Seaport San Diego wins design award from International Council of Shopping Centers

12/12/2022 – SD Transcript
Daily Transcript Staff Report

While the major mixed-use development Seaport San Diego is a long way from realization, it has already won a Gold Award for evolving projects from the International Council of Shopping Centers.

The 1HWY1 Partnership, led by Yehudi "Gaf" Gaffen, Jeff Jacobs and Jeffrey Essakow. is developing the project. The team called the award the latest milestone for the projected $3.6 billion project on the Port of San Diego's tidelands.
The award was in the "innovation and aspiration in the new developments" category.

Seaport San Diego's master architect James Mellor, principal of CallisonRTKL Inc., accepted the award on behalf of the project team.

"Seaport is really a love letter for San Diego—a once-in-a-lifetime project—and we are grateful to ICSC for recognizing the passion and quality of this innovative design in enhancing public access and economic development for this cherished site," he said in a statement. "We have had tremendous momentum this year and we are excited about where it's going as we advance this truly world-class waterfront for our beautiful San Diego Bay."
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ICSC highlighted Seaport San Diego's design for dramatically increasing coastal access, recreational space, activities, and water views of San Diego Bay while providing improved commercial fishing facilities and creating unique features, including an iconic observation tower, aquarium, learning center and Blue Tech Innovation Center.

The mixed-use development as planned would also include retail, hotels ranging from luxury to hostels, and an event center, among other components.

"This design provides contemporary experiences designed to prioritize accessible waterfront recreation with 16-plus acres of open space," ICSC stated in the video accompanying the award presentation.
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"Seaport San Diego is more than just an urban redevelopment project—it's the expression of our hopes and dreams for future generations and our passion for being a good steward of the ocean and the planet," Gaffen said. "Our process has been progressive, with community input shaping every part of the design. We are humbled to receive the ICSC GOLD Award and hope to serve as a model for other developments that put the community first."
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The next step for the project, which will ultimately need the approvals of both the Port of San Diego and the California Coastal Commission, will be to enter the environmental review process beginning early next year—also a critical step for any large development.

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