Location on Pearl Street in La Jolla remains unleased and fenced off, drawing some residents’ displeasure.
The former Jack in the Box site at 564 Pearl Street in La Jolla remains vacant, fenced off, and used for school bus parking, frustrating some local residents. The Bishop’s School, which purchased the property in September 2021, has not yet found a tenant for the site.
Mary Montgomery, a former manager of the La Jolla Maintenance Assessment District, expressed her disappointment in a letter to the La Jolla Light. She noted the site’s dilapidated condition and the visible school buses, describing it as an eyesore on Pearl Street, which she calls one of The Village’s most functional thoroughfares.
Despite this, the status of the property is not expected to change soon. Cathy Morrison, Bishop’s director of marketing and communications, confirmed that the school is actively seeking a tenant. “We appreciate the local community’s ongoing interest in the school’s plans for the former Jack in the Box property and hope to share further updates in the coming months,” Morrison said. She added that the site is currently maintained with 24/7 security patrols, night lighting for safety, full perimeter fencing, and daily use for bus parking.
No long-term plans have been announced for the property. Morrison emphasized that finding the right tenant is a careful balance involving community compatibility, timing, and market conditions. “We don’t have definitive plans for future school use at this point,” she said.
When Bishop’s School purchased the property for $5.5 million, Head of School Ron Kim emphasized the importance of being a good neighbor and considering the community’s concerns. The acquisition aimed to create more resources for Bishop’s students and expand the school’s capabilities.
A potential leasing deal fell through in August 2022, prompting the school to restart its search. “It’s a long process, and while we first thought it would take approximately nine months, the timeline looks like it will take longer than we initially anticipated,” Morrison said at the time.
As of June 2023, the property remains available for lease with no set deadline to find a tenant. The school has stated that if demolition becomes necessary, they will follow the city of San Diego’s permitting process and prioritize the safety and wellness of the school and the greater community. Future plans for the property will be reviewed by community groups before implementation.