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NEWS RELEASE
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Gaslamp Quarter Dedicates New Gas-Operated Lamps
5th & Market intersection receives aesthetic and pedestrian improvements including
the first "scramble" format pedestrian crossing in the City of San Diego.
The Gaslamp Quarter celebrated the completion of improvements to the 5th & Market intersection today (November 14th) with a dedication ceremony. The City of San Diego, Centre City Development Corp. and the Gaslamp Quarter Association took part in the ceremony by recognizing the individuals and entities that were instrumental in the completion of this project.
"The sidewalk pop-outs, pedestrian crossing and new gaslamps will not only augment the popularity of the Gaslamp Quarter, but it will also accommodate the growing number of visitors that enjoy our community," said Gaslamp Quarter Association Chairman Jimmy Parker. "This project will build upon the longstanding history of the Gaslamp Quarter as a successfully revitalized neighborhood."
The improvement project included three major aspects which involved expanding the area of the intersection's corners (also referred to as a "pop-out"); adding the first-ever diagonal pedestrian signal crossing system in the City of San Diego called a "scramble intersection"; and installing the first authentic, gas-operated gaslamps in the Gaslamp Quarter.
The project cost was approximately $425,000 for the sidewalk construction; approximately $25,000 contributed by the City of San Diego for the upgrade of the traffic signal; approximately $20,000 contributed by the City of San Diego for the asphalt overlay of the intersection: and $40,000 donated by four generous Gaslamp Quarter community philanthropists and the Gaslamp Quarter Association for the installation of the four gas-operated gaslamps.
The hard work performed on the project included: Roberto Saucedo and John Anderson from Centre City Development Corporation: Larry Thornburgh and his team at Nasland Engineering; Matt Moetazedi and his team from TM Engineering; Steve Fick and Jim McKee from R.L. Fick & Sons Plumbing; Charleston Lighting, based in Louisiana, crafted the copper gaslamp heads.
"The Gaslamp Quarter, known for its iconic archway on 5th and Harbor Drive, is a popular destination for San Diego residents and out-of-town visitors. Community leaders are very excited at the addition of the gaslamps as another attraction and beautification of the community," Parker added. "The Gaslamp Quarter is an authentic, vibrant downtown community known for its dining and nightlife. People of all types come down to shop along the streets, grab a snack or stay at their favorite restaurant for a night of catching up with old friends and making new ones."
What is a sidewalk pop-out?
The sidewalk pop-out is important to the corner because it will improve the safety of the intersection. The construction expanded the sides of each corner one car lane to accommodate more people as they wait to cross the street. Community members have felt that the growing number of visitors was starting to impact the safety of pedestrians. People walking across the intersection will have a safer and quicker crossing because there will be more room at the corner as pedestrians wait to cross the street.
The pop-out sidewalk expansion afforded the project an opportunity to add the first-ever diagonal "scramble" intersection in the City of San Diego.
What is a "scramble intersection"? How is that different than a regular intersection?
A scramble intersection allows pedestrians to cross the intersection diagonally when the signal lights permit.
This new crossing system, referred to as a "scramble" intersection, is an enhancement which adds a diagonal crossing. Vehicles will be able to pass through the intersection. Then, the lights stop all vehicles and allow the pedestrians to cross the intersection in all directions – left, right and diagonally.
"This has been tried in other cities when large numbers of pedestrians need to be moved safely across the street in busy intersections. It decreases the exposure of pedestrians to drivers making left and right turns and can hold more pedestrians while they wait to cross the street," said Parker.
Generous Donors Light the Way for Gaslamp Quarter Visitors
Determination, creative vision and leadership are the keystone character traits of community leaders. The Gaslamp Quarter is an exceptional destination with a bright future ahead of it due to the generous and heartfelt concern for building the Gaslamp Quarter as a premier neighborhood in downtown San Diego.
The Gaslamp Quarter continuously benefits from the generosity of George Coss, Bud & Esther Fischer, Howard & Andrea Greenberg, Cathy Herrick Spencer, A. Leon Herrick and Steve Sourapas Sr. The profiles below illustrate why these benefactors are excellent examples of community spirit mixed with vision and determination.
George Coss
George Coss sees potential in the Gaslamp Quarter to continue to grow into a comfortable neighborhood frequently found across Europe. It is with this international eye that drew him to downtown San Diego and the Gaslamp Quarter where he visits local eateries and shops. His properties include the historic Whitney Building built in 1914 which is home to Dick's Last Resort; and the historic Quin Building/ Casa de Tomas Addition built in 1930 which is home to Aubergine Restaurant. Coss sees a potential for the Gaslamp Quarter to have a walking corridor similar to the Third Street Promenade in Santa Barbara.
Bud & Esther Fischer
Bud Fischer is a partner of Trilogy Real Estate Management. An outstanding downtown developer, Mr. Fischer has been instrumental in rehabilitating historic buildings, building new single-room occupancy hotels, renovating live/work lofts and restoring retail space. Prior to becoming a developer, Mr. Fischer was President of Fischer Office Interiors from 1955 to 1979. It was sold in 1979, and at the time, was San Diego's largest furniture store. Today, Mr. Fischer has a portfolio of property valued at more than $125,000,000 and continues to stay very active downtown with his partner Howard Greenberg.
Howard & Andrea Greenberg
Howard Greenberg is the President of Trilogy Real Estate Management and is a partner in many Gaslamp Quarter projects. Mr. Greenberg relocated to San Diego in 1983 and formed Trilogy Real Estate Management in 1990. Currently Trilogy manages 1.5 million square feet of retail, office, residential, commercial, hotel and mixed-use projects primarily in downtown San Diego. He and Andrea reside in Mission Hills with their three children.
Cathy Herrick Spencer & A. Leon Herrick
Cathy Herrick Spencer and Leon Herrick, general partners of San Diego Historic Properties, have for the past twenty years spearheaded the rejuvenation of the historic Gaslamp Quarter. Beaumanor, their newest jewel at Sixth and E Street, is a classic example of what a two million dollar rehab can do. Their acquisition and rehabilitation of historic buildings include the Llewelyn building, 1887 (722 5th Ave.); Cole Block building, 1890 (702 Fifth Ave); the Victorian Louis Bank of Commerce building, 1888 (835 Fifth Ave.); the majestic Old City Hall building, 1874 (664 Fifth Ave.); and many more.
Sourapas Family & Crest Beverage
The Sourapas family owns and operates Crest Beverage since 1956. Crest Beverage Company is proud to continue its involvement in the community events of San Diego Gaslamp Quarter. They continue to support the Gaslamp Quarter through sponsorship of the annual Jazz Fest and Cinco de Mayo festival. Crest Beverage remains financially strong and with a continued commitment to provide all of its retail customers with the finest customer service and beer product line available in San Diego County. In addition, the owners have great pride in the dedicated employees who have helped make it all happen over the years.
Additional Contact Information
Dan Flores
Gaslamp Quarter Association
Ph: 619-233-5227
Carl Nettleton
City of San Diego
Ph: 619-236-6851
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About Centre City Development Corporation (CCDC)
CCDC is the public, nonprofit corporation created by the City of San Diego in 1975 to staff, plan and implement downtown's redevelopment on behalf of the City's Redevelopment Agency. CCDC offices are located at Wells Fargo Plaza, 401 B Street, Suite 400, in downtown San Diego.
Special Notes: CCDC's News Digest, public meeting notices and news releases can be delivered to your e-mail address. Simply fill out our email form to choose the type of messages you would like to receive.
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