The public will soon have opportunities to participate in next steps of creating the Southeastern Live Well Center, which will serve as a hub for community services in the San Diego neighborhood, it was announced Friday.
The county, along with the PCL Construction + Steinberg Hart design-build team and project management advisors, are starting the design phase of the project at the corner of Market Street and Euclid Avenue. This phase is when project details are refined.
In the coming months, PCL will host outreach events for local businesses and community residents interested in learning more about the project and potential opportunities.
“The people who live and work in Southeastern San Diego are the greatest resource we have in shaping a facility to serve their needs,” said Nathan Fletcher, San Diego County Board of Supervisors chair. “It is critical that we not only listen to them, but ensure they have the opportunity to learn and benefit from the project’s construction.”
As the project moves forward, subcontractors will have the option to assist in the design development and the contractor will begin buyout of early trades. The county’s contract specifies local hiring and subcontracting participation, including $6 million of participation from the project’s four local ZIP codes: 92102, 92113, 92114 and 92139.
“We look forward to a Southeastern Live Well Center that promotes the health and well-being of our residents and makes the community proud,” said Nora Vargas, supervisors vice chair. “Engaging residents in the design phase and seeking their feedback is key to fostering connection to the space, and a major first step to building healthier and stronger communities.”
Once constructed, the 65,000-square-foot Southeastern Live Well Center will provide an array of community services including medical insurance coverage, food and nutrition assistance, family strengthening services, financial and employment assistance, public health, behavioral health, child support, restorative justice, services for older adults and people with disabilities, and military and veterans’ services. The center will also have space for community meetings in its 4,000-square-foot conference center.
The center is expected to break ground in fall 2021 and open in summer 2023.
As design work continues, the existing Tubman Chavez Community Center is serving as a COVID testing and vaccine site. Prior to start of construction, there will a new nearby location for COVID testing and vaccination.
Information about the new Southeastern Live Well Center, its design and opportunities for public comment are available on a dedicated Live Well San Diego website page here.
Live Well Centers are operating in National City, Chula Vista, Escondido, Lemon Grove, and Oceanside.
— City News Service contributed to this article