The City of Chula Vista is embarking on an ambitious project to transform 20 acres of undeveloped land into a vibrant center for education, business and innovation. Located east of the Cota Vera development, the nearly 400-acre parcel has long been earmarked for development.
According to a report from the San Diego Union Tribune, the proposed development, known as the University and Innovation District, aims to attract a range of tenants, including a binational university, tech companies and housing. To kickstart the project, the City Council has approved $200,000 for a feasibility study, which will assess infrastructure needs, conceptualize building layouts and estimate costs.
The larger vision for the 383-acre area near Otay Ranch Town Center includes 10 million square feet of mixed-use development, 4.4 million square feet of academic space, 2 million square feet of commercial space and nearly 4 million square feet for housing. At the forefront of this plan is the goal of attracting a full-service university, a dream the city has harbored for decades.
Efforts to lure San Diego State University (SDSU) to the area initially seemed promising, with discussions about housing SDSU’s television, film and new media program on city land. However, negotiations fell through, leading to a renewed focus on the University and Innovation District as a potential site for SDSU programming.
Last year, Governor Gavin Newsom signed legislation exempting Chula Vista from the Surplus Land Act, which requires local governments to prioritize affordable housing developers for excess land. However, the timeline for completing this exemption process remains unclear.
Despite challenges, Chula Vista remains committed to realizing its vision for the University and Innovation District, which promises to be a catalyst for economic growth and educational opportunity in South County.
