SAN DIEGO COUNTY ADMINISTRATION CENTER & HAPPY FRIENDSHIP DAY

I remember taking this photo a few years ago on Valentine's Day and I especially like it because the San Diego County Administration Center (1600 Pacific Hwy), one of my favorite vintage buildings, is in the background. With the nickname “Jewel of the Bay,” it sits majestically on Harbor Drive overlooking the San Diego waterfront. It's particularly impressive at night when the lights are shining on it and the colors vary with the season or event.

Recently, I was walking along Harbor Drive in downtown San Diego and decided to take a detour around the 17-acre grounds where the County Administration Center sits. Surprisingly, I noticed a wedding ceremony taking place outside a small structure that was covered with lush green vines. It was 9 am on a Monday—the couple hugged and jumped for joy when it ended. Later, I walked up to examine the setting and noticed a Latin phrase Amor Vincit Omnia carved in the concrete where they were standing. A nearby plaque reads:

"This ceremonial wedding arbor is provided for civil wedding ceremonies performed at the County Administration Center and was dedicated on Valentine's Day 2001.

 The Latin phrase in the arbor translates: Love Conquers All

       Gregory J. Smith, Commissioner of Civil Marriages”

The San Diego County Administration Center (originally, the Civic Center) was built by the Works Progress Administration (WPA) during the Great Depression, and it is one of many WPA structures that are still in use today. The project made engineering history with its use of steel pilings for safety and earthquake protection. It was completed in 1938 with a spectacular event attended by President Franklin D. Roosevelt and an estimated 25,000 spectators.

The sleek, cream-colored building was designed to complement the structures at Balboa Park with its mix of Spanish Revival and Beau-Arts styles. It has two impressive and similar entrances: one facing downtown (east) and the other with a direct view of San Diego Bay (west). It provides a beautiful view and a welcome to travelers arriving in San Diego by water and nearby highways. The majestic entryways have tall-arched doors that are embellished with colorful blue and green Franciscan tiles. Above the door is a tower with a red mission tile domed roof. The Center was designed by four notable architects: William T. Johnson, Richard S. Requa, Louis J. Gill, and Samuel Hamill.

Sitting on the west plaza of the County administration center is the Guardian of the Water by local artist Donal Hord. The impressive pioneer woman is holding a jug of water—symbolic of San Diego's guardianship over one of its most precious resources: water. The striking granite sculpture, with its colorful mosaic circular base, is 22 feet high. This interesting work of art was completed in 1939, partially funded by the WPA.

    In 2014, the award-winning Water Front Park opened on the north and south sides of the historic center. The 12-acre community park, with parking below, includes gardens, picnic areas, green space, fountains, trees, sculptures, and a wonderful play area for children. Special sculptures by Niki de Sant Phalle can also be found in the park including my favorite, Arbre de Serpents (Serpent Tree-1988).

I appreciate you all and wish you a Happy Friendship Day!

In 2011, the United Nations declared July 30 as International Friendship Day. 

SERPENT TREE (1988) - NIKI DE SANT PHALLE