It’s a rare occurrence to have the opportunity to create a new, thriving downtown core for an already established city. Yet that’s exactly what a shared vision between the City of San Marcos, Sea Breeze Properties and California State University San Marcos conceived.
Enter North City – San Marcos’ new downtown gathering place that has captivated local residents and businesses alike with its energy, creative mixed-use concepts and modern vibe. North City recently received top honors from the California Association for Local Economic Development (CALED) with an Award of Excellence for its innovative, collaborative foundation and creation.
“We are honored to receive this recognition from CALED for a project that has truly changed the landscape and heart of San Marcos,” said Tess Sangster, economic development director for the City of San Marcos. “North City has become a thriving destination that mixes independent restaurants and retailers with urban living, student housing, co-working and community events. The vision was to design a space that would breathe new life into the City.”
Creating community
Each Tuesday afternoon, the streets of North City come alive with artisans, food vendors, flowers and fresh fruits and vegetables at the weekly Farmers Market, run by the San Marcos Chamber of Commerce. Live music fills the air as kids dance and residents and visitors explore everything that makes North City unique.
Diners at Urge Gastropub sip a pint of handcrafted microbrew produced on site while watching rock climbers scale the walls of the newly opened Mesa Rim Climbing Center. Ice cream aficionados sample taster flights of delicious handcrafted flavors (ranging from Bourbon Smoked Pecan to Cinnamonutella – yum!) while students venture from their student housing above to the Copa Vida coffee shop below.
North City’s deliberate combination of mixed-use buildings, residences, destination-worthy restaurants/entertainment, student housing, campus facilities and community gathering spaces has charted a new course for how purposeful development can inspire and support an entire community.
“It’s urban living, reimagined,” said Andy Tenn, senior project manager for Sea Breeze Properties. “This fusion of unique eateries, housing, co-working and recreation is fostering community pride and recognition.”
Learn more about North City and the City of San Marcos’ North City development project.
