May 1, 2024

A rendering of the Marcos looking southwest. Courtesy rendering/Olson Kundig

San Marcos Approves ‘Makers Village’ Project: A New Mixed-Use Community on the Horizon

In an exciting development, the city of San Marcos recently granted approval for a transformative mixed-use project known as ‘The Marcos.’ This project, situated on a vacant 12-acre plot of land along state Route 78, promises to breathe new life into a space that has remained unutilized for over a decade.

A Fresh Beginning for a Vacant Plot

The project’s location is at the southwest corner of Linda Vista Drive and Grand Avenue, and it has received the green light from the San Marcos City Council as of October 24. The Marcos is poised to become a dynamic addition to the community, featuring a blend of housing, innovation, and a vibrant community plaza.

The Marcos: A Tale of Two Ends

The project is set to be divided into two distinct sections:

1. West End: Housing for the Community

The west end will host a multifamily condominium development, comprising a total of 102 housing units. This housing component is expected to bring new living opportunities to the area, catering to diverse housing needs in San Marcos.

2. East End: A Maker’s Paradise

The east end, on the other hand, will be a hub of creativity and innovation. It will feature a commercial area with unique round buildings designed specifically for ‘maker spaces.’ These spaces are intended to foster creativity, entrepreneurial endeavors, and artisanal craftsmanship. In addition to the maker spaces, the east end will house creative offices and accommodate food and beverage establishments, creating a dynamic and inclusive environment. The project also includes seven live-work units, adding an exciting dimension to the area.

The approval of ‘The Marcos’ not only signifies a significant step forward in terms of urban development in San Marcos but also holds the promise of bringing vitality and economic opportunities to the community.

As this project takes shape, it represents a collaborative effort to revitalize a vacant piece of land and create a welcoming space for both residents and entrepreneurs. The ‘Makers Village’ concept, in particular, is a nod to the importance of fostering creativity and innovation in the heart of the community.

The link to the meeting (on YouTube) is below. The agenda item starts at 36:30 and the developer presentation at 1:06:33.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cHy6WMeWaWw