SAN DIEGO | Boom Rundown, Vol. 2

[The Flying Dutchman]

Holy! Those projects are awesome! Damn San Diego and it's restrictive regulatory hurdles!

These may look nice, but regulations are there for a reason. Get up close to these buildings and I kid you not, some actually lean into each other.

[SDfan]

These may look nice, but regulations are there for a reason. Get up close to these buildings and I kid you not, some actually lean into each other.

I understand your point. To be clear, I'm more critical of design and density regulations that limit needed housing, rather than safety codes, which I think you're focusing on.

[The Flying Dutchman]

I knew what you meant, just playing Devil's advocate. As we all love to do :cheers:

[IconRPCV]

Hey everyone, here is a video with about 30 new projects in TJ, some of which are already under construction.

https://youtu.be/056ymhuqnY8

SD and TJ are one metro area so the better TJ becomes the better SD becomes!

[tyleraf]

I saw this in one of the Boston forums. It'd be nice if SAN could have similar tiered height limits instead of the blanket 500'
With talk of height, here is a neat height restriction map based on Logan Airport:


http://oi61.tinypic.com/2jf1091.jpg
Credit: PDF; https://www.massport.com/media/11778/BOS_COMPOSITE_Ver2pt0_dec201_small.pdf

[superfishy]

Saw this building under construction right across the street from Pinnaclehttps://i.imgur.com/vdfOqHE.jpg.

[The Flying Dutchman]

"Civic San Diego also approved the design and related permits for Lennar Multifamily Communities’ proposed 21-story tower and five-story mid-rise, mixed-use residential development at 460 16th St. in the East Village. Designed by Carrier Johnson Inc., the development would include 368 studio, one- and two bedroom apartments and about 19,000 square feet of commercial space. Construction would begin early next year."

http://www.sandiegometro.com/2015/10/daily-business-report-oct-5-2015/

http://www.sandiegometro.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/460-16th-Street.jpg

[ScottSD]

Here are a few photos from a walk I took around downtown today.


https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8356/28667768752_3250e90b2a_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/KFgNT3)
Pacific Gate (https://flic.kr/p/KFgNT3) by Scott (https://www.flickr.com/photos/130854680@N03/), on Flickr


https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8700/28488726680_6a1fee8d8c_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/KpsaUL)
Pacific Gate (https://flic.kr/p/KpsaUL) by Scott (https://www.flickr.com/photos/130854680@N03/), on Flickr


https://c3.staticflickr.com/9/8663/28667775442_991f657d53_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/KFgQSo)
Pacific Gate (https://flic.kr/p/KFgQSo) by Scott (https://www.flickr.com/photos/130854680@N03/), on Flickr


https://c2.staticflickr.com/9/8820/28772862785_109532ebb6_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/KQyrF8)
Broadstone at Makers Quarter (https://flic.kr/p/KQyrF8) by Scott (https://www.flickr.com/photos/130854680@N03/), on Flickr


https://c8.staticflickr.com/9/8853/28772864415_5b1a921de9_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/KQysae)
Broadstone at Makers Quarter (https://flic.kr/p/KQysae) by Scott (https://www.flickr.com/photos/130854680@N03/), on Flickr


https://c4.staticflickr.com/9/8154/28772864435_af579d0d70_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/KQysaz)
Broadstone at Makers Quarter (https://flic.kr/p/KQysaz) by Scott (https://www.flickr.com/photos/130854680@N03/), on Flickr


https://c4.staticflickr.com/9/8092/28772867875_432aa0355b_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/KQytbT)
IDEA1 (https://flic.kr/p/KQytbT) by Scott (https://www.flickr.com/photos/130854680@N03/), on Flickr

[tyleraf]

Thanks for the photos, ScottSD. Pacific Gate looks really nice so far. Also, It is nice to see things are fully underway in both the IDEA district and MQ.

[The Flying Dutchman]

Thanks for the photos.

[Lipani]

Another month, another proposal for the California Theatre. I've lost count of the proposals over the years.

Decrepit Downtown Theatre Site Targeted for Renovation Project
The California Theatre building has become an eyesore and safety hazard.

By Gene Cubbison

For nearly three decades, the landmark California Theatre building in downtown San Diego has been left to deteriorate.

Surrounded by chain-link fencing and stripped of its marquee awning, the place has become an eyesore and safety hazard.

Now, plans to redevelop the historic site are gaining traction at City Hall.

Built in 1927, the theater closed in 1990 -- no longer profitable as a movie-house and venue for plays and concerts.

Its decline reflects what's happened along the entire C Street corridor, seen by many downtowners as "the Boulevard of Broken Dreams”.

And its revival is being touted as a turning point for the business community in downtown’s financial district.

