Downtown Partnership and Prebys Foundation present multi‑phase Civic Center vision aiming for housing, arts and public plaza

Betsy Brennan, president and CEO of the Downtown San Diego Partnership, introduced a multi‑partner, multi‑phase vision to revitalize the six‑block Civic Center, emphasizing a people‑centered approach that integrates arts, education, housing, and civic space. Grant Oliphant of the Prebys Foundation and Omar Blake of U3 Advisors described the concept: a cultural and education hub (~300,000 sq ft), roughly 3,000 housing units across multiple typologies, and a nearly 3‑acre public plaza intended as a year‑round "living room" for the city.

Presenters framed the proposal as a phased effort that begins with short‑term activations on parcels such as Golden Hall to demonstrate potential and generate momentum. They estimated an overall development program on the order of 3.7 million square feet and a collective investment around $3.5 billion, subject to planning, fundraising and market conditions. San Diego Community College District representatives and Mesa College staff signaled interest in contributing cultural and education programming and facilities.

Councilmembers broadly praised the vision while urging realism: several members said the City must coordinate its own facility needs (City Hall, Fire Station 1) and consider how to consolidate the municipal workforce and ensure civic functions remain in the downtown core. Presenters and councilmembers agreed that philanthropy, anchor institutions and the City will all need to play roles in phased implementation. Council took no formal vote — the item was informational — and invited continued engagement among stakeholders and staff.