AVA Pacific Beach: 138-Unit Expansion at 3823 Ingraham

AVA Pacific Beach: From 564 to 702 Units on 12.96 Acres

Pacific Beach Builder reports that Pacific Beach's largest apartment complex is getting significantly bigger. San Diego City Council unanimously approved AvalonBay Communities' expansion of AVA Pacific Beach at 3823 Ingraham Street (92109) in January 2026, adding 138 units to bring the total from 564 to 702 apartments across the 12.96-acre site.

The project transforms underutilized surface parking lots into multifamily housing while maintaining the three-story height profile that kept the development under Pacific Beach's 30-foot coastal zone limit. AvalonBay has owned the property since 1997, originally purchasing it for $43.8 million.

AvalonBay Communities' Long-Term Pacific Beach Investment

AvalonBay Communities, one of the nation's leading apartment developers, has maintained ownership of the AVA Pacific Beach site for 29 years. The company's long-term commitment to the property demonstrates institutional confidence in Pacific Beach 92109's rental market strength and continued housing demand.

Parking-to-Housing Conversion: 756-Space Structured Parking

The expansion converts surface-level parking lots that were operating at only 74% capacity into two new parking structures providing 756 total spaces. Council President Joe LaCava praised the project for "converting surface parking lots into much-needed dwelling units" without flooding neighborhood streets.

Two-Phase Construction Approach Minimizes Disruption

Construction will prioritize building the parking structures first, ensuring existing residents maintain parking access throughout the construction phase. This phased approach mirrors successful strategies used in other multifamily construction projects across San Diego County.

Affordable Housing Inclusion Requirements

The project also includes outdoor courtyards, a bike repair station, and seven subsidized apartments as part of the city's affordable housing inclusion requirements. These below-market units ensure compliance with San Diego's housing policies while expanding overall rental supply in the 92109 zip code.

$2,670 One-Bedroom Rents Validate Expansion Economics

Market rate data from CoStar in late January 2026 shows AVA Pacific Beach commanding strong rents: $2,331/month for studios, $2,670 for one-bedroom units, and $3,490 for two-bedroom apartments. These figures demonstrate the economic viability of the parking-to-housing conversion model in Pacific Beach's coastal rental market.

Location Premium: Three Blocks from Pacific Ocean

The project's location approximately three blocks from the ocean, combined with proximity to multiple bus stops and a future bike lane, positions the expansion to capture continued demand in Pacific Beach 92109's tight rental market. The coastal proximity drives premium rents that justify construction costs despite recent lumber and labor price surges.

Approval Timeline: 18 Months from Planning Group to City Council

The project navigated a methodical approval process: Pacific Beach Planning Group approval in May 2025, San Diego Planning Commission approval in October 2025, and unanimous City Council approval in January 2026. However, construction cannot begin until the California Coastal Commission grants final approval because the project amends the city's local coastal program.

Coastal Commission Review: Final Regulatory Hurdle

The Coastal Commission review represents the final regulatory hurdle for the 3823 Ingraham expansion. Once approved, AvalonBay can proceed with construction on the three-story wood-frame expansion, creating opportunities for Pacific Beach contractors specializing in multifamily construction and parking structure development. The Commission's jurisdiction stems from the project's location in the coastal zone, requiring amendments to local coastal programs for major developments.

What Pacific Beach Builders Should Know

The AVA Pacific Beach expansion provides a case study in successful coastal infill development. Key takeaways for licensed Pacific Beach contractors include:

Parking conversion economics work at $2,670/month rent levels
Maintaining 30-foot height limits streamlines coastal zone approval
Phased construction (parking first, then residential) minimizes neighborhood disruption
18-month approval timeline from planning group to city council demonstrates predictable regulatory pathway
Affordable housing inclusion (7 units) became approval requirement

Densification Over Greenfield Development in 92109

The project demonstrates how institutional developers like AvalonBay densify existing coastal assets rather than pursue greenfield development in increasingly constrained Pacific Beach 92109 markets. This approach leverages existing infrastructure, established neighborhoods, and proven rental demand while navigating streamlined permit processes for infill projects.

Frequently Asked Questions

When will construction start on the AVA Pacific Beach expansion?

Construction cannot begin until the California Coastal Commission grants final approval, as the project amends the city's local coastal program. The City Council approved the project in January 2026, but the Coastal Commission review timeline has not been publicly announced. Spring or summer 2026 construction start is possible pending this final regulatory approval.

How many parking spaces will the expanded AVA Pacific Beach have?

The expansion will provide 756 total parking spaces across two new parking structures, replacing the previous surface parking lots that were only 74% utilized. The parking structures will be built first to ensure current residents maintain parking access during construction.

What are current rental rates at AVA Pacific Beach?

According to CoStar data from late January 2026, AVA Pacific Beach rents average $2,331/month for studios, $2,670/month for one-bedroom units, and $3,490/month for two-bedroom apartments. These market-rate figures demonstrate the economic viability of the expansion project.

How does the AVA Pacific Beach expansion compare to other San Diego apartment developments?

The 138-unit expansion at AVA Pacific Beach is smaller than recent North County projects like The Maple in Escondido (128 units), but leverages existing infrastructure and coastal location for premium rents. The parking conversion model differs from ground-up construction, reducing site preparation costs and environmental review complexity.

Will the AVA Pacific Beach expansion affect nearby property values in 92109?

Multifamily infill development in established neighborhoods typically has neutral to positive effects on nearby property values. The expansion adds housing supply while maintaining the existing three-story scale, preserving neighborhood character. The structured parking reduces on-street competition compared to the previous surface lot configuration.

What is the timeline for Coastal Commission review of AVA Pacific Beach?

The California Coastal Commission has not announced a specific hearing date for the AVA Pacific Beach expansion as of February 2026. Coastal development permits typically take 3-6 months for Commission review, suggesting a possible spring or summer 2026 approval if the project moves through normal channels without appeals or extended public comment periods.

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Contact Pacific Beach Builder for Multifamily Construction Expertise

Pacific Beach Builder specializes in multifamily construction projects in coastal zones, including parking structure development, wood-frame residential construction, and coastal commission permit coordination. We understand the unique challenges of building in Pacific Beach's coastal environment and navigate regulatory pathways efficiently.

Our team has extensive experience with projects similar to the AVA Pacific Beach expansion, from parking structure construction to three-story residential development within coastal zone height limits. We coordinate with the California Coastal Commission, San Diego Planning Department, and Pacific Beach Planning Group to ensure smooth approval processes.

Contact Pacific Beach Builder for a free project consultation:

Phone: +1-858-290-1842
Website: pacificbeachbuilder.com
Email: info@pacificbeachbuilder.com

Let's discuss how we can help you navigate the coastal development process for your Pacific Beach multifamily project.