Westfield UTC construction update: John Alderson, VP of development for Westfield, gave an update on the construction project at the Westfield UTC Center during the November University City Community Association meeting. Alderson says the project is on schedule to be completed on Oct.12, 2017. While he admits that the project “looks ugly now,” he reassures those in attendance that when completed Westfield UTC will be a “state-of-the -art architectural piece.” The updated center will have almost 100 new stores and restaurants, including a signature dining courtyard at the corner of Genesee and La Jolla Village Drive shaded by olive trees. By October 2017, there will be construction of a new two-story 145,000-square-foot Nordstrom, an Apple flagship store, and a new Anthropologie concept store. Future Westfield UTC tenant space is currently 86 percent committed and includes a full range of stores in all price ranges. The project also includes development of a 300-unit, 22-story, self-contained apartment tower. Westfield UTC has taken into account local concerns during the planning stages, resulting in keeping of the Torrey Pine trees already planted. Their environmental conservation methods include planting all sustainable and non-invasive landscaping, using 100 percent reclaimed water, and being at SDGE’s maximum solar capacity.
Alderson will be keeping the community updated throughout the remaining 11 months until opening. For more information, go to www.westfield.com/utc/development/vision. Fit It in UC: The next Fix It Clinic in San Diego will be noon to 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 19 at Our Mother of Confidence Catholic Church, 3131 Governor Drive. You may bring broken non-functioning items, such as: electronics, appliances, computers, toys, bicycles, clothes, etc. for assessment, disassembly, and possible repair. Workspace, specialty tools, and guidance to help you disassemble and troubleshoot your items will be provided. Whether or not it can be fixed, participants will learn how the item was manufactured, and how it worked. The clinic helps teach participants on how not to become accustomed to a throw-away lifestyle, and to prevent from adding to landfills. The Fix It Clinic is a family-friendly event and children are heartily invited. To register, go to sdfixitclinic.eventbrite.com. For more info email [email protected]. UC Community Association elections: The UCCA held its annual election of the executive board at the November meeting. The elected officers are: President Barry Bernstein, vice president Diane Ahern, secretary Karen Martinez, and treasurer Don Hotz. Congratulations on the election, and thank you for serving the University City community. For info about the UCCA, visit universitycitynews.org. The Marcy Park Renovation Project: Local residents Don Hotz and Ruth DeSantis are spearheading the Marcy Park Renovation Project. Marcy Park sits in the west end of University City on Stresemann Street next to Mission Bay Montessori Academy. The park has not had updates to the playground, picnic tables or surrounding landscape in more than 30 years, with some playground equipment rusted and dilapidated. Renovation plans call for new play equipment that will blend with nature, an additional play area for older children, a shade structure, and a healthy “heart trail” added to the walking path with stretching and exercise stations. Additionally, grading of the walkways, as well as playground equipment, will meet ADA requirements. The goal is to raise funds to support the project through community donations and sponsorships. For info about the project, go to marcyparkproject.com. Spreckels mascot named: Spreckels Elementary students held their own election on Nov. 8 – the all important naming of the Spreckels Wildcat mascot. The students chose from five wildcat name nominations: Spike, Jojo, Fluffy, Sparky, and Kit-Kat. The Spreckels Wildcat now has the name … Kit-Kat! Nice to see young students participate in the democratic process and name their mascot. Now, Kit-Kats for all!