The city unveils a bold Civic Center revitalization plan to transform six downtown blocks into a vibrant hub focused on arts, education, housing, and equity. Led by a diverse coalition, the plan aims to create a people-centered neighborhood with cultural venues, educational opportunities, and accessible housing.
SAN DIEGO – A broad civic coalition has revealed a visionary plan to transform San Diego’s aging Civic Center into a vibrant, inclusive downtown hub for arts, education, housing, and public life. Announced during the inaugural WAVES Festival on May 6, 2025, the proposal aims to reimagine six blocks of city-owned property—currently home to underutilized buildings like Golden Hall and the Civic Theatre—into a new, people-centered neighborhood.
The effort is led by the Downtown San Diego Partnership, the Prebys Foundation, U3 Advisors, and the San Diego Community College District (SDCCD), with support from over 20 civic, educational, labor, and business institutions. The group unveiled a conceptual rendering of the redevelopment, emphasizing four key priorities: cultural activation, educational access, housing diversity, and the creation of iconic public spaces.
A Reimagined Heart of the City
“This vision will reestablish Downtown as the vital heart of San Diego,” said Grant Oliphant, CEO of the Prebys Foundation. “By reconnecting people to civic life through arts, culture, education, and housing, we are creating a place where everyone feels they belong. A stronger Downtown will mean a stronger, more resilient San Diego for generations to come.”
The project envisions a three-acre Civic Plaza, flexible enough to host year-round concerts, cultural festivals, and community gatherings. It also proposes replacing Golden Hall with a modern performing arts and educational complex, anchored in part by the San Diego Community College District.
Education as a Cornerstone
Chancellor Gregory Smith of SDCCD highlighted the educational commitment behind the redevelopment. “Our students represent the future of San Diego, and we are excited to explore the prospect of anchoring part of that future at the Civic Center,” Smith said. “An investment in Downtown’s revitalization is an extraordinary opportunity to advance our mission to uplift the lives of our students, our communities, and the city of San Diego through higher education in a dynamic new city center.”
This educational push aligns with the district’s broader goals to increase accessibility, cultural engagement, and opportunity for historically underserved students.
Community-Led and Locally Informed
The proposal stems from a year-long community engagement process, incorporating feedback from Mayor Todd Gloria, the San Diego City Council, downtown stakeholders, and residents. The planning was facilitated by U3 Advisors, a national urban development firm specializing in inclusive, anchor-led revitalization.
“San Diegans deserve a downtown that fuels community, creativity, and opportunity,” said Omar Blaik, CEO of U3 Advisors. “Our job was to listen, to learn, and to help shape a future that feels rooted in what San Diegans value most.”
Investing in Cultural Infrastructure
The plan also prioritizes upgrades to San Diego’s performing arts venues. The Civic Theatre, currently managed by San Diego Theatres, is already undergoing a $7.5 million renovation to enhance guest experience and accessibility.
“These upgrades will transform the Civic Theatre for a new era and help ensure it remains a vibrant, contemporary cornerstone of San Diego’s arts and cultural community,” said Carol Wallace, President and CEO of San Diego Theatres.
Housing, Equity, and the Next Phase
In addition to arts and education, the proposal includes new housing units for teachers, artists, students, and working professionals—an effort to ensure that downtown living is accessible to more than just luxury renters. The district would also integrate neighborhood essentials such as grocery stores, childcare centers, dog runs, and locally owned businesses to promote a 24/7 urban lifestyle.
Though final costs and a timeline have yet to be announced, the coalition is working toward activating portions of the site by late 2025, with a phased development plan to follow. Discussions are underway regarding the formation of a special-purpose entity to guide implementation and ensure community accountability.
A Broad Coalition Behind the Vision
Backers of the project include the Asian Business Association of San Diego, San Diego Regional EDC, San Diego Symphony, San Diego Municipal Employees Association, Parks California, UC San Diego, Manpower West, LUCE et Studio, San Diego Community College District, and the YMCA of San Diego County, among others.
“This is not just a vision—it’s a platform for civic life to flourish,” said Omar Blaik, reinforcing the coalition’s intent to create a space that invites every San Diegan to feel connected to the city’s core.
