San Diego Is Transforming—Here Are 8 Projects Leading the Way
A closer look at the projects shaping San Diego’s next chapter
San Diego continues to see significant growth, with new developments reshaping the downtown waterfront, East Village, and surrounding neighborhoods. From large-scale mixed-use projects to new residential towers and public spaces, these projects reflect the city’s ongoing evolution as a place to live, work, and visit.
* Images courtesy of East Village Green *
Located in East Village, one of downtown San Diego’s fastest-growing neighborhoods, East Village Green is a 3.6-acre urban park project focused on expanding public green space within a dense residential area.
Developed by Civic San Diego in partnership with the City of San Diego’s Parks & Recreation Department, the park introduces a range of recreational, community, and cultural amenities designed for everyday use.
What’s Included
- Two-story, 14,200 sq ft community center for events and gatherings
- Central lawn area for open use
- Children’s playground with interactive water features
- Separate off-leash dog parks for small and large breeds
- Game and reading areas
- Public restrooms with attendant booth
Design + Community Features
- Public art installations integrated throughout the park
- Pedestrian improvements along 14th Street to support accessibility and events
- Streetscape enhancements to improve walkability
Infrastructure + Accessibility
- Two-level underground parking garage with 185 spaces
- Project spans multiple sites, including:
- A full block between 13th, F, 14th, and G Streets
- Additional parcels supporting expansion and layout
- Relocation of two historic structures as part of the development
Sustainability
The project incorporates environmentally conscious design elements aimed at reducing impact while supporting long-term usability.
Timeline
Construction began with Phase 1 and is progressing in stages, with ongoing work to complete remaining features and site elements.
Why It Matters
As residential development continues in East Village, East Village Green adds dedicated public space designed for recreation, community use, and events. The park introduces new amenities that support a more balanced urban environment in one of downtown San Diego’s most active growth areas.
Visit East Village Green for more.
* Images courtesy of SV Premier *
One of the most ambitious projects underway in San Diego, Seaport San Diego is set to completely transform the city’s waterfront into a world-class destination. Backed in part by the well-known Jacobs family and approved by the Port of San Diego, this $1.6 billion redevelopment spans 70 acres along the Embarcadero—blending lifestyle, tourism, and innovation in one cohesive vision.
Located adjacent to the Marina District and Columbia waterfront, this development will bring significant value and energy to some of downtown’s most desirable residential neighborhoods.
What’s Coming
- 6 hotels totaling 1,933 rooms
- 276,000 sq ft of retail and dining, including a food & beer hall, shops, restaurants, and pop-ups
- 20,000 sq ft event center + 120-seat movie house
- 150,000 sq ft of office space
- 2,200 parking spaces
Lifestyle + Attractions
- 480-foot observation tower (set to become an iconic skyline feature)
- OdySea Aquarium (178,490 sq ft)
- 28 acres of public open space + 10 acres of rooftop decks
- Redesigned Ruocco Park
- Kayak rentals, paddleboarding, and even a floating Olympic-size pool
Waterfront Enhancements
- 14,000 linear feet of dock space
- Upgraded Tuna Harbor with “dock & dine” access
- New beach and pedestrian bridge connecting to Embarcadero Marina Park South
A Unique Addition
- A 65,150 sq ft charter high school focused on marine biology—bringing an educational component directly into the development
Timeline
- Construction Start: Early 2024
- Estimated Completion: Late 2027–2028
Why It Matters
This isn’t just a redevelopment—it’s a complete reimagining of San Diego’s waterfront. With a mix of hospitality, residential adjacency, public space, and entertainment, Seaport San Diego is expected to become a central hub for both locals and visitors.
For residents in nearby buildings, this means increased walkability, elevated lifestyle amenities, and long-term value in one of the city’s most iconic locations.
* Image courtesy of Manchester Pacific Gateway *
Located along San Diego’s downtown waterfront, One Broadway Hotel & Plaza—part of the broader Manchester Pacific Gateway redevelopment—is a mixed-use project that combines hospitality, office space, and public access within the city’s port district.
Positioned near the Convention Center and Embarcadero, the development contributes to ongoing efforts to expand San Diego’s waterfront as a hub for tourism, business, and government operations.
