San Diego's waterfront is set to redefine its skyline and tribute to military service with the upcoming Freedom Park at Navy Pier. Taking a decisive stride toward its realization, the headhouse building, known colloquially as Building 11, is being demolished to pave the way for the new landmark. The Port of San Diego reported the news, marking a pivotal point in a series of coordinated steps for this ambitious initiative.
Terry Kraft, the USS Midway Museum’s president and CEO, filled with anticipation for the project's advancement, relayed, "We are excited to enter this critical new phase with the demolition of Building 11." As reported by the Port of San Diego, Terry Kraft said, "Once the structure is down, the unobstructed views of both San Diego Bay and Midway will be spectacular. More importantly, we are keeping our promise to build the largest veterans park on the West Coast and are looking forward to the construction phase of Freedom Park which begins next year." Expected to wrap up by the year's end, the demolition will clear the stage for park construction in early 2025.
While AMG Demolition and Environmental Services, Inc. conducts the physical dismantling of the old landmark, they recently completed the hazardous material abatement. The Port previously approved an estimated $7.4 million contract for this development phase. Having begun the demolishment, the community can observe the first tangible signs that Freedom Park is inching closer to its projected opening date in early 2028.
"This is a monumental step in transforming Navy Pier into a beautiful memorial park for visitors and residents to enjoy, and we’re proud to be working with our partners at the USS Midway Museum to deliver Freedom Park," stated Chairman Frank Urtasun of the Port of San Diego Board of Port Commissioners. In a statement obtained by the Port of San Diego, he emphasized, "It’s all a part of the Port of San Diego’s vision to increase park and plaza space along the North Embarcadero and throughout the entire San Diego Bayfront." The park aims to rope in the local populace and tourists, providing a serene stretch embroidered with parks, plazas, memorials, and ample amenities.
Although the Museum and the parking lot on Navy Pier will stay operational during the demolition, the project still comes with a hefty price tag. The budget for Freedom Park hovers around $65 million. Financial commitments amount to $29 million from various stakeholders, including the Port, the USS Midway, and through federal funding facilitated by U.S. Rep. Scott Peters. Meanwhile, an additional $36 million in funding is actively being sought by the USS Midway Foundation’s capital campaign committee to bring the park's vision to full fruition.
