The new normal for San Diego's historical city center, visualized and executed
The Challenge
The Gaslamp Quarter is an iconic San Diego destination, boasting fine dining, shops, hotels, and hosting thousands of events each year, including San Diego Comic-Con.
The Gaslamp Quarter Association had initially asked us to overhaul their website and expand their revenue streams. But when San Diego shut down during the coronavirus pandemic, we added another goal: promote the Gaslamp Quarter to spur the revitalization of the downtown area.
Upscale the look
We knew early in the process that the current design of the GQA website did not fit with their brand values. We developed a new look and feel around the “retro elegance” of the neighborhood itself, utilizing vintage typography and a distinctive gaslamp silhouette.
Enrich the directory
The website’s biggest draw is a directory featuring hundreds of member businesses. We built a richer experience for visitors, from quick-view details on the grid view to interactive maps and filters. All this creates a valuable resource for locals and tourists alike, driving repeat traffic and creating buzz around the site.
Diversify Revenue
One of the primary goals of the project was to provide additional revenue sources for the nonprofit GQA, allowing them to invest even more in promoting the historic district. We developed a framework for affiliate and in-network ads, as well as promoted listings, spotlight content, and event ticket sales, all from within the dashboard of the site.
