SAN DIEGO | Boom Rundown, Vol. 2

[HurricaneHugo]

Sempra fills out Petco Park's view quite nicely! Now all we need is one or two tall towers behind it.

PS: That new screen is HUGE!

http://i.imgur.com/H9qxzlY.jpg

Pic by me

[mello]

Once 7th and Market is built and towers at 11th and Broadway go up this will be the best skyline view from an MLB ballpark. I know Pittsburgh is nice but this is like bam city in your face its so close!

[SDCAL]

520 W Ash plans. (http://www.civicsd.com/images/stories/520_Ash_Drawings.pdf)

Looks like a good design will fill in that area nicely.

[SDCAL]

Once 7th and Market is built and towers at 11th and Broadway go up this will be the best skyline view from an MLB ballpark. I know Pittsburgh is nice but this is like bam city in your face its so close!

Any word on a timeline or selection process for 7th/market? Awhile back someone had posted renderings from what I believe was one of three submissions. The renderings looked really good, but we never saw the other two proposals.

[Leo the Dog]

Once 7th and Market is built and towers at 11th and Broadway go up this will be the best skyline view from an MLB ballpark. I know Pittsburgh is nice but this is like bam city in your face its so close!

+1!

One of the best DT ballparks in the nation.

[Northparkwizard]

I was down at the DSD the other day and took a little detour to check out the progress on the new central courthouse building.
http://i.imgur.com/nZeybX4l.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/mCwrNusl.jpg

[Leo the Dog]

^Almost forgot about the new courthouse, thanks!

[tyleraf]

Another 21 story building for East Village. This one will be across the street from 15th and Island. No renders yet. Lennar is the developer, so it is likely a go. http://civicsd.com/images/stories/downloads/meetings-and-events/event-calendar/2015/NOA_-_460_16th_St_-_4.16.15.pdf

[tyleraf]

Bosa is back at it. 490 foot tall tower proposed for North corner of Pacific and Broadway.

[spoonman]

Bosa is back at it. 490 foot tall tower proposed for North corner of Pacific and Broadway.

Is this the lot where 880 w. Broadway was supposed to be built?

[nezbn22]

Is this the lot where 880 w. Broadway was supposed to be built?

It sure sounds like it, and it's not totally surprising to hear. Irvine bought the lot from Bosa in 2007, but Bosa was rumored to be trying to reacquire it (http://hughesmarino.com/san-diego/blog/2013/01/28/downtown-dirt-2013-q1/).

As for timing, Irvine had a June 2015 deadline to decide whether it would build on that lot (http://sandiego.urbdezine.com/2012/10/02/irvine-co-requests-extension-of-approvals-for-880-w-broadway-office-tower/). I guess they still aren't impressed with the demand for office space and gave up.

Tyler - you got a link or anything for that piece of news?

[nezbn22]

It sure sounds like it, and it's not totally surprising to hear. Irvine bought the lot from Bosa in 2007, but Bosa was rumored to be trying to reacquire it (http://hughesmarino.com/san-diego/blog/2013/01/28/downtown-dirt-2013-q1/).

As for timing, Irvine had a June 2015 deadline to decide whether it would build on that lot (http://sandiego.urbdezine.com/2012/10/02/irvine-co-requests-extension-of-approvals-for-880-w-broadway-office-tower/). I guess they still aren't impressed with the demand for office space and gave up.

Tyler - you got a link or anything for that piece of news?

Nevermind, I found the public notice:

http://civicsd.com/images/stories/downloads/meetings-and-events/event-calendar/2015/NOA_-_Pacific__Broadway_-_Parcel_1_-_4.17.15.pdf

[tyleraf]

Ballpark Village broke ground today. It's been a long time coming. http://m.utsandiego.com/news/2015/apr/17/ballpark-village-jmi-greystar-downtown/

[SDfan]

May is going to be a fun month for renderings.

[ScottSD]

And so it finally begins...

http://imageshack.com/a/img537/1985/1AtzkP.jpg

[Chapelo]

Has anyone ever heard of this project? Metro Center, supposed to go up at 16th and National Ave. 5 story vertical power center. The brochure says updated March 2015, so I assume it's still current.

http://www.merlonegeier.com/PropertyInfo.aspx?Id=1387

http://www.merlonegeier.com/Images/Properties/PhotoGallery/MetroCenter/MetroCenter-01.jpg
http://www.merlonegeier.com/Images/Properties/PhotoGallery/MetroCenter/MetroCenter-03.jpg

[mello]

Chapelo: I have always wondered about that huge lot at 16th and National. It is a fairly prime spot and was hoping for some tall tower to be proposed there. I have never heard of that vertical center project.

BOSA Tower: I wish he would build a 500 footer on the office depot lot to fill in that big skyline gap when viewed from Harbor and Shelter Island before he blocks OAP. All I have to say is it needs to be a great design because it will be making an iconic tower much less of a focal point from the bay. Also the 1st and Island lot he owns is another annoying gap in the urban fabric maybe he should sell that lot now while prices are high because he has so many other projects he is getting to first.

