4-Story, 120-Unit Apartment Complex Faces Escondido Planning Commission

Later this week, the Escondido Planning Commission will consider a proposal to develop a 120-unit residential development to be located at 235 S. Pine Street and surrounding properties.

The project, proposed by Renovation Realty, Inc. would be located in a 2.33-acre site in the Mercado District of the Downtown Specific Plan. The project would consist of two, four-story buildings with 120 air-space condominium units. The residential units would include a combination of studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom units. The project’s density would be 51.5 dwelling units per acre (du/a).

A total of 179 parking spaces are proposed, including enclosed garages with open tandem parking in front, on-site covered and uncovered spaces, angled parking along the S. Pine Street Frontage, and perpendicular spaces along the W. 3rd Avenue Frontage. 

The applicant is requesting an amendment to the Downtown Specific Plan to eliminate the ground-floor commercial space requirement and permit ground-floor residential units. It is also requesting a reduction in the number of required parking spaces from 208 to 179.

The Project would include a total of 18,333 square feet (SF) of private and common open space. Active open space areas include an indoor fitness room, lounge areas, an outdoor pool/spa and seating area, roof deck seating, landscape and BBQ entertainment counter space, and patios and balconies for select units. 

The architectural design proposed by Architects Orange would be California/Mediterranean. Design features would include varying wall planes and rooflines, white and earth tone stucco exterior and trim colors, exposed rafter tails and wooden window elements, fabric window awnings and arched entryways with tile accents. 

The City has deemed this project to not have a significant environmental impact and thus exempt from further environmental review under CEQA. City staff recommends the approval of the project.