PROJECT OVERVIEW

Liberty Public Market was once a 20,000+ SF vacant space in Liberty Station’s underperforming North End, an area struggling with just 40% occupancy and lacking a clear identity. At the time, Liberty Station was at a crossroads — it needed a catalyst to transform it from a scattered mix of offices and retail into a true destination.

With the right strategic vision, business development, and operational execution, Liberty Public Market became the anchor that redefined Liberty Station. The project didn’t just fill a vacancy — it drove exponential foot traffic, attracted top-tier tenants, and increased overall asset value.

Today, Liberty Public Market is San Diego’s premier food hall, a must-visit destination that blends culinary excellence, local culture, and high-energy experiences — but getting there required a bold, high-risk strategy in an emerging industry.

THE CHALLENGE

Before Liberty Public Market, Liberty Station had potential — but no centralized, high-impact anchor to drive sustained foot traffic and activate the space daily.

While Stone Brewing brought some visitors, it catered to a niche audience and was tucked away within the project — limiting its ability to generate broad, district-wide impact.

Key Barriers We Faced:

>> Vacant, underutilized space - no clear vision for activation.

>> Lack of a flagship attraction - without a major draw, Liberty Station struggled to become a destination.

>> Challenges in attracting top-tier tenants - businesses hesitated to invest in an unproven location.

>> A need for a long-term financial strategy - without a more sustainable revenue model, success wouldn’t last.

Without a bold, well-executed vision, the space risked remaining an afterthought — instead of becoming the heart of Liberty Station.

THE TRANSFORMATION

Within two years of opening, Liberty Public Market became the anchor that redefined Liberty Station — transforming it from a fragmented commercial center into one of San Diego’s most beloved destinations.

At its inception in 2012, this was an unproven concept — food halls weren’t yet the high-demand destinations they are today. There were few successful models nationwide and none locally, making this a high-risk venture in an emerging space.

By identifying this untapped opportunity and meticulously curating every element — from vendor mix to operational framework — we created a high-energy destination that drove foot traffic, increased tenant demand, and reshaped the entire district.

What started as a single activation project became a blueprint for reimagining underutilized spaces into thriving, high-value destinations.

RESULTS

>> Transformed a vacant 20,000+ SF space into a high-demand food hall, achieving stabilized occupancy within the first year and driving rents from ~$1.50/SF to over $5.00/SF.

>> Drove exponential foot traffic, turning Liberty Station’s North End from an underutilized area into a vibrant destination and solidifying Liberty Station as San Diego’s town square.

>> Substantially increased real estate value, elevating not just the asset but the entire district by enhancing tenant mix and creating long-term demand.

HOW WE DID IT

1. Concept Development & Strategic Positioning

>> Developed the business model — ensuring profitability & long-term sustainability.

>> Designed a tenant mix strategy that balanced local artisans, established brands, and emerging food entrepreneurs.

>> Positioned Liberty Public Market as a culinary and cultural hub, ensuring it would be a draw for both residents and tourists.

2. Asset Management & Deal Structuring

>> Developed and executed a strategic leasing model, ensuring the right balance of vendors for long-term success.

>> Structured lease agreements to maximize profitability while fostering vendor success and longevity.

>> Managed property assets effectively, ensuring continued operational efficiency and financial performance.

3. Business Development & Market Growth

>> Strategic tenant acquisition, securing high-quality food and retail vendors willing to invest in a new concept.

>> Increased foot traffic and tenant success through strategic programming and event-driven activations.

>> Created a destination experience, transforming Liberty Station into a bustling town square rather than just another retail center.

4. Long-Term Value Creation

>> Enhanced overall property values, benefiting both individual tenants and the broader Liberty Station district.

>> Strengthened Liberty Station’s brand identity, securing its reputation as one of San Diego’s premier gathering spaces.

>> Ensured long-term financial sustainability, positioning the project for continued growth and success.

MY ROLES

>> Business Development – Played a key role in building out the business plan, determining ideal tenant mix and deal structuring terms.

>> Asset Management & Operations – Led financial underwriting and management to drive long-term value and sustainability..

>> Concept Development & Vision Execution – Ensured a cohesive, high-impact strategy from planning to implementation.

>> Revenue Growth & Tenant Success – Balanced profitability with vendor success, creating a win-win ecosystem.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Liberty Public Market was more than a food hall—it was the catalyst that redefined an entire district. By blending strategic vision, business development, and placemaking, we transformed an underutilized asset into San Diego’s premier cultural and culinary destination.

Want to replicate this model for other mixed-use properties? Let’s talk.

📧 chip@creatorsignite.com