-From the City of Carlsbad
As part of a larger effort to explore future uses of the Carlsbad Village and Barrio areas, from Sept. 15 to Sept. 20 a small parking lot next to the fountain at State Street and Grand Avenue will be transformed into a public plaza where people can enjoy a cappuccino, engage in conversation or just watch the world go by.
The “Village Pop-up Plaza” is a demonstration of how small changes in a public space can transform an area, foster economic development and build community. The five day special event is being planned by Urban Place Consulting Group, a consultant hired by the City of Carlsbad to support Village revitalization. The project team will paint the surface of the parking lot a bright color and set up about a half-dozen tables and two dozen chairs where people can gather throughout the day. 
“Even back in the days of Ancient Greece the agora served as a central location where people could meet and gather,” said Ashley Westman of Urban Place. “A lot of newer cities lack that space because they developed after the invention of the car. There isn’t a central location in the Village, and this is a natural spot to experiment with this.”
The transformation will start Friday, Sept. 12, with crews working throughout the weekend. Monday morning the plaza will open, offering early morning commuters a chance to enjoy a cup of coffee on their way to the train station or as they pass through. During the day people will be able to sit at a table and meet with friends, and in the evening lights will illuminate the plaza so people can sit and enjoy the ocean breeze.
The pop-up plaza is being held in conjunction with the City of Carlsbad’s development of a Village & Barrio Master Plan. The city is hosting a series of public workshops that will take place from Sept. 10 to 18, during which the public is invited to express ideas on the future of the downtown Village and Barrio. To learn more about the Village & Barrio Master Plan schedule, click here.
The city is considering both neighborhoods as part of the master planning process to enhance the relationship between the two adjacent areas while recognizing their unique history and character. The master plan will identify goals and guidelines for future development.
“We’re converting this parking lot into a temporary plaza as an example of a change that can take place in the Village and Barrio when we open a public gathering place,” said City of Carlsbad Senior Planner Scott Donnell, project manager for the master plan. “It will call attention to the possibilities that a Village and Barrio master plan can help us realize.”
Programs and activities at the pop-up plaza planned so far include:
“Even back in the days of Ancient Greece the agora served as a central location where people could meet and gather,” said Ashley Westman of Urban Place. “A lot of newer cities lack that space because they developed after the invention of the car. There isn’t a central location in the Village, and this is a natural spot to experiment with this.”
The transformation will start Friday, Sept. 12, with crews working throughout the weekend. Monday morning the plaza will open, offering early morning commuters a chance to enjoy a cup of coffee on their way to the train station or as they pass through. During the day people will be able to sit at a table and meet with friends, and in the evening lights will illuminate the plaza so people can sit and enjoy the ocean breeze.
The pop-up plaza is being held in conjunction with the City of Carlsbad’s development of a Village & Barrio Master Plan. The city is hosting a series of public workshops that will take place from Sept. 10 to 18, during which the public is invited to express ideas on the future of the downtown Village and Barrio. To learn more about the Village & Barrio Master Plan schedule, click here.
The city is considering both neighborhoods as part of the master planning process to enhance the relationship between the two adjacent areas while recognizing their unique history and character. The master plan will identify goals and guidelines for future development.
“We’re converting this parking lot into a temporary plaza as an example of a change that can take place in the Village and Barrio when we open a public gathering place,” said City of Carlsbad Senior Planner Scott Donnell, project manager for the master plan. “It will call attention to the possibilities that a Village and Barrio master plan can help us realize.”
Programs and activities at the pop-up plaza planned so far include:
- Monday, Sept. 15, 8:30 a.m., Free outdoor yoga
- Tuesday, Sept. 16, 10 a.m., Story time hosted by Carlsbad City Library
- Wednesday, Sept. 17, starting at 3 p.m., the plaza will host the State Street Farmers’ Market Craft Fair, where local artisans show off their best creations.
- Thursday, Sept. 18, 8 p.m., Flicks at the Fountain will feature a special showing of “Big,” starring Tom Hanks.
- Friday, Sept. 19, 7 p.m., musicians will play at the plaza as part of the weekly Friday Night Live.
- Saturday, Sept. 20, musicians with the Carlsbad Music Festival, a three-day showcase of musical excitement, will move into the space.