SDSU Announces Plans for Innovative Mixed-Use Development

Project will provide much-needed student housing, parking and retail in the College Area

SAN DIEGO (Friday, June 20, 2008) -- San Diego State University today announced it is proposing construction of a transit-oriented, mixed-use development project on property its auxiliary owns south of campus. "Plaza Linda Verde" will address long-standing university and community needs within a sustainable, pedestrian-friendly development.

"For the past 20 years, SDSU and others in the community have shared the goal of cleaning up this blighted area," said SDSU Associate Vice President Bob Schultz. "This project will address that, along with providing quality student housing, community- and university-serving retail and other amenities."

SDSU is committed to preserving our environment and promoting sustainability. To that end, this project will be built utilizing "green" building guidelines and principles. The Plaza Linda Verde design will include tree-lined streets, outdoor dining and gathering spaces in a pedestrian-oriented environment, creating a more vibrant and liveable neighborhood that benefits both SDSU and the college community.

In direct response to community input, the initial Phase One development proposes housing for 600-700 upper-division students and 45,000 square feet of retail development with on-site parking to support the retail. The ground-floor retail development would serve both the campus and the surrounding community, and include a food store featuring both traditional groceries, as well as fresh produce (e.g., a retailer such as Trader Joe’s, Windmill Farms or Whole Foods).

Additionally, the project would include the area’s first seven-day-a-week, sit-down, national brand restaurant (e.g., a restaurant such as Chili’s, Islands or TGI Fridays), as well as one or two additional retail outlets (e.g., a store such as Apple Store, Old Navy or American Apparel) and a mix of smaller retailers.

Unlike previous redevelopment scenarios that relied on millions in redevelopment subsidies and the condemnation of privately held property (including the McDonalds, 4.0 Deli Center, religious organizations and the Alpha Chi Omega sorority house), Plaza Linda Verde is a doable project that can move ahead immediately with properties already owned by the university or its subsidiary corporations, with financing directly available through SDSU. As a result, the university’s approach will avoid the potential for lengthy and costly litigation with unwilling sellers that could delay the development for years.

In the coming months, the university will be conducting an environmental review of the development and will mitigate potentially significant impacts identified during the process, including significant impacts to traffic, parking and other significant environmental impacts that may be identified.

"Working with the community on Plaza Linda Verde is a priority for the university," said Tyler Sherer, director of government and community relations at San Diego State University. "SDSU will encourage input from its neighbors on community-serving project features such as identifying a food store and retail locations."

Construction of Plaza Linda Verde could begin as early as summer 2011, with restaurants, stores and student housing opening by fall 2013.

About San Diego State University
San Diego State University is the oldest and largest higher education institution in the San Diego region. Since it was founded in 1897, the university has grown to offer bachelor's degrees in 81 areas, master's degrees in 74 areas and doctorates in 16 areas. SDSU's approximately 34,000 students participate in an academic curriculum distinguished by direct contact with faculty and an increasing international emphasis that prepares them for a global future. For more information, visit www.sdsu.edu.

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Contact:

Tyler Sherer
Director of Community and Government Relations
San Diego State University
tyler.sherer@sdsu.edu