Alexandria Life Science Campus project approved in San Carlos

Located in East San Carlos, the Alexandria Center for Life Science development is a major proposal in an industrial area of the city that is designed to be welcoming to residents. Improvements will include community-centered active spaces throughout the buildings and significant improvements to Pulgas Creek.

“That’s a relatively new idea when you’re looking at large campuses,” Al Savay, Community Development director, said. “But this development and San Carlos is at the forefront of opening these campuses up to the community.” 

Applicant Alexandria Real Estate Equities proposes development in three phases over 15 years, with various community benefits included in each phase.

The development site will be 24% landscaped areas, with a 55,000-square-foot public plaza along Commercial Street. A paseo will weave between buildings and will eventually include pickleball courts, a bocce ball court, a half basketball court and pingpong tables. A central green adjacent to Pulgas Creek will also have a lawn area and seating alongside the publicly accessible creekside trail. 

The paseo running through the campus will be constructed in the first phase of development. Improvements to the creek and the pedestrian trail will be developed during the second phase, and the sport amenities will likely be installed toward the end of development. 

The Pulgas Creek improvements were a significant area of focus and study for developers and city staff. Improvements will include removing invasive plant species, widening the creek bed and improving the creek banks on both sides. 

“The commitment to publicly accessible public space including the cafe and environment friendly initiatives like the recycled water system reflects your vision of a sustainable and inclusive environment,” Councilmember Pranita Venkatesh said to developers. 

Off-site, the developer will also pay to repave Commercial Street and add bike paths and greenery during the first phase of construction. A new traffic signal at Old County Road and Commercial Street will also be installed. Improvements to Old County Road will also be made with new sidewalks, bike lanes and undergrounding of utilities. 

Developers will contribute more than $43 million in fiscal benefits to the city, to be paid in portions with each building development. Although the development does not have any associated housing proposals, the commercial linkage feels will help move along other affordable housing projects the city is sitting on, Mayor Sara McDowell said. 

“I appreciate the fiscal contribution to the city, I think $43 million is historic, we will do a lot of good in our community with that money,” McDowell said. 

The six office buildings will range from 82 feet and 114 feet tall, and will total 1,603,879 square feet of floor area. The development will add approximately 4,700 jobs to the city, staff said. 

With the influx of workers, the development agreement includes a transportation demand management plan that requires a 20% reduction in trips by providing alternative transportation amenities. Developers are also proposing a more robust alternative transportation plan that may establish a shuttle network among nearby developments as well. 

Councilmembers have long advocated for these major developments to be a part of the community, not just a place where people work, McDowell said. 

“I think this project will be wonderful because it encompasses all of those ideals we’ve been talking about so long,” McDowell said. “I think it does so much to build good will in the community too when you welcome our community in and not close it off.”