Gaslamp Quarter Promenade Plan Shelved, Disappointing Businesses

Proposed pedestrian-friendly transformation of 5th Avenue in San Diego's Gaslamp District put on hold, leaving local merchants frustrated.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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The vision to transform a seven-block stretch of 5th Avenue in San Diego's Gaslamp Quarter into a pedestrian-friendly promenade has been shelved, disappointing local business owners who were looking forward to the boost in foot traffic. Mayor Todd Gloria unveiled the Gaslamp Promenade plan in 2023, but the project was later canceled, much to the dismay of merchants like Ruth-Ann Thorn, who had invested in expanding her business based on the expected changes.

Why it matters

The Gaslamp Quarter is a vital dining and entertainment district for downtown San Diego, and the proposed promenade was seen as a way to revitalize the area and attract more visitors. The cancellation of the project has left local businesses feeling let down, as they were counting on the increased foot traffic to help them recover from the impacts of the pandemic.

The details

The Gaslamp Promenade plan aimed to transform a seven-block stretch of 5th Avenue into a pedestrian-friendly destination, with bollards installed to block vehicle traffic. Many business owners, like Ruth-Ann Thorn of Exclusive Collections Gallery, had made investments based on the expectation that the promenade would become a reality. However, the project was later canceled, much to their disappointment.

  • In 2023, Mayor Todd Gloria announced the Gaslamp Promenade plan.
  • In 2024, Ruth-Ann Thorn acquired the Yuma building next to her gallery, anticipating the promenade development.
  • In early 2026, the city notified the Gaslamp Quarter Association that it would no longer support the promenade operations.

The players

Todd Gloria

The mayor of San Diego who announced the Gaslamp Promenade plan in 2023.

Ruth-Ann Thorn

The owner of Exclusive Collections Gallery in the Gaslamp Quarter, who invested in expanding her business based on the expected promenade development.

Michael Dew

A San Diego resident who was looking forward to the pedestrian-friendly Gaslamp Promenade.

Michael Trimble

The executive director of the Gaslamp Quarter Association.

Gaslamp Quarter Association

The organization that was notified by the city that it would no longer support the promenade operations.

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What they’re saying

“The Gaslamp Promenade will take the Gaslamp Quarter and Downtown San Diego to the next level.”

— Todd Gloria, Mayor (NBC San Diego)

“I find it to be really alarming when we've spent millions of dollars to look into a project and do the feasibility studies, get the designs made and then all of the sudden is cancelled.”

— Ruth-Ann Thorn, Owner, Exclusive Collections Gallery (NBC San Diego)

“And then, all of the sudden, they disappeared...and so big disappointment not only for me, but also for my neighbors.”

— Ruth-Ann Thorn, Owner, Exclusive Collections Gallery (NBC San Diego)

“It's just not fair, when we are working really hard to keep business open, the money that we actually collect, that 7.75 percent, a percentage of that should go to our neighborhoods, not be exported to other neighborhoods.”

— Ruth-Ann Thorn, Owner, Exclusive Collections Gallery (NBC San Diego)

“There's a lot of longstanding businesses like this establishment and across the street and others that would benefit from just having foot traffic.”

— Michael Dew (NBC San Diego)

What’s next

The city has not indicated if or when the Gaslamp Promenade plan may be reconsidered. Local business owners are hoping the project will be revived to help boost foot traffic and support the recovery of the Gaslamp Quarter.

The takeaway

The cancellation of the Gaslamp Promenade plan has left local businesses feeling frustrated and disappointed, as they were counting on the increased foot traffic to help them recover from the pandemic's impacts. The decision highlights the challenges faced by small businesses in San Diego's urban core and the need for the city to better support its vital commercial districts.