San Diego’s first walkable greenway opened to the public earlier this March. The $2.08 million project, 14th Street Greenway, transformed a rarely used street into an, “enhanced pathway, adding green space and walkability,” according to Mayor Todd Gloria. Gloria hopes that the newly renovated street will provide a much-need area for walking in downtown that’s safe and inviting.
San Diego’s downtown community is anticipated to grow significantly, more than double, over the next 20 years, according to Gloria. The 14th Street Greenway is the first of six interconnected greenways in the East Village. The greenway will extend 11 blocks once it’s completed. The other five greenways will be located on Eighth Ave., Cedar St., E. St., Island Ave., and Union St.
The newly designed greenway was a joint project between the City of San Diego and Civic San Diego, who provided construction oversight of the project. Construction involved removing one travel lane and eight parking spaces. Those concerned over where they’re going to park when all the greenway projects are complete should no longer worry. Angled parking spots will replace parallel parking, and an underground, 185-space parking garage is also in store for downtown’s future.
With all these exciting projects being planned and executed, it would be a wise idea to get a headstart on browsing downtown San Diego condos before they’re all sold out. Greenways in downtown San Diego will give residents room to breathe. They will have a place, similar to Central Park in New York City, where they can exercise and enjoy nature, instead of soaking in the rays through the windshield mirror.
The 11-blocks of greenway will connect existing parks as well as future parks, currently in development, according to Civic San Diego Board Chair Maddy Kilkenny. The greenways will also increase downtown’s extrinsic value.