Carlsbad Celebrates Groundbreaking of La Costa Town Square

Members of the Carlsbad City Council joined executives from Property Development Centers (PDC) and Vons last Tuesday to mark the start of construction of La Costa Town Square.

“We have long sought to make a major investment in this area to bring our customers and the residents of this community the first class shopping experience they deserve,” said Dave Zylstra, chief operating officer of PDC, Safeway’s shopping center development subsidiary.

Located on the corner of Rancho Santa Fe Road and La Costa Avenue, the 83.1 acre site has been subdivided into four separate parcels and will include a mix of development projects. 

The first is a 41.5 acre parcel of commercial retail, which includes a new Vons.

“At 56,724 square feet, our state-of-the-art store will meet every imaginable customer need and convenience,” said Vons President Lori Raya. “We will also be able to hire approximately 120 new employees at the store.”

Zylstra would not disclose the names of potential tenants because the company is currently negotiating leases, but he confirmed that that the retail project will also include a health club, pet store, two apparel stores and a drugstore. 

“The retail parcel is also designed to allow for a gas station with a car wash at the main entrance off Rancho Santa Fe Road, as well as restaurant space and financial pads for banks,” he added. 

Davidson Homes is developing 63 luxury homes on a 24.4 acre parcel and 35 homes are being developed by Taylor-Morrison on a 10 acre parcel to the north.

The final parcel of 7.2 acres calls for an office building. 

“A 3.7-acre open space buffer will separate the project’s three land-use elements of residential housing, commercial stores and office areas,” said Zylstra. “The landscaped buffer will contain bioswales and basins to protect water quality.”

City officials credited PDC for working with residential partners over the years to meet the community’s high design expectations and get the project right.

“They listened to our concerns and suggestions and, most importantly, were responsive in incorporating our input into the design, said Carlsbad Mayor Matt Hall. “The project you see today is the result of a truly collaborative process.”

The retail aspect of the project is expected to be completed by Summer 2014.

–Vons Press Release