SAN DIEGO — For years, the Costa Verde Shopping Center has stood as a glaring eyesore in the heart of University City with its empty storefronts, boarded-up windows and crumbling facades a stark contrast to the bustling UTC neighborhood just across the street.
But now, after years of stalled plans and silence, there’s movement. The 14-acre site just cleared a key hurdle at the San Diego Planning Commission, which recommended the project for approval on Sept. 11. The proposal now heads to City Council on October 20, where the future of the long-dormant site could finally be decided. Plans include:
- Demolition of all existing structures (167,000+ sq ft)
- Thousands of new residential units
- Ground-floor shops and restaurants
- A boutique hotel
- A walkable “main street” concept spanning 13 blocks
However, in recent years, the only real activity on the site was a military training exercise. In February 2023, the U.S. Army conducted an overnight combat drill using the abandoned strip mall, complete with loud booms and low-flying helicopters, startling nearby residents.
Meanwhile, many residents say the transformation is long overdue…