[spoonman]

It will be great to have more retail downtown, especially in East Village next to transit. Large format will bring a lot more traffic to the area (even though some will be auto).

I agree that it is somewhat annoying that Bosa is tying up several high profile lots and leaving them undeveloped until he is good and ready. That said, he has done more for the skyline than any other single developer. I do wish his projects were better at street level though.

[aerogt3]

It will be great to have more retail downtown, especially in East Village next to transit. Large format will bring a lot more traffic to the area (even though some will be auto).

Downtown really needs retail badly. What is down there now is too tourist focused, so I found myself constantly heading out to mission valley when I lived there.

[SDCAL]

Bosa is back at it. 490 foot tall tower proposed for North corner of Pacific and Broadway.

I know we've complained about it many times on this forum, but this height limit is SO annoying. All these high rises are within 10-30 feet of each other and are just continuing the "plateau effect".

[SDCAL]

Metro center, or at least something similar in that same area, is a very old proposal. I remember talking about years ago - I'll see if I can fund something in the archives on here.

Maybe they updated it and are revitalizing the idea of utilizing it?

[SDCAL]

I found an old realestate article online with this bit about Metro Center - it has been around a long time, was originally supposed to have been completed in 2010:

Located in downtown San Diego’s East Village, off of 16th and National will be the site of the new Metro Center. This will be an enormous retail center containing 475,000 square feet of retail space and parking. Now the nice part is, if you live downtown, you can walk. It is rumored the new Metro Center will house a Target and a Home Depot. Construction is due to commence this year and to be completed by summer 2010. IAs a downtown San Diego resident, I will appreciate the convience of having a retail center housing such stores as Target and Home Depot, beats driving anywhere.

[Leo the Dog]

Tower crane for the Pendry hotel going up. 6th was restricted to one lane for the crane parts.

[nezbn22]

Tower crane for the Pendry hotel going up. 6th was restricted to one lane for the crane parts.

I'll be shocked if they don't try to hustle and complete that thing by next summer's All-Star Game.

[Leo the Dog]

I'll be shocked if they don't try to hustle and complete that thing by next summer's All-Star Game.

It appears to be moving along nicely. Deep hole for the foundation has already been dug out.

[mello]

Has anyone heard about Blue Sky, 11th and Broadway, or the two approved towers North of Symphony towers that were supposed to be U/C by now? Seems like a lot of projects just floating around and not seeing much progress. You would think now is the time to strike while the iron is hot, economy looks good etc.

[The Flying Dutchman]

Has anyone heard about Blue Sky, 11th and Broadway, or the two approved towers North of Symphony towers that were supposed to be U/C by now? Seems like a lot of projects just floating around and not seeing much progress. You would think now is the time to strike while the iron is hot, economy looks good etc.

Blue Sky is under construction as we speak! Hopefully they build two towers at once, as opposed to just one (Phase 1) and a surface parking lot where Phase 2 would go (:()

That's all I can offer you. Wish I knew more!

[tyleraf]

One Paseo is headed for a vote. http://m.utsandiego.com/news/2015/apr/24/one-paseo-carmel-valley-referendum-signatures/

[Leo the Dog]

Has anyone heard about Blue Sky, 11th and Broadway, or the two approved towers North of Symphony towers that were supposed to be U/C by now? Seems like a lot of projects just floating around and not seeing much progress. You would think now is the time to strike while the iron is hot, economy looks good etc.

I'm pretty sure I saw construction equip on blue sky lot. That's next to Vantage Point, right? Having a hard time keeping up with the names of these places.

[Bertrice]

Here's a pic of blue sky from a month ago

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CBMS_ygUwAAf1Rg.jpg

[embora]

A photo of Blue Sky, at the site, shows only one tower (on the west), and something that looks like a surface parking lot where the east tower would be.

[BigCityDave]

http://www.architectmagazine.com/project-gallery/radisson-blu-gaslamp-quarter-6593

[Northparkwizard]

http://www.architectmagazine.com/project-gallery/radisson-blu-gaslamp-quarter-6593

Weird that this was published like 7 days ago because wasn't there just a thread about the new condos on this site?

[tyleraf]

Yea, there is already a proposal for that site. My guess is that the pictures are just fantasy since I can't find any other mention of a Raddison blu coming to downtown.

[Northparkwizard]

Yea, there is already a proposal for that site. My guess is that the pictures are just fantasy since I can't find any other mention of a Raddison blu coming to downtown.

Yeah, in fact I posted the project that is proposed for this site (http://www.civicsd.com/images/stories/downloads/meetings-and-events/event-calendar/2015/March_9_2015_DCPC_PreDesign_330_13th_Street_-_Drawings.pdf) definitely the same site because the description of the Raddison says, "A minor fault line runs through the southwest corner of the site."

Weird.

I'm not against a luxury hotel opening in East Village though...

