San Diego Designates City Operations Building for Redevelopment

News Summary

San Diego’s Land Use and Housing Committee has designated the City Operations Building at 1222 First Ave. as surplus, allowing for potential sale or lease. The move aims to enhance affordable housing in the city, with a mandate requiring at least 25% of new residential units to be affordable. A notice of availability will be published soon to attract developers, marking a new phase in downtown revitalization efforts while addressing urgent housing needs.

San Diego has taken a significant step towards redeveloping its downtown area by designating the City Operations Building (COB) at 1222 First Ave. as surplus. This decision, approved by the Land Use and Housing Committee with a unanimous 3-0 vote, allows the city to either sell or lease the 1.4-acre site. This action is part of California’s Surplus Land Act, which signifies that the city no longer requires the facility for municipal use.

The COB, which has been the home of the Development Services Department (DSD) since its construction in 1970, has deteriorated over the years and now faces approximately $129 million in improvement and maintenance needs. The building occupies a prominent block in downtown San Diego, bordered by A Street, First Avenue, B Street, and Front Street. With DSD relocating to new offices in Mission Valley and at 550 W.C. St., the COB will largely be vacant by August, except for the operational Fire Station 1 which remains on the site.

Affordable Housing Mandate

As part of the surplus designation, the city is mandated to set aside at least 25% of any proposed residential units for affordable housing. This requirement aims to support low- and very-low-income families, targeting those earning within 80% of San Diego’s area median income. The initiative aligns with Mayor Todd Gloria’s broader objectives to enhance the availability of affordable housing in the city.

Timeline and Next Steps

The city plans to publish a notice of availability by late July or early August, marking the beginning of a 60-day bid window for developers interested in the COB site. Following this period, a 90-day negotiation phase will commence with select developers. Council members have emphasized the importance of a project labor agreement during the bidding process to ensure quality and labor standards in future developments.

Previous Plans and Current Interests

Previously, the COB was considered a potential site for a new City Hall as part of a Civic Center revitalization plan that has since been abandoned. The lack of interest from developers in the surrounding Civic Center properties was attributed to restrictions imposed by the Surplus Land Act. However, the city remains optimistic about attracting developers to the COB block, with the aim of not only increasing housing availability but also generating revitalization within the downtown area.

A presentation by the Downtown San Diego Partnership has proposed a theoretical vision for the Civic Center. The plan includes an arts and education hub alongside mixed-use residential and commercial developments, potentially transforming the area into a vibrant community space.

Concerns and Future Considerations

Despite the enthusiasm surrounding the redevelopment of the COB, concerns have been raised regarding the mayor’s decision against pursuing a new City Hall. Critics urge a reevaluation of this stance in light of the current market conditions. Nevertheless, the city intends to focus on optimizing the use of the COB site to meet both community needs and housing demands, reinforcing its commitment to enhancing public infrastructure and urban development.

In conclusion, San Diego’s decision to declare the City Operations Building surplus marks a pivotal moment in the city’s efforts to revitalize downtown while addressing the pressing need for affordable housing. As the process moves forward, stakeholders will be paying close attention to the proposals that emerge from the upcoming bid and negotiation periods.

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Additional Resources

• San Diego Union-Tribune: Downtown Operations Building on Market
• San Diego Union-Tribune: San Diego Exits Operations Building
• GlobeSt: San Diego Scraps Civic Center Redevelopment
• Wikipedia: Homelessness in the United States
• NBC San Diego: Mayor Gloria Lets Shelter Proposal Die