The NTC Foundation Unveils Project Plans

SAN DIEGO-The NTC Foundation has announced plans for phase 1 of NTC Promenade, a 26-building, 28-acre site within Liberty Station, the former Naval Training Center in Point Loma, which is being redeveloped by Corky McMillin Cos. NTC Promenade is being developed as something of a cultural oasis in San Diego, a home for arts, culture, science and technology organizations and groups. “We are embarking on a new mission for NTC,” said Alan Ziter, NTC Foundation executive director, at a press conference on Wednesday. “This former Navy base will once again come alive.”Under the plans, six of the 26 historic buildings will be available in the fall. The six buildings, which all exhibit the Spanish Colonial style, total more than 88,000 sf and their renovation will total $77 million, according to an NTC Foundation official, while development of all phases of NTC Promenade will top $125 million. The project also includes Luce Court, an open green space that can accommodate up to 4,000 people for outdoor events.The NTC Foundation, which is a non-profit organization, has already raised $66 million for the project, according to Toni Robin, director of communications with the foundation. Robin tells Globest.com the primary costs will go toward restoring and preserving the historical integrity of the six buildings. The Community Center counts 9,700 sf and will be open to the public in the fall. The Library is a 10,600-sf facility that will be available for weddings and exhibitions and can house up to 500 people. It will also be home to the U.S. Chess Championship. Other buildings include a dance facility, a music facility and two, two-story office buildings that will be available for various non-profit organizations.In 1997, the base closed after 75 years as an active training ground for the Navy. NTC San Diego was among bases recommended for closure by the Federal Base Realignment and Closure Commission. Now it will be home to numerous dance and arts groups. Among the organizations that have signed leases are the San Diego Ballet, the San Diego Dance Alliance, the San Diego Youth Symphony, Aquatic Adventures and the San Diego Watercolor Society.