'Under the Bridge' Center Attracts Diverse Base

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SAN DIEGO—Mercado del Barrio, a mixed-use destination in Barrio Logan under the Coronado Bridge with affordable apartments and well-known grocer Northgate Market, faced a series of challenges before development, developer Shea Properties' SVP of retail leasing Kiril McKee tells GlobeSt.com. The center recently announced a wave of grand openings including Mariscos el Pulpo, a popular downtown San Diego seafood restaurant, and MishMash, a gourmet street-food truck and catering company with its first brick-and-mortar location. In addition, Fathom Crossfit is nearly doubling the size of its successful current location at Mercado del Barrio. GlobeSt.com spoke exclusively with McKee about the unique project, how it came about and how it fits in with the rest of the retail scene in San Diego.

GlobeSt.com: How did the idea for Mercado del Barrio come about?

McKee:The Mercado site had a series of challenges with the City of San Diego and the former developer for many years prior to Shea Properties coming on board. The community was not supportive until we were able to propose a plan, along with our partners at Chelsea Investment Corp., to create a mixed-use destination with affordable apartments and a well-known grocer. Once all parties agreed, the community, the City and Shea were able to put the plan in motion.

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GlobeSt.com: Who is the center's target market, and what types of vendors is it hoping to attract?

McKee: The center has been developed to appeal to the neighboring communities, which represent a diverse group of demographics. By bringing in Northgate Market, we appeal to the residents and families seeking quality food, meats and produce. Other regional retailers and restaurants understand the draw of a strong grocer and see the area growing and have come into the project. Our goal is for local and regional retailers and restaurateurs such as our local brewery tasting room, Iron Fist, and local ice-cream maker, Tacumbo, along with Mariscos el Pulpo to be part of the Mercado experience. 

The center also has a great variety of services that cater to the neighborhood, including Fathom Crossfit, the full service National Laundry & Dry Cleaning and hip haircuts at the Fade Factory. In addition, the Cesar Chavez campus of the community college system has opened up right across the street, so we're seeing a new wave of students and staff shopping and dining at the center.

GlobeSt.com: How does this center fit into the rest of the retail market in San Diego?

McKee: We believe that Mercado del Barrio is a great example of a successful mixed-use infill project. There is an inherent synergy between the residents at the on-site apartments and the retail below. The retail is dynamic enough, however, to attract patrons from surrounding communities. And, as Barrio Logan matures, it will only improve. Barrio Logan was recently designated by the city as its own district, similar to San Diego's Gaslamp Quarter or Little Italy. We see good things ahead for Mercado del Barrio.

GlobeSt.com: What else should our readers know about Mercado del Barrio?

McKee: That it's worth the visit even if you don't buy a thing. It sits under the pylons of the Coronado Bridge near historic Chicano Park, whose murals represent the culture and beauty of the neighborhood. It was designed by local architects Safdie Rabines (who also designed the amazing Harbor Drive pedestrian bridge down by the convention center) and includes a public art program with commissioned pieces from some of the most talented local artists always on display.