SOLANA BEACH — The North Coast Repertory Theatre and several other local businesses at Lomas Santa Fe Plaza are facing the possibility of being displaced by a proposed mixed-use development that would bring hundreds of new housing units.
Currently known as the Lomas Santa Fe Plaza Redevelopment, the proposed project would affect the buildings on the east end of the shopping center property.
A preliminary application, submitted to the city of Solana Beach by landowner American Assets Trust Inc. in November of 2024, outlines plans for two three-story buildings that would include two floors of subterranean parking.
The project would include residential and commercial uses, with up to 352 residential units ranging from one to three bedrooms.
Plaza ownership said this project is in the very early planning stages, but that if it moves forward, a key objective would be to provide housing to help meet the local shortage.
“Our preliminary application is a procedural step that allows us to begin evaluating what may be feasible at Lomas Santa Fe Plaza. This is the very start of a multi-year entitlement process, and as it progresses, we will welcome feedback from the community,” said Adam Wyll, president of American Assets.
Affected portions of the plaza would include the Union Bank building and the easternmost building along Lomas Santa Fe Drive and Las Banderas Drive, which houses a variety of businesses, including Samurai Restaurant, Arthur Murray Dance Studio, various medical and physical therapy offices, aesthetician offices and spas, furniture stores, and the North Coast Repertory.
The small two-story building housing 24-Hour Fitness and Rancho Santa Fe Veterinary Hospital would also be affected.
North Coast Repertory has been at the site for over 40 years. It produces seven professional shows a season, in addition to variety nights and its youth theater and education program, The Theatre School.
Theater representatives said they have had a strong working relationship with American Assets and hope to continue operating, even if the development moves forward.
“North Coast Rep, whose current lease runs through June 2030, hopes to work with American Assets to incorporate the theatre into the redevelopment plan, either in its current location or another location in the center,” said spokesperson Nancy Richards. “It is too early to know whether it will be approved, what the ultimate scope of the project will be, and construction will likely not commence for at least five years.”
Whether or not they can be accommodated in the new development, Richards said the theater is committed to continuing its operations without interruption. If needed, she said, they will find an alternate location.
“With the support of our patrons and the broader North County community, the Board of Directors and staff of North Coast Rep remain fully dedicated to preserving the arts in our community and continuing the artistic excellence we have developed over our 44-year history,” she said.
American Assets’ leaders recognized their current tenants’ concerns.
“We understand concerns about impacts to existing businesses, but the conceptual plan is very early and far from final. As we continue this process, any future design would be developed thoughtfully, with the goal of creating a vibrant, well-integrated mixed-use environment that serves the long-term needs of the Solana Beach community,” Wyll said.
The project is not proposed to include the commercial buildings occupied by Vons, Home Goods, We R Fabrics Design Center, Big 5 Sporting Goods, Jersey Mike’s Subs, and other businesses in the central and west areas of the site.
