By Karen Robes Meeks
The San Diego Symphony’s Bayside Performance Park Enhancement Project will move forward at the port’s Embarcadero Marina Park South.
Port commissioners recently approved several items in preparation for the project, including certifying its Final Environmental Impact Report, amending the Port Master Plan and approving a binding Letter of Intent (LOI) with the symphony.
Next, the port will go before the California Coastal Commission to certify its Port Master Plan Amendment. Meanwhile, port staff will begin real estate agreement negotiations with the Symphony.
“The San Diego Symphony has a great track record with the Port and is a pillar of the San Diego arts community,” said Chairman Rafael Castellanos, Board of Port Commissioners. “Their proposal to invest $45 million in improvements, including many public amenities and better performance facilities, strikes a new and wonderful chord on our dynamic waterfront, honors the water and creates a dynamic new place on our beautiful San Diego Bay for the public to enjoy.”
The project will involve building a permanent outdoor performance and event venue. The symphony also plans to upgrade public restrooms, widen the promenade around the performance area and create a new bay viewing deck that would be available to the public outside of event hours as well as other amenities.