Remember the old Olympic Resort on the corner of Palomar Airport Road and El Camino Real in Carlsbad?
The one that gave La Costa Resort a run for it's money back in the 70's and 80's with it's driving range, pools, tennis courts, aerobic facilities, and spacious rooms?
The one that unfortunately didn't update it's decor since the 80's, was right in the flight path of the airport next door, and one that catered to 50-something-year-olds instead of 5-year-olds even though Legoland was right down the street?
The one that shut it's doors almost 5 years ago and has since seen 250,000 cubic yards of dirt dumped into a mountain on it's 16 acres and most recently had a bevvy of trucks building like crazy?
Rumors have been circulating the past year that a Lowes home improvement center was to be going in. That seems to be the case. But 16 acres is a big piece of land- even with a big box store like Lowes going in AND a large parking lot.
Seems as though Lowes will have some company. Looks like it's going to be a fairly active retail center with Lowes, a bank, car wash/gas station, Panera, Chipotle (stoke), a Five Guys Burgers, and maybe a couple more businesses. That's going to be one busy- but much needed center. Especially with all the homes in the area like La Costa Greens, Bressi Ranch, and Rancho Carillo. The developer will do some street improvements though to help with traffic. Look for the center to be open late summer.
One of my all time favorite restaurants/food joints/breweries is Pizza Port. Started in 1987 in Solana Beach, it was always a good call after a long surf session at Seaside. They've since expanded and added locations in downtown Carlsbad, San Clemente, and OB. Next up for them is a location at Bressi Ranch on the corner of El Fuerte and Palomar Airport Road (another boon for Rancho Carillo, Bress Ranch, and La Costa Greens residents). The 37,000 square foot building will also house their corporate offices as well as the brewery. It's moving along pretty fast and I expect it to be open by summer. Actually, I demand they be open by summer.
And last but not least is the most odd, err, interesting building to hit north county in the last 20 years. The old Hadleys Orchard building on Interstatete 5 and just off Palomar Aiport Road (behind Islands, Taco Bell, and Jiffy Lube) is finally being built upon. I can't even remember when that place closed. 10 years ago? 15? All I remember is my parents dragging me there as a kid and loading up on nuts and dried fruit like the apocalypse was coming and we had to survive on Hadleys.
Rumor has it the old guy that owned the land had some vision and wouldn't build on the place until all the stars aligned and his dream came true.
Well it looks like the dream is becoming a reality with the Green Dragon Colonial Village. What?! Let's start with the basics. I guess the Green Dragon is a tavern in Boston from the 1600's. The visionary out here on the west coast thought Carlsbad needed one too. I'm good with that. This is where it gets interesting: also on the site will be a restaraunt (ok), gift shop (I guess), and a museum (huh)? Supposedly it's a museum to educate the local Carlsbad Villagers about the Colonial era/Revolutionary war. Kind of like a Medevial Times type deal in Buena Park where you get to learn about the knights of the round table while you chew on a roast. I guess. Should appeal to the tourists in town for Legoland. I guess. Based on the speed of construction, it looks to be open this fall.
