SAN DIEGO | Boom Rundown, Vol. 2

[SDCAL]

Beautiful shot of San Diego by the new courthouse I found on reddit by user NegligentEntrustment

http://i.imgur.com/zb6L7if.jpg

Still too many low rises for my liking

At the risk of sounding "unpatriotic," I really don't like the huge flags they put atop buildings like this one. They make the buildings look even shorter and stubbier than they are.

[Derek]

Agreed. The amount of huge flags in downtown San Diego is dumb.

[Bertrice]

Agreed. The amount of huge flags in downtown San Diego is dumb.

You have to remind a lot of our "citizens" what country they are in.

[SDfan]

You have to remind a lot of our "citizens" what country they are in.

:chillpill:

[Leo the Dog]

Agreed. The amount of huge flags in downtown San Diego is dumb.

I think it's a nice touch.. SD is a huge military town,
full of vets.

Happy Veterans Day!

[Leo the Dog]

Anybody know what's going in on El Cajon/Florida (or Georgia)? The entire block has been cleared. Looks like an infill project of some kind.

Also, in PB, on Grand and Cass, demo has begun. The old Purple Cafe is being torn down.

[Northparkwizard]

1919 Pacific Highway Development Package. (http://dcpcsd.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/1919-PacificHighway-Drawings_reduced-10.12.15.pdf)

AC Hotel Gaslamp Development Package. (http://dcpcsd.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/AC-Hotel-Amendment-Drawings-09.29.15.pdf) With car lift!

[SDCAL]

I think it's a nice touch.. SD is a huge military town,
full of vets.

Happy Veterans Day!

I don't want to beat a dead horse, but this is a huge pet peeve, when people use patriotism to criticize others opinions. I'm not sure if you meant to do that, but that's how your post reads. It has nothing to do with the military or Veteran's Day, it has to do with huge flags on top of so many buildings looking cheap and tacky, nothing else. Plus, with all these ridiculous height limits are the flags exempt? We don't want the FAA to be accused of being anti-military! We all know what country we're in. As a resident of downtown I'd like to see downtown move towards being more sophisticated and attract tech jobs or even multi-national businesses. We don't need to be the downtown version of a monster truck barreling down the road with giant flags strapped to it that are way out of proportion to the size of the vehicle.

[Bertrice]

I don't want to beat a dead horse, but this is a huge pet peeve, when people use patriotism to criticize others opinions. I'm not sure if you meant to do that, but that's how your post reads. It has nothing to do with the military or Veteran's Day, it has to do with huge flags on top of so many buildings looking cheap and tacky, nothing else. Plus, with all these ridiculous height limits are the flags exempt? We don't want the FAA to be accused of being anti-military! We all know what country we're in. As a resident of downtown I'd like to see downtown move towards being more sophisticated and attract tech jobs or even multi-national businesses. We don't need to be the downtown version of a monster truck barreling down the road with giant flags strapped to it that are way out of proportion to the size of the vehicle.

Is that you President Obama?

[nezbn22]

I don't want to beat a dead horse, but this is a huge pet peeve, when people use patriotism to criticize others opinions. I'm not sure if you meant to do that, but that's how your post reads. It has nothing to do with the military or Veteran's Day, it has to do with huge flags on top of so many buildings looking cheap and tacky, nothing else. Plus, with all these ridiculous height limits are the flags exempt? We don't want the FAA to be accused of being anti-military! We all know what country we're in. As a resident of downtown I'd like to see downtown move towards being more sophisticated and attract tech jobs or even multi-national businesses. We don't need to be the downtown version of a monster truck barreling down the road with giant flags strapped to it that are way out of proportion to the size of the vehicle.

The irony, of course, is that you're the one who's using patriotism to criticize someone else's opinion. There was nothing critical about Leo's post. He expressed a different opinion than you, but it was expressed entirely in a positive manner. Not once was he critical of anyone else's view.

[JPAztec]

I don't want to beat a dead horse, but this is a huge pet peeve, when people use patriotism to criticize others opinions. I'm not sure if you meant to do that, but that's how your post reads. It has nothing to do with the military or Veteran's Day, it has to do with huge flags on top of so many buildings looking cheap and tacky, nothing else. Plus, with all these ridiculous height limits are the flags exempt? We don't want the FAA to be accused of being anti-military! We all know what country we're in. As a resident of downtown I'd like to see downtown move towards being more sophisticated and attract tech jobs or even multi-national businesses. We don't need to be the downtown version of a monster truck barreling down the road with giant flags strapped to it that are way out of proportion to the size of the vehicle.

What a joke of a post.

[dales5050]

I'd like to see downtown move towards being more sophisticated and attract tech jobs or even multi-national businesses. We don't need to be the downtown version of a monster truck barreling down the road with giant flags strapped to it that are way out of proportion to the size of the vehicle.

And with a single post you have articulated yourself as a person perfectly.

[Northparkwizard]

Take it to a politics message board ladies.

[IconRPCV]

Flags are pretty.

