YouTube expands in San Bruno

The buildings are made of a mass timber structure, rather than steel, with solar panels, rainwater collection and a micro energy grid. Development included the introduction of 475 native trees and sustainability measures within the building design should lower carbon emissions by around 50%, according to Mohan.

More construction is expected at the company as part of the Bayhill Specific Plan approved by the San Bruno City Council in 2021, which will provide sweeping redevelopment, office space and housing units around the area — including two more YouTube campus buildings on Cherry Avenue, which do not have specified opening dates.

The ambitious, upcoming Bayhill Specific Plan will eventually include up to 2.4 million additional square feet of office space, 573 housing units, redevelopment of an existing shopping center, potential expanded hotel uses and broad upgrades to transportation and other supporting infrastructure in the next 20 years. As part of that agreement, YouTube is set to pay $56 million to the city, which will cover fees associated with the first phase of construction and part of the second phase.

At a community event to celebrate the opening of the two new buildings, the internet giant also announced a grant of $200,000 for the San Bruno Education Foundation. The grant will offer $200,000 over the next two years for STEM, art and music programs in the San Bruno Park School District and was gifted by Google.org, the philanthropic arm of YouTube’s parent company, Google.

The grant is a representation of YouTube’s commitment to community ties in the area, Heather Latta, San Bruno Education Foundation president, said.

“Thank you for the support that you’re showing to the students of San Bruno, the children of San Bruno through this generous grant. But we’re not surprised. Year after year, YouTube has shown its investments in San Bruno schools,” Latta said, noting YouTube’s donation of student learning devices to facilitate distance learning during the COVID-19 pandemic as one example.

The upcoming grant funding will bolster enrichment programs that include science fair and experiment materials, middle school art, media and visual programs and musical instruments, among other supplies, Latta said.

Assemblymember Diane Papan, D-San Mateo, was also in attendance at the unveiling, commending YouTube both for the role they play in bolstering the local economy and providing communication services for individuals across the globe.

“This district is the economic engine of the state, and it’s not always easy to keep that engine going. But we do our best and the likes of YouTube is a great contributor. Much of what happens here, my colleagues and myself end up using, whether that’s to communicate with constituents or to campaign,” she said. “I couldn’t be more grateful you are helping the local economy. You are helping the community. You’ve been a great partner, a good neighbor and a good employer.”

As of 2021, YouTube was the city of San Bruno’s second-largest employer, with 2,380 employees.