Collection at Cactus: One of San Diego’s Largest New Townhome Developments

Jason Shepard, a vice president at developer JPI, noted that construction is not expected to begin for at least a year due to the time required to finalize maps and secure additional permits.

San Diego planners have unanimously approved the Collection at Cactus, a 985-unit residential development in the Otay Mesa area near the U.S.-Mexico border.

The project, situated on nearly 40 acres, will be one of the largest residential developments in San Diego County. It includes 313 for-sale townhouses and 672 rental units, along with a 3.5-acre public park.

Located less than a mile from the international border and near the Cross Border Xpress pedestrian bridge to Tijuana International Airport, the development aims to address housing needs in an area traditionally dominated by warehouses and customs brokerages.

It does a lot of stuff that this planning commission, and the city of San Diego has been pushing for housing,” said San Diego Planning Commissioner Matthew Boomhower at Thursday’s meeting. “I like how you are taking advantage of density bonuses, while still making it work pretty thoughtfully with (community plans).

San Diego Planning Commissioner Matthew Boomhower

Jason Shepard, a vice president at developer JPI, noted that construction is not expected to begin for at least a year due to the time required to finalize maps and secure additional permits.

Shepard emphasized the project’s location as a strategic advantage, stating it will provide both market-rate and subsidized affordable housing options, filling a gap in San Diego’s current housing inventory.