[Leo the Dog]

I don't want to beat a dead horse, but this is a huge pet peeve, when people use patriotism to criticize others opinions. I'm not sure if you meant to do that, but that's how your post reads. It has nothing to do with the military or Veteran's Day, it has to do with huge flags on top of so many buildings looking cheap and tacky, nothing else. Plus, with all these ridiculous height limits are the flags exempt? We don't want the FAA to be accused of being anti-military! We all know what country we're in. As a resident of downtown I'd like to see downtown move towards being more sophisticated and attract tech jobs or even multi-national businesses. We don't need to be the downtown version of a monster truck barreling down the road with giant flags strapped to it that are way out of proportion to the size of the vehicle.

Just my opinion. I like the look that's all. Derek doesn't like the look and that's fine. :notacrook:

[SDfan]

Nvm

[dl3000]

Plus, with all these ridiculous height limits are the flags exempt? We don't want the FAA to be accused of being anti-military!

I think you were on to something, but then I thought of the tallest building. You would think it would have a flag as well, and if they were exempt it probably would, but it is at the height limit, which is probably why it doesn't. It is called America Plaza after all...

[The Flying Dutchman]

I think you were on to something, but then I thought of the tallest building. You would think it would have a flag as well, and if they were exempt it probably would, but it is at the height limit, which is probably why it doesn't. It is called America Plaza after all...

Need to update your Avatar tag, just sayin' :cool:

Not really skyscraper-related, but downtown so anything goes :) Brigantine could very well replace Anthony's on the waterfront.

http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/2015/nov/12/brigantine-proposed-as-anthonys-replacement/

[Streamliner]

Need to update your Avatar tag, just sayin' :cool:

Not really skyscraper-related, but downtown so anything goes :) Brigantine could very well replace Anthony's on the waterfront.

http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/2015/nov/12/brigantine-proposed-as-anthonys-replacement/

I don't really remember the other options, but this one is definitely unique looking. I kind of like it from the street side, but it looks kind of bland from the bay.

Regarding flags, I agree with SDCAL that they tend to make the buildings they sit on look a lot shorter. There's no real context as to how large those flags are (and the one on One Columbia Place is big!), so design-wise, I see your point. I never really thought whether there were too many of them or not downtown though. New buildings certainly don't have them, so they seem like a relic of pre-1990s downtown. As San Diego grows, I think they're actually adding to the diversity of the skyline.

I do love flags though. I actually like how Mexico puts ridiculously large flags in their cities. I don't think we should go that big here in San Diego, but a nice trio of large, US, California, and San Diego flags would be pretty cool somewhere downtown.

Bonus pic of Tijuana's cool flag with the SD skyline in the distance:

http://c1-preview.prosites.com/temp2b8e4x2efe/wy/images/Mexican%20Flag%20in%20Tijuana.jpg
Source (http://www.whitesmilecenter.com/contact-location/about-tijuana-mexico/)

[Urbanize_It]

Well its official, this thread is completely dead. It has progressed from endless conjecture about an airport, which will never move, to moronic political and xenophobic rantings. Time to find a new source for my downtown development updates. Tchau!

[SDfan]

Well its official, this thread is completely dead. It has progressed from endless conjecture about an airport, which will never move, to moronic political and xenophobic rantings. Time to find a new source for my downtown development updates. Tchau!

We have our ups and downs, I think we've fared through worse (stadium debate), but feel free to leave :cheers:

(over-dramatic much? :haha: )

[Bertrice]

Well its official, this thread is completely dead. It has progressed from endless conjecture about an airport, which will never move, to moronic political and xenophobic rantings. Time to find a new source for my downtown development updates. Tchau!

omg xenophobic! there's always the skyscrapercity thread
http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=431731&page=65

[The Flying Dutchman]

Are we in a 'safe space'?

[SEsdCALconnect]

So it looks the InterContinental Hotel is finally going to be a reality...

From the San Diego U-T:
http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/2015/nov/16/intercontinental-hotel-coming-san-diego-waterfront/

Here's an OOOLD rendering from many, MANY years back for those of you who might remember:
https://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/407x306q90/r/908/6yMoJB.png

[HurricaneHugo]

I got all excited thinking it was going to be the original 400ft plan but noooo it's going to be on the stubby Lane Field place :(

[HurricaneHugo]

In other news, Sculpin has sold out:

http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/2015/nov/16/ballast-point-sold-corona-constellation-brands/

[Derek]

I feel like Lane Field is such a wasted opportunity. Like I'm glad it's not huge parking lots any more, and we're getting a fancy hotel.....but the plans for the site and the building currently under construction are utterly underwhelming.

[nezbn22]

i feel like lane field is such a wasted opportunity. Like i'm glad it's not huge parking lots any more, and we're getting a fancy hotel.....but the plans for the site and the building currently under construction are utterly underwhelming.

+1

[Northparkwizard]

San Diego Union-Tribune to relocate downtown to San Diego. (http://missionvalleynews.com/new-owner-reveals-plans-for-u-t-property/)

[Streamliner]

A minor piece of old news, the under-construction Blue Sky is now called The Rey:

http://www.sddt.com/news/article.cfm?SourceCode=20150827crf&_t=San+Diego+gains+hundreds+of+apartment+units+with+several+underconstruction+projects#.Vky0u3arSUk

[The Flying Dutchman]

The Daily Transcript provided excellent journalism and in-depth insider coverage. I was sad to see them shutter their doors.

