Working together to develop 535 acres along the Chula VIsta waterfront, the City of Chula Vista and the Port of San Diego recently hosted grand openings for two bayfront projects- the Sun Outdoors RV Resort and the Sweetwater Bicycle Path and Promenade.
The projects are part of the Chula Vista Bayfront Master Plan, which was first approved in 2012. The plan consists of several projects along the bayfront that are anticipated to bring to the area approximately 2,850 hotel rooms, 600,000 square feet of mixed-use space, 70 acres of new parks, more than 1,100 new parking spaces and 120 acres of open space.
Once completed, the project, which has received both local and state approval, is expected to bring in $2.1 billion per year at buildout. During construction phases, it is expected to bring in $2.8 billion.
The first of the two completed projects is the luxury RV resort, located at E Street and Bay Boulevard, sits on 18.8 acres, and includes 197 RV sites, a 6,282-square-foot community center, a 5,458-square-foot welcome center and various amenities, such as a kitchen and bar, resort-style pool with children’s splash pad, spa, skydeck, bar and restaurant, fitness center, basketball and tennis courts. The $56-million project was funded by RV park developer Sun Communities, which has developed more than 150 RV resorts across the U.S.
“Sun Outdoors San Diego Bayfront is not the typical RV Resort, offers luxury amenities that you would experience at a high-end hotel on the bayfront, in an affordable alternative to conventional accommodations that will change the way people vacation or staycation. Tucker Sadler Architects is thrilled to have worked with a great team on the Sun Outdoors San Diego Bay RV Resort and be involved in the Chula Vista Bayfront development,” said Greg Mueller, CEO of Tucker Sadler Architects, which designed the resort.
According to Mueller, in a second phase of construction, an additional 7.37 acres of land will be added to the resort. This will include 56 RV stalls and 34 park models, as well as the 3,300-square-foot Comfort Station, with 2 spas, an outdoor kitchen and cabanas.
“Sun Outdoors San Diego Bay is a beautiful addition to the Chula Vista Bayfront. It will soon be a destination spot with great public access, recreational opportunities, and bay and mountain views, this is just the start of what’s to come for the South Bay,” Port of San Diego Commissioner Ann Moore said in a statement.
Also recently completed is Sweetwater Path. The multi-use pedestrian and bike path connects Bayside Park to Sweetwater Marsh, the Living Coast Discovery Center and the RV resort. The path includes benches, views of the San Diego Bay, and native plants.
The project was primarily funded through a grant from the California Natural Resources Agency, which donated $4.8 million of the total $5.4 million, representatives of the Port said. An additional $560,000 was provided by the Port’s Capital Improvement Program, and $33,000 was provided by the City of Chula Vista.
Looking ahead, other projects to be completed at the Bayfront will include the implementation of a residential, commercial and hotel development by Pacifica Properties, Sweetwater Park, Harbor Park and the construction of Gaylord Pacific Resort and Convention Center.
The $1 billion resort and convention center will be developed by RIDA, which will be funding the project in partnership with the Port and the City of Chula Vista. Construction on the project is anticipated to begin in the next year, with an opening date set for as early as 2024.
Also coming to the bayfront are two new parks- Harbor Park and Sweetwater Park. Designs for both projects are currently being finalized, according to the Port of San Diego.
Once complete, Harbor Park will act as an extension of the already existing Bayside park, at 999 Bayside Parkway. The park will be developed in phases, with the first to include an enlarged beach with waterside terraced headlands to be used for seating and multi-use lawns. In future phases, Harbor Park will also receive an interactive fountain, café and a beach rental building.
The first phase is anticipated to cost approximately $19.5 million, according to the Port, with a total budget of $47.5 million.
Additionally, Sweetwater Park will be connected to the recently built Sweetwater Path. Still being designed, the park likely will include meadows and specialty gardens, a playground and overlooks for bayfront viewing. The project has a tentative budget of $8.9 million.
Construction dates for each park are to be determined, though the Port plans to open Harbor Park concurrently with the opening of Gaylord Pacifc.
Additionally, Pacifica Companies is planning to open Amara Bay on a City of Chula Vista parcel within the bayfront. The residential and commercial development will sit across the street from Gaylord Pacific to the south, and will include 33 acres of condominiums, commercial office, retail space, and a 250-room hotel. Preparation for the project is anticipated to begin this summer.
Port representatives said these plans will continue to take place over the next several years, with the intention of promoting public access, protecting key habitat areas and creating a world-class bayfront experience.