“Once this area gets cleaner,” said James Langley, managing partner of the neighboring Resident Brewing Company. “You'll see more and more businesses opening up and leasing space on C Street that normally would never get leased."

It's not much of a neighborhood for starting and growing a business, what with the disruptive dynamic of trolley traffic and ghost-town atmosphere of empty storefronts -- not to mention hordes of homeless.

But with the property now under new ownership that's hoping to re-purpose the site with a $125 million residential tower, downtown's funky Financial District could fast-forward into a vibrant 21st Century setting.

The developers of the project, branded "Overture", are betting on a growing market of urban dwellers, not content with a commuter's life in the suburbs.
http://www.nbcsandiego.com/news/local/Decrepit-Downtown-Theatre-Site-Targeted-for-Renovation-Project-389246112.html

[SDCAL]

Another month, another proposal for the California Theatre. I've lost count of the proposals over the years.


http://www.nbcsandiego.com/news/local/Decrepit-Downtown-Theatre-Site-Targeted-for-Renovation-Project-389246112.html

I listened to this and at the end they said restoring the original theater isn't viable because there are too many competing arts venues downtown. I thought the reason given previously was because the building physically has deteriorated beyond what can be restored. Seems like mixed messages being sent by the developers. Obviously, if it really can't be restored then it needs to be taken down completely, but it would be nice if efforts are made, if possible, to try and restore it as part of the redevelopment. It's really too bad the city let it get to this point by letting it rot for 3 decades.

[Nerv]

I listened to this and at the end they said restoring the original theater isn't viable because there are too many competing arts venues downtown. I thought the reason given previously was because the building physically has deteriorated beyond what can be restored. Seems like mixed messages being sent by the developers. Obviously, if it really can't be restored then it needs to be taken down completely, but it would be nice if efforts are made, if possible, to try and restore it as part of the redevelopment. It's really too bad the city let it get to this point by letting it rot for 3 decades.


I don't know anything about this project but was reminded how for years they said the El Cortez was to far gone and should be torn down. Turns out it was really a money issue vs an impossible to do issue.

[SDfan]

Interesting piece on density in NP/Uptown. HC proposal looks great, but it's probably them just angling for more modest proposals to come (25 stories will probably lead to 12 down the line...).

FOCUS: NORTH PARK PROMISES HIGHER DENSITY, SMARTER DESIGN
Infill takes many forms in North Park. Here's a sampling.

http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/2016/aug/08/north-park-plan-density/

[HurricaneHugo]

Interesting piece on density in NP/Uptown. HC proposal looks great, but it's probably them just angling for more modest proposals to come (25 stories will probably lead to 12 down the line...).

People complain about house prices/rent...but don't want to increase supply...

[spoonman]

Story from Hughes Marino on Two America Plaza. I remember a proposal for a ~35 story condo tower on this site a few years ago.

Two America Plaza to Be Sold

The site to the north of One America Plaza, originally planned to be a 14-story hotel, is coming to market. Odds favorite will be the Irvine Company to purchase it given the complexities associated with the two-block parking garage and mechanical systems bridging both parcels. With the hot market and loose lending for development, the property is likely to be developed as a residential rental and hotel. Fingers crossed for more office though!

http://hughesmarino.com/san-diego/blog/2016/07/25/with-office-space-in-short-supply-some-san-diego-landlords-get-greedy/

[spoonman]

Another Hughes Marino article stating that the manchester gateway complex will be built all-at-once instead of over 10 years...that would be amazing!

http://hughesmarino.com/san-diego/blog/2015/08/03/new-commercial-development-finally-on-the-horizon-in-downtown/

[SDfan]

Story from Hughes Marino on Two America Plaza. I remember a proposal for a ~35 story condo tower on this site a few years ago.

You are correct, and previous to that in the early 90's was the 14 story hotel proposal.

[joemamma]

Anyone have an update/any information on

13th, Park, and C.
Willmark Communities

Work seemed to have just stopped and I can't find anything new.

[Bertrice]

couple of things I noticed today

https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8845/28348435663_b7bfc6c702_b.jpg
courthouse


https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8719/28348437613_58b76eecd0_c.jpg
ballpark village


https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8063/28345891094_40f000b3d0_c.jpg


https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8590/28345888584_4fe311328c_c.jpg

ash and columbia

[The Flying Dutchman]

Lest we forget:

Ash & Columbia (520 W. Ash)

http://www.sandiegostreets.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/20150418_520_w_ash_rendering_001.jpg

[S.DviaPhilly]

Took this last week from the top floor of the San Diego library - Coming along very nicely!

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e338/Spiewak/IMG_3828_zps2nvmghli.jpg (http://s42.photobucket.com/user/Spiewak/media/IMG_3828_zps2nvmghli.jpg.html)

[Streamliner]

I just want to say thanks to everyone for the construction updates with pictures. I don't find myself downtown often enough, so these posts are nice to see!

