Facebook Wants to Build a Mixed-Use Village Around Its Silicon Valley Campus

For six years now, Facebook’s headquarters has been a sprawling campus in Menlo Park. But the social network wants to deepen its Silicon Valley presence by upgrading its campus to an entire village.

“We are now planning to redevelop the former Menlo Science & Technology Park which we intend to call Willow Campus,” says John Tenanes, vice president of global facilities and real estate for Facebook. “We plan to keep investing in this community.”

Willow Campus will be integrated, mixed-use village that will provide services, housing, and transit solutions, as well as office space.

“Part of our vision is to create a neighborhood center that provides long-needed community services,” says Tenanes. “We plan to build 125,000 square feet of new retail space, including a grocery store, pharmacy and additional community-facing retail.”

It’s far from official, though; Facebook is still talking with local government and community organizations. However, the company expects that construction could begin within two years and the first phase of the village could be completed in 2021.

“Willow Campus will be an opportunity to catalyze regional transit investment by providing planned density sufficient to support new east-west connections and a future transit center,” says Tenanes. “Our hope is to create a physical space that supports our community and builds on our existing programs.”