City officials seek proposals to redevelop vacant downtown library
SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) -- A long-empty piece of downtown San Diego history may soon get a fresh start. City officials are officially seeking proposals to redevelop the Old Central Library, with a focus on bringing new affordable housing to the urban core.
Located at 820 E Street, the former library building has sat vacant since 2013, when operations shifted to the newer Central Library in East Village. On Tuesday, the city issued a Notice of Availability (NOA), inviting qualified developers to submit letters of interest to either purchase or lease the property.
“The Old Central Library site is prime real estate in Downtown San Diego, but it’s in need of some TLC,” said Mayor Todd Gloria in a statement. “By inviting proposals for its future, we are taking the first step toward transforming this long-vacant building into something that better serves our residents and contributes to a more vibrant downtown.”
As part of the process, the city council has designated the property as “surplus land” under California’s Surplus Land Act, requiring the city to prioritize developers who commit to making at least 25% of the housing units affordable for low-income households — those earning 80% or less of the area median income. Developers must also be registered with the State of California to qualify.
“All San Diegans will benefit when we breathe new life into this unused property,” said Councilmember Stephen Whitburn, who represents the Downtown area. “Downtown San Diego is the region’s ideal location for new housing with its proximity to jobs and transit, and replacing this old vacant building with new affordable homes will significantly improve this area for Downtown residents and visitors.”
The old Central Library, which spans half a city block, first opened its doors in 1954 and served as the city’s primary library for nearly 60 years. The city hopes the next chapter of the site’s life will deliver both community value and much-needed housing.
“This unique property, situated in the heart of Downtown, has great potential to be revived into a high-quality, mixed-use development that includes low and moderate-income homes,” said Economic Development Director Christina Bibler. “We look forward to how it can invigorate new life into this block and help us address our housing crisis.”
Interested developers have until Monday, Nov. 3, 2025, to submit letters of interest.
If no agreement is reached under the Surplus Land Act, the city may later open the property to the broader market with fewer affordability requirements.
