According to an article in today’s San Diego Union-Tribune, mixed-use housing is making a comeback in North County San Diego. This refers to housing that is integrated into the same building complex with retail shops, often with the housing above the retail area. It is modeled on a pattern of development which was popular before WWII in some areas.
The idea is to provide housing which allows people to work, sometimes in the same building, and to shop and provide for their needs, without resorting to the constant use of a car. This encourages the development of communities which can be explored on foot.
Two such developments are under construction–MarketWalk in the San Elijo Hills area of San Marcos and Pacific Station in Encinitas. Pacific Station is built near the Encinitas Coaster Station, encouraging auto-free commuting. Mixed-use development has previously been rare in suburban communities.
The hope is that such a development pattern will allow for greater affordability in high cost North County.