[Boatguy619]

How fast do projects typically rise once the get going off the ground? I've been keeping an eye on Pacific Gate and it seems around 10 stories have gone up in the past month.

[bgrapes]

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[The Flying Dutchman]

Spot on.

[Bertrice]

PCH hotel fenced off

https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8331/28833949280_f370cf8f4d_b.jpg


F and 11

https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8166/28501676603_15480c96a8_b.jpg


Idea at Park

https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7723/28501671003_080c397ee8_b.jpg

[superfishy]

Whats going up off PCH and F & 11th?

[Streamliner]

Whats going up off PCH and F & 11th?

The PCH development is 1919 Pacific Highway, an 8-story residential development:

http://timesofsandiego.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/1919-Pacific-Highway.jpg
Plans: http://dcpcsd.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/1919-PacificHighway-Drawings_reduced-10.12.15.pdf

The F and 11th project is called F11, a 7-story residential building:

https://timesofsandiego.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/F11.jpg
Source: http://timesofsandiego.com/business/2015/03/04/7-story-mixed-use-development-approved-in-east-village/

[S.DviaPhilly]

Pacific Gate...Exterior Glass has Started!
http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e338/Spiewak/IMG_3853_zpse4henbxr.jpg (http://s42.photobucket.com/user/Spiewak/media/IMG_3853_zpse4henbxr.jpg.html)

Kettner and Ash - Bosa's second project to break ground...Excavation nearing completion! (Pacific Gate in background)
http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e338/Spiewak/IMG_3854_zpsej9yafzf.jpg (http://s42.photobucket.com/user/Spiewak/media/IMG_3854_zpsej9yafzf.jpg.html)

Lane Field South - Excavation on underground parking coming along
http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e338/Spiewak/IMG_3852_zpsueuyjmvn.jpg (http://s42.photobucket.com/user/Spiewak/media/IMG_3852_zpsueuyjmvn.jpg.html)

[mello]

:cheers:

I was near 6th Ave in Balboa park and noticed a Delta 747 came in at 6:45 pm.... Strange wonder if it was some special delegation coming in for a summer event. Great construction pics I really wish the 7 and Broadway towers would get started.

[SDfan]

:cheers:

I was near 6th Ave in Balboa park and noticed a Delta 747 came in at 6:45 pm.... Strange wonder if it was some special delegation coming in for a summer event. Great construction pics I really wish the 7 and Broadway towers would get started.

Hey! I think I saw it too. Was it a British Airways/One World branded plane?

[SDfan]

Thank you for the picture updates, everyone!

[mello]

Hey! I think I saw it too. Was it a British Airways/One World branded plane?

Yes it did say "One World" on it but I thought it was Delta, I guess the colors and logos look the same because this jet didn't say "BA" or "Delta" on it only the One World.

[embora]

Yes it did say "One World" on it but I thought it was Delta, I guess the colors and logos look the same because this jet didn't say "BA" or "Delta" on it only the One World.

FWIW: The British Airways 747 tends to arrive at that same time of day.

[HurricaneHugo]

Yes it did say "One World" on it but I thought it was Delta, I guess the colors and logos look the same because this jet didn't say "BA" or "Delta" on it only the One World.

Was it mostly white with a red streak?

[SanDiego]

:cheers:

I was near 6th Ave in Balboa park and noticed a Delta 747 came in at 6:45 pm.... Strange wonder if it was some special delegation coming in for a summer event. Great construction pics I really wish the 7 and Broadway towers would get started.

That is the direct flight from London Heathrow to San Diego. It is the largest aircraft that is in service at SAN. It arrives everyday around 6:30 PM and departs back to London around 7:45 PM!

[mello]

I know all of this but I thought the flight used the 777 aircraft not the 747. We have discussed at length that if the flight path is reversed due to Santa Ana winds or an incoming storm system a 747 can't clear Bankers Hill/Downtown due to the short runway and the hills proximity to the end of it. So I was curious if the 747 was just an anomaly or if they regularly use it now instead of the 777.

[spoonman]

Yes, Mello, British Airways uses a regularly scheduled Boeing 747 to/from London. BA was using a 777 for a while, but changed to the 747. The 747 can have some weight restrictions, but this is not as big of an issue for flights to London as it is to Tokyo.

[SDCAL]

Nordstrom downtown officially closed today. I wonder how long it will take Westfield to announce plans for what comes next. Hopefully they will want to do something systemic with Horton Plaza as a whole instead of opening something else there for the time being

[sixonenine]

soo is this not happening anymore? since it seems like the seaport village project would go where the taller buildings may go

http://http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/2015/jan/27/port-plan-consultants/

http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/2015/jan/27/port-plan-consultants/

Roger Showley

[tyleraf]

@sixonenine, The port had a bidding process to replace Seaport Village and this is the likely replacement. The project is still under 500 feet, though.
https://timesofsandiego.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/Seaport-San-Diego-1024x687.jpg

[joemamma]

Sorry if this has been asked/answered previously, but:

Why do a lot of the new dt buildings have yellow/gold coloring highlights? I heard a pedicab driver starting to tell the reason to some customers "and all the new buildings have some yellow markings..." but he was driving away and I missed the answer.

