The Lark
Rebrand + Renovation | San Mateo, CA
Tucked between the cultural capitals of San Francisco and San Jose, San Mateo has long drawn a discerning residential crowd—tech innovators, biotech pioneers, and healthcare professionals who seek not only proximity to the Bay Area’s dynamic economy, but a sense of place. With its mild climate, verdant parks, and direct access to Northern California’s coastal beauty, this city of 100,000 offers an elegant balance of urban energy and restorative calm.
Yet within this sought-after setting, Park20, a 197-unit multifamily community, lacked a cohesive identity. Its architecture and amenities felt disconnected from the rhythms of its residents—individuals seeking tranquility, connection, and a grounded retreat from the pace of their workday lives. The opportunity was clear: to move beyond modernization and craft a one-of-a-kind brand experience defined by intention, warmth, and design integrity.
From Park20 to The Lark
What was once Park20 has been reimagined as The Lark—a name that conjures lightness, serenity, and natural rhythm. Rooted in the Swedish philosophy of lagom—the idea of “just enough”—the brand embodies restraint, calm, and quiet luxury. This transformation is not merely visual, but conceptual. The Lark invites residents to inhabit intentional simplicity, where every space reflects a considered harmony between natural materials and architectural clarity. With a refined palette and minimalist expression, the rebrand establishes a sanctuary attuned to the lifestyle of the modern Bay Area resident.
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Renovation: Before & After
The transformation began with first impressions: the exterior façade, lobby, and leasing office were recast to offer a calm, confident welcome. Just beyond the entry, a café and resident lounge now invite moments of connection among friends and neighbors; the fitness center and newly introduced yoga room are reenergized by purposeful lighting and spatial clarity. Outdoor spaces—including an open-air game parlor and two upper-level terraces—offer fresh-air retreats designed for everything from solo unwinding to impromptu social gatherings. At the heart of the community, a lushly planted garden and refreshed pool and spa embrace the natural cadence of rest and renewal.
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Before | Pool & Spa
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After | Pool & Spa
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After | Pool & Spa
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Before | Lobby
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After | Lobby
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After | Lobby
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Before | Lounge
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After | Lounge
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After | Lounge
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Before | Fitness
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After | Fitness
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Before | Terrace
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After | Terrace
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Before | Yoga Studio
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After | Yoga Studio
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Before | Rooftop Lounge
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After | Rooftop Lounge
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Before | Community Garden
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After | Community Garden
Result: A Community Redefined
One year on, The Lark is more than a place to live—it’s a destination. The redesigned common areas now hum with quiet vitality, embraced by residents who find daily joy in the spaces around them. And the results speak for themselves.
In 2025, The Lark earned the #1 ranking in California on J Turner Research’s Elite 1% list—making it the most positively reviewed apartment community in the state, out of over 20,000 properties. The honor is a testament to what thoughtful design and a dedicated on-site team can achieve: not just increased satisfaction, but a renewed sense of belonging.
Learn More
To learn more about The Lark, check out our property website here.
Brand Partners: Paper Laundry
Architecture & Design Partners: B2 Design Co.
