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Projects
Central Embarcadero image with project outline

Central Embarcadero

Waterfront Development

The Port of San Diego is pursuing potential redevelopment of the Central Embarcadero. The site in consideration is approximately 70 acres of land and water situated between downtown San Diego and the San Diego Bayfront. This area includes Seaport Village, Santa Monica Seafood (formerly Chesapeake Fish), and surrounding areas between the Manchester Grand Hyatt and the USS Midway Museum. Embarcadero Marina Park North, Ruocco Park, and Tuna Harbor are also included. The Headquarters and The Fish Market Restaurant are within the boundary but excluded from the proposal process because there are long-term leases on those properties.

In late 2016, the Board selected the 1HWY1 development team following an extensive and competitive solicitation and due diligence process. The 1HWY1 team has been working on their project description for their proposed Seaport San Diego project.

Proposal Status

1HWY1 is proposing a mixed-use development program that includes more than 70 percent of public realm space with parks, open spaces and plazas, piers, walkways, beaches, nature trails, shared streets, and public rooftop; hotels at various service levels and price points; an event center; a “Blue Tech Innovation Center” block made up of an aquarium, blue tech office space, and an observation tower; commercial fishing facilities; restaurants, retail, and more. Since 2016, 1HWY1 has been refining its proposed project in response to preliminary Board feedback and stakeholder feedback, due diligence findings, and input from prospective partners.

On November 8, 2022, the Board of Port Commissioners authorized staff to begin the environmental review process for the proposed project. To review 1HWY1’s latest project description and other materials, click on the links below.

View 1HWY1's Latest Project Description

View Project Program Comparison Chart

View Port Staff Report for November 8 Board meeting

What's next?
For next steps, staff will begin the environmental review process, which includes drafting an Environmental Impact Report (EIR), which may take approximately 24 months or longer. The public and stakeholders will have additional opportunities to review and provide feedback on the project and its various required documents, including the draft EIR, lease/property agreements, development permits, and more.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is this and how big is the site?

The Central Embarcadero comprises approximately 40 acres of land and 30 acres of water. It is bordered by the USS Midway Museum and Harbor Drive to the north, Manchester Grand Hyatt and Kettner Boulevard to the east, and San Diego Bay to the south and west. The site also includes Embarcadero Marina Park North, Ruocco Park and Tuna Harbor. The Headquarters and The Fish Market Restaurant are within the boundary but excluded from the plan due to long-term leases on those properties.

How did the Port choose a proposal?

A competitive process was used to select a proposal. The goal was to select a high-quality proposal for the site, potentially with the creation of a significant architectural feature or focal point to create a unique identity for the area and the bay. The proposals were required to build on the Integrated Planning Vision Statement and Guiding Principles that were accepted by the Board in 2014, and the Framework Report accepted by the Board in November 2015. Specifically, proposals for the site needed to consider:

  • More public space on the water
  • Extending streets to the water
  • Preserving and enhancing view corridors
  • Facilitating the enjoyment of the bay

What is the impact on businesses within Seaport Village? Will they be included in Seaport San Diego?

As the construction timeline becomes clearer on the 1HWY1 proposal, Protea (managing Seaport Village on the Port's behalf) will work with the Port, the businesses and the 1HWY1 team on a transition plan during construction. The transition plan may include construction phasing and retention of businesses from the existing Seaport Village for Seaport San Diego. The Seaport San Diego proposal includes retail and public market components that could provide future opportunities for these businesses. The 1HWY1 team has stated that discussions with the existing businesses have been ongoing and they are working toward developing a retention plan to be shared with the Port and the businesses at a later date.

In the meantime, the Port is investing in and revitalizing Seaport Village. The Port has successfully inked 24 leases since taking over ownership and operation of the waterfront shopping, dining, and entertainment center in 2018, reaching 92 percent occupancy. With new stores and restaurants now open or coming soon, a variety of new and established entertainment, site enhancements, and operational improvements, Seaport Village is a vibrant and prosperous waterfront destination for residents, visitors and the businesses that operate within it. We encourage you to visit Seaport Village soon! See what's new and happening at seaportvillage.com.

How can I have input into this process?

The Port is committed to public input. The public can provide input at meetings of the Board of Port Commissioners, which are publicly noticed on the Port of San Diego website. Environmental review will be performed and then an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) will be drafted and publicly reviewed, which may take approximately 24 months or longer. The public and stakeholders will have additional opportunities to review and provide feedback on the proposed project and its various required documents, including the draft EIR, lease/property agreements, development permits, and more.

Project Timeline

The Port of San Diego has been pursuing redevelopment of the Central Embarcadero through an open, public and competitive process. 

October 2015
October 2015

Board of Port Commissioners directs staff to move forward on a development strategy for the Central Embarcadero.

December 2015
December 2015

Board unanimously votes to direct staff to seek development proposals for this area.

February 2016
February 2016

Port issues Request for Proposals.

May 2016
May 2016

Due date for proposals. Eleven are received, and six proposals meet the criteria for consideration.

June 2016
June 2016

Port hosts an Open House, inviting the community to preview the six proposals and provide comments. More than 1,200 people attend.

July 2016
July 2016

Board directs staff to exclusively continue discussions with 1HWY1 to further evaluate their proposal, called Seaport San Diego, while not eliminating the other five proposals.

November 2016
November 2016

Board votes to select 1HWY1's proposal, while reserving certain rights on behalf of the agency.

May 2017
May 2017

Board directs staff to negotiate and enter into an Exclusive Negotiating Agreement (ENA) with Protea Waterfront Development, LLC (PWD), the managing member of 1HWY1.

March 2018
March 2018

1HWY1 presents proposed project changes to the Board to receive early feedback prior to finalizing their project description.

November 2018
November 2018

Port staff updates the Board and, responding to feedback from the March 2018 Board meeting, 1HWY1 presents additional changes to their proposal to receive early feedback.

June 2019
June 2019

1HWY1 submits a preliminary project description and pro forma.

March 2020
March 2020

1HWY1 submits a project description and accompanying materials for the Preliminary Trust Doctrine Consistency Review.

December 2020
December 2020

ENA between the Port and 1HWY1 amended.

December 2021
December 2021

1HWY1 submits draft preliminary project description and additional documents pursuant to the ENA.

2022
2022
  • March 8: Port staff and 1HWY1 presented the draft preliminary Seaport San Diego project description to the Board, the public and stakeholders and sought feedback.
  • July 21: Port staff and 1HWY1 presented updates and sought additional public and Board feedback.
  • October 11: 1HWY1 presented an overview of public financing options to the Board and staff sought feedback and direction from the Board.
  • November 8: Board authorized staff to begin environmental review for the proposed project.