SAN DIEGO | Boom Rundown, Vol. 2

[nezbn22]

Huge concrete pour at the broadway and pacific Bosa site yesterday. Had part of broadway and pacific closed for half the day while a steady stream of cement mixers came and went. Excited to see that hole start to move upward...

[Nerv]

Austin has been on fire with population growth for a while now. I've never thought that rapid growth is a good thing for a city. It's better to have a steady increase to give the city a chance to keep up with the new growth. My 2 cents.


Impressive due to a bigger population? If that's true then most people should consider Phoenix a more impressive city than say, San Francisco?

I doubt that's the case when outsiders judge a cities merits.


I do like Austins improving skyline but it has a long way to go in my opinion to challenge many of the U.S. cities as having a great downtown.

[mello]

I noticed a Swinerton Builders sign and construction fence around 13th and K last night. Civic San Diego says there is a development at 14th and K on East side so I'm confused. Do you guys know which project this would be?

Just looked at the old Library Tower renderings it had an awesome colorful base and would have been so nice. Too bad Luke Daniels and his group pussed out and are only building a 22 floor building...

[The Flying Dutchman]

I noticed a Swinerton Builders sign and construction fence around 13th and K last night. Civic San Diego says there is a development at 14th and K on East side so I'm confused. Do you guys know which project this would be?

Just looked at the old Library Tower renderings it had an awesome colorful base and would have been so nice. Too bad Luke Daniels and his group pussed out and are only building a 22 floor building...

Not sure about the east side, but after digging the only thing I could find was that the block boundary of 13th, 14th, J, and K is the Alexan. IIRC, they were moving the church this month to a different location on the parcel for renovation. Maybe the east side is one of those dead-in-the-water things from the old CCRC days. The Civic SD site is notoriously out-of-date and lacking in current, relevant data.

[The Flying Dutchman]

In the same vein, Civic SD released a new website that is supposed to keep tabs on capital improvement projects downtown:

http://civicsdprojects.com/

Only 3 are shown. Mind these are more along the lines of key infrastructure improvements, rather than development.

[mello]

Aw yes the Alexan well good news it has started. With that ballpark village and the library tower site East Village will be much more cohesive. The park at pinnacle looks great btw.

[SDCAL]

Holy Shit looks like NBC is actually going to happen with groundbreaking occurring before we are all on medicaid!! Corey Briggs can eat a fat one, and take your park talk to San Luis Obispo!! This is huge, 3 million square feet of office space and 1400 hotel rooms. Damn SD coming up huge this is going to put our downtown in a whole other league and ensure we don't get surpassed by Austin which I was kind of starting to get worried about because they are blowing up.

This is being hailed as the best Water view office space land left on the West Coast! Rumor is Manchester is looking for a partner investor to build all of this at once fast!! No stages over 15 years get er done! Manchester the builder! This guy is awesome he wants to see it get done before he dies this is a major legacy for any developer. Do you think he reaches out to a Chinese or Korean Billionaire who would love to stamp there legacy on the Premiere waterfront development on the West Coast?

Are they going to update the architectural plans at all? These things are over a decade old. I have mixed feelings about this project. That site SO needs to be developed immediately, but Manchesters plan doesn't do it justice. It looks like an Irvine business park being placed on the waterfront. I guess by this point though, I just want to see it built because like you said we could be on Medicare before it breaks ground if we have to start over. I do have to say I don't share your enthusiasm for Manchester. He seems like an ego-maniac with his primary interest being his legacy and his pocket book. When he sold the Manchester Hyatt downtown, he forced them to sign an agreement that they would have to continue using his name for like 25 years or something. Some regulations here do go overboard, but people like him do also need to be overseen by government agencies because their interests are often themselves, not the city.

[The Flying Dutchman]

Lol, how many renderings have we seen of countless proposed Chargers stadiums? These drawings are never final until, as they say, "the fat lady sings".

Final designs must be approved by the DCPC/CivicSD, who quite often ask for modifications to plans (usually in return for more lax development requirements as an exchange).

That said, I really hope they can come with something more bombastic for what is supposedly one of the most valuable real estate parcels on the West Coast. :cheers: Just anything but a f**king Ferris wheel.

[SDCAL]

I wonder what hotel would be put in at NBC? I remember years ago someone reported (if I'm recalling it correctly) that Manchester was talking to Mandarin Oriental. Would 2 five stars survive DTSD if we got the Ritz at 7th and Market and another 5 star at NBC? NBC could have great unobstructed bay views for a luxury hotel, but I think the planned design by Cisterra at 7th and Market is far superior to NBCs bland buildings.

[SDCAL]

Lol, how many renderings have we seen of countless proposed Chargers stadiums? These drawings are never final until, as they say, "the fat lady sings".

Final designs must be approved by the DCPC/CivicSD, who quite often ask for modifications to plans (usually in return for more lax development requirements as an exchange).

That said, I really hope they can come with something more bombastic for what is supposedly one of the most valuable real estate parcels on the West Coast. :cheers: Just anything but a f**king Ferris wheel.

Yes, NO Ferris wheel. Lol. But, I'm not sure how much leeway they have to make major changes without having to get this Coastal approval again?

[The ATX]

I find all this talk about Austin amusing. San Diego has a lot going for it besides the most perfect weather in the U.S. Why does anyone in San Diego even care about what's happening in Austin? I can guarantee nobody in Austin is concerned about San Diego.

[Derek]

Having just visited Austin, Austin has a loooooooong way to go before its downtown core reaches the density and activity levels of downtown San Diego. Yeah, they have a few shiny new tall towers going up, but it just doesn't really have the same vibe that you'd expect in a city core.

[Nerv]

People care about Austin because it's a booming city with its population so it's the new flavor of the month. Other cities that have been flavor of the month in the past include Phoenix and San Diego. :D

[Nerv]

For anyone interested in the NBC this is a good site to visit for several different views (some you may have seen already) on how the project will look to scale in the city.

http://bbpa.com/projects/enhanced-use-leasing-eul/broadway-complex-san-diego-ca/


As pointed out we will have to wait until the project is closer to breaking ground before we get a real detailed look but these aren't that bad.

