Two major projects supporting economic growth in San Marcos — the build out of North City and the redevelopment of Restaurant Row — are underway this year. Both include residential, commercial and outdoor spaces that encourage local residents to live, work and prosper.
“San Marcos is a tight knit community, and after celebrating 60 years as a city in 2023, it is amazing to see North City become the new downtown we envisioned it to be as we enter this new era,” remarked Mayor Rebecca Jones. “And with the new Restaurant Row set to begin construction this year, I’m so optimistic that these two destinations will shape our city’s future as a place where residents can thrive at work and in life.”
The vision of North City is to bring San Marcos together with a pedestrian friendly downtown center including housing, stores and lodging. Sea Breeze Properties is working with a multi-billion-dollar budget to develop 3,400 new residential units, 340,000 square feet of retail space, a million square feet of office and lab space, and a hotel with over 200 rooms.
Sea Breeze is focused on bringing the right businesses and restaurants to North City, even if that means taking their time to fill all open retail spaces.
“Our goal is to bring local businesses, great restaurants and a unique retail offering to San Marcos that add to the city’s vibrant culture,” said Darren Levitt, vice president at Sea Breeze. “We are committed to creating a space attractive to people at all life stages. We want people to be able to envision their future here.”
Another notable project is the redevelopment of San Marcos’ Restaurant Row. Originally developed in the 1970s, the area is set to be reimagined with 202 new housing units, a park with pickleball courts and all-wheel rolling plaza, and over 10,000 feet of commercial space.
“We are so excited for the improvements coming to our community,” said Tess Sangster, economic development director for the San Marcos. “It is an honor to serve San Marcos alongside such innovative and creative companies, and I really believe that destination centers, like North City and the new Restaurant Row, help our businesses recruit happy employees, who can work and enjoy life in San Marcos. Everything we need is here.”
The aim of attracting local businesses to the area is well underway, as earlier projects to develop the Cal State San Marcos community brought family-owned and local businesses like Wynston’s, an ice cream shop, and Copa Vida, a craft coffee spot, along with anchors like Draft Republic, Buona Forchetta and Union Cowork.
The efforts by Sea Breeze have not gone unrecognized, as North City recently received top honors from the California Association for Local Economic Development with an award of excellence for its innovative, collaborative foundation and creation.
“We are honored to receive this recognition from CALED for a project that has truly changed the landscape and heart of San Marcos,” said Sangster. “North City has become a thriving destination that mixes independent restaurants and retailers with urban living, student housing, co-working and community events.”
Julia Pihl is a consultant working with the communications team at the City of San Marcos.