Thanks. Great forum btw. Keep the dt pics coming.

[The Flying Dutchman]

Port seems like it's going ahead with the McMillan proposal for the East Harbor Island site:

http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/2016/sep/01/harbor-island-developer-picked-port-staff/

[Bertrice]

Pendry Hotel


https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8068/29222295930_dd5fd50b34_b.jpg

[bgrapes]

-

[Streamliner]

Port picks dual developers for Harbor Island
OliverMcMillin gets 35 acres, Sunroad gets 9 acres
Sep. 8, 2016
Roger Showley

The district’s staff had recommended OliverMcMillan to develop the entire 44 acre site, plus 13 acres of water, opposite Lindbergh Field. The company had proposed to spend $978 million on 1,500 hotel rooms, 271,100 square feet of retail, restaurant and office space, and man-made canals. The port stood to receive up to $10.5 million in rent annually after four years, about three times what the rental car companies have paid.

But Sunroad Chairman Aaron Feldman told the port commissioners Thursday that his company had spent $2 million and 11 years trying to develop hotels on a nine-acre portion of the man-made peninsula.

“It would be unfair for the port to take one element and give it to someone else after working so many years,” Feldman said.

His plan, “Bayside Celebration,” laid out by his son Uri at the meeting, called for about 1,025 hotel rooms, 346,000 square feet of offices, shops and restaurants plus two bridges spanning the marina. The port could have expected nearly $8 million in annual rent after eight years.
...
The developers and port planners said it will take about a year to arrive at final development plans. Those will then be analyzed for environmental impact, considered by the board and, if approved, folded into the port’s new master plan that will go to the California Coastal Commission.
...
The other issue — affordable hotel accommodations — has held up coastal approval of Sunroad’s earlier plan for the 325-room, elbow-site hotel and a 175-room second hotel to the east. Sunroad said it is waiting for the port to set a policy on how many such rooms should be built and where, but expects its elbow hotel could include some lower-cost units.

Full article:
http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/2016/sep/08/harbor-island-redevelopment/

[bgrapes]

-

[Streamliner]

Downtown windfall: $49.2 million for parks, other needs
Developer fees expected through 2021 from building activity
September 12, 2016
Roger Showley

Booming construction downtown is on track to produce a $49.2 million windfall in developer impact fees over the next five years.

The money — called developer impact fees or DIFs — comes from developers to cover their share of the impact their projects have on park, transportation and fire station needs. Developers pay other fees to handle planning, process building permits and build affordable housing.
...
But as big as the money pot looks today, it’s a drop in the bucket to the nearly $1.6 billion on the downtown wish list, which was compiled to prepare for downtown’s expected population and office worker growth over the next 20 years.

The Downtown Community Plan says the area is only 45 percent built out, even after 15 years of growth.

Since 2001 downtown has seen nearly 16,000 new apartments and condos, 2.2 million square feet in retail and office space and nearly 3,700 hotel rooms.
...
High priority projects include:

▪ Civic Square: A proposed urban park above a parking garage immediately east of the new state courthouse nearing completion at Front and C streets. The current county courthouse has to be demolished and the state hopes to find a developer to cover that cost and any replacement development.

▪ Freeway lids: Some downtown activists hope to cover six blocks worth of “lids” over Interstate 5 to reconnect downtown to Balboa Park and Sherman Heights. But at a cost of $405 million, that ambitious goal should await Caltrans policy changes that might direct state highway funds for such projects, the CivicSD staff says.

▪ Navy Broadway Park, Post Office Square and St. Joseph’s Park: These parks at the foot of Broadway, Eighth Avenue and E Street, and Third Avenue and Ash Street add up to $40.3 million but may have to wait expected projects to move forward.

▪ Pantoja Park: Downtown’s oldest park at Columbia and G streets, restored in the late-1970s when the first Marina housing was built, could use $2.6 million in upgrades but the staff said funding should await design decisions.

▪ The $22.8 million Bayside Fire Station has begun construction at Cedar Street and Pacific Highway but an East Village station is planned at 13th and Broadway, projected at $27.6 million. Staff said it might be part of an affordable housing project and recommended delaying funding until details become clearer.


Article:
http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/2016/sep/12/downtown-developer-fees-windfall/

[Nerv]

The Feds finally came through for the city:

http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/sd-me-trolley-funding-20160913-story.html


Blame the delays on the Feds, not the city this time if you're unhappy about the late start on the project.

