How Developers Can Fuel Revitalization, Not Disruption

Developers have gotten a bad reputation as community and neighborhood disruptors throughout Southern California—but they can shake that perception. Shea Properties worked alongside the community to redevelop a site under the Coronado Bridge in San Diego’s Barrio Logan neighborhood. While the mixed-use complex, Mercado del Barrio, opened in 2013, the developer has continued to work within the community to integrate tenants, art and public spaces that complement the cultural history of the area.

“The site of Mercado del Barrio was vacant for years, and went through a number of redevelopment attempts, but it wasn’t until our plan to involve the community in our efforts, that the site became a reality,” Kevin McCook, VP of acquisitions and development at Shea Properties, tells GlobeSt.com. “We spent a lot of time with the community to see what it was they wanted from a retail center, and we were able to bring Northgate Market to the deal, some other local favorites like Mariscos el Pulpo and Tocumbo’s, and incorporate community gathering space for events. All things that the community asked for at the beginning of the project.”

Shea Properties takes a community approach to its projects from the start of its developments. Understanding the community culture often results in stronger performance. “It’s much easier to work with the community at the onset of a project, especially one as strong and vibrant as Barrio Logan, than it is to fix things after the fact. The public gathering space at Mercado, as well as the public art program, were direct results of this involvement,” adds McCook. “In the end, we are seeing first-hand the community’s acceptance of the center through the increasing number of events we’re hosting on site. We’re seeing the community use the center as we originally envisioned.”