It's not earth shattering but I don't mind the early renderings.

[ucsbgaucho]

While we're on the topic of NBC... here's an article from NBC7 regarding an idea/theory of the Jaguars relocating to SD if/when the Chargers leave for LA.

http://www.nbcsandiego.com/news/sports/Good-Bye-Chargers-Hello-Jaguars-323460171.html

[The ATX]

People care about Austin because it's a booming city with its population so it's the new flavor of the month. Other cities that have been flavor of the month in the past include Phoenix and San Diego. :D

True dat. After I posted that I thought maybe Manchester's hotel development in Austin brought attention to both cities. After Manchester's Austin convention center hotel announcement I started reading San Diego news articles (and the comments) about Manchester (Papa Doug specifically) and was quite entertained. :)

[dales5050]

Are they going to update the architectural plans at all? These things are over a decade old. I have mixed feelings about this project. That site SO needs to be developed immediately, but Manchesters plan doesn't do it justice. It looks like an Irvine business park being placed on the waterfront.

It's not an ideal design..that's for sure. But at this point wouldn't changing the design lead to more rounds of approvals? If I am Manchester...I would not change a thing if it caused more review.

That said the parcel could justify a much larger budget for upgrades to the design.

[spoonman]

Construction Cam at Ballpark Village...great shot of the massive excavation.

http://www.workzonecam.com/projects/turner7/ballparkvillage/workzonecam

[Streamliner]

Construction Cam at Ballpark Village...great shot of the massive excavation.

http://www.workzonecam.com/projects/turner7/ballparkvillage/workzonecam

I don't frequent construction cams very often, so maybe this is pretty standard, but that is really cool how you can compare images with previous shots! I hope they keep this up for awhile, it'll be fun to see the progress.

[tyleraf]

Makers Quarter has filed for permits for a 333 foot tower. http://www.civicsd.com/images/stories/downloads/meetings-and-events/event-calendar/2015/NOA_-_9.4.15.pdf

[Bertrice]

Horton plaza park from today. the pylons are going up, Touchdown San Diego!

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5761/21145533645_dec0e5634c_b.jpg

[Streamliner]

^^^Wow! I apparently haven't been by Horton Plaza in awhile, I'm amazed it's become something more than a dirt pile.

Makers Quarter has filed for permits for a 333 foot tower. http://www.civicsd.com/images/stories/downloads/meetings-and-events/event-calendar/2015/NOA_-_9.4.15.pdf

For reference, that's the same height as the Federal Courthouse building

[The Flying Dutchman]

Dallas-based company specializing in high-end apartments. It will be interesting to see how they fit into the Maker's Quarter concept the Navarra family is pushing for on their land.

[tyleraf]

Here is a rendering of the MQ tower.
https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5775/20957325358_c123f173f3_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/xVVLFQ)image (https://flic.kr/p/xVVLFQ) by tylerfagan (https://www.flickr.com/photos/96153353@N08/), on Flickr

[The Flying Dutchman]

Another glorified parking garage.

[mello]

A big battle is obviously going on between interests who want a non contiguous convention center built just behind Petco, I'm guessing John Moores (JMI) and his cohorts. All the while 2000 hotel rooms hang in the balance, (Huge JMI proposal and 500 room Hilton Bayfront expansion).

The whole argument by Briggs is such utter bs claiming that the waterfront land is meant to be used by the public. We all know the land where the expansion would take place is a parking lot and loading bay area from the CC and the contiguous proposal would wipe out that eyesore and actually greatly enhance the bayfront experience with an awesome roof top park.

Briggs also claims the Convention Center is not open to the public and that is so false anyone can walk up the steps and see the gorgeous views from up there. What do you guys think is the endgame here what are the powerplayers trying to accomplish. Keep in mind the existing hoteliers do not want to see Moores big project go through the less inventory downtown the better for them.

Thanks for your input.

[The Flying Dutchman]

I don't think any outward expansion will happen. Love or hate Cory Briggs, he beats to his own drum, and he's pretty good at it. Any expansion will either have to be built inward or non-contiguously. That much we can be sure of. That, or razing the current CC to the ground. (Maybe not the worst idea given it's $30 million maintenance backlog.)

Since there really is no room directly across the current CC for expansion, it will most likely have to come from the lower East Village. Enter JMI. CC or not, that's where development is headed. I imagine many more fights to come as big money wages for real estate as far south as Barrio Logan, perhaps farther.

That's a long way off, but for the time being, let's not forget the Chargers debacle, which must be 'a good and fair deal for taxpayers'. Recent pollsters have advised Mayor Faulconer that asking for a tax increase (hotel TOT) is far more politically feasible than a stadium vote. I think given the choice to go to the polls with one or the other, Faulconer will choose the TOT.

Now, since stadium money could quite possibly come from the general fund, Faulconer could cook up some way to fund a new stadium with increased hotel/convention center tourism revenue. Robbing Peter to pay Paul, so to speak. Kills two birds with one stone, too.

I think if a TOT had union support, it would pass without a problem. As it stands, it does not (likely the reason it failed a couple years ago and also why Lorena Gonzales is pushing for development decisions to be made by the City Council, rather than CivicSD.)

It all makes for good popcorn drama, that's for damn sure. I think the market will take its own course if the Mayor can't figure all this out, as it has been doing for years (PETCO, Waterfront/Embarcadero). At the end of the day, is it too much of a stretch to think of our downtown as one massive open-playground area for all? Probably not, but then again, the hoteliers want their monopoly.

[dales5050]

What do you guys think is the endgame here what are the power players trying to accomplish. Keep in mind the existing hoteliers do not want to see Moores big project go through the less inventory downtown the better for them.

