A site along the North Coast Highway in Oceanside is set to undergo new development as a developer presents plans for a six-story building featuring 275 apartments, underground parking and ground-floor commercial space, the San Diego Union Tribune reported. The site was home to the well-known Flying Bridge Restaurant and an 80-room Rodeway Inn.
The North Coast Highway site, which is situated at 1057 N Coast Highway, overlooks the San Luis Rey River and the Oceanside Harbor, and was once home to the iconic Flying Bridge Restaurant. The establishment attracted movie stars and politicians, serving as a noteworthy stop on old Highway 101. The restaurant closed about 15 years ago, according to industry reports.
The developer, North County physician Shantu Patel, acquired the restaurant and motel approximately 25 years ago. Previous plans for a 127-room Hyatt Place hotel and 24 condominiums faced funding difficulties and other obstacles, leading to a reevaluation of the project. The City had previously approved a four-story, 117-room Marriott Residence Inn for the site in 2019, but it was never realized.
The latest proposal, if approved by the city, would bring a mix of studio, one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments, ranging from 585 to 1,443 square feet. In addition, at least 10 percent of the apartments would be designated for low-income tenants.
The proposed complex is also designed to offer a range of amenities, including a swimming pool, fitness center, indoor-outdoor social area, communal workspaces, viewing decks and practical features like bicycle and e-bike parking, surfboard storage and electric vehicle charging stations. The parking garage, with two underground levels accessed from North Coast Highway, is planned to accommodate 354 vehicles.
Situated at the northern end of Oceanside’s Coast Highway Vision and Strategic Plan, the proposed project is part of a broader revitalization effort. The recently approved plan, endorsed by the California Coastal Commission, emphasizes improvements such as dedicated bike lanes, mid-block crosswalks, and roundabouts. It also encourages the development of high-density housing within the corridor.
