San Diego City Councilmembers approved a $14.4 million plan for a remodel of Horton Plaza during Tuesday’s meeting.
The council also acknowledged a $727,000 gap in the project, and said the additional funding will need to be identified before completion.
CivicSD can now start advertising and taking bids for a construction contract.
The design concept features an open space with water fountains, seating areas and large light fixtures. The park will be built where the soon-to-be-demolished Robinsons-May building currently sits at 4th and Broadway, across the street from the NBC building downtown.
Sam Goody officially closed earlier this fall and took up the majority of space in that area.
The new Horton Plaza will be approximately the size of an entire downtown city block. More than 200 events are planned to be held on the space every year.
The plan has been the subject of much debate over the past couple years, with members of the public voicing a need for more shade and art features. Last year it faced a $2 million shortfall in funding.
In the 1980s, landscapers planted a pungent garlic plant in order to discourage transients from loitering in the area. Currently, the historic park in Horton Plaza has no seating and has been roped off to discourage public use.
