Though it hasn’t begun construction, proponents of the planned renovation of the La Jolla Recreation Center have applied for a design award from the American Institute of Architects.
The plans were submitted for an AIA Unbuilt Project Award, Recreation Center Visioning Committee member Jill Peters said at the April 24 meeting of the La Jolla Community Recreation Group, the advisory board for the Rec Center. Winners get exposure for potential grants and other funding.
Though the award is intended for projects that might not be built, it can be granted to projects that will be built. According to the AIA, designs can include work that is speculative, conceptual, for competition or by students. All projects must demonstrate how the project fits into its environment and connects to the AIA’s Framework for Design Excellence.
The Rec Center renovation plans, designed by local urbanist Trace Wilson, include upgrading the main building at 615 Prospect St., creating a rooftop deck, opening the south side of the property to create what Wilson calls “the La Jolla pavilion,” adding a coastline-themed playground along Draper Avenue, pushing the basketball courts closer to the tennis courts at the next-door La Jolla Tennis Club, creating a mural wall, rebuilding a historical trellis to provide shade, creating a splash pad similar to the wading pool that was once on the grounds, renovating the front lawn, adding new courts for various sports and more.
Wilson said a little-used basement would be converted to a gym, and a loft would be converted to a meeting room “that looks down into the auditorium.” An elevator would connect all three levels.
To create more outdoor space, part of Cuvier Street adjacent to the Rec Center and The Bishop’s School is being vacated, which is considered the first step toward further progress.
In a street vacation, the city of San Diego relinquishes its ownership of a public right of way or public service easement and turns it over to the adjacent property owner or owners.
The requested vacation also includes a lot-line adjustment, splitting the Cuvier real estate widthwise instead of the usual down the middle of the road.
The Rec Center would take the frontage along Prospect Street, amounting to 11,106 square feet, according to Wilson. The south portion, 8,061 square feet, would belong to The Bishop’s School.
The Cuvier proposal has gained the of the La Jolla Development Permit Review Committee, Traffic & Transportation Board, Planned District Ordinance Committee and Community Planning Association.
The San Diego Parks & Recreation Department determined the Cuvier land is not dedicated parkland, meaning the vacation of the street could proceed.
Wilson told the La Jolla Light that the team has been working with the city Development Services Department to resolve all remaining issues related to the street vacation and establish flexibility in the contract.
“We want to create a plan that the [city] will approve, including what amenities will go where,” he said. “We want flexibility built into that. People might want different amenities in the coming years, even though we have specific plans written into the proposal.”
The proposal is expected to go before the San Diego Planning Commission in coming months.
The project’s current price tag is $40 million. Fundraising will begin once the city issues are resolved, according to Wilson, who said the team also is looking into grants.
For more information, visit friendsofljrc.org.
Other Rec Center news
Budget review: Emily Lynch, representing the office of City Councilman Joe LaCava, whose District 1 includes La Jolla, encouraged the public to participate in the review process for the city’s 2024-25 budget.
The City Council’s Budget Review Committee will have meetings May 1-3 and May 6-7, and they will be available on Zoom. For the schedule, go to bit.ly/49YVqJc.
Lynch also encouraged anyone with questions to visit the website of the city’s independent budget analyst, sandiego.gov/iba.
Soccer team: The burgeoning soccer program at the La Jolla Rec Center has been thriving, said center Director Nick Volpe.
The program is part of a developmental league for boys and girls that aims to teach “fundamental skills in a friendly and team-oriented environment.” It currently is offered in the 10-and-under age group, playing against teams from other recreation centers.
Next meeting: The La Jolla Community Recreation Group next meets, pending items to review, at 5 p.m. Wednesday, May 22, at the Recreation Center. ◆
