NAIOP San Diego’s sixth annual University Challenge was held on April 21, 2016.  In this challenge, student teams from UC San Diego, San Diego State University, and the University of San Diego competed in a real estate development challenge program, providing them with an opportunity to interact with peers and professionals in undertaking development economics, community visioning, and design strategies - all in support of formulating a winning development plan to present to NAIOP judges.  KMA's Paul C. Marra was an industry advisor to the winning UCSD team.

 The 2016 challenge involved the transformation of the historic Seaport Village into a $700M mixed-use project that would attract locals and tourists alike.  Seaport Village was selected by organizers because the Port of San Diego is currently soliciting proposals for the area. The UCSD team presented a plan for Harbor Light @ Seaport- a mixed-use development anchored by an iconic hotel.   Other components included open space, mixed-use office with a focus on blue-tech, retail, a brewery, and Fisherman's Market- a public seafood market with open seating featuring Seaport Village's historic and beloved carousel.