[spoonman]

Too bad. That proposed hotel was 46 stories. Would have been much better for the site.

[crow]

Too bad. That proposed hotel was 46 stories. Would have been much better for the site.

looks like a fugly space rocket. The base is very welcoming. :shrug:

[Bertrice]

looks like a fugly space rocket. The base is very welcoming. :shrug:

I like the terrace side. that's about it.


http://cdnassets.hw.net/dims4/GG/798f355/2147483647/resize/850x%3E/quality/75/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fcdnassets.hw.net%2Fd0%2F7c%2Fddd3e1144bfda987aec47086c6b4%2Ff2585d28-0efb-40bd-8356-8c82fbd3bcd5.jpg

[embora]

The previously existing buildings at 13th, Park, and C have been demolished, and a protective pedestrian fence has been built around the project site.

[HurricaneHugo]

The previously existing buildings at 13th, Park, and C have been demolished, and a protective pedestrian fence has been built around the project site.

What project will that be?

[The Flying Dutchman]

What project will that be?

13th, Park, and C.
Willmark Communities
117 Units
6 stories
Rentals; Mixed Income
~9,600 sqf retail
Dog Park on roof.

This is another one of the many projects approved way back before the recession and the dissipation of the old SDRA in 2012. It's now finally seeing the light after a redesign.

There's virtually no information on this project that I could find. The stats shown here I pulled from many different sites of research. I think the San Diego Daily Transcript has a photo here but there's a paywall.

http://www.sddt.com/reports/article.cfm?RID=1069&SourceCode=20140722czc&_t=East+Village+property+changing+to+apartments+soon

http://www.sddt.com/images/news/2014/07/22/0722CZCWEB.jpeg

[SDCAL]

13th, Park, and C.
Willmark Communities
117 Units
6 stories
Rentals; Mixed Income
~9,600 sqf retail
Dog Park on roof.

This is another one of the many projects approved way back before the recession and the dissipation of the old SDRA in 2012. It's now finally seeing the light after a redesign.

There's virtually no information on this project that I could find. The stats shown here I pulled from many different sites of research. I think the San Diego Daily Transcript has a photo here but there's a paywall.

http://www.sddt.com/reports/article.cfm?RID=1069&SourceCode=20140722czc&_t=East+Village+property+changing+to+apartments+soon

http://www.sddt.com/images/news/2014/07/22/0722CZCWEB.jpeg

Is THAT the re-design?? If so, the old design must have REALLY been bad because this is pretty underwhelming.

That parcel deserves way better - right by transit, city college, and it would be the north-west anchor for the much fantasized about but little tangible reality IDEA district.

As IDEA1 continues to stall, and non-descript infill things like this encroach on it, I'm getting more and more pessimistic about a true unique, tech-centered, creative, model urban community being established there

At least the old school Chinese restaurant with the big yellow signs had character, that's more than I can say for this.

Sorry for the negativity, I just really think this area along the transit corridor on Park from Smart Corner southward has a lot of potential for unique innovative development. I guess that's not where they want to go with it

[tyleraf]

Here is a PDF with better renders and more info about the project. http://civicsd.com/images/stories/downloads/meetings-and-events/event-calendar/2014/13th__C_street.pdf

[tyleraf]

Good news for EV and the Petco area. http://undergroundelephant.com/underground-elephants-new-office-wins-deal-of-the-year/

[The Flying Dutchman]

Is THAT the re-design?? If so, the old design must have REALLY been bad because this is pretty underwhelming.

That parcel deserves way better - right by transit, city college, and it would be the north-west anchor for the much fantasized about but little tangible reality IDEA district.

As IDEA1 continues to stall, and non-descript infill things like this encroach on it, I'm getting more and more pessimistic about a true unique, tech-centered, creative, model urban community being established there

At least the old school Chinese restaurant with the big yellow signs had character, that's more than I can say for this.

Sorry for the negativity, I just really think this area along the transit corridor on Park from Smart Corner southward has a lot of potential for unique innovative development. I guess that's not where they want to go with it

IDEA1 is definitely happening, albeit slowly. They had a recent pre-design meeting on April 6th. Also keep in mind that IDEA1 is going after the exact thing you speak of (live work studios, etc.) Time will tell if it succeeds, however. It will also occupy a lot two blocks over from this Willmark thing.

I think this 13th and C project will cater to a certain student demographic. It could've been a lot worse, imo. It's interesting from the drawings that it seems like 2 small land parcels running along Broadway have actually been left vacant, intended for future development as well. So not all hope is lost

[tyleraf]

I spoke with the developers of IDEA1 recently and they said that they are aiming for an October groundbreaking with completion 20 months later.

[The Flying Dutchman]

I spoke with the developers of IDEA1 recently and they said that they are aiming for an October groundbreaking with completion 20 months later.

From the drawings, it looks to be pretty sweet. Should be a game changer for the area. I like how the upper northwest portion of E.V. is becoming the 'hands on' district, in combination with the awesome City College.

