CARLSBAD —A series of commercial buildings, Armstrong Woodworks, Whitlock Surf & Rental, and a few other businesses currently standing on State Street will soon be replaced by nearly 50 modern townhouses in the heart of Carlsbad Village.
The structures along 2531 to 2601 State Street will be demolished to make way for 47 two- and three-story townhouses. Set to sit on a 1.89-acre plot, the narrow homes boast of contemporary facades and rooftop decks.
The majority of the units will be live/work units, which allow offices with walk-in clientele. With its downtown Carlsbad location, the project was intended to appeal to the city’s efforts to encourage residents to utilize more public transportation and walk to local amenities by supporting new houses near public transportation and commercial areas.
The city’s planning commission approved the Intracorp, Inc., plans for the homes in May with a 4-2 split vote.
Commissioners Victoria Scully and Velyn Anderson opposed the plans due to concerns about limited parking and restrictions on the homes work/live uses.
The city currently permits artistic businesses, including graphic designers, to operate out of residences.
The commissioners argued that a wider range of live/work businesses should be allowed, such as the businesses of attorneys, architects, and accountants.
When the project was brought before council, Jan Jansson, who owns an office north of the property, objected to the plans. He stated that traffic along State Street is already a mess and that the Village is too small to handle such a project.
City Council unanimously voted in support of the proposed homes.
“I think this is going to replace some old dated buildings that I was not exactly proud to see there,” said Councilmember Keith Blackburn.
Mayor Matt Hall expressed that the project makes good use of the Village’s limited available space.
“The ability to walk to the coaster station, walk to the downtown… I think it fits perfectly from the goals we’ve had for the Village,” said councilmember Lorraine Wood. “It’s the kind of development that will truly bring vibrancy to the Village.”
