Over 100 local arts supporters, volunteers, artists and residents gathered inside the new Pacific Beach Arts Center, etching their names on a wall and posing for photos on Sept. 2 to mark the official groundbreaking of the new community arts center.
The event marked a major milestone in bringing new life to a long-vacant mid-century modern building in Pacific Beach.
The community grassroots group, beautifulPB, spearheaded the project to transform the 1950s-built former library at 4606 Ingraham St. into the home base and gateway for a proposed Pacific Beach Arts District.
“Today is a very special day for Pacific Beach. Just a little over a year ago, beautifulPB had a vision to create a vibrant arts center for our community. Together, we’re building a center with the potential to do so much,” said Pacific Beach Arts Steering Committee member Vince Glorioso.
“This is more than the beginning of a construction project. It is the beginning of a new chapter for the community,” said San Diego City Council President Joe LaCava. “You have proven time and again that Pacific Beach gets things done.”
Lee Dulgeroff, senior executive director, facilities planning and construction at San Diego Unified School District, spoke about the important partnership between the school district and the Arts Center. “We are proud of our collaboration and happy to support the efforts of the Pacific Beach Arts Center to bring expanded access to the arts to all students in the community,” Dulgeroff said.
Phase 1 of the arts center’s renovation, now underway, is projected to be completed by the end of 2026. The renovation involves remodeling of the 7,000- square-foot, single-story mid-century building and 23,000 square feet of outdoor space called the PB Commons, which is to be used for events. That space has been activated since spring.
The new arts center intends to deliver arts education programs for youth, adults, seniors, veterans and the underserved. It will offer after-school classes, summer camps, as well as support local artists with studio space, exhibitions, and resources.
In addition, the Pacific Beach Arts Center will provide a space for community gatherings, meetings, and civic events. According to the project’s steering committee, they have raised over half of the campaign goal of $1.25 million to complete the project. With over $600,000 raised, the construction team can now stabilize the building with ADA compliance and work on the roof, flooring, plumbing, lighting and paint.