In other news, E.V. is getting some new underground parking garages, a circulatory shuttle for locals and visitors alike, lots of new way-finding signage, and a revamp of parking allotment/demand pricing. Also, Island Ave. is getting more pedestrian-friendly curb improvements. Mostly more of the same, but there was some unfinished work since CCDC went kaput.

You can read about this in April 30th's Civic SD Board Meeting report: (Click on the DCPD Budget)

http://civicsd.com/meetings-and-events/calendar/icalrepeat.detail/2015/04/29/1306/127%7C128%7C130%7C129%7C136%7C131%7C132/civicsd-board-meeting.html

[tyleraf]

Wow…Bosa is making sure that he leaves his mark on the skyline! http://www.civicsd.com/images/stories/downloads/meetings-and-events/event-calendar/2015/2015_May_REC_Item_7_-_Pacific__Broadway_-_Parcel_1_Drawings_reduced_8x11.pdf
https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8684/16716088554_082077b9d5_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/rt9jKm)

[Northparkwizard]

Wow…Bosa is making sure that he leaves his mark on the skyline! http://www.civicsd.com/images/stories/downloads/meetings-and-events/event-calendar/2015/2015_May_REC_Item_7_-_Pacific__Broadway_-_Parcel_1_Drawings_reduced_8x11.pdf

Better than a surface level parking lot.

[SDCAL]

Tyler and Flying Dutchman thanks for the update about IDEA–1. I've been frustrated by how long it's taking them to break ground but agree it does have the potential to be a game changer for that area, can't wait to see it becoming a reality.

I like the Bosa towers - with lane field and the embarcadero improvements, those towers will definitely create a nice backdrop and help to extend downtown right to the waterfront. In addition to liking the overall design, I like the base of the tower and what they are doing at street level with it. That seems to get overlooked sometimes when building high-rises, but it looks like they put as much attention to the street level experience as they did to how the towers will impact the skyline.

[spoonman]

Wow…Bosa is making sure that he leaves his mark on the skyline! http://www.civicsd.com/images/stories/downloads/meetings-and-events/event-calendar/2015/2015_May_REC_Item_7_-_Pacific__Broadway_-_Parcel_1_Drawings_reduced_8x11.pdf

Fantastic curtain wall and materials. Great addition to the area.

Only flaw I see is that the tower is stalky at many angles and compromises the height and elegance. Most Bosa projects are this way except Electra. At least the size marginalizes his hideous Grande project.

[SDCAL]

Fantastic curtain wall and materials. Great addition to the area.

Only flaw I see is that the tower is stalky at many angles and compromises the height and elegance. Most Bosa projects are this way except Electra. At least the size marginalizes his hideous Grande project.

It's that stupid f&$!?@&g 500ft height limit. It makes architects and developers have to choose between square footage and not looking stalky.

I think these two proposed towers do a great job with the height limit constraints, but it really makes it difficult. The one thing that I really notice when I'm in LA or other cities that don't have this stupid height limit is how wide the buildings are. They are huge - but since they are really tall they still look sleek. In the skyline. Here in SD it's really hard to build a sleek looking tower unless it's very thin.

[Bertrice]

found this on twitter
you can see ballpark village construction

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CEHe4ZKUMAE0MOR.jpg:large

[tyleraf]

Ballpark Village is going to make a massive impact on EV. I look forward to seeing it rise.

[Northparkwizard]

Ballpark Village is going to make a massive impact on EV. I look forward to seeing it rise.

Who would've thought that baseball would be the savior of the warehouse district... If only there was a football team that wanted to move-in next door.

[ucsbgaucho]

Who would've thought that baseball would be the savior of the warehouse district... If only there was a football team that wanted to move-in next door.

You mean if only there was a city that wanted a football team to move in next door? I think the football team would be very happy to move in if they were handed a key.

[tyleraf]

I"ve found new info that points to an October groundbreaking for Lucia Nel Cielo at 16th and G in EV. http://www.pre-form.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/Lucia-01.jpg

[The Flying Dutchman]

I"ve found new info that points to an October groundbreaking for Lucia Nel Cielo at 16th and G in EV.

This is another 'undead' project coming back to life... this area needs it bad, too. Thanks for the update.

[SDCAL]

I just can't get excited about ballpark village. What makes it better than any of the other highrises surrounding the ballpark? Is it really that much different than the Omni or the Hilton? I just think that site is a wasted opportunity with the current plan. I know San Diego is really conservative and afraid to take bold steps in architecture like SF is doing with their transbay transit center, but it would be nice if we could start pushing the envelope.

I came across these plans from Architectural Firm Rafael Vinoly that I think would have been way more iconic and dynamic than the current ballpark village plans:

http://www.rvapc.com/works/701-san-diego-ball-park-village-condos

http://www.rvapc.com/images-production/Projects/701/701_tmp795.jpg

http://www.rvapc.com/images-production/Projects/701/701_tmp796.jpg

I've always thought than in a city like SD that is restricted from making a dramatic iconic vertical statement due to the 500 ft height limit, we should have a project that makes a massive, bold horizontal statement. I think this would have done that and really been iconic when people would have seen this in shots from Petco park. The Ballpark Village tower they chose will not be memorable or iconic. It will fade into the background like the other towers.

