C.W. Driver Companies, a leading builder serving California since 1919, has completed construction of a new six-story mixed-use structure, footsteps from the nation’s busiest border crossing (which serves close to 18 million travelers every year). The visually striking building combines a parking structure with an 11,540 square-foot ground floor retail space for developer and owner Baja-Mex Insurance Services.

The 132,400 square-foot building offers 349 parking spaces and includes six Zero Emissions parking spots for charging electric and hybrid vehicles (in the form of two dual and two single charging station installations). There is infrastructure in place to provide 29 more charging spaces in the future. The Type-I concrete and steel structure also boasts sustainable features, including a 75-panel, 25KW solar array on the roof to harvest solar power.

Less than nine miles from the beach, ocean breezes enter the structure from openings on the west and south to increase air flow, while on the north and east sides there are large decorative screens to reduce solar heat from entering. Those façades feature local art and advertisements. 

Located at 4575 Camino De La Plaza, the expansive structure will service visitors of the new ground level retail stores (accessible from Virginia Avenue and Camino de la Plaza) as well as nearby shops at Plaza Palmero and Las Americas Premium Outlets who have thousands of shoppers every year. At its core, the development is anchored by property owner Baja-Mex Insurance Services offering convenient currency exchange and traveler’s insurance at the U.S.-Mexico border.  

“The new parking structure for Baja-Mex Insurance is a much-needed space in this bustling community,” said Brent Hughes, COO at C.W. Driver Companies. “At our construction firm, we excel in building these environmentally sensitive structures and are proud of the work we did to ensure this one is sustainable.” 

C.W. Driver Companies collaborated with Sillman Architects on the structure. As a leader in general contracting and construction management, C.W. Driver provides services to developers in a wide variety of industries, including hospitality, retail, mixed-use, education, commercial, and multifamily. Other notable projects for the firm include East San Diego County’s Office and Archive Facility; the $20M renovation of the Griffin Club in Cheviot Hills (formerly known as the Beverly Hills Country Club); San Diego USD – Mira Mesa High School, Phases II and III; Disneyland Resorts’ Disney Dream Suite and Grand California Hotel; San Diego CCD – Mesa College, Fine Arts Building; Jamul Hotel and Casino; and Soboba Casino & Hotel.

About C.W. Driver Companies

C.W. Driver Companies is a premier builder serving California since 1919. In 2019, the historic company proudly celebrated its 100-year anniversary. As a leader in general contracting and construction management services, C.W. Driver Companies are on the cutting edge across a broad spectrum of industries, including education, commercial/office, technology, healthcare/biomedical, mixed-use, assisted living, entertainment, retail, industrial and civic. Ranked in Engineering News Record’s Top 150 General Contractors and Top 100 Construction Managers, C.W. Driver Companies has the ability to build a variety of projects, from large tenant improvements to small renovations and specialized projects through its affiliates Driver SPG and Good & Roberts. C.W. Driver Companies has offices located in Los Angeles, Rancho Cucamonga, Anaheim, San Diego and Carlsbad. For more information, please visit www.cwdriver.com. Follow C.W. Driver Companies on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.

Feature Image Courtesy of: C.W. Driver Co