Thanks for your input.

It's a shame that people like Briggs to have the power they do. That guy is as dirty as them come and single handedly held back San Diego.

While you can't stop a lawyer from filing lawsuits.. YOU CAN punish those people who are connected to him.


At the end of the day I think the bayfront convention center expansion happens. But it's going to take losing out on something like ComicCon for it to get a green light sadly.

[eburress]

Here is a rendering of the MQ tower.
https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5775/20957325358_c123f173f3_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/xVVLFQ)image (https://flic.kr/p/xVVLFQ) by tylerfagan (https://www.flickr.com/photos/96153353@N08/), on Flickr

I like it! Streetlights' projects are usually pretty nice.

[Chapelo]

I work over at The Plaza office complex, and take the footbridge that crosses La Jolla Village Drive to eat lunch at the UTC Mall. Here are some pictures of the work progressing on the west side of the mall, where the new Nordstrom and parking structure will go.

http://i.imgur.com/PTVM09Qh.jpg (http://imgur.com/PTVM09Q)

They tore down most of the buildings that were on the northwest side, including Cozymel's, the Scripps Clinic, and Bluefin. They all looked to be buildings that were original to the mall when it opened in 1977. I think this was the childcare building.

http://i.imgur.com/4hs2xI9h.jpg (http://imgur.com/4hs2xI9)

The Costa Verde development is still a hole, but appears to be moving along nicely. I've seen concrete trucks there, so foundation work must be in progress. I work in the shorter tower (the 10 story one), and it's kinda hard to get pictures of the site....not high enough.

[mello]

The only people who love Corey Briggs are those with the San Luis Obispo mentality who still can't comprehend this is a major city and don't give a damn about the next generation coming up behind them or those trying to get in to the middle class in SD. Briggs has easily taken 10k hard working people out of the middle class who would have been busy building projects. He is as selfish as they come and must have been bullied as a kid/beat by his parents or born with a mico penis.

That being said what is behind him proposing the TOT increase? What master is he serving concocting this new idea. I actually do like it but why have we waited so long that Briggs is the one to bring it up. You only need 50% to pass a TOT increase to just have it go in to the general fund (non earmarked), so why hasn't this been done years ago?

Why are the Unions opposed to a TOT increase and I always wondered why the Unions haven't attacked Briggs and his ilk for being anti worker and anti middle class because they block projects and high paying construction jobs from moving forward.

[The Flying Dutchman]

Unions want more say on what they are paid and how they are involved in the development process (e.g req. new hotel development to hire Union employees.) This is why they want more control over CivicSD/city council.

Hotels have an effective tax rate of 12.5% (10.5% TOT plus a self-imposed "tax" for the TMD of 2.0%)

News covered this topic here: http://www.nbcsandiego.com/video/#!/on-air/as-seen-on/SD-Fact-Check--A-Tax-or-Not-a-Tax-/324589721

Briggs wants to drop the TMD which does NOT go to the general revenue fund, raise the TOT to 15%, effectively raising what customers already pay by an additional 2.5% in line with most major cities, and also direct the net gain of 4.5% towards the general revenue fund.

It's something I agree with, too.

[The Flying Dutchman]

Thanks for the updates re. UTC. Good to have eyes on the ground! New UTC tower just opened:

http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/2015/sep/05/irvine-office-utc-neustar-flexibility/

[HurricaneHugo]

What building in any city would you steal and put in San Diego?

http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/showthread.php?t=218630

Icon says one of the Petronas towers, I say Sydney Opera House, you?

[dales5050]

Unions want more say on what they are paid and how they are involved in the development process (e.g req. new hotel development to hire Union employees.) This is why they want more control over CivicSD/city council.

Hotels have an effective tax rate of 12.5% (10.5% TOT plus a self-imposed "tax" for the TMD of 2.0%)

News covered this topic here: http://www.nbcsandiego.com/video/#!/on-air/as-seen-on/SD-Fact-Check--A-Tax-or-Not-a-Tax-/324589721

Briggs wants to drop the TMD which does NOT go to the general revenue fund, raise the TOT to 15%, effectively raising what customers already pay by an additional 2.5% in line with most major cities, and also direct the net gain of 4.5% towards the general revenue fund.

It's something I agree with, too.


So you want a tax that is paid by tourists that goes to fund bringing in more tourism dollars to be removed and replaced with a higher amount charged to tourists but that funding being pushed to a general fund...where it does not do anything to grow tourism?

I don't care if you call it a fee or a tax. It's just smart business to set aside revenue from one of THE most important revenue sources to specifically grow that revenue stream.

Your first point explains it all. Unions, which are only there to benefit it's members (no matter what BS they sell you on standing up for workers) want to wet their beak.

Briggs is in bed with the same people who are owned by unions. People like Lorena Gonzalez and her brother Marco...who is also a wart on the ass of the city as well.


Anyone in support of these 3 people are just as bad as the worst NIMBYs....similar outcome just a different game.

[Streamliner]

What building in any city would you steal and put in San Diego?

http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/showthread.php?t=218630

Icon says one of the Petronas towers, I say Sydney Opera House, you?

That's a fun thread. I always liked London's Leadenhall building (http://urbantoronto.ca/sites/default/files/images/projects/11717/11717-42576.jpeg). At 735 feet it would create a nice peak in the skyline without overwhelming it. I'd have it replace the ugly concrete jailhouse on State/F Street.

[Streamliner]

I work over at The Plaza office complex, and take the footbridge that crosses La Jolla Village Drive to eat lunch at the UTC Mall. Here are some pictures of the work progressing on the west side of the mall, where the new Nordstrom and parking structure will go.


Speaking of The Plaza, they also demolished the Donovan's steakhouse there. It looks like something's going up really quickly, but I couldn't catch what it was as I drove by.

