La Jolla Village Streetscape Construction 2026: Timeline, Costs, and Commercial Impact

As a Pacific Beach-based contractor serving La Jolla, Mission Beach, and Bird Rock, we're closely tracking La Jolla's commercial corridor transformation as the Village Streetscape project moves into its construction phase. The La Jolla Community Foundation has secured funding for Phase 1 of this ambitious $15 million renovation, targeting Girard Avenue from Prospect Street to Silverado Street. For La Jolla contractors and commercial property owners, this represents both immediate opportunity and temporary disruption along one of San Diego's premier retail districts.

For contractors based in Pacific Beach (92109), Mission Beach, and Bird Rock, the La Jolla streetscape project offers crucial insights into coastal infrastructure work. The project area in La Jolla Village (92037) sits just 3 miles north of Pacific Beach along the coast, making it highly relevant for commercial construction firms serving San Diego's beach communities.

Phase 1 Construction Timeline and Scope

Construction on the initial segment—Girard Avenue from Prospect to Wall Street—was strategically scheduled to begin in January 2025 and conclude in May 2025, deliberately avoiding peak retail seasons to minimize business disruption [lajolla.ca, 2025]. The $3.7 million Phase 1 includes critical infrastructure upgrades: stormwater drainage channels, sidewalk and crosswalk paving, enhanced lighting, and expanded pedestrian spaces.

Phase 2, covering Wall Street to Silverado Street, is scheduled to start between September 2025 and January 2026, pending contractor selection through the city's public bidding process [iNewsSource, 2024]. Because the project receives government funding, it must be bid to at least three contractors, creating competitive opportunities for qualified local firms specializing in commercial construction San Diego.

Infrastructure Improvements and Commercial Benefits

The streetscape overhaul extends beyond basic repairs. Planned improvements include mini-parks at each intersection, decorative crosswalk features, mid-block crossing enhancements between Silverado and Wall streets, plus dozens of new benches and trees throughout the corridor [La Jolla Community Foundation, 2024]. These "traffic calming" measures represent advanced streetscape design that aims to transform Girard Avenue into a more pedestrian-friendly environment that attracts shoppers and boosts retail competitiveness.

Project advocates emphasize the economic imperative: "We need to revitalize the Village for our businesses to be competitive with the region," highlighting how aging infrastructure has hindered commercial growth [iNewsSource, 2024]. For property owners, the enhanced streetscape promises increased foot traffic and property values once construction concludes.

Funding Challenges and Project Resilience

While the Foundation raised $4.3 million for Phase 1—exceeding the $3.7 million budget—the project faced setbacks when a $1 million federal grant obtained through Rep. Scott Peters was revoked due to budget cuts [lajolla.ca, 2025]. Despite this, organizers remain confident in their January 2026 construction timeline as they actively pursue additional private and public funding sources [San Diego Union-Tribune, 2025].

What contractors need to know about the La Jolla streetscape project?

Contractors interested in bidding must meet city of San Diego requirements for government-funded public works projects. The project involves underground stormwater infrastructure, hardscape installation, decorative paving, street lighting, and landscaping. Bid opportunities will be posted through the city's official procurement portal, with awards expected to be announced before the September 2025 or January 2026 start date for Phase 2. La Jolla contractors with experience in coastal infrastructure and streetscape design are well-positioned to compete for these contracts.

How will construction affect commercial businesses in La Jolla Village?

Construction has been phased to minimize disruption during peak shopping seasons. Phase 1 (Prospect to Wall) was scheduled during early 2025, while Phase 2 (Wall to Silverado) begins in late 2025 or early 2026. Businesses should expect temporary sidewalk closures, limited parking access, and increased noise during working hours. However, pedestrian access will be maintained throughout construction, and the long-term benefits include improved aesthetics, better drainage, and enhanced foot traffic.

Does the project include work in the La Jolla Park Coastal Historic District?

While the Girard Avenue streetscape focuses on the commercial corridor, it runs adjacent to the La Jolla Park Coastal Historic District, which was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in May 2024. The district extends along the shoreline from Coast Walk to Whale View Point. Separate preservation work at Whale View Point has addressed crumbling stairways using precast concrete pavers in almond color to maintain historical character [San Diego Union-Tribune, 2025]. Any streetscape work near historic areas must comply with preservation standards.