The San Diego City Council just approved plans to construct a 37,000 square foot urban park at Horton Plaza.  The parks intention is to be a new gathering place for the community reminiscent of San Francisco’s Union Square and Portland Oregon’s Pioneer Courthouse Square, both of which draw thousands of people in for community events such as concerts and holiday celebrations. Westfield Shopping Centers has agreed to book 200 events per year for the next 25 years.

While a small plaza currently exists at the location, it is a homeless haven and is considered by some to be a blight on Downtown. The new park will require the demolition of the building which currently houses Sam Goody and Ambercrombie & Fitch.  Businesses within this building will be moved to other locations within the plaza.

Plans for the park should be approved by September 2012, with the building slated to be torn down March 2013, and a Grand Opening Celebration scheduled on December 21, 2013, a New Years Eve San Diego will be sure to remember.