SAN DIEGO, CA — San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria, alongside other community leaders, gathered on Sunday to celebrate the commencement of construction on Pride Promenade, a project designed to transform much of Normal Street in Hillcrest into a pedestrian-friendly space.
“The launch of construction for the Pride Promenade signifies a historic milestone for Hillcrest and our entire city. This initiative will establish a lively, pedestrian-friendly destination that embodies the essence of San Diego’s LGBTQ community,” Gloria remarked during a morning event at the intersection of Normal and Harvey Milk streets. “By investing in public areas that celebrate our city’s diversity and spirit of community, we are building a lasting legacy that honors Hillcrest’s rich heritage while paving a more inclusive and interconnected future for everyone.”
The project, which is funded by the city and managed by the San Diego Association of Governments, will repurpose traffic lanes on the west side of Normal Street, spanning from University Avenue to Lincoln Avenue, into a vibrant pedestrian promenade and a rainbow-hued bikeway. The eastern lanes will continue to accommodate vehicle traffic.
The city stated that Pride Plaza, located at the intersection of Normal Street and University Avenue, home to the Pride flag monument and rainbow-themed crosswalk, will be expanded to feature a children’s play area, new lamp posts, seating options, shade structures, along with numerous new trees and a restored trolley car for commercial activity, paying homage to the area’s history as a primary trolley line serving Hillcrest and University Heights.
“Today, we are breaking ground on a project that will reinvent Normal Street into an inviting, vibrant space for everyone,” said City Councilman Stephen Whitburn, representing District 3. “Pride Promenade will expand Pride Plaza, enhance safety for walking and biking, and celebrate Hillcrest’s rich culture and heritage. This is a community-driven project that embodies our values of inclusivity, sustainability, and pride.”
The project will also incorporate 13 additional parking spaces, and the Promenade will host the weekly Hillcrest Farmers Market, alongside other community events such as the San Diego Pride Festival and Parade.
Officials have indicated that the Pride Promenade is part of a broader series of initiatives that have uplifted San Diego’s LGBTQ community, including the dedication of Harvey Milk Street, the establishment of Pride Plaza, the raising of the Pride Flag, the creation of an LGBTQ cultural district, and the unveiling of the city’s AIDS Memorial.
The promenade will integrate into the Eastern Hillcrest Bikeway, which consists of a 1.1-mile network of separated bikeways and buffered bike lanes along University Avenue, Normal Street, Lincoln Avenue, Herbert Street, Robinson Avenue, and Park Boulevard.
“Pride Promenade serves as a symbol of community vision and city dedication,” stated Benjamin Nicholls, executive director of the Hillcrest Business Association. “Upon completion, Pride Promenade will emerge as one of San Diego’s outstanding spaces that we can all take pride in.”
The groundbreaking occasion was followed by a community celebration organized by the Hillcrest Business Association.
The Eastern Hillcrest Bikeway and Pride Promenade projects are projected to reach completion by late 2026.
