New Port Pavilion on Broadway Pier

You may have caught a glimpse or a passing look of the new cruise ship terminal located harbor-side in downtown San Diego. Or, more likely, you may have heard about it. With San Diego locals debating whether or not it takes away from the bay’s natural beauty and whether we really even need another cruise ship terminal, one thing is for sure: Port Pavilion on Broadway Pier is here to stay.

One matter not up for debate is that this modern facility is LEED-certified (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design), making it an excellent model for all further construction in San Diego. Perhaps the most amazing feature of this port is the ability to power cruise ships from shore, thus reducing air pollution. Only four other ports in the world have this capacity. This shore power system alone costs $7.1 of the entire $21.1 million construction cost.

As the port’s first environmentally friendly building, the Port Pavilion on Broadway Pier is proud to showcase features such as reflective roof paint, efficient light fixtures that include automated daylight controls, recycled content building materials, a photovoltaic system, and low-flow restroom accommodations. All these environmentally sustainable features are set to save this building thousands of dollars in energy costs per year.

In addition to being green, this building is also aesthetically pleasing; boasting blue glass, marine colors, a saw-tooth roof, a silver and steel exterior, and a pylon at the front. Famed artist Leni Schwendinger further added to the buildings appeal with the installation of her sculpture “Tidal Radiance”. Found on the exterior of the building, this work of art transforms the Port Pavilion into an entrancing and ethereal figure.  Inside, the building has an airy loft feel to it, with plenty of open space and exposed fixtures and lighting.  With 52,000 square feet spread over two stories, this building has the capacity to hold up to 2,600 people. A second floor lounge shows off the beautiful views of downtown San Diego, while the first floor is used for security checks and ticketing.

While this facility is intended as a supplement to the B Street Pier Terminal, which can only handle two ships at once, it will also be used as an event center for the people of San Diego. When cruise ships aren’t visiting, civic events and gatherings are scheduled to be held in this public venue. The space is built to accommodate a variety of events, ranging from small weddings to large-scale festivals.  With the cruise industry taking a dip during this time of economic turmoil, the versatility of this building is sure to aid the overall revenue.

Whether you’re embarking on an international cruise or just cruisin’ around town: come check out the new Port Pavilion on Broadway Pier, located at 1000 North Harbor Dr. in San Diego. Learn more at portofsandiego.org.

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