San Diego's skyline might soon be getting a major makeover thanks to Midway Rising, a sweeping development project promising a blend of housing, entertainment, and retail tucked into the Midway District. The City of San Diego has just taken a key step forward by releasing a notice of preparation. This move calls the public to the discussion table on the environmental impact of such a drastic change to the area.
According to NBC San Diego, this project is set to include over 4,000 residential units and a 16,000-seat arena. However, let's not forget the hotel and middle-income housing units that were originally part of the proposal but have since been cut. Stepping in to fill the gap, developers still promise over 2,000 deed-restricted apartments for families earning around the area's median income.
A hurdle appeared to have been cleared when the court tossed out a lawsuit that challenged the overturned 30-foot height limit. With voter-backed Measure C in 2022, the city was able to remove this restriction, paving the way for the project's vertical ambitions. "I am happy the court cases are now over, and the way has been cleared for creating the new neighborhood in the Midway Sports Arena area," Councilmember Jennifer Campbell told NBC 7.
But moving beyond legalities, the project's particulars are drawing eyes. On December 18, a detailed notice was published spotlighting notable adjustments to the original plan, reported by the OB Rag. Shifting from high hopes to hard realities, developers slashed the commercial space by almost half, reduced the hotel to rubble in plans, and transformed rooftop park dreams - thanks to city policies favoring solar panels - now there might be no space for such greenscapes.
However, not all changes are cuts and compromises. Midway Rising’s residential unit count has bulked up, boasting an extra 377 units more than what was initially proposed. While parking might seem mundane, the developers have decided to cloak it within the buildings, taking a more aesthetic approach to the necessity of vehicle storage.
But the clock is ticking. The notice of preparation is accepting public commentary through January 17, and a draft environmental impact report is expected in spring 2024. The development team behind Midway Rising, as per the OB Rag, is eyeing the end of 2024 to finalize deal terms.