[mello]

Does anyone know what is the hold up with the Hazard Center Expansion? Is it still a 22 floor apartment tower? That proposal has been around for years and still nothing. Rental market is red hot and Western Mission Valley with perfect weather and central to job centers is a can't miss for solid 2 or 3 bedroom rentals. Also Manchester's project at the UT San Diego property? Strange that these two projects aren't breaking ground. Economy has been solid for 2 years and like I said you can't beat SD's rental market.

[Streamliner]

Does anyone know what is the hold up with the Hazard Center Expansion? Is it still a 22 floor apartment tower? That proposal has been around for years and still nothing. Rental market is red hot and Western Mission Valley with perfect weather and central to job centers is a can't miss for solid 2 or 3 bedroom rentals. Also Manchester's project at the UT San Diego property? Strange that these two projects aren't breaking ground. Economy has been solid for 2 years and like I said you can't beat SD's rental market.

This article from Voice of San Diego says that approval has been granted. Haven't heard much at all though. You're right, one would think that they would want to move a bit quicker than this.

[Chapelo]

Speaking of The Plaza, they also demolished the Donovan's steakhouse there. It looks like something's going up really quickly, but I couldn't catch what it was as I drove by.

It's going to be a Red O Restaurant

http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/2014/dec/17/rick-bayless-red-o-restaurant-utc/

They slapped up steel last week, and looks like they're just about done erecting steel.

Good thing too, Donovan's felt really dated...like nothing had changed since 1986. The food wasn't that great.

[Northparkwizard]

New art installation at Fault Line Park lets you listen to the Rose Canyon Fault.


FAULT WHISPER

Living Lenses
Po Shu Wang and Louise Bertelsen
2014/2015
Mixed Media

1433 Island Avenue, San Diego, CA 92101
Latitude 32.709934°, Longitude 117.151591°

"This remote eavesdropping function is part of the interactive public art installation titled Fault Whisper located at Fault Line Park. A shallow fault rupture of the Rose Canyon Fault System runs diagonally across the park, and is marked by two stainless steel spheres standing on opposite sides of the fault. The west sphere is equipped with a viewfinder, through which visitors can see the east sphere being exactly at the center of view at the time of installation in 2015. Any future fault movement will create an offset along the sightline, and will be noticeable to viewers. An accelerometer installed below the spheres deep into the fault rupture monitors the Earth's movements in real time. Its movement direction and amplitude data stream is processed into musical notes that are gently broadcast from the west sphere viewfinder. Anyone from around the world can click the sound icon above to eavesdrop on the Earth, at the rupture; thereby creating a remote intimacy that connects the local fault line with the global tectonic reality.

You can find more information, images, and technical specification at:
www.livinglenses.com"

Link with the sound: http://www.sandiego.gov/arts-culture/publicart/civicart/faultwhisper/

[Chapelo]

http://i.imgur.com/pqmvOPZl.jpg (http://imgur.com/pqmvOPZ)

Part of it is obscured by the tree, I will try to get a better picture from over the fence.

[spoonman]

Seems like a poor use of space for a prized location surrounded by high rises and a major mall undergoing a massive expansion that will include residential and rail transit. Perhaps that parcel has maxed out the FAR limits.

[IconRPCV]

That's a fun thread. I always liked London's Leadenhall building (http://urbantoronto.ca/sites/default/files/images/projects/11717/11717-42576.jpeg). At 735 feet it would create a nice peak in the skyline without overwhelming it. I'd have it replace the ugly concrete jailhouse on State/F Street.

that would look perfect!

[SDCAL]

What building in any city would you steal and put in San Diego?

http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/showthread.php?t=218630

Icon says one of the Petronas towers, I say Sydney Opera House, you?

I'd probably say the Sydney Opera House too, would be a good fit in SD. I wish there was some type of large, iconic building going in at Navy Broadway instead of the mish-mash of unimaginative corporate style office buildings Manchester is going to put there.

I just need to keep taking deep breaths and repeating my response to Navy Broadway Complex:

"It's still way better than the crap there now, it's still way better than the crap there now"

[Chapelo]

Seems like a poor use of space for a prized location surrounded by high rises and a major mall undergoing a massive expansion that will include residential and rail transit. Perhaps that parcel has maxed out the FAR limits.

it's only about half the building, the other half was obscured by the trees. I'll get a better picture.

It's apparently supposed to have a pool of some sort for waterside dining. And of course, I'm sure some of the parcel will be used for parking too.

[embora]

Huge concrete pour at the broadway and pacific Bosa site yesterday. Had part of broadway and pacific closed for half the day while a steady stream of cement mixers came and went. Excited to see that hole start to move upward...

At least as of a couple of weeks ago, they had a second concrete pour scheduled for Saturday Sept 12 from 5am to 7pm. It's supposed to affect PacHway from Harbor to C St. and Broadway from Kettner to Harbor Drive.

[Streamliner]

I was exploring downtown via Google Streetview, and I noticed that 928 Broadway, a Senior Center, just went through some refurbishmentin the last year. It looks like they fixed up the street facing side by removing the fencing and adding extra windows. The "tower" looks to have some modern window treatments as well.

Check it out in Google Streetview (https://www.google.com/maps/@32.7157601,-117.1557786,3a,75y,313.83h,93.25t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1stGbze5Y223-qiadzxQ6ZsA!2e0!7i13312!8i6656)

[embora]

I was exploring downtown via Google Streetview, and I noticed that 928 Broadway, a Senior Center, just went through some refurbishmentin the last year. It looks like they fixed up the street facing side by removing the fencing and adding extra windows. The "tower" looks to have some modern window treatments as well.

Check it out in Google Streetview (https://www.google.com/maps/@32.7157601,-117.1557786,3a,75y,313.83h,93.25t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1stGbze5Y223-qiadzxQ6ZsA!2e0!7i13312!8i6656)

It's amazing that such a seemingly minor change can make a building's appearance improve so drastically (in my opinion). Thank you for sharing.

