The Coronado Ferry Landing has been a waterfront anchor for nearly four decades — home to restaurants like Peohe's, Il Fornaio, and Village Pizzeria, along with boutiques, gift shops, and bike rental outfits that serve locals and tourists alike. But the future of this beloved retail center is now uncertain, caught in a contentious contract dispute between its longtime operator and the Port of San Diego.
What Happened
In October 2025, the Port of San Diego's Board of Commissioners voted in closed session not to renew its lease with Port Coronado Associates (PCA), the company that has managed the Ferry Landing since 1986. PCA's current lease expires June 30, 2026. The decision halted a planned $20 million renovation of the waterfront property that PCA had spent years developing with community input.
The Port cited concerns about deferred maintenance on the aging property, asserting that much of PCA's proposed renovation investment would simply address overdue repairs rather than genuine improvements. PCA firmly disputes that characterization, arguing that independent assessments support the value of their proposed upgrades. The gap between the two sides has been estimated at $17.5 million.
What It Means for Ferry Landing Businesses
The Ferry Landing is home to 21 subtenants occupying roughly 38,000 square feet of shops and restaurants, with projected gross sales of $32 million annually. The Port has stated that the center will remain open and that businesses will have opportunities to continue operating beyond the lease expiration. But for the small business owners who have built their livelihoods at the waterfront — from restaurants to retail shops — the uncertainty is real.
Community Response
The decision has drawn criticism from Coronado city leaders. Mayor John Duncan and multiple council members have publicly expressed frustration with the Port's lack of transparency and exclusion of city input. Coronado's Port Commissioner, Frank Urtasun, has described the decision as unfortunate and at odds with a unified community position. As of early 2026, the Port agreed to evaluate a revised proposal from PCA but did not grant a requested one-year lease extension, leaving a narrow window for resolution.
Looking Ahead
Meanwhile, on the adjacent lot, Social Syndicate's Maiden Coronado restaurant is under construction — a separate project on a different lease that is not affected by the PCA dispute. The Ferry Landing's future will likely be decided in the coming months as the June 2026 deadline approaches. Whether PCA and the Port reach a deal, the Port takes over operations directly, or a new operator is brought in, the outcome will reshape one of Coronado's most visible commercial centers.
Stay updated on the businesses at the Ferry Landing and across the island in the Coronado shopping directory on San Diego Lineup.
