California Construction News staff witer
Construction has started on the Pride Promenade, a project that will turn much of Normal Street into a vibrant, pedestrian-friendly space in the heart of San Diego’s Hillcrest neighborhood, the city’s LGBTQ district.
“This is a historic moment for Hillcrest and San Diego as a whole,” said Mayor Todd Gloria. “The Pride Promenade will not only create a welcoming and inclusive destination, but also reflect the heart and soul of our LGBTQ+ community.
“By investing in public spaces that honor our diversity, we are ensuring a legacy that celebrates Hillcrest’s rich history while paving the way for a more connected, forward-thinking future for all.”
The Pride Promenade is part of a larger plan to revitalize Normal Street. The project, largely funded by the City of San Diego and overseen by the San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG), will convert the traffic lanes on the west side of Normal Street—from University Avenue to Lincoln Avenue—into a dedicated pedestrian promenade, with a rainbow-colored bikeway running alongside it. The two eastern lanes will remain for vehicular traffic.
The project also includes the expansion of Pride Plaza, located at the intersection of Normal Street and University Avenue. This area is home to the iconic Pride flag, monument, and rainbow-colored crosswalk. New features will include a children’s play area, historic lampposts, seating and shade structures, approximately 115 new trees, and a restored trolley car for commercial use—honoring the history of the area as a hub for the trolley line serving Hillcrest and University Heights.
The promenade will be constructed alongside the Eastern Hillcrest Bikeway, a 1.1-mile network of separated bikeways and buffered bike lanes on University Avenue, Normal Street, Lincoln Avenue, Herbert Street, Robinson Avenue, and Park Boulevard.
Beyond enhancing safety for cyclists, the project will increase the number of parking spaces by 13. Additionally, the Promenade will accommodate events such as the weekly Hillcrest Farmers Market, the San Diego Pride Festival, and the annual Pride Parade.
The Pride Promenade and Eastern Hillcrest Bikeway are expected to be completed by late 2026.