[The Flying Dutchman]

Not sure if really updated, but a recent article. It sounds like they are reluctant to update their plans.

http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/2015/nov/18/manchester-navy-broadway-civic/

http://cdn.sandiegouniontrib.com/img/photos/2015/11/18/B8826526Z.1_20151118201439_000GV56H5TR.2-0_r900x493.jpg?122770e84b36f1c039d5c4c2ca15c2d8bc4ecd52

[JerellO]

Not sure if really updated, but a recent article. It sounds like they are reluctant to update their plans.

http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/2015/nov/18/manchester-navy-broadway-civic/

http://cdn.sandiegouniontrib.com/img/photos/2015/11/18/B8826526Z.1_20151118201439_000GV56H5TR.2-0_r900x493.jpg?122770e84b36f1c039d5c4c2ca15c2d8bc4ecd52

i love it.

[dtell04]

2015 is quickly ending. Any real hopes 15th and island tower 2 is going to start before the end of the year? Idea 1 is building their sidewalk barriers.

[Streamliner]

The rumors are true about the U-T going back downtown. Straight from the horse's mouth:

U-T returning to downtown (http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/2015/nov/19/union-tribune-downtown-relocation/)
Roger Showley
Nov. 19, 2015
San Diego Union-Tribune

The company said Thursdsay it will occupy four floors at 600 B St. starting in May under a $40 million, 15-year lease for 59,164 square feet with Lincoln Property.

According to commercial brokers and the Downtown San Diego Partnership, it is the biggest corporate relocation into downtown in recent years.

Also, Lindbergh Field's Terminal 1 replacement was approved:

Lindbergh's new Terminal 1: $2.2B (http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/2015/nov/19/lindbergh-terminal-expansion-airport/)
Roger Showley
Nov. 19, 2015
San Diego Union-Tribune

All that will change under a $2.2 billion replacement plan approved unanimously Thursday by the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority. The airport board’s approach would replace the terminal’s 19 gates within 10 years and add more capacity in future phases.

It will spend the next two years preparing environmental impact reports, refining the design and firming up financing for the $1 billion first phase. The project would double the airport’s capacity to about 28 million passengers a year.

“It’s really meant to address increased capacity at San Diego International Airport over the next 20 years,” said board Chairman Robert Gleason.

The ultimate plan calls for rebuilding the airport’s single runway, centralizing customs and making space for more international flights, building more parking garages and connecting the two terminals.

http://cdn.sandiegouniontrib.com/img/photos/2015/11/19/sd-me-terminal-1-02.png

[Northparkwizard]

So they figure an "airport shuttle roadway" is going to be the best way forward for the next 20 years. No light rail station(s) for the airport? What a colossal mistake.

[dtell04]

So they figure an "airport shuttle roadway" is going to be the best way forward for the next 20 years. No light rail station(s) for the airport? What a colossal mistake.

Maybe it could be turned into a light rail line. At any rate, it'll definitely be better than the infrequent 929 bus that no one even realizes exists. JFK airport uses a bus line and that seems to work. I keep hoping that one day San Diego realizes all the big red and white vehicles driving around are busses. They pretty much go everywhere in this town.

[The Flying Dutchman]

Maybe it could be turned into a light rail line. At any rate, it'll definitely be better than the infrequent 929 bus that no one even realizes exists. JFK airport uses a bus line and that seems to work. I keep hoping that one day San Diego realizes all the big red and white vehicles driving around are busses. They pretty much go everywhere in this town.

Concurred! The 992 bus goes down Broadway and stops at each Terminal. Simply the best way to get to the airport from downtown, barring a cab. (But cheap, like $2.25 cheap). Technically, it connects the trolley to SAN because the trolley stops at America Plaza (serving 992).

Whenever I have visitors, they usually comment on how nice our buses are. Rapid does market itself well in my personal opinion, which is the first step to encouraging transit. My only caveat: I wish the 992 bus had special branding/colors to distinguish itself from plainjane/joe buses.

[eburress]

Not sure if really updated, but a recent article. It sounds like they are reluctant to update their plans.

http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/2015/nov/18/manchester-navy-broadway-civic/

http://cdn.sandiegouniontrib.com/img/photos/2015/11/18/B8826526Z.1_20151118201439_000GV56H5TR.2-0_r900x493.jpg?122770e84b36f1c039d5c4c2ca15c2d8bc4ecd52

I really hope the windows aren't brown. That godawful dingy brown glass ruined Electra and it kinda looks like that's what they're planning here.

[Leo the Dog]

So they figure an "airport shuttle roadway" is going to be the best way forward for the next 20 years. No light rail station(s) for the airport? What a colossal mistake.

I always thought the trolley should go to the airport, but with ride share technology and the eventual automation (imagine a price drop of 50-80%), we probably won't need it.

[Leo the Dog]

Concurred! The 992 bus goes down Broadway and stops at each Terminal. Simply the best way to get to the airport from downtown, barring a cab. (But cheap, like $2.25 cheap). Technically, it connects the trolley to SAN because the trolley stops at America Plaza (serving 992).