[IconRPCV]

Is it just me or does anyone else think the Pinnacle at the Park is the ugliest building, such an eyesore with that gaudy yellow. I stands out so much as well because it is all by itself in the east village, I like its height and the design isn't horrible, just whats up with the screaming yellow?

[embora]

Is it just me or does anyone else think the Pinnacle at the Park is the ugliest building, such an eyesore with that gaudy yellow. I stands out so much as well because it is all by itself in the east village, I like its height and the design isn't horrible, just whats up with the screaming yellow?

Being a Packers fan, I love it! My family and I refer to it as the "Green Bay Packer Building." :) NFL preferences aside, I like the dash of yellow being added to the skyline.

Then... the other Pinnacle at the Park tower is the Minnesota Twins tower (Red & Blue).

[Streamliner]

http://cdn.sandiegouniontrib.com/img/photos/2015/09/04/jg_paradeofsail346959x1515_t1200x620.jpg?a21279908d466bad362a92ac4f9966b56d1df868
Source: Union Tribune (http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/2015/sep/05/festival-of-sail-san-salvador-2015/)

Photo of the recently completed San Salvador ship at the Festival of Sail event. You can see the new Central Courthouse going up in the background.


Is it just me or does anyone else think the Pinnacle at the Park is the ugliest building, such an eyesore with that gaudy yellow. I stands out so much as well because it is all by itself in the east village, I like its height and the design isn't horrible, just whats up with the screaming yellow?

I really hated the renderings, but I didn't think it turned out as ugly as I thought it would. Once the sister tower goes up in its red paint job, they'll look like ketchup and mustard. If it were on the waterfront I might have more issues. I do worry though that the paint will fade in an unattractive way.

[nezbn22]

http://cdn.sandiegouniontrib.com/img/photos/2015/09/04/jg_paradeofsail346959x1515_t1200x620.jpg?a21279908d466bad362a92ac4f9966b56d1df868
Source: Union Tribune (http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/2015/sep/05/festival-of-sail-san-salvador-2015/)

Photo of the recently completed San Salvador ship at the Festival of Sail event. You can see the new Central Courthouse going up in the background.




I really hated the renderings, but I didn't think it turned out as ugly as I thought it would. Once the sister tower goes up in its red paint job, they'll look like ketchup and mustard. If it were on the waterfront I might have more issues. I do worry though that the paint will fade in an unattractive way.

If you're worried about the waterfront, better start praying that the Lane Field hotel abandons its big yellow stripe that wraps around the midsection of the building. I don't love that building for several reasons, but that yellow block stripe tops the list. I'm hoping someone comes to their senses before that paint gets slathered on...

[Streamliner]

Get ready for more red tape downtown:

Civic San Diego restrictions OKd by Legislature
San Diego Union-Tribune
Roger Showley
September 15, 2015

Link to Article (http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/2015/sep/14/civic-development-gonzalez/)

Downtown skyscrapers, sidewalk cafes and everything in between have enjoyed a speedy review process for 40 years through a special city agency, but all that could change under a bill given final approval by the Legislature last week.

The bill, AB504 by Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez, D-San Diego, would allow major projects to be appealed to the City Council and, if one reading is correct, it could add extra hours to council meetings and require the hiring of more than 30 planners to review projects. The bill will go into effect Jan. 1 if Gov. Jerry Brown signs it in the next few weeks.

...

The new law would require city approval of all discretionary projects and allow appeals of zoning changes, development permits, variances and other planning functions that deal with residential projects of 50 or more units, hotels of 50 or more rooms and commercial developments of 25,000 square feet or more. It's unclear how CivicSD's review of building designs and approval of conditional use permits for sidewalk cafes, signs and other development details would be affected.

...

"This bill seeks to purposefully remove efficiency from the process, making development downtown the least efficient place to build in the city instead of the most efficient," Gattas said. "Now, the City Council could potentially spend hours debating minor design issues on small projects versus key policy discussions. That’s just one of the many unintended consequences we could foresee occurring as a result of this ill-conceived bill."

With downtown high-rise apartment and condo towers adding hundreds of new dwelling units annually, the new review process will be "clogging up the only relief valve we have for San Diego's severe housing crisis," said Kris Michell, president and CEO of the Downtown San Diego Partnership business group.

[mello]

Please Jerry don't sign that bill :(

Have you guys looked at that aerial Denver thread in city photos? They are killing us when it comes to infill. Maybe they were lucky to have a bunch of old industrial land within a mile or so of downtown that is defunct and now ripe for development. I think our planners should go study, Denver, Seattle, and Vancouver for ideas.

The Miami aerial thread is INSANE! They built about 50 towers in the 350 to upper 500 foot range it seems. God I wish investor money could flow in to San Diego like that.

[spoonman]

^ I think they have done a nice job, but I would't say they are killing us by any stretch. We are continuing to build a lot of towers and are shooting for higher densities than low rise residential buildings.

[mello]

Did you look at the thread? From what I can see they are killing SD right now when it comes to near downtown infill maybe we are doing better right in our downtown area. If Barrio Logan starts getting more built up then thats a game changer.

So how can the State pass a law that only pertains to CivicSD and not other cities in the entire state? I'm not too familiar with state politics and how these bills work. Is this going to come down to Jerry Sanders listening to Faulconer and his cohorts or the Union Goons/Lorena Gomez?

[HurricaneHugo]

High court clears way for Jacobs' Balboa Park plan

http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/2015/sep/11/court-balboa-jacobs-ruling/

Why can't they just build a parking structure somewhere on 6th street?

Also whatever happened to that underground parking structure at the zoo?

[Northparkwizard]

Makers Quarter Streetlights Development Package. (http://dcpcsd.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/REC-Item-7-Streetlights-MQ-Drawings_11x17_ALL.pdf)

Renderings included.

[HurricaneHugo]

Downtown from SDHS

http://i.imgur.com/cb7ktKd.jpg

Hopefully Maker's Quarter will make a sizable impact!

