New Civic Center Plan Envisions Multi-Billion 'Re-Energizing' of Downtown Hub

The plan projects redevelopment would have a $14 billion economic impact and add 2,300 housing units downtown.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 8:55pm

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A high-end, photorealistic studio still-life featuring a collection of architectural models, scale figures, and drafting tools arranged elegantly on a clean, monochromatic background, symbolizing the planning and design process behind the Civic Center redevelopment.A conceptual studio still-life captures the planning and design process behind the ambitious Civic Center redevelopment in downtown San Diego.San Diego Today

The Prebys Foundation and Downtown San Diego Partnership have released a detailed plan for redeveloping the city's aging Civic Center, including the Civic Theater, City Administration Building and adjacent properties. The plan recommends creation of a Joint Powers Authority, a decision on relocation of City Hall later this year, and completion of initial projects within five years.

Why it matters

The Civic Center redevelopment plan aims to 'reenergize the heart of downtown' by bringing new housing, cultural vibrancy and daily activity to strengthen the economic and social fabric of San Diego. It comes as the city and City Council have called for greater clarity on how to move downtown revitalization forward.

The details

The first phase of the plan includes establishing an education and culture hub at Golden Hall, possibly anchored by the San Diego Community College District, along with new residential units. The Civic Theater would be renovated and a new hotel built adjacent to it following relocation of City Hall. A second phase would redevelop the Civic Center Plaza building, the King Chavez High School site and the Evan Jones Parkade as a mix of housing and other uses.

  • The plan recommends completion of initial projects within five years.
  • The council is discussing relocating City Hall from the aging City Administration Building later this year.
  • The plan calls for creation of a Joint Powers Authority in 2027.

The players

Prebys Foundation

A nonprofit organization that collaborated on the Civic Center redevelopment plan.

Downtown San Diego Partnership

A business organization that collaborated on the Civic Center redevelopment plan.

U3 Advisors

A Philadelphia-based consulting firm that helped create the redevelopment plan.

Betsy Brennan

President and CEO of the Downtown Partnership.

Grant Oliphant

CEO of the Prebys Foundation.

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What they’re saying

“This road map lays out a clear path to re-energize the heart of downtown as a place where people live, learn and connect. It would bring new housing, cultural vibrancy and daily activity to further strengthen the economic and social fabric of our city.”

— Betsy Brennan, President and CEO of the Downtown Partnership

“This is about more than a development project — it's about building a Civic Center that reflects the full potential of San Diego. The city and City Council called for greater clarity on how to move downtown revitalization forward. This plan offers a clear, actionable path — one that can move ahead with partners who are ready to go and can help make this happen.”

— Grant Oliphant, CEO of Prebys Foundation

What’s next

The council is expected to make a decision on relocating City Hall from the aging City Administration Building later this year, which is considered key to the plan's implementation. Creation of a Joint Powers Authority between the city, San Diego Community College District and Regional Housing Finance Authority is also planned for 2027 to manage the redevelopment.

The takeaway

The Civic Center redevelopment plan represents a comprehensive vision to transform the aging downtown hub into a vibrant mixed-use district with new housing, educational and cultural amenities. If executed, it could have a major economic and social impact on San Diego's urban core.