Stanford University is exploring the possibility of purchasing the Notre Dame de Namur University campus with a goal of continuing the property’s nearly 100-year history of academic use by creating a vision for a future Stanford campus in Belmont.  

Stanford entered into an option to purchase agreement with NDNU in September 2021 to work toward Stanford’s purchase of the 46-acre campus. Following extensive community engagement starting in 2021, Stanford submitted an application to the City of Belmont for a Conceptual Development Plan for the NDNU campus property. The development plan includes a package of community benefits that was informed by discussions with local residents and stakeholders. This is an exciting first step in a comprehensive regulatory process led by the City to study Stanford’s high-level vision to redevelop the campus.

Stay informed

Belmont Campus Tour and Lecture Series

Join us for a fall series of lectures and a tour exploring the future of a proposed Stanford campus in Belmont. Stanford experts will lead participants through an informational tour or lecture and engage in a community discussion.

Sustainability Lecture

Monday, September 23rd, 5:30 – 7:00 p.m. 

Learn about Stanford University’s commitment to incorporating award-winning sustainability practices into the design and operations of our campuses. Stanford’s Executive Director of  Sustainability and Energy Management, Lincoln Bleveans, will lead this lecture and engage in a conversation with attendees. This will be a lecture only and will not include a walking tour.

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History Lecture

Saturday, October 10th, 1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.

NDNU has a long-standing history of academic achievement in Belmont dating back to 1853. Stanford’s Dr. Laura Jones, Director of Heritage Services and University Archaeologist, and Julie Cain, Historic Preservation Planner, will share what they’ve learned about the history of this property and how it will be honored moving forward.

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Campus Development and Design Approach Tour

Saturday, September 7th, 1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.

Join University Architect Zach Pozner for a campus tour to learn about the vision and design approach Stanford has developed in its Conceptual Development Plan. We’ll dive into the  unique landscape, topography, and ethos of the NDNU property, which are addressed in the Plan.

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October 2023 Community Open Houses

We hosted two in-person Community Open Houses at NDNU’s Taube Hall in October 2023. The drop-in sessions provided community members an opportunity to learn more about a potential Stanford Belmont campus and the university’s Conceptual Development Plan which has been submitted to the City for their review.

We shared information about the planning and conceptual campus design approach to Stanford’s envisioned campus in Belmont. We appreciate the valuable community feedback we received on our plans. If you were unable to join us, please visit our virtual engagement portal to view open house materials and share your thoughts through an online survey. 

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Our Vision

The Belmont campus and community present exciting opportunities for Stanford as it extends its educational mission and Long-Range Vision that includes more purposeful engagement with the region. The submitted plan would provide Stanford with the flexibility to reposition the campus in a way that supports new academic uses and greater community engagement. The CDP also includes elements that reflect the shared values of Stanford and the Belmont community:

• Continued use of the Belmont campus for academic purposes, furthering the tradition of higher education in the city.
• A campus design that welcomes community access to recreation and walking paths.
• A commitment to continue Stanford’s strong record in sustainable development and campus management – including sustainable buildings, operations, and transportation programs.
• Continuing the residential nature of the campus by providing a minimum of 50 housing units for Stanford affiliates, and up to 200, depending on programmatic needs.

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Community Benefits

Stanford launched an extensive community outreach effort starting in 2021 with a key goal to understand how Belmont residents engage with the campus, and how they would like to further engage with it, should Stanford ultimately purchase the property. Based on community discussions and engagement with residents, city officials, school leaders, and community groups, four clear priorities emerged that shaped Stanford’s proposed community benefits package:

• Ralston Mansion – Stanford will invest in the restoration and preservation of Ralston Mansion, and will create opportunities for the community to again utilize the facility, which was closed in 2012.
• Koret Field – Koret Field will be available for use and/or rental by the community. 
• Ralston corridor transportation improvements – During the first phase of new development, and in consultation with the City, Stanford will design and fund improvements to the Ralston Avenue/campus entrance intersection to improve existing congestion on Ralston Avenue. In addition, Stanford will commit to improving bicycle access to the train station along the Ralston corridor.
• Establish a Stanford Belmont Educational Initiative – Stanford will immediately begin a community process to identify and support mission-aligned initiatives and programs that champion and invest in innovative education, with an emphasis on Transitional Kindergarten through 12th grade and the educational ecosystem. 

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