Cultural, Arts Uses Sought for 28-Acre former Naval Facility

SAN DIEGO-The first community forum to mull over ideas for a cultural and arts center at the former Naval Training Center was held at the convention center Saturday.

The forum, hosted by the NTC Foundation, was held to give public input on how the 22 historic buildings will be used at the Point Loma facility. Among the ideas were museum space, a performing arts center and space to house festivals and gatherings.

The foundation will review the suggestions for the 28 acres of NTC property west of Lindbergh Field. The space closed in 1997 after being used for almost 75 years as a Navy boot camp. Officials expect the first phase of the project to begin by early next summer.

The City Council has selected The Corky McMillin Cos. to oversee the 361-acre project. McMillin provided $2 million in start-up money for the NTC foundation. The project involves 350 houses, two hotels, 46 acres of parks and open space, and an education complex.