2-Building Life Sciences Development Faces Key Vote In Menlo Park

MENLO PARK, CA — The Menlo Park Planning Commission will consider a proposed 228,398-square-foot life sciences development Monday.

Commissioners will review the project's final environmental impact report and proposed development approvals for properties along O'Brien Drive and Willow Road, according to city planning documents.

Developer Tarlton Properties plans to replace existing warehouse and research buildings with two research and development facilities and a seven-level parking structure.

The proposal includes:

• Five-story building: 154,381 square feet.
• Four-story building: 73,617 square feet.
• Parking: 520 spaces, including 497 in the parking structure and 23 surface spaces.
• Open space: 59,344 square feet, including 31,535 square feet accessible to the public.

Construction would occur in two phases, starting with demolition of buildings at 985 and 1005 O'Brien Drive and partial demolition at 1320 Willow Road. Crews would then build the five-story research facility and the first five levels of the parking structure.

The second phase would complete demolition at 1320 Willow Road and add a four-story research building and two additional parking levels.

Tarlton Properties also proposes a community amenities payment in exchange for additional building height and floor area.

Environmental reviews have examined potential impacts on air quality, greenhouse gas emissions, noise, transportation and housing.

City officials released the final environmental impact report Nov. 6. Residents can review copies at the Menlo Park and Belle Haven libraries.

Written comments can be submitted to Senior Planner Chris Turner at crturner@menlopark.gov until 5 p.m. Monday.

The project has not received final approval.