Project Description

The redevelopment of the Escondido Transit Center (ETC) is an opportunity to create a welcoming and engaging community hub that extends the downtown area and improves the customer experience for NCTD riders. On October 19, 2023, NCTD entered an Exclusive Negotiating Agreement with Waterford Properties and Toll Brothers Apartment Living to begin the process of reimaging these 12.69 acres. Due diligence for the site is underway and community outreach will start when that part of the process is complete.

Project OBJECTIVES

• Support local, regional and statewide goals for reducing Californians’ reliance on single-occupancy vehicles by improving public transit offerings

• Generate long-term revenue stream for NCTD to support transit operations and financial stability

• Increase economic development through mixed-use, transit-oriented development

• Align with City vision for the Downtown area (Escondido General Plan, I-8)

  • “Downtown Escondido is envisioned as a dynamic, attractive and vital city center providing social, cultural, economic, residential, and tourist-serving focus while respecting its historic character.”

  • “…high quality design standards and innovative architecture that integrates well with street improvements including decorative paving, shade trees, street furniture, public art, and plazas.”

We want to hear from you!

NCTD is requesting feedback from the Escondido community on the mobility elements they’d like to see incorporated into the project.

Esta encuesta también está disponible en español.

Preliminary Vision

The image on the left shows the original diagram for the relocated transit features, as well as the mixed-use elements of the reimagined transit center that was presented through the RFP process. After being selected, the project team met with NCTD and city staff to discuss opportunities to create vibrancy and vitality in the downtown area through a signature development in this gateway district.

The preliminary vision was amended (pictured right) as a result of those conversations and now includes more opportunities for social gathering places and improved circulation.

These changes are aimed at enhancing multi-modal connectivity with surrounding areas and activating the public spaces. Additional project modifications are anticipated through the public engagement process.