Freedom Park at Navy Pier Reaches Another Project Milestone

CONTACT: Dave Koontz, 619.398.8207, dkoontz@midway.org
(Press release originally issued by the USS Midway Museum and reposted here.)

Headhouse demolition begins today and USS Midway Museum remains open

Freedom Park at Navy Pier is taking another major step towards becoming a reality with the demolition of the headhouse building, also known as Building 11, that sits at the entrance of the pier.

“We are excited to enter this critical new phase with the demolition of Building 11,” said Terry Kraft, the USS Midway Museum’s president and CEO. “Once the structure is down, the unobstructed views of both San Diego Bay and Midway will be spectacular. More importantly, we are keeping our promise to build the largest veterans park on the West Coast and are looking forward to the construction phase of Freedom Park which begins next year.”

In February 2024, the Port of San Diego’s Board of Port Commissioners approved an approximately $7.4 million contract with AMG Demolition and Environmental Services, Inc. for the demolition of the headhouse. Over the past several months, AMG has been conducting hazardous material abatement within the building and has now begun the physical demolition of the structure. The demolition, which will be completed by the end of year, will make way for the actual construction of Freedom Park starting in early 2025.

“This is a monumental step in transforming Navy Pier into a beautiful memorial park for visitors and residents to enjoy, and we’re proud to be working with our partners at the USS Midway Museum to deliver Freedom Park,” said Chairman Frank Urtasun, Port of San Diego Board of Port Commissioners. “It’s all a part of the Port of San Diego’s vision to increase park and plaza space along the North Embarcadero and throughout the entire San Diego Bayfront. This project is just one way we are honoring our commitments and delivering on our promise.”

The Port and Midway are working together on Freedom Park. Beginning at the west end of Navy Pier and going around the ship to the Bob Hope Memorial, the new park will celebrate the region’s rich military history and tell the story of everyday heroes who served our country and preserved our freedoms. It will provide local San Diegans and out-of-town visitors with unique experiences on the waterfront with numerous public amenities, including a nature garden, memorials and monuments, seating and shading, and interpretive signage. The park is anticipated to open in early 2028. 

The USS Midway Museum and the parking lot on Navy Pier will remain open during the demolition of the headhouse. Safe vehicle and pedestrian access to the pier and Midway will not be impacted by the demolition.

It’s estimated that Freedom Park will cost approximately $65 million. Currently, $29 million has been committed to the project from the Port, Midway, and with the support of U.S. Rep. Scott Peters, through Community Project Funding distributed via the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development. An additional $36 million is being raised by the USS Midway Foundation’s capital campaign committee.

ABOUT THE USS MIDWAY MUSEUM
The USS Midway Museum, which opened to the public in 2004 in San Diego, stands as an enduring tribute to American naval excellence and importance of service and sacrifice. The longest-serving aircraft carrier of the 20th century, Midway is a hybrid of an attraction and museum that emphasizes the “experience” offering an immersive look into the legacy of naval aviation and the adventures of life at sea. The museum, which welcomed its 20 millionth visitor in 2024, also serves as an key community educational and inspirational resource. It is currently rated by Tripadvisor as the “#1 thing to do” in San Diego out of more than 750 experiences.