A long-empty commercial space in Bird Rock may get new life if a planned remodel goes through.
An application has been filed with the city of San Diego to create a sidewalk cafe and renovate the facade on the property spanning 5550-5590 La Jolla Blvd., the former home of Cass Street Cafe & Patio and The French Pastry Shop. The space has been vacant for about 10 years.
The application, filed Dec. 27, calls for coastal development and neighborhood use permits for a “sidewalk cafe consisting of a large existing outdoor patio dining area of restaurant space along La Jolla Boulevard.”
Applicant representative Ryan Labrum of Orange County-based architecture firm AO said the work involves “a fairly straightforward exterior remodel,” though he declined to comment further.
The property is owned by the Noble Family Trust. Representatives of the trust did not respond to the La Jolla Light’s request for more information.
It isn’t yet known whether the remodel is planned with a particular tenant in mind or in hopes of landing a tenant.
Bird Rock Community Council President Joe Terry said “there have been rumors about a potential tenant” over the years but none ultimately came about.
The possibility that the space could be renovated with a new business moving in is “depending on the details … great for Bird Rock,” Terry said.
San Diego has five levels of review for projects, depending on their potential impact. The proposal for 5550 La Jolla Blvd. is considered Process 2. Thus, a decision is made at city staff level, with opportunities to appeal to higher levels of city government.
Though it is recommended that the project go before local planning groups for input, it is not required in this case.
Bird Rock Maintenance Assessment District representative Barbara Dunbar said Cass Street Cafe closed in 2014 and the location has been empty since.
In 2010, three children and an adult were injured when a man later arrested on suspicion of being under the influence drove onto the sidewalk and crashed into the cafe. ◆
