San Diego Redevelopment
Redevelopment Defined
One only need look to the great cities of the world to see that a vibrant downtown can foster economic growth for an entire region, provide wonderful experiences for people and also allow culture to bloom. With its decision to create CCDC in 1975, the City of San Diego put into action its commitment to reverse the area's then physical, social and economic decline, and to create jobs, increase business activity and tax revenues. That commitment developed a livable and vibrant downtown community.
Since redevelopment began, nearly $15 billion has been invested in downtown; $1.728 billion public investment. Carefully targeted retail, residential and office developments, public improvements and more resulted. Today, more than 78,000 people work downtown and more than 36,000 live in the area. Thousands more visit daily to conduct business, shop, dine, attend cultural, educational and entertainment events, and simply to enjoy the waterfront. The numbers increase with each passing year.
Area History
Its prominence on the harbor and access to Pacific Rim countries long ago determined that downtown San Diego would become the urban heart of this region. Beginning with the building of a wharf at the foot of Fifth Avenue to accommodate trade and commerce, Alonzo Horton assured that the 960 "barren, sunburnt desert" acres he purchased in 1867 for 27.5 cents/acre would flourish.
Early in this century developers and business people such as John Spreckels, George Marston and Efrem Morris continued to develop a strong sense of what this downtown would become. Major events also played a significant role in shaping the area, including two world wars, international expositions and the opening of the Panama Canal.
Soon after mid-century, however, downtown began to experience a decline due to the growth occurring in suburban areas. By the late 1960s, downtown properties could not generate enough tax revenue to cover basic city services such as police and fire protection. It was evident that deterioration and decay had entered San Diego's urban heart.
Enter Redevelopment
In 1972, then-mayor, and former California Governor, Pete Wilson, outlined an aggressive program for revitalizing this physically and economically blighted downtown. His goals included drawing retail and commercial business and residents back to the area, creating a strong job base and regional government hub. California's Community Redevelopment Law provided the major tools.
Wilson and the City Council created CCDC to focus on solutions. This public, nonprofit corporation began with 325 acres in four redevelopment projects -- Horton Plaza, Marina, Columbia and Gaslamp Quarter. On behalf of the City and Redevelopment Agency, CCDC facilitated the public/private partnerships necessary to turn the area around. Responsibilities also included strategic planning, urban design, property acquisition and relocation programs, public improvements and public financing for downtown projects. In 1992, this redevelopment area was expanded to 1,450 acres with the Centre City Project Area (Core, Cortez, East Village and Little Italy).
The Results
San Diegans and visitors today enjoy the beauty and amenities of this downtown on the bay. With 35 years and an investment of $1.54 billion in public monies, redevelopment leveraged $12.8 billion in private developments. As a result, annual sales tax, hotel room tax and property tax escalated nearly $191.4 million. More than 26,000 permanent jobs were created and more than 50,000 construction jobs. New and expanded businesses now thrive here and neighborhoods have all developed their own unique character and charm.
Major projects like Horton Plaza, the Convention Center and PETCO Park have catalyzed tremendous changes in their respective areas, and drawn million of visitors to Downtown. Since 1975, public/private efforts have also led to the building of 18,205 housing units, 7.96 million square feet of office space and retail and 9,308 new hotel rooms. Dramatic rehabilitations occurred of numerous structures throughout downtown, many within the nationally - recognized 16.5-block Gaslamp Quarter Historic District.
Unique urban parks enhance the character of the eight neighborhoods. The Embarcadero Park, waterfront boardwalk, King Promenade, Children's Park and the Gaslamp Quarter Park each offer different vistas and varied experiences. Amici Park in Little Italy provides bocce ball courts and Children's Museum Park and Tweet Street welcome children to play and explore.
Downtown is the place to pursue varied culture and entertainment, with museums and live performance venues throughout the area. Artists live and work here. Galleries can be found in each neighborhood. Movie theaters and jazz clubs draw fans to downtown. Fine dining is available in the Gaslamp Quarter, Little Italy, along the waterfront and in Horton Plaza.
Future Plans
Adoption in 1992 of the Centre City Redevelopment Project (CCRP) merged three of the original four project areas and expanded CCDC's area of responsibility to include almost all of downtown's 1,500 acres. In 2006, a new Downtown Community Plan was approved. Commercial and residential development is envisioned to accommodate up to 90,000 residents and 165,000 jobs by the year 2030 and downtown is expected to absorb the majority of the region's future population growth.
More than just physical improvements are being confronted, however. The Social Issues Strategy, crafted by CCDC and the downtown community working together, acknowledges that success can only be achieved if the effects of homelessness and crime are addressed, as well.
Education is important downtown. Washington Elementary School has been rebuilt. Amici Park, a playground and community park was built adjacent to the school. The San Diego Children's Museum offers unique learning opportunities. Private and charter elementary school programs meet the diversity of San Diego. Downtown is home to other educational institutions, including San Diego City College, San Diego High School and Garfield High School. The New School of Architecture began here and continues to grow. Thomas Jefferson School of Law will open in East Village in 2011. Daycare facilities are now available as well.
Opportunity exists, too, for more neighborhood parks and open space, infrastructure improvements and the long-sought landscaped connection between Balboa Park and San Diego Bay. Based on the Community Plan approved in 2006, downtown will add several new parks and two new fire stations in the next ten years.
See It For Yourself
CCDC invites you to visit the Downtown Information Center located in Horton Plaza (above CVS/pharmacy). Its 200- square-foot scale model and video provide a great opportunity to learn more about how this city redefined its downtown and about programs that continue the forward progress. Bus tours are conducted free of charge. To schedule a tour, please call (619)235-2222. Group tour requests can be accommodated throughout the week, as well.
