Downtown San Diego
Perhaps the most exciting and vibrant area in Metro San Diego is the growing Downtown region. Development here has been booming for the past few years and new development doesn't seem to have slowed down. Downtown has its own special flair and most of the area is divided into its own separate neighborhoods. You can find out more about what is happening downtown from the Centre City Development Corporation's website. Here is a list of the Downtown neighborhoods complete with a short description.
Columbia
Beginning at its namesake pier, Broadway is downtown's main street, with medians containing lush foliage and lighted banners proclaiming a hearty "WELCOME TO DOWNTOWN!" The surrounding neighborhood is largely commercial in nature. Residential opportunities are dotted throughout. The waterfront is a major segment of the North Embarcadero Visionary Plan, which includes a grand esplanade and development that values the beautiful vistas and public access. Additional office towers are planned for this area, and a new hotel was recently completed.
Beginning at its namesake pier, Broadway is downtown's main street, with medians containing lush foliage and lighted banners proclaiming a hearty "WELCOME TO DOWNTOWN!" The surrounding neighborhood is largely commercial in nature. Residential opportunities are dotted throughout. The waterfront is a major segment of the North Embarcadero Visionary Plan, which includes a grand esplanade and development that values the beautiful vistas and public access. Additional office towers are planned for this area, and a new hotel was recently completed.
Core
Downtown's Core Neighborhood, from A Street to Broadway and Union Street to Park Boulevard, is the heart of San Diego's central business district. Major arts-related venues are here as well, including Symphony Hall, the Civic Theatre and the 1926 California Theatre. Restoration and revitalization of several historic buildings are underway or planned, adding new residential, retail and commercial space and public parking.
Downtown's Core Neighborhood, from A Street to Broadway and Union Street to Park Boulevard, is the heart of San Diego's central business district. Major arts-related venues are here as well, including Symphony Hall, the Civic Theatre and the 1926 California Theatre. Restoration and revitalization of several historic buildings are underway or planned, adding new residential, retail and commercial space and public parking.
Cortez Hill
Anyone who has driven down Cortez Hill on Ash Street in the spring can recall the beauty of the bay and jacaranda trees in lavender bloom against San Diego's blue sky. Distinguished, and one of San Diego's oldest residential neighborhoods, it was named for the El Cortez Hotel. Views include Balboa Park, the bay and ocean beyond, and the urban scene below. Victorian-style homes dot the area, along with condominiums and apartments. The hill's topography separates it from downtown's hustle and bustle, yet its closeness makes it a very desirable address. More residential projects are underway, and a new neighborhood park is planned.
Anyone who has driven down Cortez Hill on Ash Street in the spring can recall the beauty of the bay and jacaranda trees in lavender bloom against San Diego's blue sky. Distinguished, and one of San Diego's oldest residential neighborhoods, it was named for the El Cortez Hotel. Views include Balboa Park, the bay and ocean beyond, and the urban scene below. Victorian-style homes dot the area, along with condominiums and apartments. The hill's topography separates it from downtown's hustle and bustle, yet its closeness makes it a very desirable address. More residential projects are underway, and a new neighborhood park is planned.
East Village
Downtown's largest neighborhood, this area will experience the greatest growth in coming years. Scattered throughout are artists' homes, studios, galleries, and shops. San Diego City College, the New School of Architecture and two high schools are here. Former warehouses, even an old church, have been transformed into charming residential lofts. A dramatic is planned for Park Boulevard (formerly 12th Avenue), linking San Diego Bay and Balboa Park. San Diego Padres Petco Park will open in April 2004; a new Main Library is planned, and thousands of new residential units are being constructed.
Downtown's largest neighborhood, this area will experience the greatest growth in coming years. Scattered throughout are artists' homes, studios, galleries, and shops. San Diego City College, the New School of Architecture and two high schools are here. Former warehouses, even an old church, have been transformed into charming residential lofts. A dramatic is planned for Park Boulevard (formerly 12th Avenue), linking San Diego Bay and Balboa Park. San Diego Padres Petco Park will open in April 2004; a new Main Library is planned, and thousands of new residential units are being constructed.
Gaslamp Quarter
Beginning with his building a wharf at the foot of Fifth Avenue to accommodate trade and commerce in the 1870s, Alonzo Horton encouraged the development of downtown. This 16.5-block neighborhood is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and the 94 structures identified as historically or architecturally significant now house close to 100 restaurants and nightclubs, movie theatres, stores, offices, galleries, and live/work lofts. A charming hardscape park at the trolley station across the Convention Center features a playful fountain, much to the delight of youngsters of all ages. More new residential, commercial and retail projects are underway or planned.
Beginning with his building a wharf at the foot of Fifth Avenue to accommodate trade and commerce in the 1870s, Alonzo Horton encouraged the development of downtown. This 16.5-block neighborhood is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and the 94 structures identified as historically or architecturally significant now house close to 100 restaurants and nightclubs, movie theatres, stores, offices, galleries, and live/work lofts. A charming hardscape park at the trolley station across the Convention Center features a playful fountain, much to the delight of youngsters of all ages. More new residential, commercial and retail projects are underway or planned.
Horton Plaza
Named for the small but prestigious Horton Plaza Park, this neighborhood is where the redefining of downtown began. Residential opportunities may be limited, but this 15-block area puts all residents at the center of downtown's activity. The area includes condominiums and apartments amidst high-rise office buildings, stores, hotels, theatres, and restaurants. San Diego's Walk of Fame begins here with statues of Alonzo Horton and Horton Plaza developer, Ernest Hahn.
Little Italy
The sloping landscape at the northern edge of San Diego Bay was once home to a highly-successful tuna fishing industry and the many Italian families who derived a living from that industry. Its lovely vistas now offer an urban neighborhood with single-family homes, condominiums, and apartments. A recently revitalized India Street is alive with restaurants, small cafes, galleries and specialty shops. Amici Park adjoins the rebuilt Washington Elementary School, just blocks from a wide variety of new housing for the next generation of village residents.
Marina
Formerly warehouses and vacant lots, this neighborhood offers high-rise and mid-rise condominiums and apartments, townhouses, lofts and SRO units in a variety of styles, sizes and prices. The area stretches between the waterfront, Horton Plaza and downtown's office towers. Ample open space is offered at Pantoja Park, Children's Park and the linear King Promenade, providing ideal settings for families, professionals, retirees, and those who travel the globe. Some of the area's rich cultural history is here, as the Asian/Pacific Thematic Historic District recognizes the contributions of San Diego's Asian cultures to the development of this city.
