HED created a transformative design for the restoration of the existing Poinsettia Station that reimagines the site from a transit “stop” into an activated destination by converting underutilized parking into a mixed-use hub that blends into the existing south Carlsbad neighborhood. Less than a mile away from the ocean, the development occupies a prime location adjacent to the Poinsettia Station transit stop. Surrounded by mid-scale multi-family and single family residential, this design responds to context and embraces the neighbors with public walking paths, synergistic uses, and scale. The transit experience is enhanced with a public plaza and neighborhood-serving retail space that connects seamlessly with established retailers to the east.

The project maximizes residential density with 186 mixed-income apartments and 2,700 SF of retail space. Transit riders will benefit from a new 341-stall parking structure. The residential program is comprised of a three-story parking structure wrapped by apartments on three sides. The apartments orient to the existing neighbors to the south and east and the common open space to the south. The parking structure is screened with metal fins and artwork to reinforce a sense of place. Residents enjoy a rooftop resort-style pool with views to the Pacific Ocean, courtyards, and a clubroom. Generous landscape buffers soften the edges and enhance the public walking path.