The Escondido City Council has approved the demolition of two vacant restaurant buildings to be replaced by four new drive-thru restaurants along major city thoroughfares. The decision has raised concerns about the loss of historic architecture and the impact of adding more chain establishments in the area.
The council unanimously approved a proposal by 4G Development & Consulting to demolish the former DiCicco’s Italian Restaurant & Pizzeria at 515 West13th Avenue to construct a new Chick-fil-A. Previously housing a Marie Callender's restaurant before DiCicco's, the building has sat vacant since early 2023.
The upcoming Chick-fil-A will feature a drive-thru designed to accommodate 41 cars and an outdoor patio but will lack indoor dining. According to developers, the site was unsuitable for a sit-down restaurant but ideal for a drive-thru.
However, not everyone agrees with the project. Some community members, including the owner of an existing Chick-fil-A 1.5 miles away, have raised concerns about oversaturation and the potential economic impact on local businesses.
The council also approved the redevelopment of a site near Mission Avenue and Centre City Parkway, which includes the former Pho Truc Xanh restaurant and an adjacent vacant lot. The property will make way for three drive-thru restaurants, including a Starbucks, Chipotle, and potentially a Pollo Campero.
The Pho Truc Xanh building, built in 1962 in the mid-century Googie architectural style, had been deemed eligible for local and state historic designation. Despite its historical significance, the council approved its demolition, citing better-preserved examples of the style elsewhere in Escondido.
The Pho Truc Xanh building, built in 1962 in the mid-century Googie architectural style, had been deemed eligible for local and state historic designation. Despite its historical significance, the council approved its demolition, citing better-preserved examples of the style elsewhere in Escondido.
As part of the redevelopment, traffic lanes near the property will be realigned, with new access points from Centre City Parkway, a dedicated right-turn lane, and a traffic signal for northbound left-turn access. These changes aim to improve traffic flow to the site, which will also house the existing Quality Inn. The council granted the developers $412,000 in fee reductions, a move criticized by some as unfair and unnecessary.
Supporters of the projects, including Mayor Dane White, argue the developments will revitalize blighted areas and bring economic benefits to Escondido. The projects are estimated to generate over $1.5 million in tax revenue over the next decade and create more than 125 jobs.
Critics, however, lament the loss of the city's architectural and cultural heritage, particularly the Googie-style Pho Truc Xanh building. The trend of demolishing historically significant structures to make way for chain restaurants highlights the tension between preserving the city’s identity and pursuing economic development.
While construction is set to begin within the next year, the decision serves as a reminder of the ongoing debate over balancing historical preservation with modern growth in rapidly evolving urban spaces.
Originally published on November 27, 2024.
