In this engaging oral history episode, we have a visit from Frank Wolden, a prominent figure in the realm of urban design and architecture. Frank shares his journey from his upbringing in San Diego to his deep involvement in shaping the vision of downtown redevelopment. He discusses the fascinating gap between the planning and execution of urban spaces and the art of selling the concept of responsible design with thoughtful thinking.
Frank takes us through his extensive involvement in creating the vision for downtown and its redevelopment through his work as a city planner and with the Centre City Development Corporation. He provides valuable insights into academic and higher-level professional viewpoints of urban planning, highlighting the similarities between how it shouldn’t be done and the way it is done today.
Frank explores the significance of articulating one’s vision and embracing change, as well as the accessibility of design and the importance of passing down our value system to the next generation.
Timestamps:
[1:50] Frank gives a brief background on his professional education and upbringing in San Diego.
[3:24] How Frank found his way into urban design and architecture.
[6:26] Centre City Development Corporation and how they set up the planning and visionary process for redevelopment in the late ’70s with the centerpiece being Horton Plaza.
[7:25] How Frank’s interest in art and sculpture evolved into city building.
[11:00] The concept of growth management and how it was evolving.
[14:50] The Centre City program was the heart of growth management.
[15:35] Background on Centre City Development Coordination.
[18:21] Building out a space in the Spreckels building and how they got the funding.
[19:33] Hallmarks of downtown redevelopment and what it did for the downtown community.
[20:55] Horton Plaza was the central project that was supposed to be the heart of how redevelopment would occur and would actually catalyze all the other redevelopment.
[25:44] The biggest two things that influenced the Horton.
[27:47] Gaslamp and how it came to be revitalized.
[31:07] Creating the gateway Gaslamp to serve the convention center and ballpark.
[36:00] The urban experience of downtown during the ’90, and how it compares to today.
[43:45] Why was it timely and necessary to revisit Temporary Paradise in a contemporary framework?
[47:04] Why it’s important to have a qualitative voice in the planning perspective rather than focusing on policy and regulation.
[49:15] Urban Treasure.
[58:55] The Sports Arena submittal and the vision that it started with.
[1:00:53] Frank’s association with C-3.
[1:05:07] The need for proactive action and how we can get better at the visioning process.
[1:11:03] What issues should the next generation be focused on?
[1:22:06] The power of community process.
About C-3
Even before the California Coastal Commission or Environmental Protection Agency existed, Citizens Coordinate for Century 3 (C-3) was the environmental conscience of San Diego. Since that time, in part due to C-3’s leadership in education, advocacy, and empowerment, a plethora of organizations have developed throughout San Diego County. These organizations specifically focus on promoting progressive values in architecture, urban design, land-use governance, natural resource management, sustainable economic development, climate change resilience, and social justice. As the field of allies has grown, C-3’s role has evolved to provide a platform that promotes creating civic community.
Opportunities for Advocacy and Engagement:
C3sandiego.org
Frank Wolden LinkedIn
Centre City Development Coordination