Project Overview
- 34-story convention center hotel with 1,035 rooms
- Approximately 1 million sq ft total development
- 1.9-acre public plaza and cultural space
- Integrated retail, dining, and entertainment
Naval + Government Presence
- Includes a dedicated Navy headquarters office building within the development
- Designed to accommodate military and government personnel operations
- Central downtown location with proximity to key federal and defense-related sites
- Part of the long-term redevelopment of the Navy Broadway Complex
Hotel + Amenities
- Guest rooms averaging 410 sq ft, along with suites
- Two 23,000 sq ft ballrooms and meeting spaces
- Restaurants, bars, and rooftop dining
- Ocean-view pool deck, spa, and fitness center
- Large lobby and event-friendly gathering areas
Office + Mixed-Use Components
- Multiple office buildings across the site supporting a mix of commercial, government, and private-sector use
- Walkable integration with surrounding waterfront and downtown areas
Infrastructure
- 776 parking spaces supporting hotel and visitor use
- Pedestrian-friendly layout connecting to the Embarcadero
Why It Matters
In addition to expanding hotel and event space near the Convention Center, this project reinforces San Diego’s role as a key location for military and government operations. The inclusion of a Navy headquarters component within a mixed-use waterfront development reflects the continued integration of defense, business, and urban growth in downtown San Diego.
4. Navy Broadway Complex / RaDD District
The former Navy Broadway Complex, located along San Diego’s downtown waterfront, has been undergoing a long-term, phased redevelopment that is reshaping a key portion of the Embarcadero.
Originally home to a series of aging Navy office buildings, the site is being transformed into a mixed-use district that integrates government, commercial, and public-facing spaces.
Completed Component: Navy Headquarters
- A new Navy administrative headquarters building has been completed and is fully operational
- Designed to support ongoing military and government operations in downtown San Diego
- Maintains a long-standing federal presence along the waterfront
Broader Redevelopment Context
- The site is part of the larger Manchester Pacific Gateway vision
- Surrounding areas include:
- Office buildings
- Public spaces
- Hotel and mixed-use developments (including One Broadway Hotel & Plaza)
- Development is being delivered in phases rather than as a single project
Location Advantages
- Positioned along the Embarcadero near the Convention Center
- Walkable access to downtown, waterfront amenities, and transit
- Central to San Diego’s tourism, business, and defense-related activity
Why It Matters
The completion of the Navy headquarters ensures a continued and stable military presence in downtown San Diego, while the surrounding phased redevelopment introduces new commercial and hospitality elements. Together, these components reflect the evolving use of waterfront land to support both government operations and broader urban growth.
5. East Village High-Rise Pipeline
* Image courtesy of Kilroy Realty *
East Village continues to be one of the most active development areas in downtown San Diego, with a growing number of high-rise residential projects underway. Rather than a single development, this “pipeline” refers to a collection of towers being built, approved, or proposed throughout the neighborhood. The pipeline also is being developed by a mix of private developers, institutional investors, and public-private partnerships. Rather than a single master developer.
What’s Happening
- Multiple high-rise residential towers at various stages of development
- Projects ranging from market-rate apartments as well as affordable housing
- New buildings expected to deliver in phases over the next several years
Development Activity
- Some towers have recently completed and are now occupied
- Several are currently under construction
- Additional projects are in planning or approval stages
Location + Growth
- Concentrated in East Village, near downtown San Diego’s core
- Close proximity to:
- Petco Park
- transit and walkable amenities
- emerging retail and public spaces
Why It Matters
The continued development of high-rise residential buildings in East Village reflects a broader shift toward increased housing capacity in downtown San Diego. As more units are delivered over time, the neighborhood is expected to accommodate a growing population while supporting nearby retail, transit, and public space improvements.
Located in the center of downtown San Diego, Horton Plaza is in a transitional phase as the former retail mall site continues to evolve toward a new mixed-use identity. The only issue is — no one has decided what to do with it.
Once known for its multi-level, open-air shopping experience, the property has faced broader shifts in retail demand and is now being reconsidered for alternative uses, including office, commercial, and potentially other urban development opportunities.