Whenever I have visitors, they usually comment on how nice our buses are. Rapid does market itself well in my personal opinion, which is the first step to encouraging transit. My only caveat: I wish the 992 bus had special branding/colors to distinguish itself from plainjane/joe buses.

You can also take the green line to Middletown(?) and then take the complimentary Avis rental bus to the airport and vice versa.

[sixonenine]

maybe this might help to get the movement going for removing lindbergh and perhaps getting those 700's+ going. I found this link if anyone wants to check it out and ellaborate on this. We really need to do something about this. :rolleyes:
http://www.movetheairport.com/home.html

[dales5050]

So they figure an "airport shuttle roadway" is going to be the best way forward for the next 20 years. No light rail station(s) for the airport? What a colossal mistake.

A light rail station for who?

Someone coming to a convention has a $10 - $15 cab ride v. having to go wait for a trolley that will take 3X as long to get to downtown and then you have to walk several blocks to your hotel.

The proximity of the airport to the main block of hotels is close enough that running the trolley there makes zero sense.

[Leo the Dog]

maybe this might help to get the movement going for removing lindbergh and perhaps getting those 700's+ going. I found this link if anyone wants to check it out and ellaborate on this. We really need to do something about this. :rolleyes:
http://www.movetheairport.com/home.html

SAN isnt moving and probably won't ever move in the next century. There could one day be a large regional airport used as a reliever to SAN however.

Why spend billions rebuilding the current airport only to close it and move it to the suburbs, away from the population, hotels, government buildings, convention center, Amtrak (future HSR), trolley network and spend tens of billions building new infrastructure out to a new airport?

[spoonman]

SAN isnt moving and probably won't ever move in the next century. There could one day be a large regional airport used as a reliever to SAN however.

Why spend billions rebuilding the current airport only to close it and move it to the suburbs, away from the population, hotels, government buildings, convention center, Amtrak (future HSR), trolley network and spend tens of billions building new infrastructure out to a new airport?

All it would take is a terrorism incident where a jet going into SAN hits a building downtown and the airport is done. Based on comments and articles I've been reading recently, there seems to be growing support, although slowly, for relocating the airport. A major event, terrorism or otherwise, would be the icing on the cake.

[sixonenine]

Well if we don't at least try then it will definitely never move. Let's get people talking about this and not give up so easily, it will only take longer.

[JPAztec]

All it would take is a terrorism incident where a jet going into SAN hits a building downtown and the airport is done. Based on comments and articles I've been reading recently, there seems to be growing support, although slowly, for relocating the airport. A major event, terrorism or otherwise, would be the icing on the cake.

Man, I truly hope you don't mean that the way I read it. I'm all for having a taller skyline, but certainly wouldn't describe it happening via terrorist attack as "icing on the cake". I'm going to give you the benefit of the doubt on that one.

[JerellO]

hmmm idk about moving the airport... i feel like potential development would follow to wherever they located if it happens... i feel like the airport being close to downtown is a good thing... even if it limits the skyline to 500ft. Supertalls would be awesome though not gonna lie. I wish National City and Chula Vista would start growing up.. imagine what those 3 skylines combined would look like :)

[SDCAL]

Man, I truly hope you don't mean that the way I read it. I'm all for having a taller skyline, but certainly wouldn't describe it happening via terrorist attack as "icing on the cake". I'm going to give you the benefit of the doubt on that one.

The idiom icing on the cake can be used in both negative and positive contexts. It was obvious to me his post was matter of fact - any tragedy that occurs due to the poor location of the airport would hasten the call to move the airport, that's just fact, nobody here wants that to happen *obviously*

[Streamliner]

Manchester Pacific Gateway: Rocky West?
Roger Showley
November 24, 2015
San Diego Union-Tribune

Manchester Pacific Gateway, the planned $1.2 billion redevelopment of the 13.7-acre Navy Broadway Complex, in the works for nearly 30 years, finally got a close look by the city’s downtown review agency and the reaction wasn’t particularly favorable.

“It’s clear this project was influenced by Rockefeller Center,” said Jeff Gattas, chairman of Civic San Diego, a city-owned nonprofit.

He didn’t mean that as a compliment. The project in his view would replace two block-sized, monolithic buildings with seven others.

New York City’s Rockefeller Center, built on 22 acres in the 1930s, is a Art Deco national landmark that includes includes Radio City Music Hall, NBC studios and the famous ice skating rink lorded over by a golden statue of Promotheus.

But it was bulk and scale of Rockefeller Center that Gattas apparently thought wasn’t appropriate on San Diego’s waterfront.

“I don’t think it meets the design (concepts) of where we are in 2015 for Civic San Diego,” Gattas said of Pacific Gateway.

Link to Article (http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/2015/nov/23/pacific-gateway-manchester-navy-complex/)

[Crackertastik]

Manchester Pacific Gateway: Rocky West?
Roger Showley
November 24, 2015
San Diego Union-Tribune



Link to Article (http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/2015/nov/23/pacific-gateway-manchester-navy-complex/)

He wants a park, like that in Chicago. And with that, he can go Eff himself. This site deserves density, multiple uses, and the plan provides that. I do think the large hotel is iffy, and Id rather additional office, but realize upper-upscale hotel is probably easier to pencil than more office in Downtown. And the plan, as someone pointed out, does provide a lot of new office already.

