EAST VILLAGE (CBS 8) - Several architects have come up with a new alternative design for the proposed downtown Chargers stadium.
The proposed site is right next to Petco Park. Two local designers originally from Australia and an architect decided, "Hey, we have a vision for a Chargers complex, let's see what we can come up with."
They're all fired up, but the nice thing about these guys is that they also have talent and have transformed their passion into an entire design concept for a new Chargers complex in the East Village. The stadium, which would seat about 75,000 fans, is inspired by the Bolt.
"We explored the notion of taking the logo and extending it to an architectural form," Pauly DeBartolo of DeBartolo & Rimanic Design Studio said.
They worked to weave their design into the existing urban fabric to make it a San Diego destination.
Taking into account existing trolley and bus routes and parking, their main vision includes linking the existing parks along the Embarcadero and the Martin Luther King Promenade to a hub where San Diegans could enjoy a seven-plus acre park and amphitheatre.
"This would be the opportunity to get a huge green open space for downtown similar to Millenium Park in Chicago," David McCullough of McCullough Landscape Architects said.
The concept is a collaboration between DeBartolo and Rimanic Design Studio and McCullough Landscape Architects.
"Instead of complaining about it, will the Chargers move, stay, go, what can we bring to the table and as passionate designers? Let's have a crack at it ourselves," DeBartolo said.
And while our News 8 crew was talking to them, they received an unexpected call from the Chargers architects in Kansas City
"Just wanted to give us some kind words and say its a great idea and he really liked some of the features we brought and he appreciated communal attributes we considered,"
Chargers spokesperson Mark Fabiani tells News 8 the team's architect will be meeting with this local team the next time they're in San Diego. But of course, the main issue, regardless of the design, is funding, and right now, that's in jeopardy.
The Chargers are banking on redevelopment funds, and Gov. Jerry Brown is calling to eliminate local redevelopment agencies.
