CASE STUDY: THE DISTRICT-SD
Revitalizing 19th to 32nd St – How The District-SD Transformed Forgotten Spaces in Logan Heights Into Community-Driven Arts & Cultural Hubs
PROJECT OVERVIEW
Under my real estate operations and development company, CoActivate, I founded The District-SD with a core mission: to build community through the arts and transform Logan Heights into a thriving cultural destination.
What began as a collection of underutilized warehouses along 19th to 32nd Street in Logan Heights, San Diego, evolved into a dynamic hub for creatives, entrepreneurs, and local businesses. Through strategic planning, creative placemaking and deep community engagement, we breathed new life into forgotten spaces, transforming underutilized warehouses into vibrant, multi-purpose creative hubs.
By curating a dynamic mix of experiences and ensuring local voices played a role in shaping the district, we drew in new crowds and energized the neighborhood with:
>> Thoughtfully curated retail & creative spaces that supported local artist & entrepreneurs.
>> Live music, cultural programming & interactive events designed to foster connection.
>> Food vendors & farmers markets that celebrated the community’s diverse flavors.
>> Public art, galleries & boutique shops showcasing emerging and established artists.
>> Outdoor wellness, & recreation spaces that fostered movement, relaxation, and community connection.
This holistic, community-first approach didn’t just activate spaces — it created lasting value, driving economic vitality, cultural enrichment, and a renewed sense of ownership in a once-overlooked neighborhood.
THE CHALLENGE
Despite its rich cultural history, Logan Heights lacked centralized arts and cultural hubs — physical spaces where artists, makers, and entrepreneurs could thrive and contribute to the neighborhood’s growth.
Key challenges included:
>> Underutilized spaces that remained vacant or neglected.
>> Limited resources for small businesses, leaving many without the support needed to succeed.
>> A lack of community-driven programming to foster engagement and cultural preservation.
>> No clear identity or destination appeal, making it difficult to attract visitors and economic activity.
Decades of zoning changes and commercial expansion had displaced key neighborhood staples, fragmenting what was once a thriving community. Logan Heights had become a patchwork of industrial spaces, leaving long-time residents marginalized and stripping the area of its cultural heart. More recently, the neighborhood was also grappling with a rapidly growing homelessness crisis, adding new layers of social and economic strain.
Our goal was to help restore that sense of community and connection — using the arts as a catalyst to bring people back together, support local businesses, and reignite the neighborhood’s creative and cultural identity.
THE TRANSFORMATION
By integrating strategic planning, placemaking, small business support, and community-driven programming, The District-SD helped restore Logan Heights as a thriving hub for artists, entrepreneurs, and cultural experiences in less than 3 years.
We activated long-neglected spaces, created accessible opportunities for small businesses to grow, and curated dynamic cultural programming that brought thousands of people into the neighborhood — many discovering it for the first time.
What started as a revitalization effort evolved into a catalyst for long-term change, igniting a creative and economic renaissance in Logan Heights. What started as a revitalization effort became a driving force in Logan Heights' resurgence — strengthening its creative identity, economic vitality, and sense of community.
RESULTS
>> 57%+ increase in property values under management in three years.
>> 60+ local businesses supported, including first-time entrepreneurs, with hands-on guidance and resources.
>> 200+ community-driven events, fostering a vibrant cultural scene and increasing local activity & engagement.
>> Attracted new businesses to Logan Heights, creating a more dynamic and sustainable local economy.
>> Helped reposition Logan Heights as a cultural destination, enhancing its reputation and long-term economic prospects.
HOW WE DID IT
1. Strategic Placemaking & Space Activation
>> Transformed vacant and underutilized spaces into dynamic, multi-use creative hubs.
>> Designed and launched affordable workspaces and incubator programs for artists, makers, and small businesses.
>> Developed an identity for Logan Heights as a cultural and entrepreneurial hub, creating long-term value.
2. Small Business Support & Economic Development
>> Provided hands-on mentorship, business development support, and financial guidance to over 60 businesses, including 10+ first-time entrepreneurs.
>> Created affordable, high-impact spaces that allowed local businesses to grow sustainably while contributing to the neighborhood’s economy.
>> Designed a supportive infrastructure that helped businesses scale and remain in the district long-term.
3. Community Engagement & Cultural Programming
>> Produced and hosted 200+ events, including art shows, makers markets, concerts and cultural festivals.
>> Partnered with local artists, nonprofits, and city officials to align programming with community needs.
>> Strengthened neighborhood pride and engagement, bringing diverse audiences into Logan Heights.
4. Stakeholder & Partnership Development
>> Cultivated relationships with city officials, investors, and business and arts leaders to secure support, resources, and long-term community investment.
>> Established collaborations with local organizations to support cultural initiatives.
>> Ensured long-term community buy-in through inclusive decision-making and ongoing stakeholder engagement.
MY ROLES
>> Founder & Director of Operations – Led the vision, strategy, and execution.
>> Placemaking & Space Activation – Designed and implemented high-impact initiatives.
>> Community & Business Development – Provided direct support to local entrepreneurs.
>> Strategic Partnerships – Established key relationships with business and community leaders to drive long-term success.
FINAL THOUGHTS
The District-SD wasn’t just about activating spaces — it was about restoring identity, rebuilding community, and creating lasting impact.
By blending real estate development, business incubation, and cultural revitalization, we built a scalable, community-first model that turned overlooked spaces into thriving hubs of creativity and commerce.
Want to bring this approach to new communities? Let’s talk.