Quote:
Originally Posted by kpexpress
in RE: to Horton Plaza demo work, the key is to convince the public that $0 will come from the general fund to pay for this, and Westfield is donating $1 Million to Balboa Theater, Lyceum Theater, and a Homeless Shelter (divided to all three). And Westfield will maintain the whole park (including Irvin Gill fountain) for 25 years - again no money from the general fund.
And remember, the renderings are not the final design - they are just an artist rendering. A slew of public workshops will be held to form the design, and the historic building left in the plaza will have cafes and restaurants on the plaza (would be great for lunch) and LIMITS only 1200 sqft of kiosks (max 4) in the plaza.
This will be amazing for downtown - think Bryant Park, Union Square (SF), etc. This city needs this and HOrton needs it more.
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I like hearing this idea, but I have real concerns over homeless issues and design. San Diego tends to do a terrible job of both. Why am I imagining the current Horton Square but quadrupled in size with bag ladies and schizophrenics walking around aimlessly on a concrete/post-modern tragedy?
I'm not saying that this a bad idea, but this needs to be done the RIGHT way, and I'm not sure if this city is every really able to do anything the right way.
I really, really, really hope this works out, because we do need a space like the ones you've described.
And why am I surprised that Westfield is so willing to do all of this? Is this part of a long term strategy?