Project proposed for former Su Casa site will proceed to La Jolla planners

A project to build a mixed-use complex on La Jolla Boulevard at the former site of the Su Casa restaurant will get a full hearing before the La Jolla Community Planning Association in coming weeks following a vote by the La Jolla Development Permit Review Committee. 

The project would subdivide two parcels at 350 Playa del Sur and 6738 La Jolla Blvd. into nine lots. The La Jolla Boulevard lot is the former Su Casa site. The Playa del Sur property is the former site of a residential building.

The plan includes eight detached residential units with seven basements that could be used as accessory dwelling units, along with a mixed-use building with 801 square feet of retail space and one residential unit. The unit facing La Jolla Boulevard is planned for about 1,700 square feet. The size of the other units range from 1,900 to 2,800 square feet. 

In November, the project went before the La Jolla Planned District Ordinance Committee and the DPR. The PDO Committee voted to support the project, while the DPR asked the applicant team to return with more information before taking a vote. 

During those hearings, architect Doug Austin of San Diego-based AVRP Studios said he drew inspiration from famed local architect Irving Gill for the frontage facing La Jolla Boulevard, with arches and white exterior finishes.  

The nine residential units, he said, vary in design, “but you can see some of Gill’s influence in this.” The exterior of the properties would feature wood and glass and follow “the idea to keep the architecture simple and decorate with nature.” 

Upon the project’s return to the DPR on Dec. 16, Val Castilla, representing the applicant team, presented more details about the landscape plan, size of the units, what would be placed in the spaces between the houses and more. The team also submitted a full set of architectural drawings for the committee’s review. 

There were no public comments or questions about the project, though DPR trustee Kevin Leon questioned whether the 12-foot driveway width meets city of San Diego standards and whether the width could be reduced to allow more landscaping. 

Castilla said the applicant team was seeking a waiver to allow the planned driveway width, which is being proposed to contain as many cars to the driveway as possible and reduce traffic impacts. Austin said “the city is OK with what we have presented.” 

Given that water tends to run down Playa del Norte and Playa del Sur during rainstorms, Castilla said the team is in talks with a geotechnical engineer about a drainage plan.

“We are very conscious of the issues [other properties in the area] have faced, and we are going to be vigilant to design a project that can handle the water,” she said.  

The DPR voted 7-1 to support the project, with trustee Angeles Leira opposed.

“I like the project, but I think that site has a number of issues … [and] I don’t feel comfortable with the traffic and runoff [plans],” Leira said. 

With the DPR’s recommendation, the project proceeds to the Community Planning Association for ratification or further review.

LJCPA adopted a policy in 2025 that establishes criteria for a “major project” that would automatically get a full review. With this project meeting that criteria, it will have a full review at the association’s next meeting, which is scheduled for 6 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 7, at a venue to be determined. The agenda will be posted 72 hours in advance at lajollacpa.org.