Another redevelopment plan for the Pechanga Arena site is now public, as Discover Midway–the group that includes Brookfield and ASM Global–unveils a revised proposal after San Diego closes the submission deadline.
Besides ASM Global and Brookfield Properties, the group also includes Affirmed Housing and National CORE. ASM and Brookfield were chosen by the city in August 2021 to redevelop the property after a bidding process, but state officials involved the Surplus Properties Act to order the city to start the process from scratch to ensure the presence of affordable housing in the mix.
In response, the new Discover Midway plan calls for 3,280 onsite affordable and market rate rental homes, a renovated arena, a local tenant focused retail Mercado, contemporary office space, parks and green space and a comprehensive community benefits package.
“Our vision is to create a true, connected neighborhood featuring meaningful community amenities, housing for a wide range of income levels, active parks and dedicated green spaces, multi-modal transit improvements and an enhanced sports and entertainment experience for all San Diegans,” said Jessica Jones, Senior Director of Community Affairs at Brookfield Properties in a press statement. “Our team has spent nearly two years evaluating numerous plans and scenarios for this project that create an immediate and lasting impact. We look forward to working with the City and community not just to create a vision but also to make it a reality.”
“Our plan for the Sports Arena will meet the modern day expectations of a premier sports, entertainment and events experience while honoring the venue’s storied history,” said Chuck Steedman, Executive Vice President of Strategy and Business Development for ASM Global, in a press statement. “Through an expanded concourse, world-class exterior design with indoor and outdoor connections, a multitude of food and beverage options, refreshed interior amenities, and environmentally sustainable features, there are endless possibilities for creating new memories.”
As part of Discover Midway’s plan, the team envisions 3,280 rental homes that will house more than 6,500 residents, of which 25-32 percent are designated as affordable not to exceed 60 percent Area Median Income (AMI). Starting in the initial stages of construction, the team will prioritize the creation of affordable and market rate housing.
“Housing is vital to San Diego’s future and must be thoughtfully planned, equitable and complementary to the cultural fabric of our community,” said John Seymour, Vice President of Acquisitions & Forward Planning for National CORE, in a press statement. “With 3,280 rental homes planned onsite at a wide range of affordability, we are taking an unprecedented step forward to ensuring future generations will be able to call San Diego home.”
The plan also includes more than 11 acres of dedicated parks and other expansive outdoor spaces complete with programming amenities. A new, curated Mercado will feature dynamic programming of local-centric retail, food and beverage and services that will showcase local-area entrepreneurs. It will be curated in partnership with Brookfield Properties’ Partner to Empower Program, which provides guidance, funding and support for Black- and minority-owned businesses. Also, safe and equitable access to the site will be developed through new green transit options including, linkages to surrounding communities, pedestrian and bicycling connections and other non-vehicle dependent alternatives.
“Discover Midway has a transformative vision for the Sports Arena site and, more importantly, the ability and resources to deliver on that vision,” said Jimmy Silverwood, Executive Vice President for Affirmed Housing, in a press statement. “Providing new housing at this scale and range of affordability paired with entertainment, shopping, employment, mobility connections and recreation on this site will positively redefine the future of San Diego.”
Renderings courtesy Discover Midway.
RELATED STORIES: New bid planned for Pechanga Arena property; New Pechanga Arena redevelopment guidelines in works; New San Diego arena effort rebooted; City chooses Brookfield, ASM to develop new San Diego arena; Competing San Diego arena plans emerge; Pechanga Arena Site Eyed for Redevelopment in RFP; Redevelopment Plan for Area Surrounding Valley View Casino Center Approved; Redevelopment Pitched For Area Around Valley View Casino Center; Questions Arise About Future of San Diego Gulls
