The next major transformation is set to unfold near the heart of North Park, San Diego.
A large portion of the block at 28th Street and University Avenue, including several homes built in 1941, a commercial building, and the parking lot for Plymouth Congregational Church, is expected to be demolished to make way for new eight-story luxury condos.
The project is still in early stages, but the impact on the neighborhood is already clear. Plymouth Congregational Church will lose its parking lot, which has long served both churchgoers and the public as paid parking.
“We have already been looking for a new space since a lot of our members drive in from outside the neighborhood,” said one church member.
The nearby commercial building is also set to come down. It currently houses a retail insurance broker specializing in risk management solutions and has been home to various businesses over the years, reflecting the small business spirit of North Park, San Diego.
Several homes on the block are also affected. One of them was both a residence and a workspace for Redideo Studio, a creative agency. Its owner lived and worked there for about 14 years before recently relocating to the Gaslamp Quarter while continuing to serve clients throughout San Diego.
Although construction has not yet begun, preparations for the demolition are underway. The project is expected to take around two years to complete once started. At this time, it is unclear how many affordable housing units will be included or whether parking will be provided for condo residents.
North Park – NOW! reached out to request mockups or renderings of the planned development, but none were provided.
The site sits directly across from The Mission, a popular breakfast spot, and Jefferson Elementary School. The scale of the planned eight-story building raises questions about how it will fit within the existing neighborhood.
This project reflects a broader shift happening in North Park, San Diego. As new condo developments continue to rise, longtime residents, small businesses, and community spaces are being displaced, reshaping the character of one of San Diego’s most iconic neighborhoods.
