San Diego, January 21, 2026
A significant redevelopment proposal for Golden Hall in downtown San Diego is progressing. The plan seeks to replace the historic venue with a modern arts and educational facility while introducing affordable housing and public spaces. The proposal, part of a broader Civic Center revitalization initiative, aims to create a vibrant neighborhood focused on community and accessibility.
San Diego’s Golden Hall Redevelopment Proposal Advances
San Diego, California – A significant redevelopment proposal for Golden Hall, a historic venue in downtown San Diego, is progressing, aiming to transform the area into a vibrant hub for arts, education, and housing.
Key Details of the Redevelopment Plan
- New Cultural and Educational Complex: The plan includes replacing Golden Hall with a modern performing arts and educational facility, potentially involving the San Diego Community College District.
- Affordable Housing Units: The redevelopment aims to introduce new housing options for teachers, artists, students, and working professionals, ensuring downtown living is accessible to a broader demographic.
- Public Spaces and Amenities: The proposal envisions a three-acre Civic Plaza designed to host concerts, cultural festivals, and community gatherings, along with essential neighborhood services like grocery stores and childcare centers.
Background and Context
Golden Hall, constructed in the 1960s, has faced maintenance challenges over the years, including plumbing and HVAC issues. In 2020, it was repurposed as a temporary shelter during the COVID-19 pandemic, providing over one-third of San Diego’s available temporary shelter beds. However, the facility’s age and condition have led to plans for its closure and redevelopment. In May 2023, the city issued a notice of availability to gauge developer interest in repurposing Golden Hall, with the intention to demolish the structure as part of the Civic Center Revitalization efforts, though the timeline remains unclear.
The redevelopment proposal is part of a broader initiative to revitalize downtown San Diego’s Civic Center. In July 2025, the Prebys Foundation and the Downtown San Diego Partnership presented a vision to transform six blocks of city-owned property into a vibrant, inclusive neighborhood focused on arts, education, housing, and public life. This plan includes the redevelopment of Golden Hall and other adjacent properties, aiming to create a people-centered community with cultural venues, educational opportunities, and accessible housing.
Mayor Todd Gloria has expressed support for these efforts, emphasizing the potential to make downtown San Diego’s future “brighter, more vibrant, and more prosperous.” The city is collaborating with various stakeholders to advance this vision, with plans to activate portions of the site by late 2025, followed by phased development.
Related Developments
- 101 Ash Street Redevelopment: The city council has advanced plans to redevelop the 101 Ash Street building into nearly 250 affordable homes, marking a significant step in addressing housing needs in the area.
- Midway Rising Project: The Midway Rising team has been recommended to redevelop the 48.5-acre Sports Arena property, aiming to replace the aging arena with thousands of affordable homes, a new arena, and community amenities.
These initiatives reflect San Diego’s commitment to revitalizing its urban core, enhancing cultural and educational facilities, and addressing housing affordability challenges.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Golden Hall redevelopment proposal?
The proposal aims to replace Golden Hall with a modern performing arts and educational facility, introduce affordable housing units, and create public spaces and amenities to revitalize downtown San Diego’s Civic Center.
Why is Golden Hall being redeveloped?
Golden Hall, built in the 1960s, has faced maintenance issues and was repurposed as a temporary shelter during the COVID-19 pandemic. Its age and condition have led to plans for its closure and redevelopment as part of the Civic Center Revitalization efforts.
What other projects are part of the Civic Center Revitalization?
Other projects include the redevelopment of the 101 Ash Street building into affordable housing and the Midway Rising project, which aims to redevelop the Sports Arena property into affordable homes, a new arena, and community amenities.
When is the Golden Hall redevelopment expected to begin?
The city plans to activate portions of the site by late 2025, followed by phased development, though specific timelines may vary.
Who is leading the Golden Hall redevelopment project?
The redevelopment is being led by a coalition including the Downtown San Diego Partnership, the Prebys Foundation, U3 Advisors, and the San Diego Community College District, in collaboration with the City of San Diego.
Key Features of the Golden Hall Redevelopment Proposal
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| New Cultural and Educational Complex | Replacing Golden Hall with a modern facility for performing arts and education, potentially involving the San Diego Community College District. |
| Affordable Housing Units | Introducing housing options for teachers, artists, students, and working professionals to make downtown living more accessible. |
| Public Spaces and Amenities | Creating a three-acre Civic Plaza for concerts, festivals, and community gatherings, along with essential neighborhood services like grocery stores and childcare centers. |
| Redevelopment of 101 Ash Street | Converting the 101 Ash Street building into nearly 250 affordable homes to address housing needs in the area. |
| Midway Rising Project | Redeveloping the 48.5-acre Sports Arena property into affordable homes, a new arena, and community amenities. |
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