Commissioners at the Port of San Diego are reviewing a plan to redevelop downtown San Diego’s Seaport Village area. Developer 1HWY1 has put forward a proposal that is expected to cost over $3 billion.
Seaport San Diego includes 105 acres of land and water area, adding up to 2.7 million square feet of mixed-use development in and around San Diego Bay.
If approved, the plan will see the addition of a 500-foot tower with observation decks, as well as an aquarium, and multiple restaurants and retail shops. The public space will also be redeveloped with new parks and walkways. In addition, the project includes proposals for an indoor concert venue and several hospitality options.
Yehudi “Gaf” Gaffen, who runs 1HWY1 says the result will set the bar for other mixed-use projects, creating a one-of-a-kind destination.
The Seaport San Diego vision
The Port is reviewing the plans, but members of the public will also have an opportunity to provide feedback. One key challenge of this location is that it lies above an earthquake fault line. However, the developer has been researching the safest ways to build around this.
The proposal aims to improve access, use, and enjoyment of the waterfront for all and includes recreational open spaces such as parks, walkways, recreation areas, public piers and a public urban beach. 72% of the site will be dedicated to the public realm.
A key attraction will be the observation tower, which will feature restaurants and observation decks. Plus there will be a new aquarium, located within a new Blue Campus alongside a learning centre and blue tech innovation and research facility. There will also be a new living shoreline area with artificial wetlands and tidepools
Visitors will be able to enjoy a range of shops and restaurants, in addition to health and wellness facilities, hospitality options from hostels to 5-star hotels, convention and meeting space, and a new event centre. Access to the water will be provided through five public access piers and several marinas, as well as day-use docks and slips.
On the commercial side, the plans also feature a revitalized commercial fishing harbour and fish processing facility, with an elevated deck for public viewing at the Tuna Harbor site.
Elsewhere in San Diego, the new Sesame Place San Diego park is now open to the public. A certified autism centre, it offers family rides, water slides, character shows and more.
Images courtesy of Seaport San Diego
