Last month, RICK’s Planning Team had the honor of tagging along on Salt Lake City’s Downtown Alliance (Downtown) Urban Exploration Event, which toured downtown San Diego and the surrounding area. The event brought 110 stakeholders from Salt Lake City—including elected officials, developers, and business leaders—to San Diego for tours, presentations, and networking.
Downtown’s goal for the week was to explore successful projects in San Diego and bring insights back to Salt Lake City, which is experiencing rapid growth and redevelopment.
The week kicked off with a VIP tour of Petco Park, led by CEO of JMI Sports Erik Judson. Erik, who has been integral to the development of the ballpark from its conception through its various challenges, emphasized the importance of urban planning, public transit integration, and commitment to long-term goals. His insights were particularly enlightening, showcasing how Petco Park has spurred the development of hotels, retail spaces, and residential spaces in the surrounding community. The excitement continued with a night at the ballpark, where Salt Lake City residents experienced San Diego’s vibrant culture firsthand while witnessing a Padres victory together!
“I was really impressed with the Petco Park tour. Being 20 years old, it’s now almost a 30-year project from start to today, and the amount of development that catalyzed in the surrounding area is 10 times what they expected. The success of that can’t be overstated.” —Jeff Hosea | RICK Creative Director of Design
The following days were packed with events exploring the rich urban tapestry of San Diego. Panel discussions focused on the history of the Gaslamp District, the overarching narrative of San Diego’s development, and the pressing need for affordable housing. Throughout the week, participants toured vibrant areas, such as Little Italy, the East Village, and the Rady Shell. Attendees also took a thrilling ride on the Coaster and admired the city’s stunning murals. This immersive experience allowed Salt Lake City leaders to draw parallels and contrasts between San Diego and their own city, especially considering the boom in development they’ve had.
“I think it was really interesting to hear what is happening in Salt Lake City from decision makers. Understanding the moves they’re making to develop the downtown and really getting a feel for their culture was a special opportunity. It was inspiring to hear the detail, passion, and articulation from Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall.” —Brooke Peterson | RICK Planning Principal
A huge thank you to the Salt Lake City Downtown Alliance for including RICK in this incredible tour and sharing your insights and passion with us!