[Streamliner]

Downtown from SDHS

http://i.imgur.com/cb7ktKd.jpg

Hopefully Maker's Quarter will make a sizable impact!

That's a really unique view of the skyline! I almost didn't recognize it. Looks a bit like a city in Asia.

In other news:

http://cdn.sandiegouniontrib.com/img/photos/2015/09/16/bosa_looking_ne_at_bway-pachwy-9.2015_t837.jpg

Bosa condo redesign wins raves
San Diego Union-Tribune
Roger Showley
September 17, 2015

Link to Article (http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/2015/sep/16/bosa-condos-pacific-highway-design-civic/)

CivicSD directors especially liked the ground-floor plaza area, occupying a 70-foot setback from the curb.

"I appreciate the developer has stopped what I feared would be another vertical suburbanism of the streetscape," said director Phil Rath.

...

The new tower, rising about 490 feet above ground, has been redesigned to include an unobstructed pedestrian pathway along C Street from the Santa Fe Depot to the waterfront.

"It will be absolutely gorgeous to be able to see all the way to the bay," said Gary Smith, president of the San Diego Downtown Residents Group.

One other detail unveiled at the design review was how the building will be lighted -- not with flashy neon and floodlights but more subtle effects, the architect said.

"A lot of modern cities suffer from excessive light," Park saids. "We focus on not revealing the source of light."

Park said construction could begin as early as 2017 if there are no holdups in further review building permit processing. The project still needs final approval from the full CivicSD board and the City Council.

It doesn't seem like the tower itself was redesigned, just the street level. Looks good though. They expect it to start construction in 2017
.http://cdn.sandiegouniontrib.com/img/photos/2015/09/16/c_st_view_thru_bosa-lane9.2015_t837.jpg
Images from the article (http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/2015/sep/16/bosa-condos-pacific-highway-design-civic/)

[spoonman]

I like that the city at least restored pedestrian access for the C Street right of way. I'm a big proponent of preserving the street grid...much of it has been destroyed through civic projects such as Horton Plaza, courthouses, FBI, ballpark, etc.

[mello]

Boo Bosa I love your tower but why do you have to move soooo slooowww.... 2017? So he did nothing for what 5 years after Electra and now he just sits on prime parcels and builds one at a time. Why did Miami only take a two year breather on condo construction yet downtown SD is taking a 6 year breather essentially? I can't believe Bosa won't take on a partner so he can do more building. At this pace he will be dead by the time all his SD parcels are built out.

I am praying that this tower plus NBC get underway before the next economic downturn because how crappy would it be if they got pushed back due to a huge recession.

[Northparkwizard]

For the lazy, MQ Streetlights ground level elevations.
http://i.imgur.com/5cx2A55.png
http://i.imgur.com/HCAN4SB.png

[The Flying Dutchman]

Ah yes, the tranquility of being able to sip a beer at the bottom of a freeway terminus is something to look forward to!

[embora]

The Downtown Community Planning Council of San Diego recommends that Civic SD approve the East Village Green General Development Plan. See the below link for a whole lot of conceptual illustrations.

I was at a community meeting for the East Village Green, and I understand that they have funding for phase one, which includes the entire block between 13th, 14th, G, & F, in addition to the southwestern portion of the larger block. And I heard them to say that SDG&E is amenable to the removal of the metal fences around their substation. The current concept shows two dog runs (for large and small dogs) at the southwest portion of the large block, and a "bark bar" in between the dog runs, where people can buy food/drink and watch the dogs. The historic houses currently located at that corner would be moved to the northeast portion of the block.

The smaller block/phase 1 would also include performance area, a community athletic center, open lawn, a performance area, children's playground area, a "reading room," underground parking, and other amenities. They said they are positioning most of the amenities that the public asked for in phase 1, because there is no telling if phases 2 and 3 will ever happen.

They (don't remember who) said that they haven't spoken with Smart & Final, but that Smart & Final didn't seem to interested in moving. Options I've seen for the SDG&E substation during the three charette's they've held include: 1) no change, 2) moving it to the southeast corner of the Smart & Final property, and re building it underground.

I personally am looking forward to this becoming a reality. I seem to remember "them" saying that engineering plans could start being worked on late this year, or early next year. Sorry for the sketchy memory, as the presentation I attended occurred a couple of weeks ago.

http://dcpcsd.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/Item-11-East-Village-Green-General-Development-Plan.pdf

[The Flying Dutchman]

Smart 'n' Final made a good business move to invest in that area years back and it looks like their dividends are paying off... I can't really blame them. However, if the City was serious about developing this portion of EV into a large-scale park, I'm sure some sort of arrangement could be made to move Smart 'n' Final into one of the large commercial floor plans that continue to remain vacant in some of these new buildings...

[SDfan]

Looks like Makers Quarter is going to be bigger than we thought...

What we've seen:

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c24/SDfan12/Public/Rendering_-_North_West_View1_t837.jpg (http://s24.photobucket.com/user/SDfan12/media/Public/Rendering_-_North_West_View1_t837.jpg.html)

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c24/SDfan12/Public/streetlights2-9.2015_t837.jpg (http://s24.photobucket.com/user/SDfan12/media/Public/streetlights2-9.2015_t837.jpg.html)

New:

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c24/SDfan12/Public/150924_Block_D_t837.jpg (http://s24.photobucket.com/user/SDfan12/media/Public/150924_Block_D_t837.jpg.html)

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c24/SDfan12/Public/150924_Makers_Quarter_r900x493.jpg (http://s24.photobucket.com/user/SDfan12/media/Public/150924_Makers_Quarter_r900x493.jpg.html)

Apparently the office component is going to be nearly 1 million sqft.

http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/2015/sep/25/makers-quarter-office-residential/

And East Village Green:

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c24/SDfan12/Public/Aerial03-Aug31_r900x493.jpg (http://s24.photobucket.com/user/SDfan12/media/Public/Aerial03-Aug31_r900x493.jpg.html)

http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/2015/sep/25/east-village-green/

[Bertrice]

Makes you think what if Qualcomm had put their campus in EV instead of sorrento valley. that would have been a game changer. instead the 5 over there is a disaster at 4 o'clock

[embora]

Originally Posted by SDfan:

Apparently the office component is going to be nearly 1 million sqft.

http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/...e-residential/




I just wanted to add the below image from the same UT article because it suggests that the groundbreakings are coming up soon. I seem to remember hearing a while back that Broadstone Makers Quarter was to start construction in late 2015, and according to this image, it's still on track. I'm so used to groundbreaking dates slipping that it amazes me that this one might actually be accurate.

