San Luis Obispo Mission Plaza

Every so often a bold stroke is made in the design of cities that actually works. It enriches urban life, restores natural systems and rejuvenates the human spirit. San Luis Obispo’s Mission Plaza is such a project. Since 1968, this two block area of downtown has become the physical, cultural, and spiritual heart of the city. The Mission Plaza project—soon to enter its third construction phase—is an outstanding example of communities can achieve multiple planning objectives through environmental design. Creek preservation, flood control, recreation, and economic and cultural development programs have all shaped Mission Plaza, and resulted in a delightful urban space.