The revitalization of Downtown San Diego, CA’s western waterfront — featuring a magnificent 105’ wide public esplanade with formal gardens, landscaped plazas, shade pavilions and a 30’ waterfront promenade — was realized through a five-agency alliance and an approximate $228 million public infrastructure program. All with jurisdictional or ownership interest in the North Embarcadero area, the agencies joined forces with JWDA and other consultants to create a vision for the future development of the area. The resulting North Embarcadero Visionary Plan provides an improved Broadway Pier and plaza space, new piers, and a historic wharf at the County Administration Center. Further improvements include streetscape enhancements such as modern lighting, repaving, trees and landscaping, furniture, and public art. The design added almost 12 acres of park and open space and calls for seven acres of gardens, five acres of hardscape and landscape area, and more than 1,700 trees.

Following a highly collaborative public engagement process with over 20 public workshops, the design and ownership teams worked diligently to resolve the functional complexities inherent to a working waterfront while creating an attractive and comfortable environment for San Diego’s residents and visitors.