Central Embarcadero
The Port of San Diego is pursuing development of the Central Embarcadero. This is a prime site of approximately 70 acres of land and water situated between downtown San Diego and the San Diego Bayfront. This highly visible and desirable area includes Seaport Village, Santa Monica Seafood (formerly Chesapeake Fish), and surrounding areas between the Manchester Grand Hyatt and the USS Midway Museum. 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.
Redevelopment Status
The Port of San Diego continues to work with 1HWY1 on its proposed Seaport San Diego project for the redevelopment of the Central Embarcadero.
The Board of Port Commissioners selected the 1HWY1 development team after a competitive process in 2016. Since then, 1HWY1 has been refining its proposed project in response to Board and stakeholder feedback, due diligence findings, and input from prospective partners. 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; fish processing plant; parks, restaurants, retail, and more.
On March 8, 2022 and July 21, 2022, Port staff and 1HWY1 presented the draft preliminary Seaport San Diego project to the Board and the public and heard feedback. Staff continues to review 1HWY1’s recent submittal and is working towards the next steps of the project. Staff will analyze and incorporate the feedback from the Board and work with 1HWY1 on any necessary changes to the project description. Staff anticipates this to be an ongoing process before a final project description is submitted.
VIEW 1HWY1'S jULY 21 SEAPORT SAN DIEGO PRESENTATION
This is a historic time for the Port of San Diego’s waterfront, one of our region’s most significant and precious assets. With many steps to go, including various future Board actions and approvals over the next several years, Port staff is working very hard to facilitate the best possible development of the Central Embarcadero to shape it into a compelling destination for San Diegans and visitors.
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.
What is the Seaport San Diego proposal?
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; fish processing plant; parks, restaurants, retail, and more.
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 21 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. In addition, the future project would undergo environmental review, which offers additional opportunities for public input.
Project Timeline
The Port of San Diego has been pursuing redevelopment of the Central Embarcadero through an open, public and competitive process.
Board of Port Commissioners directs staff to move forward on a development strategy for the Central Embarcadero.
Board unanimously votes to direct staff to seek development proposals for this area.
Port issues Request for Proposals.
Due date for proposals. Eleven are received, and six proposals meet the criteria for consideration.
Port hosts an Open House, inviting the community to preview the six proposals and provide comments. More than 1,200 people attend.
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.
Board votes to select 1HWY1's proposal, while reserving certain rights on behalf of the agency.
Board directs staff to negotiate and enter into an Exclusive Negotiating Agreement (ENA) with Protea Waterfront Development, LLC (PWD), the managing member of 1HWY1.
1HWY1 presents proposed project changes to the Board to receive early feedback prior to finalizing their project description.
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.
1HWY1 submits a preliminary project description and pro forma.
1HWY1 submits a project description and accompanying materials for the Preliminary Trust Doctrine Consistency Review.
ENA between the Port and 1HWY1 amended.
1HWY1 submits draft preliminary project description and additional documents pursuant to the ENA.
Port staff and 1HWY1 presented the draft preliminary Seaport San Diego project description to the Board, the public and stakeholders and sought feedback.