[joemamma]

Regarding this site, I forget who, someone on this forum posted that they had ran into an archaeological discovery of some sort. That said, I walk by the site almost daily and there is zero activity that I can see. I'm just as frustrated as you guys.

The site that was leased by the Salvation Army as storage for their trailers has been vacated and is the future site of the Smarts Farm, which in turn is being relocated for a small work/live development on the corner of F and 15th

Any more info on "archaeological discovery" RE: 13th and C project. I searched forum and couldn't find anything.

Also, any source you could share, or other links to relocation of Smart Farms? I couldn't find anything on that either. Thanks/Love your Posts

Joe

[HurricaneHugo]

The Feds finally came through for the city:

http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/sd-me-trolley-funding-20160913-story.html


Blame the delays on the Feds, not the city this time if you're unhappy about the late start on the project.

It's pathetic how long it's taken to even start construction.

[dtell04]

Any more info on "archaeological discovery" RE: 13th and C project. I searched forum and couldn't find anything.

Also, any source you could share, or other links to relocation of Smart Farms? I couldn't find anything on that either. Thanks/Love your Posts

Joe

I've seen some people milling about during the day at park and c. There's some small equipment parked there now, but based on how that project has been going that probably doesn't mean anything.

[The Flying Dutchman]

13th and C definitely has some activity going on. Could finally be rising.

The Smarts Farm, as far as I know, is supposed to be moving this year. They need to vacate the current site to make way for grading for an office building. They will be moving to the vacant site adjacent to 13th and C.

[embora]

An observation about El Rey: They are putting in the curbs around the west and north sides of the block, and it looks like 8th Avenue will shrink from 3 to 2 traffic lanes.

[tyleraf]

The Union Tribune has a rundown of Port activity on some of its largest projects.
http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/business/sd-fi-portprojects-20160915-story.html

[The Flying Dutchman]

Wow, just wow.

Ritz/Whole Foods (Cisterra development) delayed yet again: This time CivicSD...

http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/business/growth-development/sd-fi-ritz-carlton-20160919-story.html

"Plans for a $400 million project that would bring downtown San Diego its first five-star hotel stalled yet again when the San Diego City Council on Tuesday continued the matter for the second time this month."

"The cause for the delay are proposed rules that would increase oversight and transparency of Civic San Diego, the nonprofit that oversees downtown development. The council had been scheduled Tuesday to take up a new operating agreement for the planning agency but said it needed to be delayed for more review."

"So far, the principal opposition to the project has come from Unite Here Local 30, the hotel workers union, which has pressed Cisterra and its tenants for a commitment to offer well-paying union jobs.

While Cisterra already has consented to a labor agreement that would ensure the hiring of union workers for the construction of the project, it has been unable to persuade Ritz Carlton and Whole Foods to commit to doing the same.

Restrictions proposed for the Civic San Diego operating agreement call for developers to pay prevailing and living wages on projects receiving public subsidies."

http://www.trbimg.com/img-57e09050/turbine/la-1474334802-snap-photo/875/875x492

[SDCAL]

Wow, just wow.

Ritz/Whole Foods (Cisterra development) delayed yet again: This time CivicSD...

http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/business/growth-development/sd-fi-ritz-carlton-20160919-story.html

"Plans for a $400 million project that would bring downtown San Diego its first five-star hotel stalled yet again when the San Diego City Council on Tuesday continued the matter for the second time this month."

"The cause for the delay are proposed rules that would increase oversight and transparency of Civic San Diego, the nonprofit that oversees downtown development. The council had been scheduled Tuesday to take up a new operating agreement for the planning agency but said it needed to be delayed for more review."

"So far, the principal opposition to the project has come from Unite Here Local 30, the hotel workers union, which has pressed Cisterra and its tenants for a commitment to offer well-paying union jobs.

While Cisterra already has consented to a labor agreement that would ensure the hiring of union workers for the construction of the project, it has been unable to persuade Ritz Carlton and Whole Foods to commit to doing the same.

Restrictions proposed for the Civic San Diego operating agreement call for developers to pay prevailing and living wages on projects receiving public subsidies."

http://www.trbimg.com/img-57e09050/turbine/la-1474334802-snap-photo/875/875x492

That site has been a surface parking lot over a decade and the city and former planning agency have wasted so much time on a previous proposal that ended up being squashed due to corruption. Do they really want to spend another decade sitting on this prime location? This is beyond frustrating.

Most concerning paragraph in the article :

The net effect of the postponement was to leave the East Village project in limbo given the council’s apparent interest in hearing the Civic San Diego matter before it acts on the downtown development. The Civic San Diego board already has approved the project.

[The Flying Dutchman]

More in-depth article re: the pending CivicSD restrictions, by U-T itself.