A GIGANTIC missed opportunity imo.

[SLO]

^i don't know dude! that's really ugly. In a city with great views, that blocks to much. I'd rather see 4-5 separate towers than that giant wall...

[Crackertastik]

I just can't get excited about ballpark village. What makes it better than any of the other highrises surrounding the ballpark? Is it really that much different than the Omni or the Hilton? I just think that site is a wasted opportunity with the current plan. I know San Diego is really conservative and afraid to take bold steps in architecture like SF is doing with their transbay transit center, but it would be nice if we could start pushing the envelope.

I came across these plans from Architectural Firm Rafael Vinoly that I think would have been way more iconic and dynamic than the current ballpark village plans:

http://www.rvapc.com/works/701-san-diego-ball-park-village-condos

http://www.rvapc.com/images-production/Projects/701/701_tmp795.jpg

http://www.rvapc.com/images-production/Projects/701/701_tmp796.jpg

I've always thought than in a city like SD that is restricted from making a dramatic iconic vertical statement due to the 500 ft height limit, we should have a project that makes a massive, bold horizontal statement. I think this would have done that and really been iconic when people would have seen this in shots from Petco park. The Ballpark Village tower they chose will not be memorable or iconic. It will fade into the background like the other towers.

A GIGANTIC missed opportunity imo.

I can't get behind this particular plan either. That isn't a horizontal statement like Transbay terminal at all. The CC is a horizontal statement and I think fails. It is a really tough concept to pull off, and the failure isn't an eyesore but rather a total walking off of areas. This concept you show is a huge 300 foot wall, destroying the sight lines for all of east village and anyone looking toward the Coronado bridge.

I like the general architecture but done much shorter. 10 stories max and it may look pretty interesting. I'd still cut view corridors through it though.

[aerogt3]

I just can't get excited about ballpark village. What makes it better than any of the other highrises surrounding the ballpark? Is it really that much different than the Omni or the Hilton? I just think that site is a wasted opportunity with the current plan. I know San Diego is really conservative and afraid to take bold steps in architecture like SF is doing with their transbay transit center, but it would be nice if we could start pushing the envelope.

At the same time, it's these towers that come out "modern, groundbreaking, revolutionary," etc. that look absolutely hideous 20-30 years later whereas the run of the mill developments are neither eye catching nor an eyesore.

[SDCAL]

At the same time, it's these towers that come out "modern, groundbreaking, revolutionary," etc. that look absolutely hideous 20-30 years later whereas the run of the mill developments are neither eye catching nor an eyesore.

And that's how San Diego remains a nice but mediocre city.

[SDCAL]

The true eyesore is what they are building. Not only has it already been dubbed "mullet top", the architecture is boring and reminds me more of a dorm tower you would expect to see at SDSU. Anyway, just my opinion, many seem to like it and obviously it's what is going up there so we'll see how "transformational" it really is for EV.

http://skyvillagerealty.com/real-estate/wp-content/gallery/new-construction-condos/Ballpark-Village-SD-Condo-New-Construction.jpg

http://www.sddt.com/images/news/2013/07/24/2013-07-25-web-Ballpark-Village-2.jpg

Can someone explain what's so transformational and iconic about this project? I realize it's better than a parking lot, but if this was erected in UTC or in the college area it would be looked at as just another piece of bland architecture. It's not worthy of that site. The rendering I posted may not be perfect, I think things could be amended to address walking concerns, view corridors etc., but I think they were on the right path of doing something really dynamic and stepping more out of the box as opposed to the current plan that broke ground.

[spoonman]

I believe this project is a big deal is because it contains a good amount of retail (correct me if I'm wrong) and will help complete the area around the transit center, ballpark, and library. Moreso than the project itself, the development of this land connects Barrio Logan to East Village, the Convention Center and the rest of downtown. I imagine everyone already know this...I'm just saying that people are probably just excited about development on the site as opposed to how great the development is or isn't.

[SDCAL]

I believe this project is a big deal is because it contains a good amount of retail (correct me if I'm wrong) and will help complete the area around the transit center, ballpark, and library. Moreso than the project itself, the development of this land connects Barrio Logan to East Village, the Convention Center and the rest of downtown. I imagine everyone already know this...I'm just saying that people are probably just excited about development on the site as opposed to how great the development is or isn't.

As someone who actually lives in East Village, I can't really get excited about a building just because it's going to have retail and because it's going to fill a gap or cover up a parking lot. I want the projects to have more to them than just build it for the sake of building. Downtown San Diego has limited space and the more we let mediocre nondescript projects fill it up, the less room there is for something really innovative that could attract actual international recognition and business to the region. I think EV has the potential to not just be a nice neighborhood but be a world class destination, but not by settling with crap like this ballpark village plan. I'll stop now. Sorry for the negativity, it's just really frustrating to watch your neighborhood not live up to its potential.

