FLOWERS SPRING UP IN LITTLE ITALY
AS PART OF A DOWNTOWN BEAUTIFICATION PROJECT

Color blossomed in Little Italy this week as the first of 400 planned planters and hanging baskets began to line India Street. The neighborhood became the inaugural site in a series of beautification plans for downtown. The project is a joint public improvement by the Little Italy Association (LIA) and Centre City Development Corporation (CCDC), working on behalf of the City of San Diego. 

“Little Italy remains the standard of neighborhood success and this latest beautification project gives us a chance to celebrate the hard work and dedication that makes that true,” said Mayor Jerry Sanders. “There is a constant energy in Little Italy’s history that has been a catalyst for reinvigorating our urban core. The streetscapes, parks, colors and signage are perfectly coordinated to create an attractive and dynamic place that welcomes visitors and supports the needs of residents and merchants alike.”  

The project is aimed to provide a unique amenity and improved quality of life for Little Italy’s residents and visitors. Similar beautification projects could be expanded to other neighborhoods downtown in the future as part of an overall downtown beautification endeavor.  

“Great urban environments throughout the world feature plants, flowers and other decorative foliage. It is a way to engage and beautify a city and to connect spaces while enhancing the pedestrian experience,” said CCDC president Nancy Graham. “With such amazing weather and a flourishing urban core, San Diego’s downtown neighborhoods are prime locations for these types of projects.”  

The 219 concrete planters and 228 hanging baskets were provided by CCDC, and the LIA is responsible for providing the plants, the installation and ongoing maintenance. The total project cost was $105,000, well below the approved $200,000 Redevelopment Agency project budget.  

The greenery extends throughout India Street, Ash to Laurel, and sections of Kettner Boulevard, Ash, Beech, Cedar, Date and Fir streets. Flower selections were chosen to compliment the unique characteristics of the buildings and storefronts in the neighborhood.  

Volunteer plant experts worked with the LIA staff to develop the selections of the flowers and plants for the concrete planters and hanging baskets. The flowers selected reflect the Mediterranean flair of the already vibrant Little Italy neighborhood and will thrive in the local climate. During the selection process careful consideration was given to the surrounding neighborhood, buildings, businesses, sun exposure and more.