Rockefeller aesthetics aside...which i happen to like, this overall master plan is great.

[Nerv]

We've had realistic options to move the airport in the past.

Someone only need to get support for the best location and have the will to see it through. As of yet the city has been undecided on best locations and no one has stepped up to the plate and try and lead.

The Charger stadium has suffered the same problems. Options are fine but you have to pick one at some point and not continue to go back and forth with where to build the damn thing.

[Nerv]

Given the current state of air traffic with drones and lasers becoming more and more of an issue to airplanes I'd be more concerned with another 1978 type crash over the city (but on a much,much larger scale given the cities size today)
than terrorists (which are always a concern anywhere these days).

The FAA is fast losing their control on what goes on in our skies.

[dl3000]

Manchester Pacific Gateway: Rocky West?
Roger Showley
November 24, 2015
San Diego Union-Tribune



Link to Article (http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/2015/nov/23/pacific-gateway-manchester-navy-complex/)

If the City was a bit more forward thinking they could have planned on leasing space for municipal offices similar to what the County has in the historic building at the North Embarcadero and leave that hideous community concourse complex on C Street.

[nezbn22]

It's embarrassing how long projects take in San Diego:

http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/2015/nov/24/horton-civic-park/

[mello]

What if a terrorist took out a British Airways flight coming in over Bankers Hill with a shoulder fired rocket? Would be pretty easy to hit they are what 180 feet over head or so. You can feel the wind from the incoming flights when you are in that neighborhood. The palm trees start swaying on a windless day and you can also hear the whistling/whirring sound of the air disturbance about ten seconds after a plan passes. No where else in the country are flights that low over residential neighborhoods.

[Leo the Dog]

http://sunnycv.com/steve/local/images3/1873hensley.jpg
Source (http://sunnycv.com/steve/local/images3/1873hensley.jpg)

Have you guys seen this interesting old map before? The SD River delta used to empty at the SD Bay near present day SAN.

[embora]

IDEA 1: The construction of pedestrian protective walkways has started.

[embora]

Source (http://sunnycv.com/steve/local/images3/1873hensley.jpg)

Have you guys seen this interesting old map before? The SD River delta used to empty at the SD Bay near present day SAN.

I think that is fascinating. I read in Iris Engstrand's book "San Diego California's Cornerstone" that (prehistorically, I think) that there was a time when ocean levels were higher when Point Loma was an island. She said that the course of the San Diego River would alternate over time between draining into San Diego Bay and Mission Bay. Btw: For my money, that was a great book on the history of San Diego.

[JPAztec]

I think that is fascinating. I read in Iris Engstrand's book "San Diego California's Cornerstone" that (prehistorically, I think) that there was a time when ocean levels were higher when Point Loma was an island. She said that the course of the San Diego River would alternate over time between draining into San Diego Bay and Mission Bay. Btw: For my money, that was a great book on the history of San Diego.

Sounds like an interesting read! And correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe Coronado was an island....Point Loma would make for a monstrous amount of fill! ;)

[Urban Sky]

http://sunnycv.com/steve/local/images3/1873hensley.jpg
Source (http://sunnycv.com/steve/local/images3/1873hensley.jpg)

Have you guys seen this interesting old map before? The SD River delta used to empty at the SD Bay near present day SAN.

Good god those parcels are huge.

[Leo the Dog]

I think that is fascinating. I read in Iris Engstrand's book "San Diego California's Cornerstone" that (prehistorically, I think) that there was a time when ocean levels were higher when Point Loma was an island. She said that the course of the San Diego River would alternate over time between draining into San Diego Bay and Mission Bay. Btw: For my money, that was a great book on the history of San Diego.

Thanks for the recommended reading!

[HurricaneHugo]

Beautiful shot of downtown from Harbor Island by Scott Murphy:

http://i.imgur.com/pYqBx6U.jpg?1

[nezbn22]

Can't begin to express my frustration if 7th & Market gets shot down because Whole Foods isn't pro-labor.

http://www.voiceofsandiego.org/topics/land-use/union-distaste-of-ritz-and-whole-foods-may-scuttle-7th-and-market-project/

[dtell04]

http://i1027.photobucket.com/albums/y338/Dtell04/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpslguk4jwm.jpeg (http://s1027.photobucket.com/user/Dtell04/media/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpslguk4jwm.jpeg.html)

They're moving along at park and c now.

[eburress]

Can't begin to express my frustration if 7th & Market gets shot down because Whole Foods isn't pro-labor.

http://www.voiceofsandiego.org/topics/land-use/union-distaste-of-ritz-and-whole-foods-may-scuttle-7th-and-market-project/

That sounds about right for our CAN'T DO city. If the NIMBYs (not to mention city or state policies) don't get you, the unions will.

[mello]

Why has this not been a problem in DT LA whom has built both a Ritz Carlton tower and a giant project with a whole foods?

[SDCAL]

Why has this not been a problem in DT LA whom has built both a Ritz Carlton tower and a giant project with a whole foods?

