A new social destination is planned for Liberty Station
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A view of Liberty Station near the proposed site. Photo: Liberty Station Community Association
The Admiral at NTC, a $15 million development project planned for Liberty Station, is intended to be San Diego's next culinary and cultural hub.
Why it matters: The project, led by local restaurateur Ryan Thorsen, would restore and revive historic homes that have sat mostly vacant for decades to create a new destination at one of the city's iconic landmarks.
The big picture: The seven-acre hospitality complex in Point Loma will feature five dining and entertainment concepts, expansive gardens and skyline views.
- The site will be near the main entrance along Rosecrans Street at Dewey Road and Roosevelt Road on the western side of the Naval Training Center.
Zoom in: The new businesses are planned to open in the hilltop Spanish colonial revival-style homes of naval officers and the former guardhouse.
- A two-story home that once hosted garden parties attended by diplomats and dignitaries will be a new event venue. It'll be designed for weddings, corporate events and other big parties with a bed-and-breakfast upstairs.
- An American-style restaurant with a nod to the Point Loma fishing community will have al fresco dining and offer views of the city.
- The Canteen is set to open as a bakery, floral counter and wine shop with takeaway options — perfect for a picnic on the nearby lawn with live music.
- A bar and old-fashioned game room will also have an outdoor space for lawn games.
- The former guardhouse is expected to be turned into a standalone vintage cocktail lounge. It'll be a block away from the Joan and Irwin Jacobs Performing Arts Center set to open next spring.
What he's saying: "My entire thing I've been involved with is to preserve and restore and bring enthusiasm about a historic piece of San Diego, and that's what initially brought me to this location," Thorsen told the Union-Tribune.
Flashback: In 2022, Thorsen purchased the historic and beloved restaurant Mister A's restaurant in Bankers Hill.
- His $2 million renovation turned it into a hip rooftop lounge for happy hours and date nights.
Driving the news: Thorsen signed an option this month to lease the site from the NTC Foundation, the major leaseholder and overseer of 26 of the 45 historic buildings at Liberty Station, the U-T reported.
- The nonprofit created and operates the Arts District there.
What's next: Construction of The Admiral is expected in 2025, and it's set to open by summer 2026.
- The NTC Foundation still must secure a lease from the city, while Thorsen needs to get city permits, refine plans and raise more money from investors.