As always, the U-T is so lazy and incompetent at reporting that it fails to reference its own articles. (In academia, this is considered plagiarism)

http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/politics/sdut-civic-san-diego-rules-oversight-housing-2016sep12-story.html

[SDCAL]

More in-depth article re: the pending CivicSD restrictions, by U-T itself.

As always, the U-T is so lazy and incompetent at reporting that it fails to reference its own articles. (In academia, this is considered plagiarism)

http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/politics/sdut-civic-san-diego-rules-oversight-housing-2016sep12-story.html

I have no problem with the city wanting better oversight over CivicSD, but what I don't understand is why this impacts the 7th and Market project approval? If that project was approved by CivicSD prior to the rules changes, it shouldn't be retroactively penalized. Also, the city itself has final say over the development anyway, so the CivicSD approval seems irrelevant for this particular project anyway (it's on city owned land). So either the UT articles didn't clearly explain WHY this project is tied to the proposed CivicSD changes, or the city is using that as an excuse to delay approval and some other reason is lurking behind the scenes. Then again, maybe it's clear and I'm just not getting it from these articles, but I agree the UT is not known for great journalism. This is the one project I was most excited about, I live near it and would have a view of this tower from my condo. I'll be pretty disgusted with the city if they squash this one. By the time something new would be proposed and go through all the hoopla it would be about 50 years the city has been screwing up this site.

[dtell04]

More in-depth article re: the pending CivicSD restrictions, by U-T itself.

As always, the U-T is so lazy and incompetent at reporting that it fails to reference its own articles. (In academia, this is considered plagiarism)

http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/politics/sdut-civic-san-diego-rules-oversight-housing-2016sep12-story.html

From above article:
The most significant of those is that developers of residential projects would need to make one-fourth of all units affordable to households earning less than the area’s median income plus 20 percent.

Developers could only avoid that requirement by building an equal number of low-income units in a separate project within 1 mile, or by contributing the value of such units to the city’s affordable housing construction fund.

Are they trying to shut down the business of building and selling condos? Does anyone know the current limits?

[Northparkwizard]

From above article:
The most significant of those is that developers of residential projects would need to make one-fourth of all units affordable to households earning less than the area’s median income plus 20 percent.

Developers could only avoid that requirement by building an equal number of low-income units in a separate project within 1 mile, or by contributing the value of such units to the city’s affordable housing construction fund.

Are they trying to shut down the business of building and selling condos? Does anyone know the current limits?

This isn't something new, all projects including single family home subdivisions have this requirement.

[The Flying Dutchman]

So it looks like CivicSD made an administrative error and will hold another hearing to formally reflect the changes made to the contract agreement, even though a contract was already approved:

7th and Market summary:

http://civicsd.com/images/stories/Sept_2016_BD_Item_10_-_7th_and_Market_Public_Hearing.pdf

Hope that clears things up for you guys..

[The Flying Dutchman]

Updated Drawings

7th and Market (Cisterra)(Ritz/Whole Foods): http://civicsd.com/images/stories/7th_and_Market_Drawings_4.4.16_reduced.pdf
7th and Island (Hilton Canopy): http://civicsd.com/images/stories/7th_and_Island_Hotel_Drawings_5.26.16_reduced.pdf
14th and K (Modera): http://civicsd.com/images/stories/Modera_Drawings_8.31.16_reduced.pdf

Apologies for not including pictures since they are embedded in .pdf format.

[lakeviewer]

So it looks like CivicSD made an administrative error and will hold another hearing to formally reflect the changes made to the contract agreement, even though a contract was already approved:

7th and Market summary:

http://civicsd.com/images/stories/Sept_2016_BD_Item_10_-_7th_and_Market_Public_Hearing.pdf

Hope that clears things up for you guys..

Hello all, I'm new here from Chicago and excited to follow and join this forum. TFD, does this mean that the proposal has the green light? Still trying to decipher the SD approval processes. Thanks.

[SDCAL]

So it looks like CivicSD made an administrative error and will hold another hearing to formally reflect the changes made to the contract agreement, even though a contract was already approved:

7th and Market summary:

http://civicsd.com/images/stories/Sept_2016_BD_Item_10_-_7th_and_Market_Public_Hearing.pdf

Hope that clears things up for you guys..

This actually confuses me more. I don't think this is why the city council put-off approval.

The CivicSD document describes a procedural step to re-approve because of an error having to do with the water system. The UT article, however, links the city-council's decision to their effort to put more oversight on CivicSD, not a delay because of the water system. Those are two separate issues. CivicSD can re-approve the project, but it still needs city council approval because that's a city-owned parcel, so as I read all this we are still in the same holding pattern - waiting for the city council to give the green light.

The one thing I don't get, though - the CivicSD document says the city council approved the project's WSA (water system assessment) on 20-September. That's the same day the UT reports the city delayed approval of the project as a whole. So why would the city approve the WSA part but stall on the overall project ?

