After 11 years of discussion and planning, the development team for Downtown San Diego’s Lane Field project has presented its initial plans to the Port of San Diego.  Approval was given and now this historic property on the San Diego Embarcadero will be a key link in the future of San Diego’s waterfront development.

Upcoming blogs will include many more details of the North Embarcadero Visionary Plan and other waterfront development.  The recent opening of Ruocco Park at the entrance to Seaport Village and the activity around the “old Downtown Police Station” are worthy of mention.

Lane Field— on the block from Harbor Drive to Pacific Highway on the north side of Broadway is the most ambitious of these projects though.  Once the home of the minor league Pacific Coast Padres (from 1936-1957), the 4 acre site is one of many cracked and weedstrewn parking lots on the San Diego waterfront.

However, effective last week, visitors and neighbors can now glimpse the future for Lane Field.  Or at least the first half.  The initial approach (from the 2007 RFP) was to develop two hotel properties, side by side on the property.  Today we’re looking at the plans for the north half.

Lane Field Hotels

The plan that was presented last week will include an 18 story “dual branded” hotel concept.  The approximately $115 million development would include a 250-room hotel brand similar to a Hilton Garden Inn and an extended-stay 150-room hotel brand similar to a Homewood Suites.

With grassy setbacks from Harbor Drive, a park like approach to main floor retail will be the view from the Cruise Ship Terminal and Maritime Museum located across the street.  The hotels will share an 18th floor rooftop terrace–fabulous views are assured!

Time line for completion

The development group will continue to work with the Port of San Diego and the Coastal Commission throughout the 4th Quarter on final approvals.  The developers will seek final financing for the project in 2013 in anticipation of a late 2013 construction start.

The construction schedule calls for completion of the project in Q1 2015.  Although plans for the south side of Lane Field have not been approved yet, the sketch below provides a peek of the future.

 
David Manes is a Downtown San Diego Realtor.  Call him at 858.432.3203 or email david.manes@welcometosandiego.com