North Park: Past, Present, & Future Revitalization Understanding the revamping through architecture, planning, & local participants Christopher D. Ramos, University of California, San Diego, Urban Studies and Planning Program 10 March 2011 Acknowledgements: Professor Keith Pezzoli, Ph.D. Lydia Lundgren, Ph.D. Candidate Saul Cunow, Ph.D. Candidate Abstract North Park is a historical area that has been undergoing a renaissance since It is an older community that is now in the revitalization process in regards to its personality, as well as its physical attributes such as the architecture of the city. My research question is how North Park been able to be successful in the revitalization and rejuvenation process, how is it currently successful, and how will successful in the future. This study shows that although change in a community is inevitable and sometimes necessary for the betterment of a community, maintaining a historical and diverse community is a goal that can be achieved. It has been successful because of the change of physicality, such as new developments and improved sustainability, but also a limited change in the unique character of the community. Purpose of the study - The research investigates the steps of revitalization and rejuvenation of North Park, with the help of planners, local government, architects, and engineers to create a more sustainable and revamped community. - The challenges that arise because of the revitalization are trying to keep the historical roots alive, as well as trying to keep North Park an original, diverse community. -The main research question of the project is: How has North Park been successful in terms of the revitalization and rejuvenation process in the past in regards to projects, how is North Park currently successful in the revitalization and rejuvenation process and projects, and how will the revitalization and rejuvenation process and projects be successful in the long term? Findings 2. Housing/Mixed-Use Projects Findings 1. Past, Current, & Future Projects Key terms: revitalization process, physical attributes, rejuvenating of the community Conclusion North Park is a community that has been around San Diego for a long period of time. Such as for all places that have been in existence for a while, changes are made throughout the community. North Park is extremely diverse and unique and character. Maintaining that character while still making changes for improvement is a difficult task. Projects that are implemented must take into consideration the cost, time, and efficiency of the project. However, more importantly, the project implementers must take into consideration how the project will affect the character and personality of the community. Questions that remain unanswered however have to do with time. Future projects have approximate times of completion, but it is indefinite. Another question is if over time, whether or not these projects will continue to be successful and continue to make North Park a diverse community. Although places must change, it is essential to keep the historic roots of a place like North Park, while still being successful in terms of changes in physicality and uses of space. 30th Street Lights North Park Theater North Park Parking Garage North Park Mini-Park Lafayette HotelBoundary Street Improvements 20 new decorative streetlights 735-seat newly renovated theater 388 parking spaces 0.5 acre park behind the North Park Theatre Renovation of the 103-room historic hotel New streetlights and landscaping $90,000 capital improvement project $12 million historic rehabilitation project $14.5 million project Associated street improvements and enhancements $4 million project $300,000 capital improvement project Completed in 2005 Reopened in 2005 Completed in 2006 Design expected to be completed in Spring 2011 Expected to be completed in Summer 2011 Pending Approval La BohemeRenaissance at North Park Boulevard Apartments North Park Inn Florida Street Apartments Boulevard at North Park 224 units of for-sale housing (45 affordable) 134 units of housing (110 units affordable) 24 units of affordable rental housing 17 units of permanent supportive rental housing 82 units of affordable rental housing 173 units of affordable rental housing $62 million mixed-use project $32 million mixed-use development $11 million project $4 million mixed-use project $30 million project $53 million mixed-use development Completed in 2006 Completed in 2009 Completed in 2010 Expected to be completed in 2012 Pending approval The housing/mixed use projects in North Park Main street allow the city to remain diverse. Mixed-use development is more beneficial to a plethora of people in North Park. Individuals from families to local businesses can use the mixed-use developments. North Park has made successful housing and mixed-use projects to attract more people to the community, but more importantly, help the residents of the community that reside there to use the housing and mixed-use projects. Analytical Approach and Methods Interviews -Liz Studebaker: Executive Director of North Park Main Street -Amy Colony: Executive Assistant Director of North Park Main Street -Architects Archival Data and Records Direct Observation -Sitting Down On Meetings