Project Info
The master planned E Street Greenway is located between Horton Plaza and the Interstate 5 Freeway, starting on 4th Avenue and ending on 16th Street. Stretching 16 city blocks, the E Street Greenway traverses two of San Diego’s most cherished historic districts, Gaslamp Quarter and East Village. Each of these districts is composed of historic structures and an ever-evolving tapestry of new urban infill development. Through a strategic reduction of parallel parking on E Street and expansion of the pedestrian realm, the E Street Greenway will provide a living corridor that strengthens pedestrian connections to open space and promotes exploration while connecting two of Downtown’s quintessential neighborhoods.
The Master Plan makes tangible the energy of the city reverberating in its urban core. This energy is expressed as “Vibrations”, or wavelengths, echoing the people, geology, and history of Downtown. Like a soundwave, pedestrians experience moments of compression and expansion as they navigate the open space corridor. Areas of compression within the walkway offer expanded landscape areas and create green oases within the rigidity of an urban setting. Moments of expansion frame a series of pause points, each programmed to encourage play, socialization, and discovery.
The concept of play is integral to the overall Greenway experience. A truly democratic environment, the E Street Greenway offers robust play opportunities that reflect the diversity of the city’s residents and visitors. These spaces have been thoughtfully distributed throughout to create a continuum of playful moments. They range in type, activity level, scale, function, and aesthetic. This rhythmic composition encourages users to navigate the entirety of the Greenway and discover all it has to offer.
The E Street Greenway serves as the connective green ribbon, stitching together the iconic Gaslamp Quarter and East Village. Planned amenities include variety of activities and spaces for play, seating, dog runs, and interpretive education. The Greenway will play a critical role in shaping the overall experience for residents and visitors for decades to come.