San Diego Construction Projects to Watch in 2023

News - October 9, 2023

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From new construction projects to revitalizing old ones, construction in San Diego is hot.

The building and growing never really stops in such an attractive waterfront community, but some really cool construction projects are happening in San Diego right now.

If you’re a professional at a construction company in America’s Finest City, you’ll want to keep an eye on what’s being built and what’s already been built. Let’s take a look at San Diego construction projects to watch in 2023.

IQHQ Research and Development District

A $1.5 billion development, the IQHQ Research and Development District (RaDD) is a mixed-use life sciences campus with five unique buildings dedicated to labs, office spaces, retail stores, restaurants, a museum, rooftop decks, and green space.

Why does it matter? As a mixed-use development, RaDD is predicted to create 4,000 jobs, $50 million in taxes, and $15 billion in economic benefits. With such a great location and ample room (1,700,000 square feet), a lot of biotech companies will have their eye on this development.

RaDD is the project of IQHQ Executive Chairman Alan Gold, a developer who speecializes in life science real estate.

RaDD is expected to complete its first phase of construction in 2023. Find out more about RaDD.

The Campus at Horton

RaDD isn’t the only life science development under construction in San Diego. The Campus at Horton is a massive $1 billion project to renovate the Horton Plaza Center, first built in 1982.

The campus has a focus in life, science, and technology industries, and it will be a mixed-use development for office and retail space.

As the largest adaptive reuse project in the United States, the development aims to achieve net zero carbon emissions through 2040. Solar panels line most of its roof, outside air is used for cooling when possible, and it saves 7.5 million gallons of water annually.

While the opening date is scheduled for summer 2024, several big retail stores have already become tenants: supermarket chain Sprouts, fast food restaurant Shake Shack, and healthy fast food restaurant Sweetgreen.

Find out more about The Campus at Horton.

Waterfront Park Active Recreation Project

Waterfront Park is already a gorgeous park located right along San Diego Bay. Lawns, pools, spray fountains, walkways, and a playground–it’s a fun place to be whether you’re a kid or an adult.

The park is getting a big upgrade thanks to the Waterfront Park Active Recreation Project. While the project is not expected to be completed until summer 2024, construction is already well underway.

Here are just some of the additions to the park:

A basketball court
A dog park, with an off-leash dog zone
An enhanced garden
Pickleball courts
Fitness equipment
Accessible walkways
Shaded seating

Learn more.

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Improvements to the Balboa Park Botanical Building

You probably haven’t been able to enter the popular and iconic Balboa Park Botanical Building lately.

That’s because the building is undergoing a massive renovation project. Divided into two phases, phase I is a $21 million project aimed at renovating the building’s interior and exterior.

Here’s a look at Phase I:

Restoration of the building’s original 1915 design
New lighting and irrigation systems
Two building additions for extra workspace

Both Phases I and II are expected to be completed in 2024. Learn more about the Balboa Park Botanical Building renovation project.

Margaritaville Hotel Open in the Gaslamp Quarter

Margaritaville, the brainchild of the late great Jimmy Buffet, shows no signs of slowing down with its recently-opened Margaritaville Hotel San Diego Gaslamp Quarter.

The Margaritaville Hotel is as fun and laid back as Buffet’s music, with lots of accommodations for dedicated Parrotheads and curious vacationers alike. Here are a few of the amenities:

The largest rooftop patio in San Diego at 7,500 square feet, with a pool and lounge area.
Fitness center.
Three Buffet-themed shops for food and drinks: The Margaritaville Coffee Shop, the LandShark Bar + Grill, and the 5 o’Clock Somewhere Rooftop Bar.
Event rooms.

Oh yeah, and it’s a pet-friendly hotel too.

The new hotel takes over the former building of Hotel Solamar and cost $30 million to create. It is the vision of Dawson Design Associates and Rossi Architecture.

Construction professionals should pay close attention to Margaritaville now and in the future. The company has already announced its future plans for a Margaritaville Island Resort San Diego in Mission Bay, scheduled to open in 2024.

Big projects, big money. San Diego’s construction is always innovative and forward-thinking.

As San Diego’s construction projects grow and reach new markets, construction companies will need to make sure they’re staffed with the right talent to reach their project goals. K2 Staffing has 40 years of experience in helping construction companies find employees. If you need help filling open roles at your company, contact us today.