[SDCAL]

Updated Drawings

7th and Market (Cisterra)(Ritz/Whole Foods): http://civicsd.com/images/stories/7th_and_Market_Drawings_4.4.16_reduced.pdf
7th and Island (Hilton Canopy): http://civicsd.com/images/stories/7th_and_Island_Hotel_Drawings_5.26.16_reduced.pdf
14th and K (Modera): http://civicsd.com/images/stories/Modera_Drawings_8.31.16_reduced.pdf

Apologies for not including pictures since they are embedded in .pdf format.

My two cents:
Still like the overall aesthetics of the ritz project - the rendering for the ritz condos shows a doorman. I don't think I've ever seen a condo building in SD with a doorman :)

The modera project is on part of the land the Chargers would need for their stadium. The fact this project is going through the process of consideration by CivicSD instead of waiting until after November shows how slim the chances are of the stadium being successful at the ballot box.

Not a huge fan of the design of the canopy Hilton, maybe it's the renderings that aren't very good but something about it seems awkward.

Is that ballpark storage going to be there forever? It seems odd it's right in the middle of all this development, has anyone ever heard of any plans for that ?

[IconRPCV]

My two cents:
Still like the overall aesthetics of the ritz project - the rendering for the ritz condos shows a doorman. I don't think I've ever seen a condo building in SD with a doorman :)

The modera project is on part of the land the Chargers would need for their stadium. The fact this project is going through the process of consideration by CivicSD instead of waiting until after November shows how slim the chances are of the stadium being successful at the ballot box.

Not a huge fan of the design of the canopy Hilton, maybe it's the renderings that aren't very good but something about it seems awkward.

Is that ballpark storage going to be there forever? It seems odd it's right in the middle of all this development, has anyone ever heard of any plans for that ?

I like the ballpark storage, its a good looking building, adds a bit of an industrial edge to the neighborhood.

[HurricaneHugo]

Interesting..

https://i.redd.it/b7i1qbaqnbnx.png

[david.tran991]

oh so damn gud!!

[S.DviaPhilly]

Pics from 9.15.2016

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e338/Spiewak/IMG_4034_zpsv4aimyp2.jpg (http://s42.photobucket.com/user/Spiewak/media/IMG_4034_zpsv4aimyp2.jpg.html)

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e338/Spiewak/IMG_4035_zpsb3k8rgdn.jpg (http://s42.photobucket.com/user/Spiewak/media/IMG_4035_zpsb3k8rgdn.jpg.html)

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e338/Spiewak/IMG_4036_zpslvvlpznp.jpg (http://s42.photobucket.com/user/Spiewak/media/IMG_4036_zpslvvlpznp.jpg.html)

[Streamliner]

I'm kind of jealous of Tijuana's cool new projects:

Tijuana condo boom: The new San Diego?
San Diego Union-Tribune
Philip Molnar
September 30, 2016

http://www.trbimg.com/img-57e30e26/turbine/la-1474498088-snap-photo/550/550x309

Developers are in the process of constructing roughly 2,000 condos over the next two years with towers that will drastically transform the skyline of Tijuana. Some of the planned towers, already approved by the Mexican government, are more than 30 stories and will become the tallest buildings in the city.
...
The building boom makes it the biggest residential construction push in the city in a decade and the most condo building in its history.

“Give us five years. The whole city is going to be vertical,” said Sergio Gonzalez, business developer for Probien.
...
The crown jewel of Tijuana’s residential building boom is Bajalta, a 63-acre development in the center of the city with 400 condos that is scheduled to start construction this winter. The first residential units and retail components are expected to be finished by 2019.

Bajalta will have four residential towers, an office tower, hotel and a mall. The developer of the project is Mexico City-based Artha Capital (Almost all new condo construction in Tijuana is financed by Mexican sources). Bajalta is designed by New York based-SHoP Architects, which worked on the Uber headquarters in San Francisco and Google offices in Mountain View.


Article:
http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/business/real-estate/sd-fi-tijuana-condos-20160921-story.html

[SDfan]

I need to consider getting Mexican citizenship (mother is Mexican). If I can get a 3 bedroom condo 15th floor or higher for less than 300k... Well, hola.

I wonder what the earthquake and safety standards are like in these buildings though? That would be my biggest reservation.

[The Flying Dutchman]

I need to consider getting Mexican citizenship (mother is Mexican). If I can get a 3 bedroom condo 15th floor or higher for less than 300k... Well, hola.

I wonder what the earthquake and safety standards are like in these buildings though? That would be my biggest reservation.

Definitely nowhere near as good as our standards are. I took a recent sailing trip with my dad (he lives in Mexico) and I saw a lot of poor construction even in the new high rises (some leaned into each other). Buyer beware.