[The Flying Dutchman]

Good news, everyone...

The 'Zephyr' towers are slated for groundbreaking by the end of the year.

http://www.sandiegometro.com/2015/05/daily-business-report-may-5-2015/

It's now called 'The Block' and it's located on Broadway, C, 7th and 8th Avenues. I like how it looks like one tower was built on top of another. This just goes to show that you can never trust the renderings.

http://www.sandiegometro.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/The-Block-rendering-850x636.jpg


Here's the old UT article in case anyone was wondering:
http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2014/jun/17/zephyr-downtown-development/

http://media.utsandiego.com/img/photos/2014/06/17/zephyr_prelim_plans_6.2014_t837.bmp?5df2a6e0ac564ff4ddc2702f3c8561935b88c24b

[tyleraf]

The Block looks amazing.Simple, yet elegant. It will be great for that part of Broadway and it will help accelerate the momentum that the area has already been gaining.

[tyleraf]

SDCal: Ballpark Village has been updated to lessen the mullet-look.
https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7662/17174733487_02e67cb04e_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/saEZUB)

[JPAztec]

The true eyesore is what they are building. Not only has it already been dubbed "mullet top", the architecture is boring and reminds me more of a dorm tower you would expect to see at SDSU. Anyway, just my opinion, many seem to like it and obviously it's what is going up there so we'll see how "transformational" it really is for EV.

http://skyvillagerealty.com/real-estate/wp-content/gallery/new-construction-condos/Ballpark-Village-SD-Condo-New-Construction.jpg

http://www.sddt.com/images/news/2013/07/24/2013-07-25-web-Ballpark-Village-2.jpg

Can someone explain what's so transformational and iconic about this project? I realize it's better than a parking lot, but if this was erected in UTC or in the college area it would be looked at as just another piece of bland architecture. It's not worthy of that site. The rendering I posted may not be perfect, I think things could be amended to address walking concerns, view corridors etc., but I think they were on the right path of doing something really dynamic and stepping more out of the box as opposed to the current plan that broke ground.

If I'm not mistaken, the mullet top design has gone under significant changes and is more glass and sleek than the "SDSU" rendering that you speak of. I believe it's going to be a great project when it's all said and done, whereas the other massive wall of a building is just something to draw attention to the city. Problem is, it's ugly and the attention that it would draw is negative. Could BPV have been a little more daring? Absolutely. I still think it will end up being a quality project or the city and EV.

[SDCAL]

The mullet top was only part of the problem - I said it looks like a dorm tower because of the overall design. I also don't like the nondescript hodgepodge of smaller buildings surrounding it. This isn't an infill project like the one on Broadway which I like that proposal by the way. This is a huge expansive plot of land to be developed, and I stand by my opinion that it would have been better developed by an expansive unifying design instead of this ugly mish-mash of crap.

I just walked around the entire site on my lunchbreak today - and it only re-confirms my opinions of how disappointing this design is for that particular site. It is one of the rare expansive undeveloped areas downtown that could have been used for a really large, innovative, expansive design and it's being squandered on cookie-cutter mediocre sh*t.

[The Flying Dutchman]

The mullet top was only part of the problem - I said it looks like a dorm tower because of the overall design. I also don't like the nondescript hodgepodge of smaller buildings surrounding it. This isn't an infill project like the one on Broadway which I like that proposal by the way. This is a huge expansive plot of land to be developed, and I stand by my opinion that it would have been better developed by an expansive unifying design instead of this ugly mish-mash of crap.

I just walked around the entire site on my lunchbreak today - and it only re-confirms my opinions of how disappointing this design is for that particular site. It is one of the rare expansive undeveloped areas downtown that could have been used for a really large, innovative, expansive design and it's being squandered on cookie-cutter mediocre sh*t.

I hope we will be surprised by these new developments. I've been to a few design meetings and they seem to be trying to incorporate a greater sense of street-level interaction within and without. If a building can successfully be private and public simultaneously, then I'll be happy(er).

BTW, SDCAL, if you don't like BPV, then wait until you see the building being developed directly north of it:

https://b256ec319b64095c3d1d-e19f06f73efdb5028989d1916204cd71.ssl.cf2.rackcdn.com/71854_1426272418_33013th-large.jpg

https://www.bisnow.com/san-diego/news/multifamily/the-richman-group-development-surge-continues-43893

BPV doesn't look so bad now, huh? :yuck:

[spoonman]

Good news, everyone...

