|
Old Town State Park Gains 2.5 Acres!
November/December 2018
 Former Caltrans building, now demolished. Photo by David Keen |
 September 24 press conference co-hosted by Senate President Pro Tempore Toni Atkins and California State Parks. Photo by SOHO staff |
Nearly six years ago, state lawmakers agreed to transfer the old Caltrans office building at 2829 Juan Street, San Diego, to the state parks system, thereby expanding Old Town State Park by 2.5 acres. On September 24, Senate President Pro Tempore Toni Atkins and California State Parks officials held a press conference to announce that redevelopment of the former Caltrans site is finally moving forward. Demolition began October 1. Atkins, a San Diegan whose legislation facilitated the transfer, thanked SOHO specifically for helping to bring this project to fruition (see article).
Redevelopment of this site will not only tell the story of Old Town's relationship to the San Diego River, but also share an important missing piece of the park's story. The indigenous people known as the Kumeyaay settled along the river and have roamed this region for over 13,000 years. Demolishing the Caltrans building will connect today's park with the previously neglected tribal home.
After demolition, an excavation is expected to find evidence of the first retail store in California, a bowling saloon, and several 19th century adobe dwellings. Plans call for completion in 2019, hopefully in time for the 250th commemoration of the founding of San Diego on July 16. This corner of Juan and Taylor streets will become a prominent new entry into Old Town San Diego State Historic Park.
SOHO is grateful to all the City and State officials, as well as California State Parks and Caltrans, who helped expand the park to make it even more historic and meaningful.
|
2024
2023
2022
2021
2020
2019
2018
2017
2016
2015
|