You are asking the exact same question I had when I read the article. LA, and for that matter SF are more Union friendly than SD, but they get these projects with high-end big name corporate chains built. My guess is it's either because the projects like this in LA and SF aren't on city owned land (like 7th and Market is), or because LA and SF are top tier markets and these chains are willing to give more concessions to be there then they are in a second tier market like SD. I understand the city wants to keep downtown accessible to all and ensure good paying jobs come to downtown, but I think they need to look at the alternative. Keeping this a surface parking lot for another decade won't do squat to help anyone, and forcing the project to take on lower-end or less recognizable brands will not bring the overall economic benefit I think this project would. There needs to be compromise - and I think having the project agree to union construction and the low income requirement meets the needs even if the businesses won't have union jobs once they are open, so I hope they'll vote to approve it.

[spoonman]

Can't begin to express my frustration if 7th & Market gets shot down because Whole Foods isn't pro-labor.

http://www.voiceofsandiego.org/topics/land-use/union-distaste-of-ritz-and-whole-foods-may-scuttle-7th-and-market-project/

Sherri Lighter is the ULTIMATE NIMBY politician who backs virtually NIMBY everywhere no matter the logic. Todd Gloria is also against this project, but he at least has the redeeming value of being pro transit. Lighter is against everything all of the time. I believe she is termed out and a lame duck... can anyone confirm??

[mello]

I just read the whole article I don't think this will get shut down just more union bluster and posturing. This is too important of a project to let slip away and everyone knows it. Plus go to the whole foods in Hillcrest there are very smart with it people who have been working there for 5, 8, 10 years! Plus they have tons of people working there compared to a chain like Vons or Ralphs the store is always packed with employees. I understand Vons etc stock at night so you don't really see those people when you shop there. My point is Whole foods must be a pretty decent place to work and I'm sure Ritz Carlton will pay non maids/dishwashers decent wages as well.

SDCAL: I think the big issue here is that it is city owned land if this was private I don't think is would be a problem.

[tyleraf]

A quick read with a hopeful take on the EV. http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/2015/nov/25/a-higher-and-better-use-for-downtown/

[The ATX]

Beautiful shot of downtown from Harbor Island by Scott Murphy:

http://i.imgur.com/pYqBx6U.jpg?1

That photo is awesome! Views like that are why I'm a skyscraper nerd.

[SDCAL]

Sherri Lighter is the ULTIMATE NIMBY politician who backs virtually NIMBY everywhere no matter the logic. Todd Gloria is also against this project, but he at least has the redeeming value of being pro transit. Lighter is against everything all of the time. I believe she is termed out and a lame duck... can anyone confirm??

She should be out after 2016 according to ballotpedia. Elected in 2008 and there's a 2 term (8 year) limit

http://ballotpedia.org/Sherri_Lightner

[mello]

Good article on the EV and anti stadium take Tyler. The author left out his thoughts on a convention center annex and how the MTS Busyard could possible be moved if it weren't for an arena or stadium being built on it. How are private developers going to come in and pay for removal, clean up, and relocation would it be a public/private partnership. Gary London had an idea of making it a new Eastern CBD in essence with 3.2 million sq. feet of office space. Another article in UT in last 2 days talking about a coming tech boom to SD so we shall see.

[nezbn22]

I understand the city wants to keep downtown accessible to all and ensure good paying jobs come to downtown, but I think they need to look at the alternative. Keeping this a surface parking lot for another decade won't do squat to help anyone, and forcing the project to take on lower-end or less recognizable brands will not bring the overall economic benefit I think this project would. There needs to be compromise - and I think having the project agree to union construction and the low income requirement meets the needs even if the businesses won't have union jobs once they are open, so I hope they'll vote to approve it.

Couldn't agree more. If this gets voted down, it'll be the biggest case of missing the forest for the trees I've ever seen.

[nezbn22]

Port sounds motivated to get Seaport Village done:

http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/2015/dec/08/port-speeds-up-seaport-plan/

[nezbn22]

7th and Market moving forward, too:

http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/2015/dec/08/council-advances-ritz-carlton-whole-foods/

[a very long weekend]

probably the wrong place to ask, but it looks like i'll be in san diego for christmas, can i ask you for architectural tour type recommendations? PM is fine, or a link to some SD-general forum perhaps? excited to finally spend some time down there (from SF).

[Streamliner]

Manchester Pacific Gateway wins final OK
San Diego Union-Tribune
Roger Showley
December 10, 2015

http://cdn.sandiegouniontrib.com/img/photos/2015/12/09/B8834701Z.1_20151209205817_000G6P7UJFM.4-0_r900x493.jpg?122770e84b36f1c039d5c4c2ca15c2d8bc4ecd52


Manchester Pacific Gateway, the biggest, most expensive project in downtown San Diego history, received final city approval Wednesday.

The $1.3 billion, 3-million-square-foot project with office towers, hotels, a retail “paseo” and a museum would be built on 13.7 acres south of Broadway between Pacific Highway and Harbor Drive. Seven buildings and a 1.9-acre public park would replace the 1920s Navy Broadway Complex and include a new Navy regional headquarters at no cost to taxpayers.
...

Director Murtaza Baxamusa, who cast the “no” vote, expressed frustration with the process and the outcome: “I do not think San Diego deserves to be put into this position where our bayfront is being sacrificed here by an old, outdated project. We deserve a broader, more open bayfront.”

