San Diegans know the Convoy District as a home to 350+ AAPI-owned businesses and restaurants, but soon, it will be home to many more locals. City leaders announced a revitalization plan that will add housing, improve access, and build a stronger sense of community.

Living

City officials recently celebrated the groundbreaking of a complex at 4888 Convoy St. — the former home of Dixieline Lumber. This development is central to the housing plan and will add 531 units when it's completed in about two years.

And Mayor Todd Gloria wants to add even more housing — specifically, a project at the former Zion Market that could include 1,600+ units. That's currently in its approval stage.

District 6 Councilmember Kent Lee discusses changes to the Convoy District. | Image via City of San Diego

Travel

Trips to the Convoy District can be busy — and sometimes bumpy. As part of the revitalization project, Convoy Street will be fully repaved from state Routes 52 to 163, which is set to begin this month.

You may also know that parking in the Convoy District can get tricky. District 6 Councilmember Kent Lee said the city is working to develop a designated parking area that could include shuttles and signage. This is in addition to bike lanes that are currently being developed and new parking spaces coming to side streets.

Community members reveal the new sign. | Photo via @ToddGloria

Branding

The Convoy District has been growing for decades and has become one of the largest Pan-Asian business districts in the US. In 2020, City Council formally named it the Convoy Pan Asian Cultural and Business Innovation District, and last year, exit signs were added to Interstate 805 directing drivers to the area.

Now, one more sign is in the works. The city's budget has added funding to give Convoy District its own neighborhood sign akin to Hillcrest's or North Park's, which is set to be installed later this year.