SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA.- Gluckman Mayner Architects, New York, and Architect Milford Wayne Donaldson, FAIA, Inc., San Diego, have been engaged to create for MCA an historic renovation and expansion plan at the "Baggage Building," adjacent to the downtown San Diego’s Santa Fe Depot train station. The architect selection followed the San Diego City Council’s January 2001 unanimous vote allowing MCA to enter into exclusive negotiations with the Centre City Development Corporation (CCDC) and Catellus Corporation to occupy the space across Kettner Boulevard from MCA’s current downtown San Diego branch. The Baggage Building will host changing exhibitions of contemporary art particularly installation and site-specific art-and a range of innovative education and interpretive programs, including film and video screenings, performances, and literary readings.



The structural characteristics of the historic 13,500-square-foot building, with its 38-foot peaked ceiling, generous spaces, and high, clerestory windows stretching the length of the building’s east and west sides, are ideal conditions in which to display large-scale sculpture, site-specific and installation art. Both Donaldson and Gluckman have extensive experience renovating and adapting historic buildings, and are working in collaboration to create an art space that is historically sensitive and well-equipped to present cutting-edge artworks in all media.



Following a negotiated lease agreement between MCA and CCDC, the San Diego City Council will be asked to approve the conditions of the contract for the Baggage Building and the conceptual design plans. The construction project and a major fundraising campaign will then commence, and it is anticipated that the completed building will open to the public sometime in 2004. MCA Board President Pauline Foster said, "We are thrilled that the Baggage Building project is moving forward, and that MCA may soon be able to offer the San Diego community a greater range of cultural opportunities."