San Diego leads the growing innovation economy, boasting the third largest concentration of biotech, life science and scientific research and development companies in the nation. Offering a strong local talent pool and an unbeatable quality of life, San Diego is an ideal location to launch and grow world-class organizations powering the development of life-changing research and products.
But San Diego faces a looming shortage of space to accommodate these innovative companies. If we are to sustain our leadership in these critical fields, we must assure the availability of contemporary workplaces and the land on which they’re built.
The Preserve at Torrey Highlands is exactly the type of forward-thinking office campus needed to grow our innovation economy while benefiting our communities. That’s why both the San Diego Planning Commission and City Council recently approved the project, recognizing its importance to our region.
Traditionally, life science and technology companies have located in the UTC, Carmel Valley and Torrey Pines submarkets, which now have little room left for expansion. The Highway 56 corridor, and specifically the Torrey Highlands area, presents an opportunity to locate new workspaces to serve the growing coastal Interstate 5, inland Interstate 15 and Highway 56 talent corridors.
The Preserve at Torrey Highlands is designed to provide high-quality office space for the leading names in innovation, when and where it’s needed most. It will create workspaces with modern amenities and natural light, with close proximity to talent, retail services and housing. Most importantly, it will be home to high-paying and high-quality jobs both during and after construction.
The Preserve at Torrey Highlands not only benefits our regional economy, it also protects the adjacent Del Mar Mesa Preserve. Though the Preserve at Torrey Highlands abuts the Del Mar Mesa Preserve, it has never been a part of the preserve itself and has always been planned for development, as approved by the City Council and voters in 1997.
The property owner, Cisterra Development, is a local leader in the development of state-of-the art work spaces and understands the importance of protecting the Del Mar Mesa Preserve. The project design includes numerous elements to protect the preserve, such as the use of bird-friendly glass, barriers to prevent human intrusion into sensitive habitat areas while accommodating wildlife movement and a landscape plan limited to the use of native, non-invasive species.
In addition, as a result of discussions with environmental groups, Cisterra committed $485,000 for preserve habitat rehabilitation and conservation. Cisterra agreed to accelerate this funding so that it would become available with finalization of project approvals, regardless of when the project would actually be built. Finally, discussions have been held between city officials and local, state and federal agencies to add to this commitment with funds from grants and other sources. Combined, these efforts will result in a protected and enhanced Del Mar Mesa Preserve for all San Diegans.
As leaders in biotechnology and real estate, we understand the importance of investing in revolutionary thinking and innovation. We also understand the importance of creating places and products that benefit our communities and the environment. If we expect to maintain our reputation as one of the top life sciences markets in the world and a beautiful place to live and work, we must invest in responsibly designed employment centers like The Preserve at Torrey Highlands.
Hasnain is the chief executive or chairman of four San Diego-based biotechnology companies. Karras is executive director of the Burnham-Moores Center for Real Estate at the University of San Diego and former CONNECT board chairman.
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