From Parking Lot to Coastal Destination
HED participated in a design competition to reimagine an 11-acre surface parking lot in the heart of Carlsbad Village, a beloved seaside community in coastal North County San Diego. The proposal embraced the eclectic, vibrant character of the Village while introducing new housing, public open space, and neighborhood amenities that would strengthen its identity as a cultural and social hub.
The concept called for seven residential buildings arranged around open-air courtyards, each expressed with varied architectural styling to reflect the Village’s layered urban fabric.
Together, they frame a grand public plaza—a central gathering place anchored by neighborhood-serving retail that adds energy and activity throughout the day. In total, the plan envisioned 400 mixed-income apartments, 15,000 square feet of retail space, five acres of public open space, and over an acre of dedicated residential open space, transforming the parking lot into a complete community destination.
A key feature of the proposal was its transit-oriented approach. Positioned at the Carlsbad Village transit stop, the development created a rare opportunity in coastal North County to link new housing and amenities directly to regional transit.
The site design blurred the boundaries between public and private, with building massing, materials, and landscaped connections encouraging movement and visibility across the neighborhood. Courtyards, plazas, and pathways wove together a network of outdoor spaces that invited residents, visitors, and commuters to gather, connect, and experience the unique spirit of Carlsbad Village.
By combining mixed-income housing with generous public amenities, HED’s concept envisioned a place that not only responded to growth pressures but also enhanced the Village’s funky, coastal character. The redevelopment proposed a new model of placemaking for Carlsbad, rooted in community, connectivity, and the distinctive charm of the Village itself.
