Gilead’s massive proposal in Foster City gets support from Planning Commission

Gilead purchased the Chess Hatch property, situated between State Route 92 and Chess Drive, about a decade ago and has yet to substantially redevelop it. According to the most recent plans, the company plans to build out the site, located about 1 mile from the main campus, in two phases. During the first phase, eight of the 12 existing buildings would be demolished, with construction completed on a two-story, 175,000-square-foot lab building and construction starting next year. The second phase would include the demolition of the remaining buildings and the construction of one 600,000-square-foot R&D building.

During a Planning Commission meeting Feb. 5, city staff and Gilead expanded on the project with more details. While construction on the start of the second phase is unknown, the four remaining buildings after Phase 1 is completed would be used for storage, clarifying concerns that the buildings would remain vacant. About 150 employees would likely occupy the development during the first phase, with about 820 estimated once the campus is fully built out. 

Previous concerns had been raised over the timeline and details of the second phase, however, Community Development Director Sofia Mangalam said Gilead would have to apply for new, separate entitlements after the first phase is completed. 

“Any new construction beyond phase one would be brought to the Planning Commission for a use permit approval, and they’d have to go through the same process, where they’ll explain their project,” Mangalam said during the meeting, adding that any substantial changes to the original plan would be highlighted for commission review. 

The commission unanimously supported moving to the next steps for the first phase, which will include another Planning Commission study session. Construction is anticipated to begin some time this year, according to previous estimates. 

“I have a much better understanding as to why we’ve come to the designs that we have. The city has safeguards in place as we head towards phase two, which I really appreciate,” Commissioner Doug Stoveland said.