We’ve got another development update, and this one’s happening right in my own backyard: the Merge 56 project in Torrey Highlands. If you’ve been following this for a while, you already know it’s been quite the rollercoaster. And yep, the ride continues.
Let’s rewind for a second.
Originally, Merge 56 was going to be a big shopping center — think grocery store, movie theater, restaurants, and some retail. Pretty typical setup.
But in 2020, Alexandria Real Estate bought the land and shifted gears. The plan changed to include biotech office buildings, a boutique hotel, and a few restaurants — kind of a live-work-play vibe.
Now fast forward to 2025… Alexandria is tapping out.
They’ve officially put the land up for sale and are asking the city to change the zoning from commercial to residential. That’s a major shift.
So what does this mean?
There’s a chance this turns into a mixed-use housing development. Think condos or townhomes, possibly with some restaurants or retail sprinkled in. But we won’t know for sure until a new buyer steps in. Based on the size and scope, I wouldn’t be surprised if it’s one of the bigger homebuilders — maybe Lennar, Shea, or KB Homes.
I know some of you are probably disappointed — especially if you were hoping for more places to eat or hang out. But in an area like Torrey Highlands where new housing is in short supply, this could help. And who knows — we might still end up with a few cool food spots or shops in the mix.
And there’s more…
Right next door, to the northwest of the Intuit campus, there’s another chunk of land called Santa Fe Summit. It was originally slated for office space too… but plans have changed there as well.
The zoning has also been switched to residential, and that land is up for sale too. So, we could be seeing even more housing going in — and honestly, that’s not a bad thing if it’s done right.
Final thoughts
Look, it’s not the movie theater and Whole Foods dream we once imagined — but I’m staying optimistic. This shift could still bring good things to the community. More homes, hopefully not just big apartment blocks, and maybe some fresh restaurant options? That sounds pretty solid to me.
I’d love to know what you want to see built here — hit the comments and let’s talk about it.
And as always, I’m Bern McGovern, local San Diego Realtor — here to keep you in the loop on what’s happening in our neighborhoods.
