25-acre life science campus moves forward in San Carlos

“This is a great location for such a large campus and job intensive use, close to transit, very walkable,” Commissioner Kristen Clements said. 

The project was initially proposed in March 2020 and the final environmental impact report made on the development proposal was released in February 2025. Major considerations studied for environmental impact included disturbances during construction, the removal of older buildings that include lead-based paint and asbestos abatement during the demolition process, and construction vehicle emissions. 

The final environmental impact report found that there would be no significant impact on the local environment with the proposed mitigations required of developers, staff presented at the commission’s meeting April 21. The impacts of employee trip lengths were also studied, and an extensive transportation demand management study was proposed that commissioners felt adequately anticipated the influx of employee traffic to the area. 

The project will be developed over the course of 15 years, and done in three phases. Community amenities will be available gradually, throughout the process, ensuring benefits sooner than the close of construction. Commissioner Janet Castaneda said she appreciated the proposed phasing as logical and beneficial to the community. 

“The Phase 1 Commercial Street improvements are going to provide the protected bike paths, tree-lined sidewalks and this is going to increase the connectivity from east to west in our community,” Castaneda said.

Phase one will include the construction of two buildings and surface level parking, improvements to Commercial Street and a new traffic signal installed at Old County Road and Commercial Street. Phase two will include three new buildings and one of the parking garages, as well as the major improvements to Pulgas Creek. Phase three will include the remaining three buildings and second parking garage. 

Creek upgrades will include new bicycle and pedestrian paths along the creek, repairing of the creek bank, and replacement of existing infrastructure to address stormwater and groundwater rise.  

The creek improvements, a paseo central to the campus between the buildings, and a central green area proposed as publicly accessible amenities were applauded by Clements. The visual design of the first two buildings was also admirable, she said. 

“I think it’s going to be a beautiful place for people to recreate,” Clements said. 

The San Carlos City Council will consider the final environmental impact report, conduct its own public hearing, and act on the proposed zoning and development plan agreements at a future meeting.