82 New Lennar Homes Coming to Torrey Highlands as Merge 56 Remains in Limbo

Two development projects in Torrey Highlands are heading in very different directions. One is finally moving forward, while another just down the street continues to sit vacant.

If you've driven down Camino Del Sur lately, you've probably noticed the new fencing going up at the corner of Torrey Santa Fe Road, directly across from the 76 gas station.

That property is the future site of Del Oro, a new residential community being built by Lennar.

And while that project is moving forward, there's still no clear answer about what happens next with the vacant lot at Merge 56.

Here's what we know.

Del Oro: 82 New Homes Planned in Torrey Highlands

The Del Oro community was previously known as Santa Fe Summit, and interestingly enough, the property was originally supposed to become an office park.

Those plans have changed, and Lennar is now preparing to build 82 new residential units on the site.

Here are the details:

• Community: Del Oro (formerly Santa Fe Summit)

• Builder: Lennar

• Location: Camino Del Sur & Torrey Santa Fe Road

• Number of Homes: 82

• Home Type: Three-story duplex-style homes

• Average Size: Approximately 2,250 square feet

• Bedrooms: 4–5

• Pricing: To be announced

• Expected Sales Launch: Summer 2027

• Retail: None planned

One thing that surprised me was the size of these homes.

At an average of approximately 2,250 square feet, they're actually larger than I was expecting for a duplex-style development.

With four to five bedrooms, they could be an interesting option for families looking for additional living space in Torrey Highlands.

Of course, we'll have to wait for the official floor plans to see exactly how Lennar plans to lay everything out.

How Much Will Del Oro Homes Cost?

This is probably the question most people will be asking.

Lennar has not announced official pricing for Del Oro.

But if I had to guess, based on the size of the homes and the location, I wouldn't be surprised to see prices start somewhere around $1.3 million, give or take.

That's purely my estimate, not a number provided by Lennar.

The actual pricing will depend on the final floor plans, features, market conditions, and several other factors.

With sales not expected to begin until summer 2027, there's still plenty of time for those details to change.

When Will Construction Begin?

The newly installed fencing is one of the first visible signs that things are starting to move forward.

Based on the latest information I've received, grading operations are expected to be fully underway in November 2026.

However, homes likely won't go on sale until summer 2027.

That timeline is preliminary, so we'll have to see how things progress over the coming months.

I'll share updates as more information becomes available, particularly when Lennar releases floor plans and official pricing.

Will Del Oro Have Any Shops or Restaurants?

For those hoping this development might bring additional retail or dining options to the neighborhood, unfortunately, that's not part of the current plan.

There is no retail planned for Del Oro.

The development is intended to be residential, with 82 new homes.

And that brings us to another nearby property that a lot of people have been asking about.

What's Going On With Merge 56?

While Del Oro is moving forward, the vacant lot at Merge 56 remains a different story.

This one is particularly interesting to me because the property is located directly across the street from my real estate office.

As of the latest information I've received, there are no concrete plans for what happens next with that vacant portion of Merge 56.

It's an interesting contrast.

At Del Oro, we're seeing fencing installed and preparations for new construction.

Meanwhile, just down the road, another prominent development site continues to sit vacant.

I'll definitely be watching to see what happens with Merge 56 and whether any new plans emerge.

What Does This Mean for Torrey Highlands Real Estate?

From a real estate perspective, Del Oro is an interesting addition to the neighborhood.

The combination of new construction, four- and five-bedroom floor plans, and approximately 2,250 square feet of living space could attract buyers looking for larger homes without necessarily purchasing a traditional detached property.

And with just 82 homes planned, it won't be an especially large development compared to some of the master-planned communities elsewhere in San Diego.

Of course, the biggest factor will be pricing.

If these homes do start around $1.3 million, it'll be interesting to see how buyers compare them to existing homes in Torrey Highlands.

And while additional housing is always part of the conversation, there's also the question of what other amenities residents would like to see added to the neighborhood.

Final Thoughts

Torrey Highlands continues to change, and these two projects are good examples of how differently developments can progress.

Lennar is preparing to bring 82 new homes to Del Oro, while the future of the vacant lot at Merge 56 remains uncertain.

I'll continue following both projects and sharing updates as more details become available.

So here's my question: What do you think Torrey Highlands needs more of right now — new homes or more shops and restaurants?

Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments.

About the Author

Bern McGovern is a local San Diego realtor who follows neighborhood developments, real estate trends, and community news throughout North County San Diego.

Keeping up with San Diego news so you don't have to.

Disclaimer: Project details and anticipated timelines are subject to change. The estimated $1.3 million starting price is Bern's personal opinion and has not been confirmed by Lennar.