Hybrid Builds Drive Density Gains in San Diego Projects
Developers are utilizing wood-over-concrete construction and municipal code variances to maximize residential inventory on small parcels.
Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in Construction
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ECON Construction has completed the Treehouse apartment project in San Diego's Bankers Hill neighborhood, replacing 12 older units with 185 modern apartment homes. The high-density infill development utilized a hybrid construction method to maximize capacity on the existing parcel.
Why it matters
The project demonstrates how site-specific code variances and hybrid structural engineering allow developers to significantly increase housing density in established urban neighborhoods. This strategy addresses the ongoing need for more efficient land use by stacking wood framing over concrete podiums.
The development replaced three older apartment buildings with 185 new units, reflecting a substantial increase in density compared to the 12 original apartments. The structure incorporates nine total levels split between concrete and wood framing.
The players
ECON Construction
A general contractor specializing in high-density residential and multi-story commercial development projects.
BDE Architecture
A design firm focused on urban infill architecture and complex structural planning for multi-family housing.
The details
The building utilizes a hybrid structural design, featuring four levels of Type IA concrete construction topped with five levels of Type IIIA wood framing. To achieve this density, the project team coordinated with city engineers to secure two specific code variances related to egress and lumber usage requirements. These technical adjustments were essential to navigating municipal constraints while maximizing the residential capacity of the Bankers Hill site.
Timeline
October 2026: The Treehouse apartment project reaches completion.
Market Landscape
The project follows the established pattern of utilizing variances within the San Diego City Land Development Code to enable high-density construction in transit-oriented neighborhoods. This development highlights the increasing reliance on hybrid materials to meet density targets while adhering to municipal zoning.
Operators in the multi-family sector should monitor how hybrid Type IA/IIIA framing impacts their total construction costs versus potential yield from increased floor counts. Engaging with municipal engineering teams early for code variances remains a critical step for projects aiming to exceed baseline density limits.
The takeaway
Increasing unit counts through hybrid construction and targeted code variances remains a viable pathway for unlocking value on small urban parcels. Monitor municipal approval trends for egress and lumber variances as a leading indicator for your own zoning feasibility studies.
Further reading
Learn more about local development trends in the San Diego Construction section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Engineering News-Record (ENR) magazine.
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