SAN DIEGO, March 3, 2016 — The Jacobs yefbediibb
Center for Neighborhood Innovation has selected national planning and architecture firm BNIM to create a Town Center Master Plan to inform the future redevelopment of the 60 acres the organization owns in Southeastern San Diego’s Diamond Neighborhoods. An innovative leader in sustainable design, BNIM was selected through a competitive bid process. The Town Center Master Plan will serve as a guide for the organization’s community development work over the next eight to 10 years. New development projects will be centered around a restored portion of Chollas Creek near Market Street and Euclid Avenue. The Town Center Master Plan is anticipated to be complete by early May and will be available for a 30-day public review and comment period.
BNIM was selected for its experience doing similar urban infill projects, which recognize and respect the unique needs and goals of each community. Its national and global experience includes the Kansas City Greater Downtown Area Plan, the Nashville and Davidson County Long-Term Recovery Plan and the Edmonton City Centre Airport Redevelopment Plan in Edmonton, Alberta. Among BNIM’s local projects is the 50,000-square-foot collaborative office hub coming to the Makers Quarter area of the East Village. BNIM emphasized that their approach to the Jacobs Center’s master plan will include connectivity, placemaking, arts and culture, safety, utility and infrastructure.
“The Jacobs Center is pleased with its selection of BNIM. They bring a wealth of experience in community transformation and I am confident they will create a master plan that is innovative and inclusive, supports economic development, and reflects resident’s vision for their community,” said Reginald Jones, President and CEO of the Jacobs Center.
“We’re excited to build on the work the Jacobs Center has completed to date. This is a tremendous opportunity to realize a sustainable, transit-oriented development that promotes walkability, recognizes and enhances the local community identity, and provides an arts and cultural destination for the region,” said BNIM Principal Matthew Porreca.
Supporting the realization of the Town Center Master Plan is an approximately $4 million Caltrans Active Transportation Program grant the City of San Diego was awarded in partnership with the Jacobs Center. These funds will be used to improve the infrastructure along the Market Street and Euclid Avenue corridors including sidewalk and curb repairs, street light installations, traffic signal modifications, landscape and irrigation enhancements, and the creation of pocket parks. Additionally, the Jacobs Center and the City of San Diego have formed a Public-Philanthropic Partnership to help streamline and incentivize physical investments on the Jacobs Center’s properties and create opportunities for economic and workforce development in the community.
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About the Jacobs Center for Neighborhood Innovation
Founded in 1995, the Jacobs Center for Neighborhood Innovation is focused on building communities and lifting lives. As a creative catalyst and incubator, the Jacobs Center works with the community to revitalize Southeastern San Diego’s Diamond Neighborhoods. This means transforming nearly 60 acres into sustainable developments that provide residents with greater access to resources and amenities that improve their quality of life. Additionally, the Jacobs Center works with community organizations to increase residents’ economic opportunities, leadership skills, and educational success.
Learn more at www.jacobscenter.org and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.