The long-anticipated Normal Street Promenade project in Hillcrest is officially underway, promising a transformative space for the neighborhood and its vibrant LGBTQ+ community. Located at the iconic Pride flag on Normal Street and University Avenue, the project will create a park-like promenade designed to host celebrations, gatherings, and the beloved Hillcrest Farmers Market.
A Welcoming Hub for Hillcrest
“What you’ll have is this expanded gathering space with the Pride flag in the middle of it,” said Hillcrest Business Association Executive Director Ben Nicholls. “This spot has become one of San Diego’s great spaces, so we are going to build it out and make it into the welcoming place it needs to be.”
For over a decade, the Pride flag has served as a symbolic starting point for parades, block parties, and moments of mourning. Despite the thousands of people who gather annually, the events have always relied on the street itself. The Normal Street Promenade will change that, offering a dedicated, pedestrian-friendly space for the community to come together.
Features of the Promenade
The promenade will elevate the west side of Normal Street to curb level, stretching from University Avenue to the Department of Motor Vehicles. Renderings reveal a plaza with tables, umbrellas, and a bike path connecting University Avenue to the new space. Nicholls emphasizes the importance of balancing functionality with safety, drawing lessons from past attacks on public gathering spaces like the Bourbon Street incident in New Orleans.
“It’s not enough to have a police car across the street anymore. You have to have physical barriers that are deterrents but don’t make it look like a fortress,” Nicholls explained.
Excitement and Concerns
While many local business owners are eager to see the project completed, some are apprehensive about the year of construction ahead. Michel Najef, owner of Micho’s Lebanese restaurant, expressed mixed feelings: “We’re not totally looking forward to all the dust and noise.” He also raised concerns about potential misuse of the new space, citing recent vandalism outside his establishment.
Another point of contention is parking. While some fear the loss of spaces, Nicholls reassures residents and businesses that the project will result in a net gain of 25 parking spots.
Farmers Market Relocation
During construction, the Hillcrest Farmers Market will move to University Avenue between Herbert Street and Park Boulevard. Despite the temporary inconvenience, the market will continue its regular schedule every Sunday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., rain or shine.
