San Diego’s Liberty Station is a living testament to the city’s history, offering a portal to the past, an immersive experience in the present and a promise for the future. The transformation of Liberty Station, formerly San Diego’s Naval Training Center (NTC), marks a significant chapter in the city’s narrative, and its restoration process provides a meaningful glimpse of a destination’s revitalization and celebration of history.
Liberty Station’s roots extend deep into military tradition, tracing its origins to 1923 when it welcomed its first Navy recruits. Under President Franklin D. Roosevelt, the property saw substantial growth with new buildings added, tripling the center’s size during World War II, making it a pivotal military resource for national defense. The NTC marked another milestone in May 1943 when it welcomed its first female recruits, contributing to its rich history.
The architecture of Liberty Station, crafted in the Spanish Colonial Revival style with a scaled-down approach, provides a captivating glimpse into the past and solidifies Liberty Station’s status as a centerpiece of historic San Diego, preserving its heritage for future generations. Thanks to the influence of Architect Bertham G. Goodhue’s work, the buildings at Liberty Station connect to landmarks across San Diego and Southern California, such as Balboa Park.
The base, initially spanning 235 acres, expanded to 550 acres, featuring 300 buildings and approximately 3 million square feet of space. Over the years, more than 1.75 million recruits and 1 million A and C school sailors graduated from the NTC. As the Cold War concluded, the Navy gradually scaled down its activities
at NTC, leading to its official closure in 1997. The City of San Diego took ownership of the property in 2000, initiating the transformative process that would birth the current community hub that is Liberty Station.
REPURPOSED FOR SIMILAR ACTIVITIES
Following its closure, the National Park Service recognized the historic portion of NTC San Diego, listing it on the National Register of Historic Places. This designation preserved 49 buildings, constructed between 1921 and 1949, ensuring that the property’s historical significance was acknowledged.
FAST FACT: During the renovation, the team unexpectedly uncovered a full-size swimming pool under an administrative building. The pool was covered again and now is under a Fitness Studio. The original plans for the administrative building next to the Command Center showed a pool area for commanders. However, plans likely changed after Pearl Harbor to accommodate more office space.
Today in the property’s 101st year, Liberty Station is a dynamic blend of commerce, history and arts—a space that invites people to create memories, savor history and embrace life. The present-day Liberty Station is a testament to adaptive rehabilitation with more than 365 acres of carefully curated spaces. The community enjoys more than 1.5 million square feet of shops and restaurants, 350 single-family homes, and more than 100 acres of open space and promenades.
The majority of the current buildings at Liberty Station are original to the NTC and repurposed into similar activities. For example, the Luce Auditorium that opened in 1942 and was an entertainment space for recruits is now The LOT movie theater. Additionally, the former NTC mess hall is now Liberty Public Market—San Diego’s first open-concept food hall, boasting more than 25 fun restaurants.
Liberty Station serves as a vibrant community hub with a diverse array of facilities and businesses, including 51 locally owned restaurants, more than 30 retail shops and 30 resident artists. Additionally, the space hosts four hotels, five schools, The Rock Church and 27 holes of golf (including miniature golf). The community has become a thriving economic center, fostering local businesses and creating job
opportunities.
A SENSE OF PLACE
Liberty Station has championed, supported and encouraged public art since the first renovated buildings were opened at the former NTC. The site’s public art is designed to attract visitors and create a sense of place. Acknowledging the beauty and uniqueness of the Arts District, the Liberty Station Community Association and NTC Foundation have partnered with local art galleries, artists, and community organizations to showcase sculptures, murals and more.
Looking ahead, Liberty Station envisions a future that is enriching and community-focused. With a commitment to quality, the space is curated to offer a diverse range of shops, events and experiences. From sophisticated boutiques to engaging entertainment, Liberty Station is thoughtfully planning ways for individuals to spend their days in this historic district.
Guests can experience the USS Recruit, a former naval training ship that is now an immersive exhibit demonstrating what it was like to be a Naval recruit. At the height of the NTC, more than 50,000 recruits per year learned basic naval procedures on this ship from 1949-89. The Recruit, which never sailed, was outfitted with standard naval rigging and even had a 3-inch gun for training purposes. It was the first of three training structures built by the Navy after World War II, and it is the only one that remains.
Additionally, A Walk Back Through Time walking tour allows guests to visit monumental locations on Liberty Station’s property and listen to details about what makes the site unique. There are 17 historic locations in total, including the commissary and mess hall, enlisted club, gymnasium and more.
FAST FACT: Today, the majority of Liberty Station is complete. One building currently is under construction to become two live performing-arts theaters. Remaining on the list for renovation are four barrack buildings, one small guard building and four Officers’ Quarters.
AN ENDURING LEGACY
Liberty Station aspires to be more than a historical site; it envisions becoming The Anchor of San Diego—a place deeply rooted in history yet timeless in its appeal. The commitment to inspiring community is evident, inviting individuals to participate in the cultural center actively. Together, residents and visitors can forge connections, create experiences and contribute to the vibrant culture of this historic destination.
As Liberty Station continues to evolve, the property stands as a beacon, inviting the community to engage; create; and build a stronger, more connected San Diego. The remarkable journey from the NTC to a thriving community hub exemplifies the spirit of adaptation and the enduring legacy of San Diego’s Liberty Station.
PHOTOS: courtesy Liberty Station
Retrofit Team
The Liberty Station Redevelopment Master Plan was overseen by the following:
ARCHITECT OF RECORD: OBR Architecture
GENERAL CONTRACTORS: Dempsey Construction and Bycor Construction
STRUCTURAL ENGINEERS: BWE and GSSI/Miyamoto
MEP ENGINEERS: Syska Hennessy Group, Engineering Partners Inc. and Bender Dean Engineering
Materials
VINYL COMPOSITION FLOOR TILE: Armstrong Flooring and Mannington
TOILET FLOOR CERAMIC TILE: Daltile
TOILET GROUT: Mapei
TOILET PARTITIONS: Scranton Products
CARPET TILE: Mohawk Industries Inc.
COUNTERTOP LAMINATE: Wilsonart
WINDOW COVERINGS: ThermoVeil 1300 Series from Mecho
NEOPRENE COMPOSITION ROOF DECK SURFACING: Weatherwear from Dex-O-Tex
TOILETS AND ACCESSORIES: American Standard
WALL PAINT: Sherwin Williams and Dunn Edwards
LINEAR INDIRECT PENDANT LIGHTING: Peerless
RECESSED DOWNLIGHTS: Lightolier
EXIT SIGNAGE: Lithonia Lighting
PENDANT LIGHTING: Columbia Lighting
SCONCES: Hinkley