OpenAI opens new headquarters, leading San Francisco’s technology revival.

On March 10, 2025, OpenAI held an opening ceremony for its new headquarters in San Francisco, with Mayor Daniel Lurie and City Housing and Economic Development Director Ned Segal in attendance to offer their congratulations. The new headquarters is located at 1515 Third St. in Mission Bay, right next to the Chase Center. In recent years, this area has emerged as a crucial hub for technology and biotechnology companies.

During the opening ceremony, OpenAI’s Chief Business Officer Giancarlo Lionetti stated, “OpenAI was founded in 2015 and we are fortunate to continue growing in this city we call home. Currently, we have around 2,000 employees in San Francisco and plan to double that number. We also have over one million square feet of office space to achieve this goal.”

According to the Business Times, based on the latest employee count, OpenAI has now become one of the top 20 employers in San Francisco. If the number of employees reaches 4,000, the company will rank as the 10th largest employer in the city, comparable to Google’s estimated employee count in San Francisco.

At noon that day, Mayor Lurie cut the ribbon for the company’s new headquarters, symbolizing the official opening of the building, although it had been in use for some time already.

In 2023, OpenAI subleased approximately 500,000 square feet of office space from Uber, and a year later, they further solidified their presence in San Francisco by leasing an additional 350,000 square feet at 550 Terry A. Francois Blvd.

Mayor Lurie kicked off his speech in a light-hearted manner, joking, “The coffee here is delicious, I could use another cup.” He also revealed that his daughter frequently uses ChatGPT.

He then emphasized the significance of OpenAI to San Francisco, stating, “OpenAI was born in San Francisco, and your tools and research are having a profound impact on industries worldwide.” The completion of the new headquarters today signifies that “OpenAI is leading the latest wave of technological revival in San Francisco.”

Lurie said, “In addition to around 2,000 employees, you also have 6,000 developers, which is inspiring.”

He noted, “For generations, San Francisco has been a place where the future is nurtured. We have world-class talent and unparalleled entrepreneurial spirit. Therefore, San Francisco has given rise to many globally leading enterprises and startups.”

He also praised OpenAI’s contribution to the San Francisco economy, stating, “Offices like this not only attract technical talent but also bring in more baristas, janitors, and draw more customers to nearby restaurants. This synergy will encourage more companies to come here for development and investment.”

Lurie believes that San Francisco needs to create a better business environment, such as building safer and cleaner streets and improving government service efficiency, to attract more businesses to settle in the city.

Lurie mentioned that in his first two months in office, he has completed several key initiatives, such as working with the city council to pass the Fentanyl State of Emergency Ordinance to combat drugs, establishing the SFPD Reception Area Strike Team to ensure downtown safety year-round, and launching Permit SF to streamline the business licensing process, making it easier for startups to open.

He said, “My administration will ensure that San Francisco becomes fertile ground for business success and allows employees to proudly live here.”

Finally, Lurie thanked the OpenAI leadership team for “continuously believing in and investing in San Francisco” and extended his gratitude to all employees: “Thank you for choosing to stay here and writing the next chapter of the global capital of innovation with us.”