About The Neighborhood
Adams Avenue runs through the craftsman communities of Normal Heights, Kensington, Antique Row, and University Heights. Overlooking Mission Valley and accessible from the I-805 and I-15 Adams Avenue exits, this business district combines the best of San Diego’s past with a thriving modern scene spread along a two-and-a-half-mile corridor.
- Neighborhood characteristics. San Diego’s first trolleys serviced the neighborhood until the 1950s. Now, it’s a walking area where residents and visitors can take in historic landmarks, parks, and nature trails. The canyon-rimmed district is known for its vintage character and neighborhood celebrations.
- Independently-owned businesses. Adams Avenue is a one-stop destination for everything.
- Food and Drink. Scores of restaurants, bars, breweries, bakeries, coffee houses, and specialty food, liquor, wine, and beer shops line the Avenue offering culinary favorites from around the world. The dining and drinking establishments provide intimate settings and friendly service for visitors and residents.
- Retail. Shopkeepers focus on customer service and distinctive shopping alternatives where you can find one-of-a-kind treasures.
- Beauty. Many businesses offer nails, hair, spa treatments, waxing, tattoos, piercings, and specialty skincare. The variety of services and the number of establishments allow you to choose what works best for you.
- Other Services. Adams Avenue also has auto, childcare and education, health and fitness, pet services, property management, real estate, sports and hobbies, grocery, liquor, craft beer, wine, and sundries, and other professional services.
- Events. Adams Avenue Street Fair and Adams Avenue Unplugged are San Diego’s largest free music festivals. Taste of Adams Avenue and Adams Avenue Spirit Stroll are events that allow visitors to sample the Avenue’s unique culinary treats and cocktails.
What makes Adams Avenue special? The people who live, work, and play in the neighborhood and our small-town vibe in the heart of the country’s eighth-largest city.
About Adams Avenue Business Association
Who we are. The Adams Avenue Business Association (AABA) is a California non-profit corporation formed in 1985 for the purpose of revitalizing and marketing the Adams Avenue business corridor. We are overseen by a 15-member Board of Directors chosen from the business and property owner-members.
BID/MAD. AABA administers a geographically-based district under contract with the City of San Diego. We manage Business Improvement District (BID) programs and Maintenance Assessment District (MAD) services. The City collects an annual BID or MAD fee from each business or property owner located within the 2.5-mile-long commercial District.
Boundaries. The district boundaries are from Vista St. in Kensington through Normal Heights to Arizona St. in University Heights.
What we do. AABA oversees a diverse work plan that includes special events, marketing and branding, avenue maintenance, weekly committee meetings, management of community assets, community planning, and advocacy. We partner with local business operators, property owners, and the City of San Diego to improve the economic and physical conditions of Adams Avenue.
AABA BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Ryan Altman
President
Community Wellness Collaborative
[email protected]
Dave McPheeters
1st Vice President
Zac’s Attic
[email protected]
Nicky McGreevy
2nd Vice President
Align Pilates
[email protected]
Doug Generoli
Treasurer
Adams Avenue Car Wash
[email protected]
David Harding
Secretary
Edward Jones
[email protected]
Russ Vuich
Property Owner
[email protected]
Tony Carrillo
Carillo’s Auto Body and Collision
[email protected]
LT Lanhan
Dink’s Barbershop & Supply
[email protected]
Mick Ward
The Ould Sod
[email protected]
Lauren Castro
Castro Group Real Estate
[email protected]
Derith Mason
Artistic Florals
[email protected]
Meredith Walton
Heights Optometry
[email protected]
Rachel Strueber
Salon Bordeaux
[email protected]
Devon Jina
Heights Market
[email protected]
AABA Staff
Scott Kessler, Executive Director: [email protected]
Julia Sanchez, Assistant Director: [email protected]
Phone: (619) 282-7329
Office location/mailing address:
Normal Heights Community Center
4649 Hawley Boulevard
San Diego, CA 92116
AABA Meetings
- Board of Directors—1st Tuesday of the month, 8:00 a.m., 4649 Hawley Boulevard.
- Promotions—2nd Tuesday of the month, 8:00 a.m. Tasks include special events, member mixers, and district marketing.
- Business Planning & Development—Currently meeting with Promotions (otherwise 3rd Tuesday each month at 8 am). Tasks include support of public improvements, new development, economic expansion and diversification, banner projects, maintenance, storefront improvement projects, and public right-of-way issues.
- Finance—3rd Friday of the month, 9:30 a.m., 3120 Laurel Street. Tasks include fiscal oversight of AABA and compliance with financial reporting requirements including regular and periodic review of financial documents.
- Executive—Wednesday before the Board Meeting, 8:00 a.m. Tasks include preparing for the Board Meeting and directing monetary resources and staff to events and tasks.