It's Official: Downtown San Diego to Get a House of Blues

SAN DIEGO-An Irvine-based developer will build a 25,000-sf House of Blues restaurant and nightclub in a former Woolworth’s building in the Gaslamp Quarter.

Urban Street Advisors, a retail real estate company specializing in urban shopping and entertainment projects, has announced that House of Blues Entertainment has signed a 10-year lease to occupy the ground-floor and lower levels of the existing four-story building on Fifth Street between Broadway and C streets.

“The House of Blues brand appeals to consumers as a brand with a high-quality live music experience,” says Linda Crowley, president of Urban Street Advisors. “This vibrant tenant will bring another great addition to the entertainment/restaurant offering of Downtown San Diego.”

Music Village LLC, the owner of the property, plans to add additional retail and new residential lofts as part of the 150,000-sf mixed-use project. Groundbreaking is expected to occur this month, with House of Blues opening in August of next year.

Downtown watchers have speculated that the Woolworth building, which was bought by American National Investment Inc. in 1998, was HOBE’s first choice for club.

For years, local officials have speculated that HOBE, which has evolved into the nation’s second-largest concert promoter, would open a facility in San Diego County.

HOBE also plans to open clubs or amphitheaters in San Jose, Denver, Dallas, Kansas City, Austin and Salt Lake City. HOBE, which is partly owned by actor Dan Ackroyd, operates Coors Amphitheater in Chula Vista and has booking agreements at SDSU’s Open Air Theater and Cox Arena.