Burlingame is set to receive a boost in its life sciences sector with the construction of a 300,000-square foot research building. Helios Real Estate Partners and King Street Properties have received approval from the Burlingame Planning Commission for special permits to construct the eight-story building at 1699 Old Bayshore Highway and 825 Mahler Road.
The proposed building will stand at 151 feet tall on a 3-acre site, featuring 16-foot ceilings and a seven-story parking garage. The developers acquired the property for $45.2 million in 2022, with the goal of creating a Class A life science office campus complete with parking, public outdoor space, and originally, a café that was later removed from the plans.
To proceed with the project, the developers needed a special permit due to the building’s height exceeding the usual limit on Bayshore Highway, as well as the floor-to-area ratio. To offset these deviations, they have proposed a 6,900-square foot public plaza, sea level-rise infrastructure, public art, and a public trail along Mills Creek.
During the approval process, commissioners raised concerns about public benefits, especially with the removal of the café and limited public parking. Ultimately, the developers agreed to provide at least 20 daytime parking stalls and contribute $100,000 to upgrade the Old Bayshore Highway frontage near a shorebird sanctuary.
The larger development known as The Landing includes this project which consists of two buildings: The first one being The North Building featuring 203
