I was recently invited to get a personal tour of the newly remodeled Old Police Headquarters at Seaport Village, which opened in November 2013, and I was very pleasantly surprised!
The Headquarters at Seaport District, San Diego, California
The new addition to the waterside shopping and entertainment area in downtown San Diego has a completely different feel and look to it than its tourist-oriented neighbor.
The Headquarters features a seamless mix of the old with the new. Most of the original 1939 Spanish architecture was restored after sitting vacant for almost 30 years.
The Headquarters at Seaport District is the revitalization of the Old Police Headquarters — a complex of several historic buildings surrounding an open air courtyard. The Headquarters is the gateway to a 20-acre waterfront development incorporating the historic Seaport Village. Its downtown location is within walking distance of the San Diego Convention Center, PETCO Park, upscale hotels, downtown businesses, and the waterfront. The district currently draws more than six million annual visitors.
However, you won’t find the traditional souvenir shops or fast food places already assembled at Seaport Village. At the chic Headquarters, you’ll instead walk into a Hacienda style layout with a central fountain and plaza surrounded by posh shops and high cuisine eateries.
The $40 million renovation changed the 100,000-square-foot area which used to hold prison cells, a police car barn, bowling lanes, a law library and a shooting range, into a stylish retail location for the more selective visitor.
The Headquarters at Seaport District includes first and one-of-a-kind stores like Los Angeles celebrity-favorite Kitson.
Kitson is the go-to-fashion boutique dedicated to pop culture and created for fashion enthusiasts around the world.
Another first for San Diego is FoodNetwork Chef Mario Batali’s Pizzeria Mozza. The authentic Italian cuisine restaurant prints its menus daily to reflect the freshness of the ingredients used in their dishes.
While on the topic of fresh, fresh grill restaurant Seasons52 is named after the 52 weeks that make up the four seasons that inspire their menu. All dishes at this restaurant are 475 calories or less while desserts, or Mini Indulgences, are only 275 calories or less!
Puesto is an upscale version of the traditional taco stand. This eatery serves gourmet Mexican dishes with an innovative cocktail menu.
Other noteworthy establishments include:
Aaron Chang Ocean Art Gallery — Owned by world renowned surfing photographer and features an array of large format photographs.
Dallman Fine Chocolate Boutique
Eddie V’s — Premium steaks and seafood in an elegant setting reminiscent of old Hollywood.
Geppetto’s Toys
Life is Good
lolo — Fashion boutique showcasing LA and local designers.
Madison — Brand names and emerging designers.
preFAB — A space for creative, commercial and cultural style leaders to meet and collaborate.
Seaside Home | Paper — Sophisticated collection of stationary and gifts.
Simply Local — A spectacular marketplace features products with a San Diego connection.
Starbucks
Sunglass Hut
The Cheesecake Factory
Uban Beach House — Seaside fashion and accessories.
Venissimo Cheese — The best cheeses from all over the world. Classes on assembling cheese plates and other entertainment plates are offered.
Verde — Eco friendly boutique and products.
Metered and validated self and valet parking are available.
While you’re at The Headquarters, don’t forget to visit the small museum on the premises which displays original mug shots and authentic police badges, plaques, and other period items.
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