Tweet

Board of Port Commissioners Gives Approval to Marina Cortez Project

Friday, 14 October 2011
Contact: Marguerite Elicone (619) 686-6222

One of Harbor Island's first developments —Marina Cortez —will soon undergo a makeover.

Built in 1969, the marina has plans to renovate its main building and its support building, as well as construct a shoreline promenade that will be open to the public. Additionally, its plans call for the construction of a new elevator tower.

The Board of Port Commissioners voted unanimously for conceptual approval of the renovations at its meeting on Tuesday, October 11. Commissioners also approved an option agreement with Marina Cortez for a new 40-year lease. The approval gives the marina an 18-month option period, in which certain conditions must be met. Once those conditions are met, the new 40-year lease will begin.

Owners of the marina, at 1880 Harbor Island Drive, recently spent $7.34 million on a separate project that replaced all of its marina slips. This project, which was completed in the spring of 2010, removed the marina's concrete docks and replaced them with a hardwood deck float system. The wood used for the new deck is extremely hard, yet resilient, allowing for the natural movement of tidal ebb and flow. When the new marina system was put in, 21 new marina slips were created, giving Marina Cortez a total of 545 slips.

The new improvement project entails renovating all of the buildings on the marina's property, resurfacing the parking lot and adding new landscaping and lighting. Renovating the main building involves extensive exterior work, including removing existing exterior architectural arches, adding new windows, a new roof and new stucco. New utility systems, such as upgraded electrical and plumbing, will be required. Additionally, a new elevator will be added to comply with ADA requirements.

Marina Cortez will also be constructing a new shoreline promenade that will span the entire length of its property and connect to Harbor Island Drive. The approximately six-foot-wide promenade will be open to the public.

The Port of San Diego was created by state legislature in 1962 and is responsible for $1.7 billion in public improvements in its five member cities: Imperial Beach, San Diego, Coronado, Chula Vista and National City.

The Port oversees two maritime cargo terminals, two cruise ship terminals, 17 public parks, the Harbor Police Department and the leases of more than 600 tenant and sub tenant businesses around San Diego Bay.