On a bright San Diego evening, a new chapter began for the Convoy District with the lighting of its first official gateway sign.
Surrounded by local community leaders, business owners, and residents, the Asian Business Association San Diego (Asian Business Association) proudly unveiled the striking new vertical sign. Standing 30 feet tall, this new addition to the San Diego skyline marks the entrance to one of the city’s most dynamic neighborhoods—the Convoy Pan-Asian Cultural District.
The Convoy District has long been recognized as a cultural and economic hub in San Diego, with its unique blend of Pan-Asian businesses, restaurants and community spaces. Designated as an official Pan-Asian Cultural District in 2020, the area continues to grow as a destination for residents and visitors alike, offering a rich tapestry of culinary delights and cultural experiences.
The unveiling of this new sign represents both the culmination of years of planning and the beginning of an exciting new era for the district.
A Symbol of Community and Identity
During the ceremony, Mayor Todd Gloria emphasized the significance of the new landmark, calling it “a symbol of community identity and pride.” He expressed his gratitude to the local businesses, residents, and the Asian Business Association, who worked tirelessly to bring the project to life.
The gateway sign welcomes visitors to the district and recognizes the community’s contribution to San Diego’s broader cultural landscape.
The vertical sign lights up at night and features patterns and designs that honor Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander communities. It is intended to mark the district as a cultural destination, similar to landmark signs in other San Diego neighborhoods, such as North Park, Hillcrest and Little Italy.
The sign is located in the median on the 4600 block of Convoy Street, between Dagget Street and Engineer Road.
A Vision for the Future
The new Convoy gateway sign is just one part of a broader vision for revitalizing the district. As outlined in the Kearny Mesa Community Plan, the area will see improvements that go beyond signage. Enhanced pedestrian streets, new mobility options, and increased housing and recreation opportunities are all part of the future landscape.
The City of San Diego’s 2023 budget provided $986,000 for the design and construction of the sign, ensuring it would be a true community effort, with Asian Business Association coordinating its development and engaging local stakeholders throughout the process.
In addition to the efforts of the Asian Business Association and the City of San Diego, the San Diego Foundation provided financial support for the fabrication of the Convoy District gateway sign through a $250,000 loan to the Asian Business Association.
This short-term, interest-free loan aligned with the San Diego Foundation’s commitment to the community through its Asian American Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Fund. The loan was crucial in bringing the sign to life, further strengthening the district’s cultural significance and enhancing its role as a vibrant community destination.
Councilmember Kent Lee, who represents District 6 where the sign is located, spoke about the deeper meaning behind the design of the sign.
“When you see this sign, you’ll notice it isn’t like many other community gateways in our city. It’s pointing straight to the sky, symbolizing how San Diego’s Asian American and Pacific Islander community is always reaching for greater heights,” he said.
The Convoy District has long been a place of ambition and achievement, with immigrants, refugees, and entrepreneurs helping to shape the area into what it is today. The installation of this official landmark solidifies Convoy’s place as a nationally renowned hub of culinary, economic and cultural activity.
Support the AANHPI Community
San Diego County has the 7th largest AANHPI community in the country. According to the San Diego Economic Equity Report, the AANHPI population in San Diego has increased 20% since 2020 and, by 2030, most of the county’s foreign-born residents will be from Asia.
The AANHPI Fund will raise funds from the community and grant to AANHPI-led and/or -serving nonprofit organizations in San Diego County.
