Convoy's new sign marks Asian cultural district's revitalization
Add Axios as your preferred source to
see more of our stories on Google.
City and community leaders celebrate the newly illuminated Convoy District sign. Photo: City of San Diego
A new sign is lighting up Convoy Street — San Diego's popular Pan Asian Cultural District that's being revitalized.
Why it matters: The illuminated, colorful landmark was unveiled Monday night, officially recognizing this cultural destination as one of the city's distinctive and thriving neighborhoods.
Zoom in: The fluorescent 30-foot "CONVOY" sign features vertical symbols and designs on the sides of the letters that represent different cultures in the neighborhood, including Chinese, Filipino, Japanese, Pacific Islander and Hawaiian.
- It's located in the median on the 4600 block of Convoy Street, between Dagget Street and Engineer Road.
- The city allocated $1.5 million in prior budgets for the design, construction and maintenance of the sign, which is managed by the Asian Business Association Foundation.
The big picture: The multi-year revitalization of this corridor is part of the updated Kearny Mesa Community Plan adopted in 2020.
- The goal is to transform the industrial corridor of strip malls into a walkable (and bikeable) mixed-use community with new housing, parking amenities and parks and recreation facilities.
- The Kearny Mesa neighborhood is already a hub for Asian cuisine, sprawling markets, and entertainment from stand-up comedy to speakeasies.
What they're saying: "The Convoy District was built by immigrants, refugees, families and entrepreneurs who believe in San Diego … and with this project, [it] will continue to flourish as a nationally-renowned hub of culinary, economic and cultural activity," city Councilmember Kent Lee said in a statement Tuesday.
Flashback: In 2020, the city recognized the area as an official cultural and business innovation district, which paved the way for this long-anticipated gateway sign.
- Two years later, six freeways signs were installed on Interstate 805 to direct visitors and residents to the Convoy cultural district to support its growth.
What's next: The biggest projects coming down the pipeline are housing, with 2,000 permitted homes in the area, and the recently approved parking district that will be managed by the Convoy District Partnership, according to the mayor's office.
- Shared parking agreements with local businesses, people movers, valets and meters could be added to alleviate congestion.