Kevin Faulconer

Imagine San Diego’s Downtown waterfront as the next Mission Bay or Balboa Park: 1.3 miles of tree-lined parks, gardens, open space, walking and jogging trails, revitalized wharf, hotels, shopping, dining, art and cultural activities in a spectacular public esplanade.

Embarcadero North will create a vibrant public destination by linking Downtown, Gaslamp and the Convention Center with San Diego’s magnificent bay. This public infrastructure improvement project will add nearly 12 acres of park and open space: seven acres of gardens, five acres of lush landscaped area and more than 1,700 trees.

A Joint Powers Authority, comprised of the city of San Diego, San Diego Unified Port District and Centre City Development Corp., is coordinating the many different moving parts of this project and working to minimize disruption in the area.

As chair of the JPA board, I am excited to be working on one of the most ambitious revitalization projects we have ever seen in San Diego. “Embarcadero” is Spanish for a landing place, and I believe this project will transform Embarcadero North into a pleasant and prosperous new premier destination, or “landing place,” for thousands of San Diegans and visitors.

The master design offers 10 distinct areas of enjoyment:

The Point: gateway to the Embarcadero.

Formal Grove: a grand entrance from Santa Fe Depot to Broadway Pier, featuring stately hedges and greenery.

The Cove: includes a memorial walk for veterans and active military.

The Broadway Hall: a showcase for art and public gatherings with gardens and improved views of the bay.

The Market Square: located at the entrance to the B Street Cruise Ship Terminal, this area can be used by cruise ship guests and become an open market at other times.

Tavern on the Bay: al fresco dining at its finest.

The Lawns: near Tavern on the Bay, this open and relaxing green space will help inspire a new love affair with San Diego Bay.

The Wharf: near the County Administration Building, this new area will be reminiscent of a working waterfront and can be configured for civic events.

Grape Street Pier and Piazza: visiting boaters will be able to tie up at the transient docks of this pier with a design reminiscent of Little Italy.

The Crescent: will direct the flow of Downtown traffic onto a widened Pacific Highway.

Planning for this vision of “urban grandeur” began in 1997 when the city, county, Port and Navy pooled their jurisdictional or ownership interests in the area.

In the last few years, much progress has been made toward the waterfront infrastructure improvements that will strengthen San Diego’s reputation as the place to see, and to be. In 2000, the Environmental Impact Report was certified and amendments to the Port Master Plan/Community Plan were approved by the California Coastal Commission. In 2005, the schematic design and first phase gained approval by the JPA. In 2007, the new JPA agreement for construction of the first phase was approved.

Funding for the $28.6 million Phase I has been secured. CCDC will contribute $18.6 million out of the $45 million in bond proceeds for the project, and the Port will contribute $10 million. Funding for the remaining phases is being finalized.

Groundbreaking is expected in late 2009. Phase I includes a new pedestrian walkway on Harbor Drive between the Midway Museum and B Street Pier. Other amenities will include ticket kiosks, shaded seating areas, landscaping, formal groves, exotic plants, flowers and decorative outdoor lighting along with infrastructure improvements on West Broadway.

Every day brings us closer to breaking ground on this major new asset that will undoubtedly become one of San Diego’s most visited destinations. The bay is one of the hallmarks of our region. From sparkling waters to wind-filled white sails to the awesome majesty of naval vessels, San Diego Bay is worthy of a welcoming waterfront.

The Embarcadero is an ideal location for enhancing public space in a way that will strengthen the local economy while improving the beauty and safety of our neighborhoods. Embarcadero North will be a place for economic revitalization, inspiring views and memory-making for generations to come.

San Diego Councilman Kevin Faulconer represents District 1, which includes most of Downtown San Diego.