redevelopments face, including anchor tenant agreements, infrastructure upgrades, and community engagement. The Rise stands out for its innovative use of California’s Senate Bill 35 to fast-track housing, its commitment to affordability, and for creating walkable green spaces. As mall-to-town center conversions gain momentum across the United States, The Rise demonstrates how community engagement and collaboration can revitalize urban areas and address pressing housing needs.
