News

Developers Chosen for Chula Vista Bayfront Project

Apr 26, 2017

SAN DIEGO, CA, USA - The Port of San Diego has selected a national, award-winning leader in RV parks to develop and operate a new Destination RV Park on the Chula Vista Bayfront, a significant step forward in the Chula Vista Bayfront redevelopment project.

The Port of San Diego sought proposals for an innovative developer to create a Destination RV Park with amazing panoramic views from the Chula Vista Bayfront. Of the four complete proposals received, the Board of Port Commissioners selected the team of Sun Communities, Inc. & Northgate Resorts LLC at its meeting on April 11, 2017. The Sun/Northgate team proposes to call the park “Costa Vista” with the following features:

  • 267 sites with a mix of traditional RV stalls and vacation rental park models
  • Amenities that include a camp store, pedestrian walkways, a clubhouse with a cafĂ©, a pool and a fitness center
  • More than 100,000 square feet of open space
  • Offsite amenities including a public observation plateau in the area adjacent to the Sweetwater signature par

“The Sun/Northgate team has extensive development experience and a proven track record of success in financing, developing and operating quality RV resorts in 88 cities across North America. For this project, the Sun/Northgate team developed a strong concept consistent with the overall look and feel of the Chula Vista Bayfront and demonstrated their ability to deliver an RV park that will achieve the goals of the Port,” said Chairman Robert “Dukie” Valderrama of the Board of Port Commissioners.

“We are pleased that the national development community came to the table with a wide array of proposals to activate the waterfront. The Sun/Northgate team’s proposal really stood out and they demonstrated a strong desire to be a good partner as they refine their concepts. This is a big, important step in moving forward with the transformation of the Chula Vista Bayfront,” said Port of San Diego Commissioner Ann Moore, the Board’s Chula Vista representative.

“We are very pleased to have been selected to partner with the Port of San Diego in the development of a portion of the Chula Vista Bayfront Master Plan. The proposed Costa Vista RV Resort will be a tremendous addition to our industry leading portfolio and we look forward to working with the Board of Port Commissioners to develop this exciting vacation opportunity along the Bayfront in the beautiful Chula Vista community,” said John B. McLaren, President and Chief Operating Officer of Sun Communities, Inc.

The Board’s action formally concludes the competitive process. Port staff will now commence environmental review and begin exclusive negotiations with the Sun/Northgate team.

The new Destination RV Park will be located at E Street and Bay Boulevard. It will pave the way for the future resort hotel and convention center, the anchor of the Chula Vista Bayfront Master Plan, as well as the Harbor District Park and roadways.

Timeline – Destination RV Park

  • October 24, 2016 – Port issued public Request for Proposals
  • December 15, 2016 – Submissions due
  • January 2017 – Port staff conducted site visits for all proposers
  • January 31, 2017 – Cross-functional team of Port staff reviewed proposals and interviewed proposers
  • April 11, 2017 – Board of Port Commissioners selected the Sun Communities, Inc. & Northgate Resorts LLC team and concluded the competitive process
Staff expects to return to the Board by the end of 2017 for any necessary environmental review approvals, issuance of a Coastal Development Permit and for approval of a long-term lease.

The new Destination RV Park will be the first major new component of the 535-acre Chula Vista Bayfront project, which envisions a world-class destination in Chula Vista on the San Diego Bay – a unique place for people to live, work and play. When complete, the public will enjoy more than 200 acres of parks, a shoreline promenade, walking trails, marine improvements, RV camping, shopping, dining and more.

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