San Diego State University broke ground Wednesday on the first residential and retail development at SDSU Mission Valley.

The project, Avalon Mission Valley, will add 621 apartments ranging from studios to three-bedroom units, east of Snapdragon Stadium in the existing Orange Lot. AvalonBay Communities is the developer.

“This development is designed primarily for our neighbors, our community and for San Diego residents,” SDSU President Adela de la Torre said. “Together with our civic and community partners, we’re creating a dynamic, walkable neighborhood that links transit, recreation and innovation, unlocking opportunity and access for all.”

Avalon Mission Valley is also set to include around 30,000 square feet of ground-floor retail space, anchored by a grocery store. The development

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