Westfield UTC Expansion Set To Open In October

Retail is evolving, and Westfield is betting the right mix of shopping and experiential retail will continue to attract consumers. The retail giant recently opened its expanded retail destination in Woodland Hills, Village at Westfield Topanga, with a mix of curated, destination retail.

Now Westfield is completing construction of Phase 2 of Westfield UTC (formerly Westfield University Towne Centre) in La Jolla, with completion scheduled for October. The $600M revitalization project will expand the center by about 30%.

Similar to Village at Westfield Topanga, the UTC expansion will create a curated retail, outdoor shopping destination anchored by Macy’s and Nordstrom. Nordstrom closed its store in downtown San Diego’s Horton Plaza last year with the purpose of expanding its footprint at UTC in a new two-story, 149K SF, full-line department store. The expansion also adds 251K SF to accommodate 90 first-to-market retailers and high-end, chef-driven restaurants, as well as 18K SF of indoor/outdoor event space.

Westfield UTC was renovated as a retail-resort destination in 2012, when the center was updated and upgraded.

The Phase 2 expansion also provides a new five-level parking structure with Park Assist navigation technology on Genesee Avenue and a valet drop-off with an arrival lounge on La Jolla Village Drive. A new regional transit center, which serves as terminus for the new trolley line and houses isolated bus facilities for 14 rapid transit buses, opened this spring.

Additionally, a luxury residential project with 300 rental units is under development on the southwest corner of the property. The 22-story, two-tower project includes a 25K SF amenity deck and pool area and skydeck, a private co-working space, an exercise facility, a concierge service and extra storage for residents.