El Cajon Boulevard Transit Center Offers “Shades” of the Future
Four Arched Shade Structures First Phase In New Transit Center

SAN DIEGO– Over the next few months motorists who drive along El Cajon Boulevard at Interstate-15 may notice four large steel arches adorning the El Cajon Boulevard bridge decks.  The arches, while aesthetically pleasing, also represent the first phase in a larger project designed to provide comfort to residents who utilize mass transit while showcasing the renaissance of the Mid-City neighborhoods.

The red-colored steel arches, which will be installed today and Wednesday, will provide a unique decorative feature over two pedestrian shade structures and serve as visual focal points for the   El Cajon Boulevard Transit Center.  The $1.5 million transit center will be completed this fall. It will include public seating, retail space, restroom facilities, vine trellises and a variety of public art that celebrates and embraces the diversity of the Mid-City community. 

"The Transit Center is an excellent addition to Mid-City and will provide a safe and attractive area for residents who utilize mass transit,” said Councilmember Toni Atkins, whose Third District includes Mid-City neighborhoods.  "The large steel arches will serve as community identifiers and are a welcome addition to the continued revitalization of the Mid-City community."

The El Cajon Boulevard Transit Center was designed by local artist Paul Hobson in collaboration with the landscape architecture firm KTU+A and the El Cajon Boulevard Business Improvement Association.  Metro Builders & Engineers Group, LTD of Newport Beach is the construction contractor.  Funding for the project was secured from the Transportation Equity Act for the 21^st Century federal surface transportation program as well more than $500,000 in matching funds provided by the City of San Diego.  The City’s Community and Economic Development Department is coordinating and supervising the project.

“It’s amazing what can be accomplished through public-private partnerships,” said Debra Fischle-Faulk, acting director of the City’s Community and Economic Development Department.  “Local designers and artists worked with the business community and the City to develop the design of this striking new center that will take shape over the next few months.”

The El Cajon Boulevard Transit Center is among a number of projects that are revitalizing the Mid-City neighborhoods along the I-15 corridor.  Recently completed projects include the Metro Career Center, Metro Villas affordable housing complex, City Heights Urban Village, Teralta and 39^th Street Parks and the Regional Transportation Center. 

For more information on redevelopment and revitalization efforts in the Mid-City community, contact the Community and Economic Development Department at (619) 533-4233 or visit the City’s Web site www.sandiego.gov/cpci.

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With an emphasis on the City’s urban core neighborhoods and low and moderate income residents, the Community and Economic Development Department strives to improve the quality of life and ensure a healthy economy in San Diego through job development, business development, neighborhood revitalization, public improvements, redevelopment, social services, and revenue enhancement.