Hillcrest Streetlights Restored as Pride Promenade Project Advances

Lighting upgrades and infrastructure overhaul aim to improve safety and community appeal in San Diego's LGBTQ+ neighborhood.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 9:56pm

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An out-of-focus nighttime street scene in Hillcrest, with warm, glowing pools of light from the newly restored pedestrian-scale streetlights, conveying a sense of community and optimism for the neighborhood's future.The restored streetlights in Hillcrest signal a brighter future for the neighborhood as the $28 million Pride Promenade project moves forward.San Diego Today

After months of construction disruptions, the $28 million Pride Promenade project in San Diego's Hillcrest neighborhood is making progress, with the restoration of dozens of burned-out streetlights along University Avenue. Community leaders say the lighting improvements, along with the ongoing transformation of the area into a more pedestrian and bicycle-friendly destination, will enhance safety and appeal for local businesses and residents.

Why it matters

The Pride Promenade project is a significant investment in upgrading aging infrastructure and creating a more vibrant, accessible public space in Hillcrest, San Diego's historic LGBTQ+ neighborhood. The lighting repairs and other planned improvements aim to address longstanding concerns about deteriorating streets and outdated facilities, while also positioning the area as a more welcoming and safe destination for residents and visitors.

The details

The lighting repairs have restored dozens of pedestrian-scale 'acorn' streetlights along University Avenue, many of which had been burned out for months. This is part of the broader $28 million Pride Promenade project, which is funded by the City of San Diego and the San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG). The project will transform the area into a more pedestrian and bicycle-friendly destination, with features like a new plaza, playground shade structure, and decorative mosaic elements.

  • The groundbreaking for the Pride Promenade project was held in February 2025.
  • The lighting repairs along University Avenue have been completed in April 2026.
  • The Pride Promenade is expected to open to the public by the end of 2026.
  • Related bike lane improvements could continue through 2027.

The players

Benjamin Nicholls

The executive director of the Hillcrest Business Association, who has advocated for infrastructure upgrades in the neighborhood for years.

John Barney

The assistant manager at the neighborhood ACE Hardware store, who has experienced the construction disruptions but is optimistic about the project's long-term benefits.

Jonathan Lopez

A Hillcrest resident who is encouraged by the progress of the Pride Promenade project, despite the temporary construction challenges.

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What they’re saying

“People don't want to do bad things in the light, so having these pedestrian-scaled lights illuminated is really important.”

— Benjamin Nicholls, Executive Director, Hillcrest Business Association

“Now the fact they're going to have the promenade, with people hanging out, will increase foot traffic and make Hillcrest a lot more appealing.”

— John Barney, Assistant Manager, ACE Hardware

“The improvements are great. It's been rough seeing the construction for so long, but looking at the big picture, it's hopefully going to beautify the community and make it a little bit better.”

— Jonathan Lopez, Hillcrest Resident

What’s next

City officials say the Pride Promenade is expected to open to the public by the end of 2026, while related bike lane improvements could continue through 2027.

The takeaway

The restoration of streetlights and ongoing transformation of Hillcrest through the Pride Promenade project represent a significant investment in upgrading aging infrastructure and creating a more vibrant, accessible public space in San Diego's historic LGBTQ+ neighborhood. Despite temporary construction challenges, the project aims to enhance safety, appeal, and community engagement in the area.