Power Plant Demolition Paves Way to South Bayfront Resort Development

The South Bay Front Power Plant in Chula Vista

The New Year bids goodbye to an old era and welcomes a new one.  In the early morning of Saturday, the 2nd of February 2013, the mammoth 165-foot-tall structure was demolished, marking the historic event with thunderous booms heard throughout San Diego.   

The South Bay Front Power Plant is now history, paving the way to the realization of a grand vision shared by the Port of San Diego and the City of Chula Vista: a coastal redevelopment plan that will transform the 556 acres site into a world-class resort and conference destination, complemented by a mix of residential, retail, and more than 240 acres of parks and nature preserve.  The Chula Vista Bay Front Master Plan is the recipient of a prestigious award from the North American Strategic Infrastructure Leadership Forum, which recognizes the plan's projected impact on job creation and business growth.

THE IMPLOSION

The Southbay Power Plant Crumbles Into History

(Photo by Maria Panlilio)

(Photo by Maria Panlilio)

(Photo by Maria Panlilio)

(Photo by Maria Panlilio)

(Photo by R. Allen)

A Kodak moment with Maria Panlilio

Thousands of residents, elected officials and the media sacrificed their Saturday morning extended sleep to watch the successful demolition facilitated by Dynegy South Bay.  For most of us who came to witness this historic event, it was a once-in-a-lifetime event, and those of us who came with loved ones shared the moment with a hug.  We gazed with awe as we viewed what was left of a once majestic structure that towered over the bayfront and lighted our city for many decades.

(Photos by Maria Panlilio)

"After a banner year for the bayfront in 2012," said Chula Vista Mayor Cheryl Cox, "the implosion of the South Bay Power Plant is an event many Chula Vistans are looking forward to, and an excellent way to begin the new year." 

Mayor Cheryl Cox of Chula Vista