Preservation advocates, including Docomomo US, have come out in strong support of retaining the site's unique postmodern elements, writing letters and urging the new owner, Civic San Deigo, the local economic development entity, and the San Diego Historical Resources Board to evaluate the project further and consider its historic significance. — Docomomo
To some Horton Plaza may appear to be an odd mix match of colors and structural directions, but to others, this postmodern complex is an architectural relic that should be preserved. Opening its doors in 1985, the plaza was designed as a place that would help revitalize San Diego's downtown Gaslamp area during the mid-'80s. Although its overall appearance may not have screamed the traditional shopping center look, the plaza's opening drew in over 30 million visitors in its first year alone. With the success of the plaza's engagement, this allowed for the project's architect Jon Jerde and supergraphic designers Deborah Sussman and Paul Prejza to launch their careers in shopping mall design.
Jon Jerde, a Los Angeles based architect, was commissioned by developer Ernie Hahn to design the five-story outdoor retail space. With a budget of $140 million, the plaza's success was in the hands of Jerde's concept of "experience architecture." By straying away from the traditional mall design aesthetic, Jerde created something entirely new. If you've had the chance to visit Horton Plaza the vibrant colored facades, long one-way ramps, and mismatched levels only make up a small description of the structure's interesting layout.
Over time the plaza experienced a tumultuous history of highs and lows. Due to the changing retail landscape and vision of the Westfield Corporation thoughts of the renovation was in discussion. In 2018 the property was purchased by Stockdale Capital Partners which revealed new intentions for the plaza. The real estate investment firm announced its plans to turn the plaza into a tech campus and office park. Upon hearing of the plaza's potential fate preservation advocates, architects, and Docomomo US have expressed strong feelings and actions towards preserving the site.
Further evaluation of the plaza's fate is still in process. Will the beloved Horton Plaza fall prey to the trend of "multi-functional" office park renovation or will the efforts of building preservationists prevail?
Structures get saved then re-purposed all the time. Another po-mo Jerde mall has been dying for years, and it's about to become a Google compound. Pick your poison.
All 7 Comments
In 2019, it is forbidden to design an office complex without metal mesh screens, bleacher seating, green walls, wood shiplap siding, and various kinds of aluminum panels. This makes preservation of the existing architecture simply impossible.
also rough-hewn stone seating.
30 million visitors in the first year ... how many does it attract now? I am guessing maybe a third of that. Frankly that building is a dog - not many retailers want to lease spaces like that anymore
That raises a good point. It's possible (though likely difficult) to preserve the public spaces and characteristic frontages, but still allow for major renovations behind in the leased spaces.
Too passé for Wework conversion to shared office space. They only do trendy.
Forget for a minute (if you possibly can) how bad the cartoon architecture is - they are arguing for the preservation of a shopping mall.
Serious question...not trying to be argumentative...just really curious...What is the difference between a shopping mall and something like the markets of Trajan?
Structures get saved then re-purposed all the time. Another po-mo Jerde mall has been dying for years, and it's about to become a Google compound. Pick your poison.
how bad is the architecture when you can put in another function to it and it completely works too ? I would like to see somebody try to do it with the Walt Disney Concert Hall (just for an example)
Good point. Adaptive reuse is terrible.
Good architecture allows for possibilities that haven't even been considered yet.
+++
Block this user
Are you sure you want to block this user and hide all related comments throughout the site?
Archinect
This is your first comment on Archinect. Your comment will be visible once approved.