Director Michael Jenkins admitted that he had donated to a legal fund to fight the project and decided to abstain from the vote.

“I was not happy with the way the project was proceeding at that time and I remain unhappy about the process,” he said.

But director Phil Rath said none of the procedural and historical objections justify opposition to the consistency finding.

Link to article (http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/2015/dec/09/manchester-gateway-downtown-waterfront/)

[mello]

Looks like San Diego's "Front Porch" is going to be pretty respectable in a few years with the new BOSA towers, Navy Broadway, and a revamped Sea Port Village wow things are looking up. If the port was smart they would get moving on the Navy Pier Park as well, I'm kind of surprised they aren't making Manchester do that as part of the deal to develope NBC.

[SDfan]

Look what Bosa just scooped up. Keep in mind, they also own property in this part of downtown as well.

http://www.sandiegometro.com/2015/12/daily-business-report-dec-10-2015/

[SDfan]

probably the wrong place to ask, but it looks like i'll be in san diego for christmas, can i ask you for architectural tour type recommendations? PM is fine, or a link to some SD-general forum perhaps? excited to finally spend some time down there (from SF).

I dislike this group, but check out Save Our Heritage Organization (SOHO). They hold various tours across the city. I have no idea on how frequently or where exactly, but they advertise these events frequently.

[Streamliner]

The Cross Border Xpress terminal opened yesterday:

http://www.gannett-cdn.com/-mm-/31c00493654c5d22289d2b4c8565b24c8c8be2d1/c=485-0-4411-2952&r=x513&c=680x510/local/-/media/2015/12/07/USATODAY/USATODAY/635850716356742385-AP-Cross-Border-Airport-003.jpg

Cross-border airport? New California terminal extends to Mexico
Eliot Spagat, Associated Press
USA Today
December 8, 2015

SAN DIEGO (AP) — The U.S.-Mexico border is one of the world's most fortified international divides. Starting Wednesday, it will also be one of the only that has an airport straddling two countries.

An investor group that includes Chicago billionaire Sam Zell built a sleek terminal in San Diego with a bridge that crosses a razor-wire border fence to Tijuana's decades-old airport. Passengers pay $18 to walk a 390-foot overpass to Tijuana International Airport, a springboard to about 30 Mexican destinations.

Target customers are the estimated 60% of Tijuana airport passengers who come to the United States, about 2.6 million last year. Now they drive about 15 minutes to a congested land crossing, where they wait up to several hours to enter San Diego by car or on foot. The airport bridge is a five-minute walk to a U.S. border inspector.
...
The only other cross-border airport known to industry experts is in the European Union — between Basel, Switzerland, and France's Upper Rhine region — but it carries none of the political freight of San Diego and Tijuana.

Link to article (http://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/flights/todayinthesky/2015/12/07/californias-newest-airport-terminal-extends-mexico/76911984/)

[superfishy]

Awesome. I like the minimalist architecture of it as well, but an $18 fee to cross seems rather steep. Especially if you have to pay it again to get back. Almost $40 might negate the possible savings you would get by choosing to fly from TIJ.

[mello]

I really think if marketed correctly this bridge/terminal could turn the Tijuana airport in to a Ft. Lauderdale type situation for San Diego. It is perfect for a Frankfurt flight and a Southern Asia either Hong Kong, Manila, or Taipei. They already have 3 Shanghai Flights a week but I heard they are expensive. As of now San Diego has completely opened up to Latin America rich people from Lima, Panama, Mex City, Bogota, etc can get here so easily now maybe we can become like a mini Miami.

[sixonenine]

http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/2015/dec/08/pendleton-flying-against-winds-history/

The ending of the article makes me so sad, we need to take a leap guys!

[dl3000]

http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/2015/dec/08/pendleton-flying-against-winds-history/

The ending of the article makes me so sad, we need to take a leap guys!

Sure seems like Pendleton is one of the cornerstones of the Navy/Marine Corps operation. Doubt they'll want civil airliners interrupting their training exercises and flying over sensitive airspace. Miramar is much more likely to get phased out (less so since El Toro closed), but it was nearly closed two or three times in its history, and it is in a good location in the city. All depends on whether University City and La Jolla would ever buy off on it, HUGE hurdle. Plus, the public already voted it down in the heat of the Iraq war.

[spoonman]

I think we have a better shot with Pendleton and the Military than we do with Miramar and the NIMBYs (not that Miramar is available anyhow)

[sixonenine]

Ideally, I like the idea of having the Miraramar airport in the middle of SD, Camp Pendleton to the north and Tijuana airport to the south and then get rid of Lindbergh field once and for all and build a second downtown, maybe call it Newtown or something.

[nezbn22]

Look what Bosa just scooped up. Keep in mind, they also own property in this part of downtown as well.

http://www.sandiegometro.com/2015/12/daily-business-report-dec-10-2015/

Very underrated how much of downtown Bosa still owns even after putting up all his high-rise condo projects. I know he's got:

- the last empty block in the Marina District (1st/2nd/Island/J);
- the Paladion building (he'll knock that down and go up at some point);
- the Office Depot lot (will also be scrapped in favor of condo high-rise);
- the lot west of Santa Fe Depot (condo high-rise in the works);
- Kettner & Ash (high-rise condos ready to go up at any time);
- empty block just south of Blue Sky (8th/9th/B/C);
- and now the Broadway Block.

