FOR LEASE | SMART CORNER RESTAURANT / RETAIL OPPORTUNITY
1040–1080 PARK BLVD | DOWNTOWN SAN DIEGO | 92101
Plug and Play Corner with Patio.
High visibility. Urban energy. Constant daytime foot traffic.
Your chance to anchor the next wave of East Village activation.
HIGHLIGHTS
Prime Hard Corner Location with high visibility and constant student + commuter flow
Immediate Access to Trolley & Bus Lines—ideal for grab-and-go, delivery, and hybrid concepts
Surrounded by Residential Density in a rapidly evolving pocket of East Village
Flexible Leasing Options and manageable startup rent for emerging or growing operators
Open Layouts ready for creative build-outs
Positioned for Daytime Activation with future evening/weekend upside
PROPERTY OVERVIEW
Smart Corner offers an exceptional retail opportunity at one of East Village’s most visible intersections. Nestled between San Diego City College and San Diego High School—with direct transit access and a growing residential population—this corner is primed for a concept that thrives on morning and midday activity while building soft evening and weekend appeal.
Perfect for coffee, café, healthy fast casual, or creative lifestyle operators seeking strong daytime traffic and a design-forward setting to establish a neighborhood destination.
SPACE OVERVIEW
• ±941 SF
• Second-generation built-out kitchen + equipment | Previously occupied by Smarts Café
• Enclosed outdoor patio
• Corner space located at the intersection of C Street & Park Boulevard in San Diego’s East Village neighborhood
THE OPPORTUNITY
East Village is entering a new phase of growth with higher-income residents, expanding education anchors, and increasing demand for approachable food, beverage, and lifestyle businesses.
This property presents the chance to reclaim and re-energize this key corner, bringing back the vibrancy to the urban neighborhood.
Vision:
A breakfast, lunch and dinner hub where students, professionals, and locals gather to meet, eat, work, and connect.
NEIGHBORHOOD
Residents: High-income young professionals ($100K–$150K+). Located at the base of the Smart Corner complex with 301 units and 109,389 SQFT office space.
Transit Access: Adjacent to City College Transit Center, a trolley and bus stop with several routes and high foot traffic.
Daytime Drivers: SD City College (16k+ students annually), SD High School, office workers, and commuters (2 blocks away from the 163 Freeway on/off-ramp, 1-5 and 94 freeways for easy access)
Market Gaps: Limited activation east of the CBD, which is underserved for healthy options. Area tenants include Relic Bakery, Punch Bowl Social, Hodad’s, Tajima Ramen, Lola 55, Albertsons, Smart & Final, 7-Eleven, Jack in the Box, Subway, McDonald’s, Del Taco, and Burger King.
Comparable Markets: Little Italy, Gaslamp, and Ballpark provide successful models of urban vibrancy.
This location fills the void offering a platform for a concept that can define the next wave of East Village revitalization.
IDEAL USE TYPES
Craft Coffee + Café
Sophisticated, community-friendly concepts that draw steady AM and lunch traffic.
Healthy Bowls, Wraps & Smoothies
Affordable, fast, and delivery-friendly options ideal for residents and students.
Wine / Cheese Bar
Daytime energy with soft evening activation perfect for building neighborhood identity.
Fast Casual Concept
Street food concept capitalizing on delivery, pick up and high demand for lunch and dinner.
Smart Corner HOA residents and office employees excited to have a new community space to gather and enjoy authentic local flavors.
THE PATH FORWARD
This is a space designed for momentum and perfect for operators ready to build a flagship presence or launch a high-visibility pilot concept.
Short-Term: Attract a strong daytime tenant to anchor consistent foot traffic.
Medium-Term: Establish the property as a neighborhood destination.
Long-Term: Position the asset for elevated value through activation and performance.
YOUR NEXT STEP
1040–1080 Park Blvd is ready for its next chapter.
With the right tenant and strategy, this corner can become a lively, inviting destination that drives all day activity, supports community growth, and brings new energy to the East Village.
Schedule a showing with Danny Fitzgerald 858.663.4576