North County Transit District has received support from the Solana Beach City Council to undertake a major development and enhancement project at the Solana Beach Transit Station. The council unanimously agreed to support the issuance of a Request for Proposals (RFP) for development plans for the iconic transit station and a 1.5 acre site adjacent to the south side of the station at the corner of Lomas Santa Fe Drive and North Cedros Drive.
Plans call for a development that would be compatible with and complementary to the existing community character of the Cedros Design District and the nearby established residential neighborhoods. The project will include construction on the vacant land near the train station for options such as office, retail, and restaurant space and construction of an underground parking structure that will support both transit and the needs of the commercial development that will result from the planned approval of the project.
“This project will set the standard for future Joint Development that NCTD embarks upon with community partners. It is a great way to meet the needs of the growing transit community in the region while supporting and pushing forward the local development ideals of the hosting city,” said Matthew Tucker, NCTD’s executive director.
The mixed-use development is expected to be an extension of the popular Cedros Design District which is home to restaurants, galleries, boutiques, and the Belly Up nightclub. Plans also include re-purposing the Solana Beach Transit Station with its iconic Quonset hut design. The interior of the station could be transformed into retail and restaurant space. Existing transit services would be relocated to other sections of the building.
The development is expected to add a total of 75 transit parking spaces. NCTD development officials assured the Solana Beach City Council through the inclusion of project design guidelines that were approved by the city that the transit-friendly development will be compatible with the character of the community while enhancing public transit operations that will support increased ridership and revenue for NCTD.
“The release of this RFP is another positive step towards the goal of having a project developed at this landmark site. True collaboration between the City and NCTD has allowed us to get to this point, and I look forward to welcoming a development partner to the team who believes in our mutual desires for a successful project that complements our City's unique seaside character and scale,” said Solana Beach Mayor Mike Nichols. NCTD will issue a RFP, in early November to begin the process of selecting a development partner for the project.
