December 11, 1998
The symbolic rise of southeastern San Diego's exciting commercial and community development project, Market Creek Plaza, begins when the long-abandoned Langley factory is reduce to rubble.
"Breaking New Ground... Together" is the theme of the kick-off event. The entire community is invited to attend and celebrate this major milestone in a unique community revitalization effort. Market Creek Plaza is being planned and built by members of the surrounding communities, in partnership with the Jacobs Center for Non-Profit Innovation.
Plans for Market Creek Plaza also include a childcare center, recreation area, food court, retail businesses and two multi-storied office buildings. Development is expected to take about two years at an estimated cost of $45 million, including land.
Market Creek Plaza is part of a large revitalization effort in the "Diamond Neighborhoods"—named for the diamond-shaped business district formed by their borders—with a commercial, cultural and educational hub at the intersection of Market Street and Euclid Avenue. Also near this hub are the recently completed Malcolm X Library and Performing Arts Center and the Tubman-Chavez Multicultural Center. The Elementary Institute of Science, also located there, has launched a $4-million campaign to build a new 15,000-square-foot science and technology center.
The Jacobs Center for NonProfit Innovation, the action arm of the Jacobs Family Foundation, is serving as the facilitator and developer for the project. According to Jennifer Vanica, executive director of the Jacobs Center, the community set priorities for the site. A team of local residents conducted door-to-door surveys to learn how residents would like to see the site developed. Plans for the site reflect the ideas and priorities of the local residents.
"The goal of Market Creek Plaza is to create a profitable retail and community services center planned and built by teams of people from inside and outside the community —all working together," said Vanica. "It's the beginning of a process that will ensure local ownership and local benefit, while providing opportunities for job development and training. There are many partners in this effort who share the common goal of community good."
The Jacobs Center develops "working partnerships" of people from inside and outside the community to work in unison for the community's best interest while learning from each other. Studies indicate the project is economically viable, and the community is committed to making it happen.
"All profits from the Market Creek Plaza will be used to further strengthen the social fabric of the surrounding neighborhoods," Vanica added. "The community will have significant influence on where and how money generated by the development is reinvested."
As the Plaza develops, nearby vacant lots will be transformed into a park with grassy, landscaped areas for families and children. Other future community facilities include an amphitheater for performances, a recreation center for young people, a conference and resource center, a childcare facility and space for emerging and growing businesses.
"The enduring benefit of Market Creek Plaza," said Vanica, "will surface as everyone involved applies new skills, the capacity of area non-profits and businesses expand, investment in neighborhoods is proven effective and lasting friendships form."
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