Oceanside advances transit center overhaul and companion housing project

The city approved two linked projects at the Oceanside Transit Center and 801 Mission Avenue adding 753 total apartments

OCEANSIDE — After years of planning and design, the Oceanside City Council approved the redevelopment of the Oceanside Transit Center during Wednesday’s meeting.

The council also approved a companion redevelopment project at 801 Mission Ave., as the two will bring 753 apartments to the city. Both projects went before the council on Oct. 7, but some on the council requested adjustments, especially with the OTC project, notably moving the bus routes off Missouri Avenue and away from residents.

The two projects are a collaboration between the North County Transit District and Toll Brothers. NCTD’s headquarters currently resides at 801 Mission Ave., but will move to the OTC property.

In addition, the intermodal transit project will comprise seven buildings, 547 apartments, 1,768 parking spaces, a 170-room boutique hotel, 16,390 square feet of retail and food and beverage space, a 12-bay bus station, and customer buildings spanning an estimated 850,000 square feet across 10.15 acres.

The 801 Mission Ave. property will feature a seven-story mixed-use building, 206 apartments, a gym, bike storage, outdoor decks, pool, lounges and 255 parking spaces. The projects are expected to break ground in early 2027.

This is the first of 11 proposed projects by NCTD for redevelopment at its Coaster and Sprinter stations across North County. Others include Carlsbad, Vista, San Marcos, Escondido and Oceanside.

“The Oceanside City Council’s decision today (Wednesday) advances our efforts to improve the customer and employee experience at the Oceanside Transit Center while bringing much-needed housing and economic development to the area,” said NCTD Chief Executive Officer Shawn Donaghy. “NCTD is committed to better serving our communities through the redevelopment of our stations, providing a more welcoming introduction to our transit services.”

The project represents nearly $100 million in private investment into public transit, including a dedicated customer service center, a park-like Station Plaza, enhanced public waiting areas, a new public parking structure, and the relocation of the bus island to provide direct bus-to-rail connectivity and reduce passenger walk times roughly 50% when compared to the existing configuration, according to Arlene Tendick, a spokeswoman for Toll Brothers.

A rendering shows the redeveloped Oceanside Transit Center. Courtesy image

NCTD and the developer agreed to a 99-year ground lease with Toll Brothers paying NCTD about $350,000 per year. NCTD remains the property owner, and all public elements (parking structure, mobility element, operations) are passed onto the agency, Tendick said.