Future Visions of Downtown San Diego Real Estate

Downtown is growing at a record pace. For the past two years, residents, workers and redevelopment officials have been reflecting on the nature of the new development and how to proceed in a way that respects the nuances and character of each of downtown’s neighborhoods. After all, downtown has changed dramatically since the first wave of development in the early 1980s, when not even the most ardent supporters of redevelopment could have predicted the influx of commercial and residential projects. Taking stock of these recent trends and ensuring downtown achieves its potential as a vital, rich urban environment are essential to the Centre City Community Plan Update currently underway.

While the new Community Plan unfolds, several landmark civic projects – including the North Embarcadero Visionary Plan, the Park-to-Bay restoration, the Civic Theatre and urban parks – will serve as functional symbols of downtown San Diego’s deep sense of tradition and progressive outlook. The plan also calls for several bold initiatives, including a decking of the freeway and the under-grounding of the railways downtown to alleviate traffic congestion and create more space. These projects are all milestones in the redevelopment process, as the influx of residents and workers has created a demand for more community-centric civic projects that invigorate downtown’s cultural institutions and reinforce the City of Villages ideal.

Urban Mix
Office, residential, retail, hotel, civic, and cultural uses are mixed throughout downtown, with greater emphasis on employment in the intense core and diverse high-density housing in the neighborhoods. Each neighborhood is anchored with one or more mixed-use centers, parks and open spaces, and a variety of amenities to support urban, walking lifestyles. The neighborhoods are connected to the western waterfront, which will become downtown’s “front porch”. Building intensities will be modulated to support urban design and livability, including sunny parks and streets, and scaled down building heights in certain neighborhoods.

Neighborhoods and Districts
Downtown is organized as a collection of eleven neighborhoods and districts. The neighborhoods converge on the intense employment and government district stretching across Civic/Core and Columbia, where some of the highest buildings rise within walking distance of downtown’s primary transit corridors. The neighborhoods all have major residential components, but each takes on unique character reflecting its development and cultural history, environment, varied employment, and civic activities. Eight new neighborhood centers – centered around either a “main street” or plaza – are planned to provide local shopping, services, and employment opportunities within blocks of virtually all residents. The entertainment and visitor focus of Gaslamp Quarter, Ballpark, and Convention Center districts will continue to contribute to downtown’s dynamic energy.

Open Spaces
A series of new open spaces will help to satisfy the day-to-day outdoor needs of downtown residents and workers for recreation, respite, and gathering. Under the plan, downtown’s public open space system could increase from 79 acres to 132 acres. Building height limitations will ensure sun access, and surrounding streets will be lined with lively uses such as stores and cafes. A new “lid” on I-5 and extension of 8th Avenue will re-connect downtown to Balboa Park. New smaller parks and plazas throughout downtown will help to temper the built landscape.

Connections, Pedestrian Orientation, and Views Streets and the public realm will take on heightened significance in the community plan. A typology of streets with functional designations guides streetscape and transportation planning. This includes ceremonial Boulevards extending across downtown; Green streets with enhanced landscaping connecting major open spaces and Neighborhood Centers; and Active Streets where ground-floor retail, services, and cultural uses enliven public areas. The Community Plan prioritizes pedestrian comfort and safety, including special improvements for pedestrian zones and traffic calming in the neighborhoods. New streets will be created or reopened to improve connectivity, enhance waterfront access and capture views.

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