The major expansion will bring together seven separate commercial and housing districts within the existing center and adjacent areas. The first facet of the expansion is called La Jolla Terrace, a new addition to the center which is to be anchored by a new freestanding flagship Crate and Barrel store, located at the corner of La Jolla Village Drive and Towne Center Drive. Existing parking lot areas will be transformed into a new area which will feature new dining options, lush landscaping and fountains along with new specialty stores.
The existing Palm Plaza at the heart of the mall was renovated in 1998 and features a 57-foot tall clock tower, fountains and majestic palm trees.
University Central will serve as the grand entrance to the center, near the corner of La Jolla Village Drive and Genesee Avenue. The existing area will be enhanced to include a new state of the art transit center which will serve as the northern-most terminus for a new northern extension of the San Diego Trolley light rail system.
A new housing development entitled Towne Center Gardens is to be constructed on land behind the center just off of Towne Center Drive. The development will feature modern loft spaces with courtyards and comfortable homes for young families within close proximity to shopping and transit.
Torrey Trail, an existing recreational space is to be enhanced, serving as a peaceful park in this revitalized urban setting and will connect directly with the existing Palm Plaza.
Palm Passage will feature a wide array of shops and modern luxury department stores. Spacious plazas and courtyards will offer a unique Southern California look.
Nobel Heights, a new residential development will be located near the corner of Genesee Avenue and Nobel Drive and will feature modern residences with separate parking. Luxurious amenities will abound amidst elegant architecture and design.
A major focus of the expansion is the initiative to "go green." From the use of smart, environmentally-friendly materials to thoughtful site planning, people-friendly practices will be the driving force of the revitalization of this established commercial center. The Westfield UTC revitalization is a LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Neighborhood Development Pilot Project. Below are some of the green features that highlight the forward-thinking approach of this project:
Designing high-efficiency buildings with fixtures and equipment that minimize water and energy usage.
Recycling construction waste as well as everyday waste generated by the shopping center.
The integration of a new transit center which will include convenient trolley and bus options.
Using recycled, sustainable, and locally-sourced building materials.
Pursuing a large-scale solar powered renewable energy project on rooftops of new buildings.
Reducing freshwater consumption by the recycling of gray water for landscape irrigation use.
Creating easy car-free access options to the shopping center with enhanced bicycle and pedestrian options.
To learn more about this significant improvement to the Golden Triangle area of San Diego, visit
www.thenewutc.com and register to
receive regular project updates.
Back to Real Estate News
Search San Diego Real Estate
|
