This iconic Mission Bay building was designed by local architect Richard “Dick” Lareau and constructed in 1969 to serve as the visitor center for the Mission Bay recreational area. In a press release, Lareau described the building as:

“somewhat in the shape of a seahorse… so formed to follow the flow of visitors as they walk through the building gathering information. The form offers the flavor of being whipped up by the tide, not unlike a sculptured seashell. The floor slopes as you walk and offers a stimulating, changing view of space and volume. The structure is basically of wood pier poles, wood exterior and interior and a copper roof which will be treated with acetic acid to give a maritime aqua patina.”

The building’s curvilinear form, conical roof peak, modern use of materials, and jalousie windows all reflect its Organic Freeform style. This extremely rare style is an expressive form of Modernist architecture that is more typically seen in residential examples.

The former visitor center is also an important manifestation of the post-WWII economic growth and tourism industry of San Diego. Following the rapid growth caused by returning military personnel and the expansion of roadway infrastructure, the City of San Diego sought to secure the attractions expected of a major city, including major league sports and tourist attractions. The development of Mission Bay as a recreation destination for both visitors and locals alike added to the success of the Mission Bay Visitor Center as a hub for information, reservation and recommendations for all things San Diego.

IS Architecture completed a City of San Diego Historical Resource Technical Report for the building, which established its historical eligibility for the National Register of Historic Places, California Register of Historical Resources, and the City of San Diego Register of Historical Resources. The report also evaluated a potential redevelopment project against the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties, identifying which aspects of the proposed project would have adverse effects to a historical resource under CEQA.