Construction Recruitment and Construction Staffing are at the core of what we do at K2 Staffing. Our proven track record includes specialized roles like Electrical Engineering Recruiters in Long Beach, Construction Estimator Recruiters in Los Angeles, and Mechanical Engineering Recruiters in Los Angeles. We also connect top professionals through our Construction Superintendent Recruiters in Long Beach and Construction Project Manager Recruiters in Long Beach.

What Large Projects Mean for the Local Workforce

Major building projects shape more than the skyline. They shape the local job market, the demand for skilled trades and the way contractors plan their hiring.

Demand for Skilled Trades

Large projects need carpenters, electricians, plumbers, steel workers, concrete crews, equipment operators and many other trades. When several big jobs run at once in the same region, contractors compete for the same pool of workers. Experienced tradespeople gain more choices, and employers must work harder to attract and keep them. Planning ahead for labor needs is one of the best ways to protect a project schedule.

Demand for Professional and Management Roles

Behind every field crew stands a team of project managers, superintendents, estimators, engineers, schedulers and safety professionals. These roles guide the work and control cost and quality. Their skills take years to build, so qualified people are often scarce. Contractors that start recruiting early have a better chance of landing strong leaders.

Support Services Grow Too

Construction also supports surveyors, inspectors, material suppliers, trucking, design firms and administrative staff. As projects move forward, these supporting businesses add work and hire as well. The effects spread through the wider local economy.

How Different Project Types Shape Hiring Needs

The projects in this article cover several categories, and each category calls for its own mix of skills.

Research and Development Buildings

Laboratory and technical buildings often have complex mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems. They call for careful coordination between trades and tight quality control. Contractors on this kind of work look for managers and superintendents with experience in advanced building systems, and for skilled tradespeople who can follow detailed plans.

Campus and Mixed Use Developments

Larger campuses and mixed use sites involve many buildings, phases and site utilities. They require strong planning, logistics and communication. Experienced project managers, schedulers and superintendents help keep the pieces moving together while the site stays safe and organized.

Public Spaces, Parks and Historic Structures

Park improvements and restoration work for historic buildings need a different touch. Crews must respect the character of the site, follow preservation guidelines and often work around public use. Craftspeople with careful, detail oriented skills are especially valuable in this setting.

Hospitality Projects

Hotels and entertainment venues combine construction with strict design and schedule goals. Interior finish trades, mechanical systems and coordination with owners and operators are central. Quality of finish and on time opening matter a great deal.

Advice for Contractors Preparing to Hire

If you want to take part in this kind of work, a strong hiring plan can make the difference.

Forecast Your Labor Needs

Look at your pipeline of awarded and likely work. Estimate which roles you will need and when. Share the forecast with your recruiting partner so they can start building a pool of candidates early. Early planning reduces rush hiring and helps you keep standards high.

Make Your Company Attractive

Skilled workers choose employers they trust. Pay fairly, treat people with respect, invest in safety and offer chances to grow. Share your project stories and values in a clear way. A good reputation helps you win talent even when competition is strong.

Use Trusted Staffing Support

A construction focused staffing partner can reach experienced workers and managers who are not actively searching. They can also screen for safety record, relevant experience and fit, so your team spends time with strong finalists.

Advice for Job Seekers in Construction

Active building markets can open doors for those who prepare.

Keep Your Skills and Credentials Current

Update safety training, licenses and certifications. List the types of projects you have worked on and the results you helped deliver. Employers look for proof of skill and a record of safe, reliable work.

Build a Clear Resume

Describe the roles you held, the project types, the size of the teams you worked with and your key duties. Use plain language and active verbs. A clear resume helps recruiters understand your fit quickly. For more on this topic, read about Leadership Roles.

Network With Local Contractors and Trade Groups

Attend local industry events, join trade associations and stay in touch with former coworkers. Many opportunities come through relationships. A recruiter who knows you well can also alert you when a good role opens.

Safety, Quality and Schedule on Big Projects

The size and visibility of large projects raise the stakes for every decision.

Safety Comes First

With many workers on site, strong safety leadership is essential. Daily briefings, clear rules, proper equipment and quick action on hazards protect people and keep work moving. Contractors with strong safety cultures attract better workers.

Quality Control Protects Reputation

Careful inspection and documentation help catch problems early. Fixing a flaw before it is covered costs far less than repairing it later. Quality minded managers and superintendents are valuable on any project.

