Originally Posted by SDfan (Post 5051530)

I like hearing this idea, but I have real concerns over homeless issues and design. San Diego tends to do a terrible job of both. Why am I imagining the current Horton Square but quadrupled in size with bag ladies and schizophrenics walking around aimlessly on a concrete/post-modern tragedy?

I'm not saying that this a bad idea, but this needs to be done the RIGHT way, and I'm not sure if this city is every really able to do anything the right way.

I really, really, really hope this works out, because we do need a space like the ones you've described.

And why am I surprised that Westfield is so willing to do all of this? Is this part of a long term strategy?

Originally Posted by kpexpress (Post 5051253)

in RE: to Horton Plaza demo work, the key is to convince the public that $0 will come from the general fund to pay for this, and Westfield is donating $1 Million to Balboa Theater, Lyceum Theater, and a Homeless Shelter (divided to all three). And Westfield will maintain the whole park (including Irvin Gill fountain) for 25 years - again no money from the general fund.

And remember, the renderings are not the final design - they are just an artist rendering. A slew of public workshops will be held to form the design, and the historic building left in the plaza will have cafes and restaurants on the plaza (would be great for lunch) and LIMITS only 1200 sqft of kiosks (max 4) in the plaza.

This will be amazing for downtown - think Bryant Park, Union Square (SF), etc. This city needs this and HOrton needs it more.

Originally Posted by sandiego_urban (Post 5052911)

The new webcam atop the MTS building is cool. Just snapped these this morning -

New library site
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y12...3949618032.jpg

Pedestrian bridge is moving along nicely
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y12...2503550462.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y12...2503550032.jpg

Awesome density shots from this angle
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y12...03554556-1.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y12...2503555034.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y12...2503556715.jpg

The broke-down stranded cruise ship, next to the new cruise ship terminal
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y12...2503551122.jpg

The new courthouse should be going up soon
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y12...7118115419.jpg

Originally Posted by mongoXZ (Post 5053421)

Glad to see the courthouse and library construction going forward at a good pace. How tall is the courthouse going to be again?

Originally Posted by SDfan (Post 5058796)

New Hospital Campus for Scripps La Jolla:

http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/2...olla-hospital/

Originally Posted by mello (Post 5062116)

The new renderings for the convention center expansion look terrible (the wall part along the walkway). What happened to the old proposal of those digital screens and windows along that walkway? That looked much more modern and clean. Big concrete and stucco walls... no thanks. They can come up with something better then that and it isn't that hard to do.

Originally Posted by SDfan (Post 5051530)

I like hearing this idea, but I have real concerns over homeless issues and design. San Diego tends to do a terrible job of both. Why am I imagining the current Horton Square but quadrupled in size with bag ladies and schizophrenics walking around aimlessly on a concrete/post-modern tragedy?

I'm not saying that this a bad idea, but this needs to be done the RIGHT way, and I'm not sure if this city is every really able to do anything the right way.

I really, really, really hope this works out, because we do need a space like the ones you've described.

And why am I surprised that Westfield is so willing to do all of this? Is this part of a long term strategy?

Originally Posted by sandiego_urban (Post 5052878)

I agree. I'm just hoping they don't use palm trees around the fountain like the rendering below shows. Can't we have some leaves? Jacarandas maybe? If done right, it could definitely be a gather place for people. A weekly farmer's market would be a good fit there, as well as food trucks and carts, small concerts, rallys, festivals. It's definitely better than that hideous building that's there now. I say bring it!

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y12...53540_t593.jpg

Originally Posted by HurricaneHugo (Post 5062923)

Aguirre not giving up on trying to block the new Chargers stadium...

http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/2...velopment-cap/

Originally Posted by mongoXZ (Post 5063541)

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y12...53540_t593.jpg

That little building that I believe houses an Abercrombie should go. It just doesn't look right. Take that away and you have the makings of a great square.

Originally Posted by SDfan (Post 5063804)

I don't think they can, I think that building may be historical.

Originally Posted by kpexpress (Post 5065916)

The Bradley Bldg is historic and can't be demo'ed. but can be reprogramed to activate the plaza like a restaurant, coffee shop, bookstore, etc. I think the abercrombie would have to go cause it's not part of the bradley but tacked onto the side of the Bradley.

Everyone needs to stop being shallow stop looking at this rendering as if that's the final design. The Bradley will be reprogramed and activate the plaza.