On Sept. 30, Breakthrough Properties celebrated the opening of Torrey View, the 10-acre life science campus in Torrey Hills that promises to be a hub for “groundbreaking research, development and discovery.” According to a news release, San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria, UCSD Chancellor Pradeep Khosla, Ph.D., and representatives from Pfizer and BD Biosciences were in attendance at the newly completed 520,000-square-foot campus on El Camino Real.
“This world-class campus is a setting fit for some of the brightest minds in medicine, and will further strengthen the thriving innovation ecosystem that fuels groundbreaking discoveries,” said Mayor Gloria in the news release. “I’m proud that top life-science companies continue to choose San Diego as their home, and I look forward to seeing the life-changing advancements that will come from this new facility.”
Breakthrough Properties, a t venture of Tishman Speyer and Bellco Capital, acquired the vacant Torrey View site in October 2020.
The development of the Torrey View campus was controversial in the local community. The project prompted concerns among the Torrey Hills Planning Board and neighbors about its bulk and height, inconsistency with the community character, lighting and the removal of mature Torrey pines trees from the site without public noticing. The board also opposed the new traffic signal that was installed to access the complex on El Camino Real.
The board did not have an opportunity to review the project prior to construction starting. The city’s Development Services Department determined that the project was only a ministerial review project and did not require a community plan amendment, California Environmental Quality Act review, traffic study, community planning group review or any additional approval from San Diego City Council.
According to the news release, the oncology division of biopharmaceutical company Pfizer has leased 230,000 square feet spanning two buildings. Global medical technology company BD (Becton, Dickinson and Company) created a 220,000-square-foot innovation center for its biosciences division across a third building. Charles River Laboratories, Actio Biosciences and Architect Therapeutics will also have a presence on the campus.
The campus features amenities including a client clubhouse, multiple dining options, a fitness center and pickleball court, a 400-person conference facility, bike and surfboard storage, and a partially below-grade garage covered by open green spaces and gardens. The landscape plan included over 140 new trees on the site, including 49 new Torrey pines.
“We’re proud to soon open the doors at our new site here in Torrey View, a site that will continue to enable world-class scientific innovation and the delivery of impactful new medicines to patients with cancer,” said Jeff Settleman, Ph.D., chief scientific officer for oncology research and development at Pfizer La Jolla in the news release. “Over the past few years, Pfizer has made a significant investment in the oncology therapeutic space – this new state-of-the-art facility is a reflection of our commitment to both our colleagues and the patients we serve.”
