CARLSBAD CA—Developer Caruso Affiliated says Nordstrom will serve as fashion anchor for its envisioned open-air retail, dining and entertainment promenade at the intersection of I-5 and Cannon Road.

The plans for a pedestrian-friendly promenade, covering approximately 585,000 square feet, reflect the community's desire to welcome high-quality retail to Carlsbad , the firm says.

The announcement on Tuesday came in the wake of the community-based Agua Hedionda 85/15 Plan filed last month with the city, which will conserve and create new access to 85% (176 acres) of the land along the south shore of the Agua Hedionda Lagoon and 15% of the land (26 acres) will be reserved for visitor retail.

“During our three years of listening to Carlsbad residents, we have learned that Nordstrom was the topmost request from the community when it came to retail,” said Rick Caruso, founder and CEO of the development firm. “Our plans, envisioned as a gathering place for friends and family, truly reflect the desires and wishes expressed by the community. We are thrilled that Nordstrom has committed to be our fashion anchor, and as a best-in-class retailer, we are confident its presence will set the tone for the gathering place we are seeking to create in Carlsbad.”

Seattle-based Nordstrom is planning a two-level, full-line store with its latest design concept, totaling approximately 123,000 square feet. Other community wishes for the pedestrian-friendly, open-air promenade will include a curated collection of high-quality retailers, both local, independent merchants and global brands, along with a best-in-class market and state-of-the-art movie theater. Dining options will range from casual on-the go eateries to sit-down, approachable and full-service operations, including chef-driven concepts and local farm-to-table eateries offering fresh produce from the Carlsbad Strawberry Company, grown on the property.

The site plan is designed to take advantage of the exquisite lagoon and open space views. Restaurants will overlook the lagoon with expansive, breathtaking views—allowing guests to dine with friends and family while enjoying the natural beauty of their surroundings. Among the merchants and eateries on the promenade, green gathering spaces and mature landscaping and trees will be positioned. The miles of new trails from the Agua Hedionda 85/15 Plan will lead to and from the open-air promenade.

The overall look and feel of the promenade, derived directly from community feedback, will embrace a pedestrian-friendly, low-scale and approachable sensibility. The design will be chic and timeless with a mix of charming, complementary coastal styles—that reflects the spirit of community and fits with the fabric of Carlsbad. The promenade also will be designed to LEED standards.

“We're grateful for the more than 30 years of support we've received from our customers in San Diego County and we're thrilled at the opportunity to better serve many of those customers with a store closer to their home,” said Jamie Nordstrom, president of stores for Nordstrom, Inc. “We have a long-standing relationship with Caruso Affiliated and look forward to working closely with Caruso's team and the Carlsbad community to offer our customers a great shopping experience.”

“Private revenue from retail plans will fund 176 acres of new access to open space, preservation of its beloved strawberry farming and additional ways to enjoy Carlsbad. Our Agua Hedionda 85/15 Plan, presented last month to the public, will accomplish all of these goals, while preserving and protecting the lagoon, coastal habitat and agriculture, at no cost to the residents of Carlsbad,” continued Caruso.

“As we move forward with the Agua Hedionda 85/15 Plan, we will continue to listen closely to residents, businesses and city officials to ensure that the plan continues to incorporate their voice and vision.”

Los Angeles-based Caruso Affiliated Holdings LLC is one of the largest, privately held real estate companies in the United States, with a portfolio of retail and mixed-use properties.

Instant Insights /

Nordstrom Will Anchor Carlsbad Promenade

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