That's just what I'm aware of. He can pretty much single-handedly control the pace of the downtown condo market. Man it'd be fun to be that guy...

[SDCAL]

probably the wrong place to ask, but it looks like i'll be in san diego for christmas, can i ask you for architectural tour type recommendations? PM is fine, or a link to some SD-general forum perhaps? excited to finally spend some time down there (from SF).

What part of SD will you be staying in? I think Balboa Park and downtown are the big "don't miss" things. We also have other great neighborhoods like center city areas North Park - Hillcrest area. North Park has become a great alternative for restaurants and urban life with a more less-mainstream vibe. There's also La Jolla which is more of an upscale beach community.

[nezbn22]

Very underrated how much of downtown Bosa still owns even after putting up all his high-rise condo projects. I know he's got:

- the last empty block in the Marina District (1st/2nd/Island/J);
- the Paladion building (he'll knock that down and go up at some point);
- the Office Depot lot (will also be scrapped in favor of condo high-rise);
- the lot west of Santa Fe Depot (condo high-rise in the works);
- Kettner & Ash (high-rise condos ready to go up at any time);
- empty block just south of Blue Sky (8th/9th/B/C);
- and now the Broadway Block.

That's just what I'm aware of. He can pretty much single-handedly control the pace of the downtown condo market. Man it'd be fun to be that guy...

And then I saw this literally right after making my last post:

http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/2015/dec/10/bosa-block-zephyr-shell/

Add the northern portion of 10th/11th/A/B to his list.

[SDCAL]

Very underrated how much of downtown Bosa still owns even after putting up all his high-rise condo projects. I know he's got:

- the last empty block in the Marina District (1st/2nd/Island/J);
- the Paladion building (he'll knock that down and go up at some point);
- the Office Depot lot (will also be scrapped in favor of condo high-rise);
- the lot west of Santa Fe Depot (condo high-rise in the works);
- Kettner & Ash (high-rise condos ready to go up at any time);
- empty block just south of Blue Sky (8th/9th/B/C);
- and now the Broadway Block.

That's just what I'm aware of. He can pretty much single-handedly control the pace of the downtown condo market. Man it'd be fun to be that guy...

For the most part I like the Bosa Developments, especially looking forward to the two towers on the embarcadero next to Electra and one America plaza. The negative thing about 1 developer having so much though is that it seems like they move slower. I wish Bosa felt more comfortable proceeding with multiple large scale projects simultaneously, but I know that's risky for any developer.

[SDCAL]

Looks like San Diego's "Front Porch" is going to be pretty respectable in a few years with the new BOSA towers, Navy Broadway, and a revamped Sea Port Village wow things are looking up. If the port was smart they would get moving on the Navy Pier Park as well, I'm kind of surprised they aren't making Manchester do that as part of the deal to develope NBC.

Do you think Manchester has tenants who have expressed interest or agreed to be there? And, if so, why aren't they making this public? I'm comparing it to 7th/Market where the big-name tenants are already public (Ritz and Whole Foods). Some of us who are skeptical of what Manchester is trying to do at this really important site might get a better feel for the overall vibe of the project of we knew who will be operating there. I'm curious if it's going to be really high-end or more modest like Lane Field. I also hope it will include something locals can enjoy, a rooftop or top floor lounge or something overlooking the bay would be cool.

[spoonman]

^Knowing Manchester, I think the tenants will be very high end. I would expect the hotel to be a Mandarin or a boutique offering. On the office side, I thought I heard something about him attracting a biotech firm that wanted a prestigious address. While not a typical space for a biotech company, it would be a refreshing change.

[Nerv]

I actually like the Manchester project and think it's a nice contrast to what we already have in the city. If it lives up to the renderings it will look fine.

They also seem to think they can shake off any more lawsuits by Mr. Briggs and start tearing down things by March or April. We'll see. It seems that Cory's arguments have been pretty weak for stopping construction but you never know.

[Nerv]

Actually the Manchester project, the Brigantine project, finishing up Lane Field and the coming Bosa high rises in that area along with other touches we've seen happen there recently will make over what used to be a pretty bland section of the city in a few years.

I'm crossing my fingers that it all happens.

[eburress]

http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/2015/dec/08/pendleton-flying-against-winds-history/

The ending of the article makes me so sad, we need to take a leap guys!

What does anybody really expect? San Diego has to be the least "can do" major city in the US. For the life of me, I can't think of another city that's nearly as hapless, which is particularly bad when one considers what SD could be.

[sixonenine]

What does anybody really expect? San Diego has to be the least "can do" major city in the US. For the life of me, I can't think of another city that's nearly as hapless, which is particularly bad when one considers what SD could be.

I agree it makes me so sad to see so much potential for this city and not have big things happen here.

[HurricaneHugo]

Does anybody know what they're doing on the 15 between University and El Cajon?

Lots of new columns going up.

Are they expanding the park that's on top of the freeway?

I sure hope so, or at least another lid for more space