News Summary
San Diego’s historic old Central Library is slated for redevelopment, aimed at creating affordable housing. Closed since 2013, the library will undergo a transformation to address the city’s housing crisis. Developers have 60 days to submit proposals, with a requirement of at least 25% of housing units for low-income households. The city’s initiative reflects a commitment to blending historical preservation with modern housing needs, ensuring the community’s livability and vibrancy. Potential concerns about the project within the current real estate climate are also raised by city officials.
San Diego has officially put the historic old Central Library up for redevelopment, aiming to transform the downtown property into affordable housing. The library, located at 820 E Street and occupying a 0.69-acre site between Eighth and Ninth Avenues, has sat unused since its closure in 2013. This redevelopment effort comes as part of the city’s broader initiative to address the housing crisis and enhance the vibrancy of downtown San Diego.
The San Diego Economic Development Department has published a notice of availability as part of a solicitation process that aligns with California’s Surplus Land Act. This law prioritizes affordable housing in transactions involving municipal land. Interested developers have a 60-day window, set to close on November 3, to submit their proposals for the property. Any plans presented must reserve at least 25% of residential units for households earning 80% or less than the area median income, addressing the pressing need for affordable living options in the region.
The city council’s decision in July to designate the library as surplus land limits redevelopment options, pushing for initiatives that provide more affordable housing. Following the 60-day proposal period, the city is required to engage in negotiations with developers for an additional 90 days, with an emphasis on those proposals that boast the highest number of affordable units. If no satisfactory agreement is reached, the city may then market the property to the general public under less stringent affordable housing requirements.
The old Central Library, which first opened in 1954, served as San Diego’s main library until the new Central Library opened its doors in 2013. Despite various redevelopment proposals over the years, including a contentious 42-story apartment tower that was scrapped in 2018, the library has remained a significant historical landmark. The property is classified as a locally historic resource, meaning certain preservation measures will be in place, particularly regarding elements such as the building’s exterior and the sidewalk featuring the city seal.
The site is located in a zone that allows for tall buildings, with no height restrictions. This opens the door for creative redevelopment solutions that could revitalize the area while maintaining the structure’s historical significance. Mayor Todd Gloria has emphasized the opportunities available to developers to honor the library’s legacy while contributing valuable public goods through housing solutions.
Despite the potential for innovation, some concerns have been raised among council members regarding the feasibility of the project within the current real estate climate. The additional requirements related to the affordable housing component may pose challenges for potential developers, creating uncertainty about the viable scope of future proposals.
In recent years, the old Central Library has been sporadically used, including its role as a temporary shelter for homeless individuals beginning in 2023. The city continues to seek transformative proposals that could better serve the community’s housing needs, especially for lower-income families. The redevelopment of this historic site aims not only to provide necessary housing solutions but also to enhance the overall character and livability of downtown San Diego.
As the city moves forward with this initiative, the response from potential developers will be crucial in determining the future of the old Central Library and its role within the community. The redevelopment process presents an opportunity to blend historical preservation with modern housing needs, reflecting San Diego’s commitment to addressing its ongoing housing crisis.
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Additional Resources
- Time of San Diego: San Diego Seeks Developer for Old Central Library Housing
- CBS 8: Old Central Library on the Market for Housing Redevelopment
- NBC San Diego: San Diego Old Central Library
- Wikipedia: Affordable Housing
- San Diego Union-Tribune: San Diego Preparing to Put Downtown’s Old Central Library on the Market
- Google Search: San Diego Housing Redevelopment
Author: STAFF HERE SAN DIEGO WRITER
SAN DIEGO STAFF WRITER The SAN DIEGO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanDiego.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Diego, San Diego County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Comic-Con International, San Diego County Fair, and San Diego Pride Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Diego County, plus leading businesses in biotechnology, healthcare, and technology that power the local economy such as Qualcomm, Illumina, and Scripps Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