The 'Zephyr' towers are slated for groundbreaking by the end of the year.

http://www.sandiegometro.com/2015/05/daily-business-report-may-5-2015/

It's now called 'The Block' and it's located on Broadway, C, 7th and 8th Avenues. I like how it looks like one tower was built on top of another. This just goes to show that you can never trust the renderings.

http://www.sandiegometro.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/The-Block-rendering-850x636.jpg


Here's the old UT article in case anyone was wondering:
http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2014/jun/17/zephyr-downtown-development/

http://media.utsandiego.com/img/photos/2014/06/17/zephyr_prelim_plans_6.2014_t837.bmp?5df2a6e0ac564ff4ddc2702f3c8561935b88c24b

41 and 18 floors. Will be great for that area.

[Leo the Dog]

I actually like BP Village.

What will make the East Village a world class neighborhood isn't montrosity mega block developments, but the smaller developments that fill the cracks between our mid-rise towers.

[SDCAL]

I hope we will be surprised by these new developments. I've been to a few design meetings and they seem to be trying to incorporate a greater sense of street-level interaction within and without. If a building can successfully be private and public simultaneously, then I'll be happy(er).

BTW, SDCAL, if you don't like BPV, then wait until you see the building being developed directly north of it:

https://b256ec319b64095c3d1d-e19f06f73efdb5028989d1916204cd71.ssl.cf2.rackcdn.com/71854_1426272418_33013th-large.jpg

https://www.bisnow.com/san-diego/news/multifamily/the-richman-group-development-surge-continues-43893

BPV doesn't look so bad now, huh? :yuck:

I actually like this one. :tup:

This particular rendering isn't very good, but someone posted a link to the entire PDF of the design a few weeks back and I looked through it all and think this project will actually be a good addition.

My main problem with Ballpark V. is that it reminds me of an infill type project being wasted on a spot that would have been a great opportunity for something more cohesive. It just seems like a mish-mash of stuff that will blend in with a lot of the other buildings surrounding the east side of Petco Park.

Maybe my style is just different than many, or maybe I'm thinking too big for SD. I've also never been a large fan of the Navy Broadway Complex Design. That's another one that I feel is a wasted opportunity on a unique space that's crying out for something really unique and iconic. Am I asking too much for SD to try pushing the envelope with just ONE major project downtown?

[The Flying Dutchman]

Maybe my style is just different than many, or maybe I'm thinking too big for SD. I've also never been a large fan of the Navy Broadway Complex Design. That's another one that I feel is a wasted opportunity on a unique space that's crying out for something really unique and iconic. Am I asking too much for SD to try pushing the envelope with just ONE major project downtown?

Never. SD needs big thinkers now more than ever.

http://www.homeroutines.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/babysteps_book_cover.jpg

From the movie 'What about Bob?' starring Bill Murray and Richard Dreyfuss. (Mr. Dreyfuss is a resident of San Diego, by the way!)

[SDfan]

Wow. We have been getting new high-rise announcements left and right these past couple weeks.

I like Bosa's project alright. The Block looks really clean, and very SF in design. I'm perplexed as to why they keep claiming it's the first post-recession residential high-rise project to go up downtown... as Bosa, Pinnacle, and JMI are all hastily buildings high-rise projects now. And LOL to their timeline. "Slated to break ground later this year" lololololololz. We haven't even seen this on the CivicSD docket, let alone the permitting committee.

I'm not in love with the height of the new Library tower, but the design is respectable. BPV is eh. I respect the architects for leaving the library's sight-lines to the bay (even though it means one tower, and a row of bleh mid-rises). I also give credit to the developers for upping the unit count; every bit counts!

I need to start gathering all of these proposals and mapping them out. Now that CCDC is gone, we don't have that cool interactive map anymore...

[SDfan]

I"ve found new info that points to an October groundbreaking for Lucia Nel Cielo at 16th and G in EV.

Explain.

[The Flying Dutchman]

Now that CCDC is gone, we don't have that cool interactive map anymore...

You mean, Civic San Diego. Well, maybe, anyway.

[tyleraf]

SDfan: here is the developer's website. http://www.pre-form.com/flagship/

[tyleraf]

CivicSD has the interactive map up and running again. http://civicsd.com/projects/interactive-map.html

[SDfan]

SDfan: here is the developer's website. http://www.pre-form.com/flagship/

Thank you. :)

[SDfan]

CivicSD has the interactive map up and running again. http://civicsd.com/projects/interactive-map.html

Oh, it's running alright, but it is not updated. This is probably 2012 at the latest.

[dtell04]

Is THAT the re-design?? If so, the old design must have REALLY been bad because this is pretty underwhelming.

That parcel deserves way better - right by transit, city college, and it would be the north-west anchor for the much fantasized about but little tangible reality IDEA district.

As IDEA1 continues to stall, and non-descript infill things like this encroach on it, I'm getting more and more pessimistic about a true unique, tech-centered, creative, model urban community being established there

At least the old school Chinese restaurant with the big yellow signs had character, that's more than I can say for this.

