C.W. Clark Joins Corky McMillin Companies on NTC Re-development

SAN DIEGO -- Commercial real estate developer C. W. Clark Inc. will collaborate with the Corky McMillin Companies in the completion of Liberty Station, the redevelopment of San Diego's historic Naval Training Center, which closed in 1997.

C. W. Clark has contracted with master developer McMillin to build out the Marketplace, an enclave of restaurants, shops and convenience services serving the Point Loma community. The groundbreaking for the $35 million project is set for the early next year, with completion by later the same year or early 2005.

The Marketplace is the renovation and adaptive reuse of the Naval Training Center's Historic Buildings 27, 28, 29 and 30. It will consist of approximately 150,000 sq. ft. of retail space and support services within the historic core of Liberty Station.

"This project really plays to our strengths and is a natural extension of our historic redevelopment work in the Yuma, Arizona market as well as our mixed-use development throughout the West," said Craig Clark, president and chair of La Jolla-based C. W. Clark.

"Retaining the image and ambiance of one of San Diego's most historic settings will be our overarching goal, Clark added. "To ensure that the integrity of the historic buildings is respected and maintained, we have retained San Diego's leading preservation architect, M. Wayne Donaldson, to create the blueprint for this critical renovation project."

Incredible attention to detail has gone into designing the Marketplace to promote the retail and educational facilities in a neighborhood village environment, while maintaining the historic appearance of the former Naval Training Center.

"There will be an abundance of enticing window displays, framed views and a nautical theme to remind patrons of NTC's rich history," said architect M. Wayne Donaldson.
Clark said there has been a good deal of interest in the Marketplace from a variety of local businesses, including many from Point Loma. "We have talked with several organizations, and we will announce the tenant mix as we confirm commitments over the next few months," he said.

Also included in the Marketplace development is the former NTC chapel (Building 208), which contains an old, working-pipe organ. The chapel will be available for christenings, weddings, retaking of vows, reunions, installment of new Navy chaplains, commemorative and memorial services, funerals and dramatic pageants, as well as musical concerts and symposiums.

Other aspects of the Marketplace at Liberty Station redevelopment include a landscaped promenade, which will stretch for nearly 1 mi., affording opportunities for casual strolls through the historic district. Near the Marketplace, will be the 46-acre regional waterfront park and waterfront esplanade.

The plans for the Marketplace are in conformance with the NTC Precise Plan, and adhere to the Guidelines for the Treatment of Historic Properties drafted by architect Milford Wayne Donaldson. The Guidelines were prepared as a design aid in determining appropriate renovations within the historic district at NTC, and are based on the United States Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Historic Properties.

The retail leasing is being coordinated by Jon Bilger and Mike Moser of CB Richard Ellis.