About The Headquarters at Seaport

Completed in 1939, the building now known as The Headquarters at Seaport originally served as the Old San Diego Police Headquarters, playing a central role in the city’s civic life for nearly five decades. Designed by architects Charles & Edward Quaintance and Albert C. Treganza, the structure is a notable example of Spanish Colonial Revival architecture, a style that helped define San Diego’s identity during the era following the 1935 California Pacific International Exposition.

The building functioned as the main headquarters of the San Diego Police Department until 1987, earning the nickname “Central” among officers and locals alike. Over time, the site also became a place of civic pride and shared memory — so much so that former officers worked to preserve its legacy by establishing a museum and safeguarding historic artifacts tied to the building.

After the police department’s departure, the property faced years of uncertainty. Thanks to the advocacy of local preservationists and the stewardship of the Port of San Diego, the building was ultimately protected, restored, and reimagined. In 1999, during a visit to San Diego, the President of the National Trust for Historic Preservation highlighted the site as an example of historic preservation done right — recognizing its cultural importance and architectural integrity.

Today, The Headquarters has been thoughtfully restored and repurposed, blending its historic character with new life along the waterfront. The original courtyard layout, architectural details, and iconic tower remain intact, while the space now serves as a vibrant destination for dining, shopping, and gathering — connecting San Diego’s past with its present and future.