SEAPORT VILLAGE - FROM VINTAGE TO WORLD-CLASS

     Seaport Village opened in 1980 with quaint wooden buildings in a setting that resembles a small fishing town. With its more than 70 shops, galleries, and eateries, it became one of the most popular tourist destinations in San Diego. The one-and two-story buildings are surrounded by towering fig trees, meandering walkways, plazas with colorful mosaic tiles and sitting areas. This is anchored by an 1895-vintage carousel that replaced the original carousel in 2004. The plaza is designed so that concerts and entertainment can be held there. Many of the restaurants offer spectacular views of San Diego Bay and the Coronado Bridge.

     The village is built on the original site of the San Diego—Coronado car ferry landing that was demolished when the Coronado Bridge opened in 1969. In the late 70s, there were only two developers bidding on the Seaport Village project that was to cover 17 acres. For the most part Seaport Village still resembles the original plan with the same buildings and even some of the original businesses. The Village Hat Shop, Harbor House, Greek Islands Cafe, and Pier Cafe are still going strong.

    

     I recall coming to Seaport Village for the first time in 1987. Our children enjoyed the carousel and the small pond with ducks. It was the beginning of December and there was a large decorated Christmas tree. Carolers walked around making the crisp December day even more special. It was always a favorite place to visit whenever we were in San Diego.

    

Seaport Village is part of the 70 acres that the Port commissioners consider the most valuable land on the waterfront—it is about to be transformed into a world-class destination. Protea Waterfront Development has already been chosen from a competitive field of six developers. Their $1.2 billion proposal encompasses 70 acres of land and water between the USS Midway Museum and the Manchester Grand Hyatt. Envisioned in the plans are three hotels, retail shops and restaurants, office space, a 480-foot observation tower, a sea aquarium, charter school, and much more.

    The changes are significant, and it will be interesting to see what the future brings. However, if it was totally left up to this vintage lady, I would leave it just the way it is.

      If Seaport San Diego's master plan is approved by the California Coastal Commission in 2018, construction will begin in 2019, and the redevelopment will be completed in 2021.

                                               * * *

--September 30, 2017

    

   Just recently I decided to walk around Seaport Village. I was thinking about the future and all of the changes in the air including the destruction of these quaint little wooden buildings that currently house the shops and restaurants. Suddenly I heard sirens and noticed black billowing smoke floating across the bay. Someone said that a fishing vessel was on fire, so I headed over to get a first hand view of a burning 120-foot fishing and research vessel.

     I had walked by the fishing boat about 10 minutes before, and now it was the sight of a major fire. The Norton Sound, built in 1944, had been docked at the Tuna Harbor Pier (598 W. Harbor Drive) for the past few months. Investigation is still underway. Fortunately, the ship did not appear to be occupied at the time of the fire. There were at least 20 fire and rescue trucks in the area and about a 100 firefighters and service personnel. After careful inspection, the decision was made to let it burn and spray the exterior with water to cool the hull. It was still burning 24 hours later.

NORTON SOUND FISHING VESSEL FIRE

Wall Painting - Seaport Village