San Diego's Midway Rising faces major vote
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Midway Rising wants to build an entertainment destination with a new arena, apartments and parks in San Diego. Rendering: Courtesy of Midway Rising/Safdie Rabines Architects
The Midway Rising project could reach a major milestone today that would move forward grand plans to redevelop the Sports Arena area.
Why it matters: The $3.9 billion project seeks to transform the 49-acre site into a walkable residential, retail and entertainment district with thousands of new apartments, shops, parks and a new arena.
- It's touted as being the largest affordable housing project in California history, and could have an annual economic impact similar to the spending Comic-Con brings in.
Driving the news: The city's planning commission is set to vote on the Midway Rising redevelopment, rezoning and land-use plans Thursday, setting up one of the "most consequential real estate deals in recent memory," the Union-Tribune reported.
- The commission is considering whether to recommend that the City Council adopt those plans and certify the related environmental impact report later this year.
- A proposed lease agreement, which is still in the works, would need separate approval from another city committee before going to the full council.
By the numbers: The plan for the mixed-use village includes replacing the 60-year-old Pechanga Arena with a new 16,000-seat entertainment center. It would also allow for:
- 4,254 housing units, including 2,000 affordable units for low-income residents, and a 250-foot residential high-rise;
- Nearly 15 acres of public parks, tree-lined promenades, plazas and other gathering spaces;
- 130,000 square feet of commercial space for restaurants and shops;
- 7,040 parking spaces, mostly allocated to residents.
Flashback: This deal has been in the works since 2022, when the city tapped the Midway Rising team — market-rate housing developer Zephyr, affordable housing builder Chelsea Investment Corporation and venue operator Legends — to build out the property.
- It's largely funded by The Kroenke Group, which bought a majority interest in the project in 2023.
The intrigue: With Pechanga Arena being "too old and outdated to attract big-name concerts," the new facility "could attract the globe's best talent and shows for San Diego," Zephyr CEO Brad Termini told San Diego Magazine.
The other side: Some local residents and community leaders are concerned about the increased traffic to the already-congested area and sinking land causing structural issues for buildings, San Diego Magazine reported.
Between the lines: The group wants to create new streets, bikeways, an additional bus stop and a shuttle service to manage foot and car traffic, especially during big events.
- That includes reconfiguring Sports Arena Boulevard from six to four lanes for cars, with two bus-only lanes and space for a wide walking path and bike lane.
What's next: The city and the development team face a Dec. 5 deadline to complete the deal.
- If approved by the City Council this year, construction could start in late 2026. The project will be built in phases over 10 years, starting with housing and the arena, according to Midway Rising.