The Hillcrest Renaissance

New Development

Hillcrest has gone through many ups and downs over the years and it’s currently on an upswing. With new transportation infrastructure currently under construction and new developments springing up all the time, the face of Hillcrest is changing.

The helpful map below will keep you up to date with all the new developments that are planned, under construction, and completed (and even some ideas for future development opportunities).

Update: Development map updated 1/11/24
Hillcrest DMV redevelopment process begins.
98 Unit affordable housing proposed for 1601 University Ave.
Development map updated 6/6/23 // 5/18/23 // 1/14/23.
Update: New buildings in neighborhood for sale. Development map updated 12/2/22.
New development slated for Park Blvd. 61 new units planned. Development map updated 9/29/22.
Over 450 new residential units added to Hillcrest development plans. Check out the new development map updated on 7/29/22.

Hillcrest Renaissance in the news

Assembly committee … to redevelop aging DMV field office in Hillcrest / Metro SD / link
Luxury apartment building replaces vacant Pernicano's site… / NBC San Diego / link
New affordable housing could soon be coming… / NBC San Diego / link
Hillcrest’s Revised Blueprint… / CBS8 / link
New proposal could transform Hillcrest / SD Union Tribune / Link
New High-rise Apartment Building in Hillcrest / CBS8 / Link
Hillcrest Micro Apartments Are Little Jewels / San Diego Business Journal / https://www.sdbj.com/featured/hillcrest-micro-apartments-are-little-jewels/
Hillcrest Apartment Building Sells / San Diego Business Journal / https://www.sdbj.com/news/hillcrest-apartment-building-sells-for-37-4m/
Taller Buildings More Open Spaces… Proposed for Hillcrest / San Diego Union Tribune / https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/politics/story/2020-05-11/taller-buildings-more-open-spaces-gay-historic-district-proposed-for-hillcrest
Diversyfund Secures… Construction Financing… / The Social Registry / https://theregistrysocal.com/diversyfund-secures-26-9mm-construction-financing-for-61-unit-multifamily-community-in-san-diego/

Public Space Renewal.

For decades Hillcrest has had a deficit of neighborhood parks. Activists have begun taking disused spaces and converting them into usable spaces in this urban environment.

Mural Alley is an experiment in urban renewal. This classic urban alley has been adopted by muralists, has had attractive lighting added, and now features a monthly art event. It stands in stark contrast to the unsightly alley across the street.

Normal Street Promenade is a planned pedestrian and bicycle mall anchored by the planned expanded Pride Plaza to the south and parking reservoir to the north.

The Little Spot is a disused triangle of land on the edge of historic SR163. Activists are planning to build a bicycle oriented pocket park or dog park.

Plan Hillcrest

The City Planning Department is currently working on a new plan for the development of the heart of Hillcrest. This effort, called Plan Hillcrest is s a companion up to the recently approved Uptown Plan this new plan will guide the development of Hillcrest’s commercial areas for decades to come. Unfortunately, preservationists are using this effort to stymie development in the heart of the neighborhood.

New Infrastructure.

SANDAG and the City of San Diego have spent considerable resources to develop Hillcrest’s pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure. The recently completed 4th and 5th Bikeway project connects Hillcrest to Downtown. The University Ave. bikeway connects Hillcrest to North Park and is anchored by the Normal Street Promenade.

The HBA has recently proposed the development of the Greater Hillcrest Community Benefit District that will provide clean and safe services to support this new development and infrastructure.