PR As part of efforts to enhance our treasured destination, the Port of San Diego is moving forward on the next phase of the donor-funded San Diego-Coronado Bay Bridge Artistic Lighting Project.
The Board of Port Commissioners unanimously approved agreements to initiate Phase 2 of the project at the Aug. 8, 2017 Board meeting.
This highly anticipated project, which has been in development since 2006, will create a signature artwork on the iconic San Diego-Coronado Bay Bridge with an artistic lighting installation to illuminate San Diego’s dynamic waterfront for years to come. The Port of San Diego recently launched the “Illuminate the Bay” fundraising campaign. The goal is to raise $10 million in private donations to be able to “flip the switch” by a target of 2019.
“The approval of these agreements means that the artistic lighting of the bridge is now underway,” said Port Commissioner Marshall Merrifield. “Our private-donor-funded campaign has been well embraced in these past few months. We are grateful for the response, and encourage the entire region to participate in creating this new landmark.”
The idea of illuminating the San Diego-Coronado Bay Bridge with an artist-designed lighting scheme originated with the Port’s Public Art Committee’s quest in 2006 to identify a potential signature artwork for the San Diego Bay region. The Port held a design competition and in 2010 the Board approved the selection of an international design team led by London-based artist Peter Fink to develop an artistic lighting design for illuminating the bridge. The bridge is under the California Department of Transportation’s (Caltrans) jurisdiction.
In 2011, the Port formed a Memorandum of Understanding with Caltrans to memorialize the common goal of lighting the bridge, as well as the respective roles of the two agencies regarding the project. Under the teams of the Memorandum of Understanding, the project is to be funded through grants, private donations and other sources; not public money. As lead agency for the acquisition of project funding, the Port has initiated a capital campaign that is currently seeking donations and grants to achieve the project’s funding goals. Additionally, the Port allows tenants to direct their percent-for-art contributions to Illuminate the Bay in lieu of commissioning or acquiring on-premises artwork.
Phase 2 will involve a feasibility study, which will include design development, environmental and engineering reviews as well as community outreach and opportunities for public comment. The agreements that were authorized included a service agreement between project artist Peter Fink and a cooperative agreement with Caltrans for Phase 2.
For details on the project, visit www.portofsandiego.org/illuminate
Video: vimeo.com/53528865
About the Port of San Diego:
The Port of San Diego serves the people of California as a specially created district, balancing multiple uses on 34 miles along San Diego Bay spanning five cities. Collecting no tax dollars, the Port manages a diverse portfolio to generate revenues that support vital public services and amenities.
The Port champions Maritime, Waterfront Development, Public Safety, Experiences and Environment, all focused on enriching the relationship people and businesses have with our dynamic waterfront. From cargo and cruise terminals to hotels and restaurants, from marinas to museums, from 22 public parks to countless events, the Port contributes to the region’s prosperity and remarkable way of life on a daily basis.