Also, if all of these groundbreaking dates were accurate, they'd be occurring at a pretty steady pace (see the list below). :) Of course, the cynic in me says that these dates are probably just from the phasing listed in a master plan, which might not really be more than a ballpark figure, given that economic cycles rise and fall. :(

Fall 2015 Broadstone Makers Quarter
Spring 2016 Collaborative Office Hub
Late 2016 Street Lights Makers Quarter
Early 2017 East Village Green
Late 2017 1500@Broadway
(targeted completion: 2020) Makers Quarter 1

Adding to what you said about there being 1,000,000 s.f. of office space, the below image lists 700,000 square feet for Makers Quarter 1 alone. That's comparable to America Plaza (622,580 s.f),according to the below source.

Source for America Plaza data:
http://www.loopnet.com/xNet/MainSite/Listing/Profile/Profile.aspx?LID=15775551&SRID=6299260202&StepID=101


http://cdn.sandiegouniontrib.com/img/photos/2015/09/25/DT_map_t800.png?82acc990e83cbd9aea7ecc37464958abbe9dc656

[Bertrice]

Liberty Station hotel construction/ lot clearing

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5745/21554154609_347ddc7a52_z.jpg

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5716/21729423762_2711bd493e_z.jpg

https://farm1.staticflickr.com/723/21553019420_ca4d7933e5_z.jpg

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5729/21729415832_5bcc3de9cf_z.jpg

[embora]

Liberty Station hotel construction/ lot clearing


Is this where there was a navy "ship" on the ground, just north of Harbor Drive?

[nezbn22]

Is this where there was a navy "ship" on the ground, just north of Harbor Drive?

The "ship" is still there. It's on the other side of the channel you see in those pics.

[Northparkwizard]

The "ship" is still there. It's on the other side of the channel you see in those pics.

The "USS Neversail".

[Northparkwizard]

Long-Time Mid-City Business To Become San Diego’s Next Coworking Space. (http://www.kpbs.org/news/2015/sep/28/long-time-city-heights-business-become-san-diegos-/)

https://kpbs.media.clients.ellingtoncms.com/img/photos/2015/09/25/NightRendering_t700.png?f40c0e74b997dbb01ce524758e0d04a31382c8af

[SDfan]

Long-Time Mid-City Business To Become San Diego’s Next Coworking Space. (http://www.kpbs.org/news/2015/sep/28/long-time-city-heights-business-become-san-diegos-/)

https://kpbs.media.clients.ellingtoncms.com/img/photos/2015/09/25/NightRendering_t700.png?f40c0e74b997dbb01ce524758e0d04a31382c8af

This is great news. I can't wait for El Cajon Blvd to grow. It will be the perfect place for 6-8 story mixed use projects and great pedestrian/transit oriented development. Thankfully the business association in the area is very supportive of these kinds of projects, and I don't see much NIMBY-ism from locals - yet. The only thing that's concerning are the usual issues surrounding gentrification. I wish the city was actively purchasing units to keep a sizable affordable housing stock for the refugee, migrant and minority communities that make Mid-City so diverse.

I know we aren't anywhere near San Francisco's disastrous housing situation (372 sq miles in SD helps vs. SF's 47 sq miles), but we need to start preparing for a future where land and housing costs will become so prohibitively expensive that you would need to be incredibly wealthy, gained inheritance, OR require public assistance to live in SD. We need more housing overall AND lock in more affordable units asap.

[Bertrice]

from twitter

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CPx5pwAUcAAxBX1.jpg

[The Flying Dutchman]

I can't wait! My only hope is that the bums don't totally overrun it.

[HurricaneHugo]

Ballpark Village is now a giant hole in the ground:

http://i.imgur.com/72JA1Xp.jpg

[Streamliner]

I was on the San Diego County Court website trying to postpone my jury duty when I saw their courthouse construction webcam. Here's the updated webcam image:

http://webcampub.multivista.com/index.cfm?WebcamPublicPageUID=68481374-9D98-46A1-948D-AECE9BBC380C&fuseaction=aPublicWebcam.getHTTPStream&dc=1444076084414

Webcam link here (http://webcampub.multivista.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=aPublicWebcam.page&WebcamPublicPageUID=68481374-9D98-46A1-948D-AECE9BBC380C)

[dtell04]

What the consensus on IDEA 1 actually starting next month? I'm willing to bet it won't happen.
Also, MTS is adding more rapid station stops. This is just a bench and little overhang for the most part. They will be around the city college trolley stop. One of them will be under my patio. Does anyone know if these have to get approved in the same fashion as everything else downtown? I didn't get a notice from civic sd via email. I'm not sure if I just missed it somehow or the MTS can just do what they want.

[The Flying Dutchman]

That area of Broadway really needs a face lift. I think the new bus stations will help it out, particularly because the old dirty sidewalk will get replaced and widened, and there will be better lighting in obvious drug deal spots which should act as a deterrent.

MTS just administers whatever SANDAG puts out, and SANDAG often just does whatever it wants.