Sorry for the negativity, I just really think this area along the transit corridor on Park from Smart Corner southward has a lot of potential for unique innovative development. I guess that's not where they want to go with it

I live across the street from this. We have been waiting for quite some time for it to get going. I've heard that it is condo grade apartments that might be for sale down the road. Additionally, to address the underwhelming-ness, there is a fault line in the middle of the block so it would be basically impossible to get anything over 6 stories there. The drawings leave that line open with a gated walkway between the buildings. The south half of the block is owned by the salvation army. They have told people they want to build a storage building there, and the EVRG told them it wasn't zoned for that. I think their plan is to wait for god to tell them to sell it. The Wilmark company tried to buy it from them with no success.

Additionally, how do you post pictures on this site that you take with your phone? I take one every 6 months from my patio and want to share them.

[SDfan]

Additionally, how do you post pictures on this site that you take with your phone? I take one every 6 months from my patio and want to share them.

Do you have a flickr or photobucket account? You could download either of their apps, load your pics there, and then use the image links to post them here.

[spoonman]

Time for a construction roundup...

U/C
State Courthouse (?)
Bosa at PCH (41 floors)
Pinnacle Tower 2 (45 floors)
Lucia Nel Cielo (24 floors)
Ballpark Village (37 floors)
Blue Sky (21 floors)

[nezbn22]

Time for a construction roundup...

U/C
State Courthouse (?)
Bosa at PCH (41 floors)
Pinnacle Tower 2 (45 floors)
Lucia Nel Cielo (24 floors)
Ballpark Village (37 floors)
Blue Sky (21 floors)

Also:

Lane Field hotel
Hotel on the old China Camp site near Little Italy
Marriott Marquis ballroom and pedestrian promenade
Pendry Hotel
Horton Plaza Park

[Chapelo]

One La Jolla Center in UTC is mostly complete, and should be opening in August. As far as I know, they don't have any tenants lined up yet.

La Jolla Commons Tower 3 is being redesigned, and will start construction this fall. I don't work for the company that occupies Tower 2 anymore, so unfortunately I don't know anymore than that.

[SDfan]

One La Jolla Center in UTC is mostly complete, and should be opening in August. As far as I know, they don't have any tenants lined up yet.

La Jolla Commons Tower 3 is being redesigned, and will start construction this fall. I don't work for the company that occupies Tower 2 anymore, so unfortunately I don't know anymore than that.

The intrigue, *crossing fingers* for a taller tower...

[Northparkwizard]

As far as I know, they don't have any tenants lined up yet.

Therein lies the problem. Which banks are lending money to speculative office tower construction without tenants lined up? I know the market is competitive but this seems silly.

That's how we got into this mess in the first place.

If you want high interest rates, that's how you get high interest rates.

[mello]

Is Lane Field already topped out? It looks so short. Drove by the new rental car facility and wondered how are people going to get there from the terminal?

[Bertrice]

Is Lane Field already topped out? It looks so short. Drove by the new rental car facility and wondered how are people going to get there from the terminal?

I was there yesterday. I counted up to 14.
I believe the car rental will have a dedicated shuttle lane on the airport grounds

http://www.camzone.com/

[Chapelo]

The intrigue, *crossing fingers* for a taller tower...

Prepare to be disappointed. They are only authorized to build up to 200 feet around there, due to the proximity to Miramar.

[tyleraf]

Chapelo: Miramar had previously approved 2 300 footers for the site under the condition that they upgrade the bases systems.

[SDfan]

Prepare to be disappointed. They are only authorized to build up to 200 feet around there, due to the proximity to Miramar.

Actually, 200 feet would be fine with me. Anything to break the 13-15 story would be great.

[SDfan]

Therein lies the problem. Which banks are lending money to speculative office tower construction without tenants lined up? I know the market is competitive but this seems silly.

That's how we got into this mess in the first place.

If you want high interest rates, that's how you get high interest rates.

Actually Irvine Co. paid directly out of pocket for this one. They make long term investments, so while this a speculative project, it's not indebted. No bank is lending for something this size in the county.

[SDfan]

Is Lane Field already topped out? It looks so short. Drove by the new rental car facility and wondered how are people going to get there from the terminal?

Remember, this is the shorter of the two towers to go up on that site. :cheers:

[tyleraf]

I don't know if I ever posted these here. Here are the early renderings of Lane Field South.
https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8824/16898608504_c53e4d8f43_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/rKgMz3)
https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8840/17518982722_235645a8a2_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/sG6ndf)

[JPAztec]

Does anybody have picture updates for the above mentioned projects? Been working out of town and would love to see what kind of progress is being made. Thanks in advance!

[mello]

Something 260 to 300 feet tall would really complete the UTC skyline, with the new medical midrises that have gone up on the west side it is now a decent chunky secondary skyline it just needs that one tower to poke out that will make it really nice.

Regarding Lane Field this just looks like a modern version of the Holiday Inn/Wyndham buildings that have been there since the 60's short stumpy and not sleek at all. I know that Hotels rarely are sleek they are usually wide and bulky but talk about a missed opportunity once again. I guess once the BOSA towers go up to the South of LF and behind it they will just become an afterthought.