Serving as one of San Diego’s favorite photo backdrops for 21 years, the Gaslamp Quarter Archway at 5th Avenue and L Street will come to the forefront as its complete rehabilitation is unveiled. The Gaslamp Quarter Association invites any and all to the presentation of the Gaslamp Quarter Archway’s highly anticipated refurbishment and re-dedication ceremony at the base of the Archway this Thursday, February 28th at 5:30pm, as well as a celebration of its 21st anniversary with a reception to immediately follow at 6:15pm to be held at Dick’s Last Resort, located at 345 4th Avenue, with a back entry also on 5th Ave., not far from the archway.
Having endured significant dilapidation from weather and constant vibration from road traffic since its original dedication in 1992, the Gaslamp Quarter Archway’s rehabilitation was made possible by the efforts of the Gaslamp Quarter Association in conjunction with Downtown San Diego Partnership, Clean & Safe Program. The project was managed by Byron Wade, President and CEO of Project Professionals Corporation, and completed by West Coast Signs. The owner of West Coast Signs, Patrick Flahive, is the son of the original builder, Roy Flahive, who also consulted on the rehabilitation. The refurbishment included re-painting, energy efficient electrical upgrades, structural evaluation and replacement of the original incandescent light bulbs to more energy-efficient and durable neon lighting. The cost of the project was approximately $45,000 and paid for by the property and business owners of the Gaslamp Quarter through their annual PBID assessments.
Dick’s Last Resort will host the Gaslamp Quarter Archway’s 21st anniversary reception immediately following the re-dedication ceremony on February 28, 2013. All those with a passion for the Gaslamp Quarter community and Archway are welcome to attend. Coincidentally, Dick’s Last Resort opened in the same year that the Archway was dedicated, and will also be celebrating their 21st anniversary. Private Domain Unplugged, a band that has played at Dick’s Last Resort since its grand opening, is scheduled to perform that evening.Expected to be in attendance are San Diego City Council President Todd Gloria, Kris Michell - President/CEO San Diego Downtown Partnership, Darren Moore - Chair of the GQA Board of Directors, and Matt Greene - Regional Manager Evolution Hospitality (Hard Rock Hotel). The Gaslamp Quarter Association staff will also be available for interviews or to answer any further questions on the history and importance of San Diego’s iconic Gaslamp Quarter Archway.
To attend, please RSVP to [email protected] or call (619) 233-5227 by Wednesday, February 27th at 3:00pm PST. For more information on the Gaslamp Quarter, visit the Gaslamp Quarter Association website.
