The Lomas Santa Fe Group (“Lomas”) was established in 1960 when Theodore E. Gildred purchased 1,200 acres in Northern San Diego for development of the Lomas Santa Fe Community in Solana Beach. Completed during the mid 1980’s, this master planned community encompassed over 2,000 dwelling units, two major shopping centers, an 18-hole championship golf course and country club, and an executive golf course.
Since then, Lomas has developed several residential projects including Hacienda Santa Fe, Lomas Serenas, Brisas and Lomas Del Mar to name just a few. Lomas has also developed commercial office and retail spaces in Solana Beach, Carlsbad, Vista, Rancho Bernardo, and La Jolla. Internationally, Lomas has acquired valuable seaside property in Baja California and is planning a destination resort community.
In 1979, Lomas became involved in the San Diego financial community when Mr. Gildred founded the Torrey Pines Bank. In 1990, Torrey Pines Bank became the fourth largest independent branch bank in San Diego and all nine branches were sold to Wells Fargo Bank. After the sale, Mr. Gildred was asked to join the Board of Directors of Security Pacific Bank and subsequently Bank of America after its merger with Security Pacific Bank.
In 1982, Mr. Gildred founded the Institute of the Americas, an independent, non-profit institution on the campus of the University of California at San Diego, further solidifying his and Lomas’ commitment to Mexican and Latin American interests and opportunities. This institution is devoted to and has become the centerpiece for confronting the economic, political and social issues facing the countries of the Western Hemisphere.
Presently, Lomas is continuing the tradition of excellence founded by Theodore E. Gildred and continues to foster the future development of San Diego through key development projects, unmatched development capabilities, and promotion of international business ventures.