The Gaslamp Quarter is bumping. The East Village is happening. Now San Diego officials may start to focus on another part of downtown.
Creation of an arts and entertainment district is being proposed for downtown San Diego. The area could potentially run from Ash Street down to Broadway and could stretch from Front Street over to 8th Avenue. It would incorporate a new park being planned near Horton Plaza. The district would display public art exhibits, host festivals and feature performances from the ballet and symphony among other things. It would also include commercial advertising.
David Ehrlich is the executive director of a similar district in Denver and has been promoting the idea in San Diego. He said it’s important to involve local arts organizations.
"Is there a way to access that really strong, vibrant arts community in San Diego, kind of like we did in Denver, and really activate the streets of north Broadway and promote other things?" he said.
Ehrlich and his partners have been working on the project for four years. Fifteen percent of the gross revenue generated from ad sales within the district would be invested back into the district. The developers said the district would not cost the city any additional money. The council’s Land Use and Housing Committee wants a formal proposal from the district backers by the end of the year.
