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Economic Development

820 E St.
Old Central Library
Notice of Availability

Entrance to the old Central Library building on E Street

The City is seeking letters of interest from affordable housing developers to buy or ground lease 820 E St., also known as the old Central Library, to redevelop the property into a high-quality, mixed-use, mixed-income development that includes low- and moderate-income residential units.

The successful respondent will maximize the financial returns to the City, while also paying fair market value for the property.

The selected candidate must also comply with Government Code section 54222.5, which outlines the entities that can purchase or lease surplus land for affordable housing under the Surplus Land Act.

Interested parties have until Monday, Nov. 3, 2025, to notify the City of their interest in purchasing or ground leasing the property.

Read the Full Notice of Availability Letter

  • Street view of old Central Library building from the southwest corner
  • Street view of old Central Library building from the east side
  • Street view of old Central Library building from the west side

For questions, please contact Economic Development Department Program Manager Marc Frederick by Oct. 2, 2025:


1200 Third Ave, Suite 1400
San Diego, CA 92101