[HurricaneHugo]

Proposed park over the 94 between Sherman Heights and Golden Hills!

http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/2015/oct/07/new-par-over-route-94-to-connect-three/

http://cdn.sandiegouniontrib.com/img/photos/2015/10/07/sd-me-highway-park_t800.png?82acc990e83cbd9aea7ecc37464958abbe9dc656

[The Flying Dutchman]

More info on the cap here:

http://www.dot.ca.gov/dist11/departments/planning/planningpages/capstudy.htm

[Streamliner]

Concept A:
https://scontent.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/12020004_406935882850866_7841407108067632411_n.jpg?oh=a8e1b011e93cc4c2eddbf9e43e1a1430&oe=56996FEA

Concept B:https://scontent.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfp1/v/t1.0-9/12039767_406935946184193_3897091880576616517_n.jpg?oh=528a36316f2308cb161d19c1c8f4a521&oe=56934B36
Source (https://www.facebook.com/CaltransDistrict11/photos/pcb.406936209517500/406935946184193/?type=3&theater)

This is a great idea and I hope they can make it work. San Diego could mend a lot of damage caused by the I-5 if they did something similar between 1st and 6th Avenues and J and G Street.

[SDfan]

Civic SD is still relevant:

http://www.voiceofsandiego.org/topics/government/brown-throws-civic-san-diego-a-life-raft/

[SDfan]

Concept B:https://scontent.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfp1/v/t1.0-9/12039767_406935946184193_3897091880576616517_n.jpg?oh=528a36316f2308cb161d19c1c8f4a521&oe=56934B36
Source (https://www.facebook.com/CaltransDistrict11/photos/pcb.406936209517500/406935946184193/?type=3&theater)


I live at 25th and C, this would be such a great thing for the communities. I prefer option B, a transit stop connected to the Rapid system would be best (well, a trolley line would be better, but whatever). These neighborhoods may not be full of high-rises, but they're incredibly dense. There would be people (like me) who would benefit greatly from more regional transit options nearby.

[Northparkwizard]

Between this study(which I really like), the East Village Green, Waterfront Park and that new pedestrian plaza in Little Italy that's under construction I feel like San Diego is turning the corner a bit when it comes to realizing the value of public spaces.

I'd love to see the park that was being proposed behind the North Park Theatre(currently a non-operational parking lot) to actually be built in my lifetime.

[spoonman]

I love this idea, but it does reward a neighborhood that I understand to be somewhat anti-growth. Would be nice to see this dangled as a carrot for more development.

[embora]

Also, MTS is adding more rapid station stops. This is just a bench and little overhang for the most part. They will be around the city college trolley stop. One of them will be under my patio. Does anyone know if these have to get approved in the same fashion as everything else downtown? I didn't get a notice from civic sd via email. I'm not sure if I just missed it somehow or the MTS can just do what they want.

There was an MND about two years ago. Here's a link to the Final MND, in case it is of interest: http://r.search.yahoo.com/_ylt=AwrTcdr7ZBhWelEAirwnnIlQ;_ylu=X3oDMTByYnR1Zmd1BGNvbG8DZ3ExBHBvcwMyBHZ0aWQDBHNlYwNzcg--/RV=2/RE=1444468092/RO=10/RU=http%3a%2f%2fwww.keepsandiegomoving.com%2fLibraries%2fLossan-doc%2fFinal_MND_Downtown_BRT_Stations.sflb.ashx/RK=0/RS=NpU8XyiOpSmQX2A2r5qyHIJb64I-

[SDCAL]

What the consensus on IDEA 1 actually starting next month? I'm willing to bet it won't happen.

It won't break ground this year. I hope I'm wrong and I don't have any inside info, it just seems like it is one of those projects that has stalled multiple times and the developers seem kind of sketchy - heavily promoted but no action. Maybe someone on here has some tangible info on it? The last I heard there were concerns over the density or lack thereof.

[ozone]

Sadly the track record for getting these freeway caps actually built is not very good.

[Northparkwizard]

Sadly the track record for getting these freeway caps actually built is not very good.

Well, the one and only proposed freeway cap in SD got built 10+ years ago, so we're batting 1000 so far.

[SDfan]

Well, the one and only proposed freeway cap in SD got built 10+ years ago, so we're batting 1000 so far.

Not true, unfortunately. CCDC proposed freeway lids over the 5 between downtown and Balboa Park, and another set a bit further down between the East Village and Sherman Heights. That was about 10 years ago, and of course those plans deflated once redevelopment was shut down.

[Bertrice]

This is an Ice rink going in at liberty station plaza

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5811/22102470135_aa100da08e_z.jpg

[photoLith]

An outdoor ice rink in San Diego?

[Streamliner]

An outdoor ice rink in San Diego?

I know of two outdoor ice skating rinks that pop up in San Diego around Christmastime. There's one at the Hotel Del Coronado, and one that sets up outside Horton Plaza downtown.

I googled about this Liberty Station one, and it looks like the Horton Plaza ice rink is moving to a "permanent" location at Liberty Station. By permanent they mean that they're installing permanent infrastructure to easily set up the seasonal rink. Proceeds help Rady Children's Hospital.

Source:
sdnews.com article (http://www.sdnews.com/view/full_story/26858819/article-Fantasy-on-Ice-skating-rink-moving-to-Liberty-Station?)

[GuardianChief]

Anyone knows will SD ever get built some skyscrapers of sizes (in terms of height) such as LA's or Boston's, or that of any major U.S. city? :shrug:

Such a shame for California's second largest city to have low-rise buildings all over the place.

[eburress]

Anyone knows will SD ever get built some skyscrapers of sizes (in terms of height) such as LA's or Boston's, or that of any major U.S. city? :shrug:

Such a shame for California's second largest city to have low-rise buildings all over the place.

No, never.

[HurricaneHugo]

Anyone knows will SD ever get built some skyscrapers of sizes (in terms of height) such as LA's or Boston's, or that of any major U.S. city? :shrug:

Such a shame for California's second largest city to have low-rise buildings all over the place.

Not unless we move the airport.

We have a 500 ft height limit due to the proximity of the airport to downtown