San Juan Capistrano, a charming city nestled in the heart of Orange County, California, is known for its rich history, iconic mission, and the annual migration of swallows. But beyond its storied past, the city is poised for a transformative future as developers roll out ambitious projects that promise to blend modernity with its timeless appeal. From innovative retail and dining hubs to affordable housing and community-focused developments, San Juan Capistrano is on the cusp of a renaissance. In this blog post, we’ll dive into the next big projects shaping the city’s landscape, explore the vision behind them, and consider what these developments mean for residents and visitors alike.
River Street Marketplace: A New Heartbeat for the Los Rios District
One of the most anticipated projects in San Juan Capistrano is the River Street Marketplace, a 60,000-square-foot outdoor retail and dining destination spearheaded by developer Almquist. Located in the historic Los Rios District—the oldest neighborhood in California—this project broke ground in January 2022 and opened its doors in September 2024. What was once the site of a Japanese-owned nursery has now transformed into a farm-inspired food hall and marketplace, offering a fresh reason to visit this picturesque city.
The River Street Marketplace isn’t just another shopping center; it’s a thoughtfully designed space that reflects San Juan Capistrano’s agricultural roots and community spirit. With 30 tenants—including sushi joints, Italian eateries, and Argentinean grills—it’s a culinary mosaic that caters to diverse tastes. Developer Dan Almquist, CEO of Almquist, emphasized the goal of creating a space that “feels good and different,” giving people a compelling reason to linger in San Juan Capistrano. The open-air design, complete with communal seating and a nod to the city’s rustic charm, makes it a natural extension of the Los Rios District’s historic allure.
For locals, this project represents more than just convenience—it’s a chance to see their city evolve while retaining its small-town soul. For visitors, it’s a new jewel in San Juan Capistrano’s crown, complementing the Mission San Juan Capistrano and the swallows’ migration as a must-see destination. Almquist’s track record with similar developments, like Uptown Commons in Long Beach, suggests that River Street Marketplace could set a precedent for future projects in the region.
Affordable Housing and City Hall: A Groundbreaking Partnership
Another transformative project is the collaboration between the City of San Juan Capistrano and Jamboree Housing Corporation to build a new City Hall paired with a 49-unit affordable housing complex on Paseo Adelanto. This $47.9 million endeavor—$37.7 million for housing and $10.2 million for the City Hall—marks a pioneering public-private partnership in Orange County. Construction is underway, with city employees expected to settle into their new offices by fall 2024, while the housing units will provide much-needed shelter for low-income families and military veterans.
This project is a bold response to California’s housing crisis, targeting residents earning 50% or less of the area median income (which was $91,600 in 2019). For those qualifying for housing vouchers, rent will be a fraction of the market rate, making it a lifeline for at-risk populations. Jamboree, an Irvine-based nonprofit with a strong track record in affordable housing, plans to offer residents support services like budgeting workshops, transportation assistance, and career education—tailored especially for veterans through local assistance programs.
Mayor Howard Hart has hailed this as an “incredible project” that not only addresses homelessness but also sets a standard for innovative urban planning. By integrating a civic building with housing, San Juan Capistrano is leading the way in reimagining how cities can serve their most vulnerable residents. The temporary relocation of City Council meetings to the Nydegger Building—and eventually to a new chamber at the Community Center—shows the city’s commitment to keeping government accessible during this transition.
The Skatepark Project: Grinding Toward a Community Win
For years, San Juan Capistrano’s residents—particularly its younger crowd—have clamored for a dedicated skatepark. Now, that dream is inching closer to reality with the $3.3 million skatepark project near the San Juan Capistrano Ecology Center. Designed by Grindline Skateparks, a firm founded by the late skateboarder Mark “Monk” Hubbard, this yet-to-be-named facility will feature Spanish mission-style gates, swallow-themed artwork, and a layout that nods to the city’s heritage.
The journey to this point hasn’t been smooth. Proposed in 2017 and initially slated for completion in summer 2023, the project faced delays due to a lawsuit from the nonprofit Preserve Our Farm San Juan Capistrano, which argued the city hadn’t conducted a proper environmental review. The lawsuit was settled in August 2022, with an environmental impact report (EIR) paving the way forward. If the City Council approves the EIR findings, construction could begin as early as March 2025.
This skatepark isn’t just about ramps and rails—it’s about giving the community a space to connect, exercise, and express itself. For a city that’s long balanced its historical identity with modern needs, it’s a fitting addition that could become a hub for local youth and skateboard enthusiasts across South Orange County.
The Performing Arts Dilemma: A Vision Deferred
San Juan Capistrano’s cultural scene is also at a crossroads, particularly with the fate of the Camino Real Playhouse. The theater, a longtime fixture near the historic mission, is losing its home to a redevelopment project that originally promised a first-class performing arts facility alongside restaurants and shops. However, after hitting multiple obstacles, the arts component was dropped from the final plans, leaving the playhouse scrambling for a new venue.
The developer has since formed a nonprofit to fund a new San Juan Capistrano Performing Arts Center elsewhere in the city, with a capital campaign underway to raise the necessary funds. While the vision—to offer diverse professional and community arts programs—remains alive, the timeline is uncertain. In the meantime, there’s talk of the playhouse relocating to San Clemente, raising questions about whether San Juan Capistrano can sustain two theater companies or if it’s losing a piece of its cultural fabric.
This saga underscores a broader challenge for developers and city leaders: balancing commercial growth with the preservation of community identity. The loss of the playhouse’s original space stings, but the prospect of a new arts center could ultimately enrich San Juan Capistrano—if the funding and will align.
What These Projects Mean for San Juan Capistrano
The wave of development in San Juan Capistrano reflects a city in transition, eager to embrace the future without shedding its past. The River Street Marketplace brings vibrancy and economic opportunity, the affordable housing project tackles social equity, the skatepark fosters community engagement, and the arts center (however delayed) promises cultural enrichment. Together, these initiatives signal a shift toward a more dynamic, inclusive San Juan Capistrano.
For developers, the city offers fertile ground. Its proximity to major highways, affluent neighbors like Dana Point and Laguna Niguel, and a tourism draw rooted in history make it an attractive investment. Yet, the challenge lies in harmonizing growth with the city’s quaint, mission-centric character—a tightrope walk that Mayor Troy Bourne, elected in 2025, has vowed to navigate with a family-friendly focus.
Residents, meanwhile, are watching closely. Will these projects ease housing woes and boost local business, or will they strain infrastructure and alter the city’s soul? The River Street Marketplace’s success suggests developers can strike that balance, but the skatepark’s legal hurdles and the playhouse’s uncertain fate remind us that progress isn’t always linear.
Looking Ahead: A Blueprint for South Orange County?
San Juan Capistrano’s next big projects could serve as a blueprint for other South Orange County cities grappling with growth. The public-private housing model, the adaptive reuse of historic sites, and the emphasis on community spaces offer lessons in sustainable development. As Almquist eyes similar marketplaces in Whittier and Fullerton, and Jamboree expands its affordable housing footprint, San Juan Capistrano might just be the spark that ignites a regional transformation.
As of March 26, 2025, these projects are more than plans—they’re the building blocks of a city redefining itself. Whether you’re a resident cheering for a skatepark, a foodie eyeing the Marketplace, or a veteran seeking a home, San Juan Capistrano’s developers are crafting a future worth watching. The swallows may still return each year, but soon, they’ll soar over a city that’s boldly spreading its wings.