Schedule Discipline Needs Good Communication

Delays in one trade can ripple through the whole job. Clear look ahead planning and honest updates help teams adjust. Strong communicators on the management team keep everyone aligned.

Planning, Permits and Logistics

Behind every visible project stands a great deal of quiet planning. These tasks also create jobs and shape hiring needs.

Preconstruction and Estimating

Before ground is broken, estimators, planners and project engineers study drawings, price the work and build the schedule. Accurate estimates protect both owner and contractor. People with strong preconstruction skills help firms win work at fair margins, which makes them highly valued during busy periods.

Permits, Inspections and Compliance

Public and private projects must meet local rules and inspection steps. Professionals who understand these processes keep projects moving and avoid costly delays. Coordination with agencies and inspectors is a skill that grows with experience.

Site Logistics in a Busy City

Urban and waterfront sites have limited space, traffic concerns and neighbors to consider. Planning deliveries, crane use, staging and parking takes careful thought. Superintendents and logistics coordinators who handle these details well make a visible difference.

Sustainability and Modern Methods

Many owners now ask for efficient buildings and careful use of materials. Contractors with experience in modern methods and sustainable practices stand out. Workers who learn these skills gain an advantage in a changing market.

Looking Ahead as a Builder or a Candidate

Projects come and go, but the lessons stay useful.

Build Relationships That Last

The construction community is close. Owners, designers, contractors and trades often work together again and again. Treat every project as a chance to earn trust. Good relationships lead to new work and new talent.

Invest in Training the Next Generation

Skilled trades need new entrants. Support apprenticeships, mentoring and on the job training. Companies that grow their own talent have a steadier supply of skilled workers when the market gets tight.

Stay Flexible

Markets shift with funding, rates and community needs. Firms and workers who adapt to change stay strong over time. A flexible staffing partner can help you scale up or down with less stress.

Roles to Watch on Large Building Projects

Several roles tend to be hard to fill when many projects run together. Knowing them can help both employers and job seekers. For more on this topic, read about Project Manager.

Superintendents and Foremen

Field leaders turn plans into finished work. They manage crews, coordinate trades and keep the site safe. Strong superintendents and foremen are always in demand, and companies that treat them well keep them longer.

Project Engineers and Coordinators

These roles handle submittals, requests for information, schedules and records. They are also a training ground for future project managers. Employers who invest in them build a pipeline of leaders.

Safety Professionals

Safety managers and coordinators guide programs, training and inspections. As projects grow in scale, their work becomes even more important. Candidates with strong communication and practical field experience are especially valuable.

Skilled Tradespeople

Electricians, pipe fitters, carpenters, ironworkers and others bring the craft that makes buildings real. Respect, fair pay and steady work help employers hold onto this talent through busy and slow seasons.

Communicating With the Community

Large public and private projects affect neighbors, visitors and local businesses. Good communication is part of good construction.

Keep Neighbors Informed

Share schedules, noise expectations and traffic changes ahead of time. Provide a clear contact for questions. People tolerate disruption better when they feel respected and informed, and strong community relations help future projects.

Protect Public Access and Safety

Walkways, fencing and signage guard the public near active sites. Careful planning around busy areas prevents incidents and keeps goodwill. Project teams with strong site management habits make this look easy.

Hire Locally Where Possible

Local workers know the area, the weather and the community. Hiring and training local people strengthens the workforce and supports the region. It also gives crews a stronger stake in the success of the project.

Tell the Story of the Work

Sharing progress in simple terms helps the public understand the value of a project. It can also inspire young people to consider careers in construction, which supports the future labor pool.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do large projects make hiring harder?

They increase demand for the same skilled workers at the same time, so employers compete more for experienced people.

How early should contractors start recruiting?

As early as the pipeline allows. Skilled people often need notice to leave current jobs, and planned searches give better results than rushed ones.

Can job seekers without large project experience apply?

Yes. Many employers value related experience, strong safety habits and a willingness to learn. Be honest about your background and highlight transferable skills.

How can a staffing firm help in a busy market?

A staffing firm can widen your reach, screen candidates and move quickly when needs change, which is valuable when many projects compete for talent.

Next Steps

Whether you build or want to join a building team, K2 Staffing is here to help.

Contractors can share their upcoming hiring needs with us.
Job seekers can send us their experience and goals.
Ask about construction roles that match your skills.
Contact K2 Staffing today to start the conversation.

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