3920 Normal St - Hillcrest Development Site 12,240 SF Specialty Building Offered For Sale in San Diego, CA 92103

This offering presents a prime real estate development opportunity in the heart of Hillcrest, one of the city’s most vibrant and sought- after neighborhoods. The property spans 11,561 square feet and is zoned within the Complete Communities Tier 2 Overlay, boasting an impressive 8.0 Floor Area Ratio (FAR). This zoning allows for the construction of approximately 90,000 square feet, making it an ideal site for a substantial multifamily development. In 2023, a Preliminary Review was submitted for an 8-story apartment building comprising 114 residential units. The proposed unit mix includes: 95 Studios – Catering to young professionals, students, and urban dwellers seeking efficient, modern living spaces. 19 One-Bedroom Units – Appealing to couples, or individuals desiring additional space. This design maximizes the site’s potential while aligning with the growing demand for rental housing in Hillcrest, a neighborhood known for its walkability, and proximity to Downtown San Diego.
Hillcrest is a dynamic, pedestrian-friendly community renowned for its eclectic dining, nightlife, and strong sense of community. The property benefits from its strategic position directly adjacent to the City of San Diego’s recently approved $27.0 million Normal Street Promenade project. This transformative initiative will enhance the area with bike lanes, walking paths, and a new park featuring a playground. Additionally, the park will host the popular Hillcrest Farmers Market, a weekly event that draws residents and visitors alike, further elevating the site’s appeal and foot traffic. The city has broken ground with a completion date of 11/2026.
Hillcrest is celebrated for its lively atmosphere, anchored by a thriving retail corridor along University Avenue, where boutique shops, trendy cafes, and acclaimed restaurants create a bustling community hub. The neighborhood’s proximity to Balboa Park—San Diego’s cultural crown jewel—offers residents easy access to world-class museums, lush gardens, and recreational spaces, including the iconic San Diego Zoo. Just minutes away, Downtown San Diego and the Gaslamp Quarter provide a seamless connection to the city’s business core and nightlife, while nearby freeways (I-5, I-8, and SR-163) ensure effortless connectivity to the broader region. The property sits within a highly walkable and transit-friendly area, with a Walk Score that reflects its convenience and appeal to urban dwellers. This Hillcrest property is primed to become a cornerstone of the neighborhood’s residential landscape.
The combination of a sizable development envelope (~90,000 SF), favorable zoning under the Complete Communities program, and significant local infrastructure investment positions this property as a compelling opportunity for developers and investors. The Normal Street Promenade project not only enhances the neighborhood’s livability but also increases the long-term value of residential units in this location. With San Diego’s persistent housing shortage and Hillcrest’s enduring popularity, this site offers strong potential for rental income and capital appreciation upon completion.
This property represents a rare chance to develop a landmark multifamily project in one of San Diego’s most desirable submarkets, supported by both market fundamentals and significant public investment in the immediate vicinity.