Project Overview
- Former multi-level retail center in downtown San Diego
- Large-scale site with potential for mixed-use redevelopment
- Proposed uses have included:
- Office space
- Retail and dining
- Flexible commercial or community-oriented space
Current Status
- Previous redevelopment efforts have shifted in direction over time
- The property entered foreclosure in 2025 and is now owned by its lender
- Future plans for the site are still being evaluated, with no finalized development timeline
Location + Opportunity
- Situated near:
- Gaslamp Quarter
- public transit
- surrounding residential and hospitality developments
- Located within an area that continues to see ongoing investment and activity
Why It Matters
Horton Plaza remains one of the most prominent redevelopment opportunities in downtown San Diego. While its future direction is still being determined, the site’s size and central location position it as a key property to watch as the city continues to adapt to changing retail, office, and mixed-use development trends. Stay tuned to see what Hortons Plaza transforms into next.
* Image courtesy of Sebastian Wallroth - Own work, CC BY 4.0 *
Located along San Diego’s bayfront, the San Diego Convention Center remains a central hub for large-scale events, tourism, and business activity. Recent developments focus on both critical infrastructure upgrades and the potential for future expansion.
Current Investment + Repairs
- Over $21 million allocated in 2026 for initial repairs
- Part of a broader $120 million, five-year improvement plan
- Funding comes from Measure C, a voter-approved hotel tax initiative
Key upgrades include:
- Replacement of portions of the roof system
- Initial phase of a central plant overhaul (heating and cooling systems)
- Improvements to aging infrastructure such as electrical, plumbing, and mechanical systems
Long-Term Needs
- The 2.6 million sq ft facility has significant deferred maintenance
- Estimates suggest:
- $118+ million in near-term repairs
- Up to $244 million+ in long-term capital improvements
Expansion Status
- Measure C originally included plans to expand the Convention Center
- Expansion efforts are currently:
- Delayed and under evaluation
- Impacted by rising construction costs
- Dependent on control of nearby waterfront land (lease expires ~2027)
Why It Matters
The Convention Center plays a major role in San Diego’s economy, supporting tourism, large-scale events, and business travel. Current upgrades aim to maintain functionality and reliability, while longer-term discussions around expansion could influence the city’s ability to host larger conventions in the future.
* Image courtesy of Riverwalk San Diego (riverwalksd.com)*
Located in Mission Valley, Riverwalk San Diego is a large-scale, mixed-use redevelopment transforming the former Riverwalk Golf Club into a new residential and commercial district along the San Diego River.
Led by developer Hines, in partnership with the Levi-Cushman family, the project spans approximately 195 acres and represents one of the largest redevelopment efforts currently underway in San Diego.
Project Overview
- Planned 4,300 residential units
- 152,000 sq ft of retail space
- Up to 1 million sq ft of office space
- 97 acres of parks, open space, and trails
- Integration with the San Diego River Pathway and a future trolley stop
Phase 1 Development
- Construction resumed in 2026 after securing $380 million in financing
- First phase includes:
- 721 residential units (apartments and townhomes)
- Central plaza
- 75,000 sq ft of retail space
- Estimated completion: Spring 2029
Affordable Housing Component
- Includes dedicated affordable housing projects, such as:
- 190-unit development for low-income households
- Required to deliver 430 total affordable units as part of city agreements
Timeline + Phasing
- Initial construction began in 2022, with infrastructure completed before a temporary pause in 2024
- Development has since resumed, with phased delivery expected over time
- Full build-out of the larger community is anticipated to extend into the 2030s
Why It Matters
Riverwalk introduces a significant amount of new housing, open space, and infrastructure in a central San Diego location. As development progresses in phases, the project reflects a broader shift toward large-scale, mixed-use communities that combine residential growth with access to transit, retail, and outdoor amenities.
Potential Bonus Development — Midway Rising (Sports Arena Redevelopment – TBD)
The proposed Midway Rising project aims to redevelop the existing Sports Arena site in San Diego’s Midway District into a large-scale mixed-use community. While plans have been introduced, the project remains in a transitional and approval phase, with final timelines still to be determined.
Proposed Plans
- Replacement of the existing sports arena with a modern venue
- Addition of:
- Residential housing
- Retail and dining
- Entertainment and public space
Current Status
- Project is undergoing:
- review
- approvals
- legal and planning considerations
- Timeline and final scope are not yet finalized
