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Civita
Civita
San Diego, CA, United States
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Other Projects by Carrier Johnson + Culture
Civita
San Diego, CA, United States
Type
STATUS
Built
YEAR
2020
SIZE
1,000,000 +
Civita transforms a 230-acre former sand and gravel quarry in San Diego’s Mission Valley into a vibrant, climate-resilient village for both present and future generations. Led by Sudberry Properties with Carrier Johnson + Culture as Design Architect and Architect of Record, the project reimagines a challenging post-industrial site as a connected, walkable community that integrates natural cooling strategies, ecological restoration, and human-scaled urbanism.
At the heart of Civita’s vision is a distinctive terraced park system anchored by the “green spine,” a landscaped corridor descending from the elevated mesa to the San Diego River Valley. This central feature transitions from low-density residential at the mesa to medium-density and mixed-use areas on the valley floor, reflecting a shift from natural to urban character and offering an increasingly active, pedestrian-oriented experience as density increases.
Rather than flatten the steep topography of the former quarry, the master plan turns gradients into terraced streetscapes, multi-level parks, and elevated overlooks that facilitate airflow, maximize shade potential, and naturally cool public spaces.
The green spine serves as both a pedestrian route and an ecological connector, incorporating native and climate-appropriate plantings, bioswales, and permeable surfaces to manage stormwater while restoring local habitat. These elements support biodiversity while shaded paths, seating, and intuitive wayfinding encourage walking and active use throughout the day.
By integrating green infrastructure into the daily flow of life, Civita creates a seamless blend of natural and urban systems, strengthening neighborhood identity while helping reduce car dependency and environmental impact.
At the centerpiece of the development is Civita Park, a 14-acre public space designed in partnership with Schmidt Design Group. Beyond its social and recreational functions, the park plays a significant role in regulating microclimate through open lawns, tree canopies, regional vegetation, and shaded seating areas. Its amenities — including dog parks, playgrounds, and walking paths — are designed to be accessible, inclusive, and comfortable, with an emphasis on regional vegetation and sustainable maintenance.
Civita’s master plan embeds walkability into the fabric of the community. From wide sidewalks and tree-lined streets to retail clusters and public transit connections, every design decision supports health, accessibility, and climate resilience. Homes are situated within easy reach of daily needs, and a dedicated shuttle connects the neighborhood to San Diego’s trolley system. Streetscapes, shaded rest points, and public plazas make walking an enjoyable part of everyday life.
The transformation of a former quarry into a thriving neighborhood came with complex challenges. Steep grades, site contamination, and a lack of existing infrastructure required inventive solutions and a long-term commitment to adaptive reuse. Rather than erase the site’s industrial history, the design team reinterpreted and honored it through public art, material choices, and site features, fostering authenticity and community connection.
Recognized with a 2025 AIA San Diego Honor Award for Urban Design, Civita demonstrates how large-scale planning can reimagine a post-industrial site as a thriving, livable community.
At the heart of Civita’s vision is a distinctive terraced park system anchored by the “green spine,” a landscaped corridor descending from the elevated mesa to the San Diego River Valley. This central feature transitions from low-density residential at the mesa to medium-density and mixed-use areas on the valley floor, reflecting a shift from natural to urban character and offering an increasingly active, pedestrian-oriented experience as density increases.
Rather than flatten the steep topography of the former quarry, the master plan turns gradients into terraced streetscapes, multi-level parks, and elevated overlooks that facilitate airflow, maximize shade potential, and naturally cool public spaces.
The green spine serves as both a pedestrian route and an ecological connector, incorporating native and climate-appropriate plantings, bioswales, and permeable surfaces to manage stormwater while restoring local habitat. These elements support biodiversity while shaded paths, seating, and intuitive wayfinding encourage walking and active use throughout the day.
By integrating green infrastructure into the daily flow of life, Civita creates a seamless blend of natural and urban systems, strengthening neighborhood identity while helping reduce car dependency and environmental impact.
At the centerpiece of the development is Civita Park, a 14-acre public space designed in partnership with Schmidt Design Group. Beyond its social and recreational functions, the park plays a significant role in regulating microclimate through open lawns, tree canopies, regional vegetation, and shaded seating areas. Its amenities — including dog parks, playgrounds, and walking paths — are designed to be accessible, inclusive, and comfortable, with an emphasis on regional vegetation and sustainable maintenance.
Civita’s master plan embeds walkability into the fabric of the community. From wide sidewalks and tree-lined streets to retail clusters and public transit connections, every design decision supports health, accessibility, and climate resilience. Homes are situated within easy reach of daily needs, and a dedicated shuttle connects the neighborhood to San Diego’s trolley system. Streetscapes, shaded rest points, and public plazas make walking an enjoyable part of everyday life.
The transformation of a former quarry into a thriving neighborhood came with complex challenges. Steep grades, site contamination, and a lack of existing infrastructure required inventive solutions and a long-term commitment to adaptive reuse. Rather than erase the site’s industrial history, the design team reinterpreted and honored it through public art, material choices, and site features, fostering authenticity and community connection.
Recognized with a 2025 AIA San Diego Honor Award for Urban Design, Civita demonstrates how large-scale planning can reimagine a post-industrial site as a thriving, livable community.
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