Then there's San Francisco:
http://www.sfexaminer.com/condo-owners-sinking-millennium-tower-estimate-homes-worth-0/

[Lipani]

I'm kind of jealous of Tijuana's cool new projects:

Tijuana condo boom: The new San Diego?
San Diego Union-Tribune
Philip Molnar
September 30, 2016

http://www.trbimg.com/img-57e30e26/turbine/la-1474498088-snap-photo/550/550x309

It's pretty impressive how much construction is going on in TJ. I noticed a few new buildings when I went to a recent Xolos game. TJ is also building a much-needed BRT route (https://www.google.com/amp/www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/border-baja-california/sdut-tijuana-turns-to-bus-rapid-transit-2016jul30-story,amp.html) along the busiest corridor in the city.

[Bertrice]

Proposed Shelter Island boat launch remodel

https://scontent-dft4-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/14344270_1763789420538769_5519578502515564882_n.jpg?oh=a3ea305027dca499978245ef04c68667&oe=58685A04

https://scontent-dft4-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/14369872_1763789447205433_1053876294015384701_n.jpg?oh=e59c0846751561d69191055e6ec3d75a&oe=587A406D

[Lipani]

Seaport redevelopment: Many questions remain
By Roger Showley

The proposed $1.2 billion redevelopment of Seaport Village faces numerous questions about feasibility, financing and legality, the port staff said in a report released Thursday night.

And at its meeting next week, the San Diego Unified Port District board will have to decide whether to put the project on hold or move to the next phase in the approval process, an exclusive negotiating agreement with the development company that’s being set up, 1HWY1, and the management partnership, Protea Waterfront Development.

“Staff anticipates continuing exclusive discussions would take approximately six to eight months, during which time 1HWY1 has indicated that they would also conduct onsite due diligence and work with staff on confirming a project description and design,” said port business development managers Lucy Contreras and Penny Maus in a 19-page staff report.

In July the port selected 1HWY1 over five other bidders to focus on as the developer best positioned to replace the 36-year-old Seaport Village specialty retail center at the foot of Pacific Highway on the downtown waterfront. The 70-acre site also takes in the G Street Mole south of the USS Midway Museum, Tuna Harbor and the Chesapeake Fish Co. building in what is called the Central Embarcadero .

1HWY1, represented by veteran development project manager Yehudi “Gaf” Gaffen, proposes “Seaport San Diego” include:

• Three hotels: San Diego’s first Virgin Hotel with 500 rooms; an “affordable luxury” hotel (at $193 per night in current dollars) by Yotel with 350 rooms; and a 225-room, 475-bed hostel by Freehand.
• SkySpire: A 480-foot observation tower by Orlando-based ThrillCorp.
• OdySea San Diego Aquarium: A 151,000-square-foot for-profit aquarium, 16,000-square-foot butterfly exhibit and 12,000 square feet of retail space by the Scottsdale, Ariz., company that opened a similar project last month in that city.
• A 600-student charter high school focused on maritime subjects; a specialty cinema; manmade beaches; a floating swimming pool; and other athletic and recreational features, plazas, promenades and public spaces.
Office space: 19,000 square feet of maritime-oriented workspace on third-floor levels.
• Retail and restaurants: 390,000 square feet, nearly four times the space at Seaport Village; Terramar Retail Centers will lose its lease on the property in 2018 but will continue its lease at The Headquarters, a shops and restaurant complex in the former police station next door.
• Enlarged and upgraded commercial fishing industry docks and more slips for recreational boats and mega yachts
Full article: San Diego Union-Tribune (http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/business/growth-development/sd-fi-seaportquestions-20161007-story.html)

[SanDiegoGuy]

It's pretty impressive how much construction is going on in TJ. I noticed a few new buildings when I went to a recent Xolos game. TJ is also building a much-needed BRT route (https://www.google.com/amp/www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/border-baja-california/sdut-tijuana-turns-to-bus-rapid-transit-2016jul30-story,amp.html) along the busiest corridor in the city.
Yes, TJ is doing great, but L.A. gets even more.
They will double their skyscraper over the next 4 years.

I wished we would see a construction boom like that.

[Lipani]

^ Very true. I work in DTLA for a few weeks every year and half of it seems like a giant construction zone. LA is a global city, though, so they are probably attracting a lot more international investment than we'll ever see. Regardless, our city (and county) has definitely dropped the ball when it comes to addressing the housing shortage.

[bgrapes]

-

[The Flying Dutchman]

^ Very true. I work in DTLA for a few weeks every year and half of it seems like a giant construction zone. LA is a global city, though, so they are probably attracting a lot more international investment than we'll ever see. Regardless, our city (and county) has definitely dropped the ball when it comes to addressing the housing shortage.

San Diego has made a conscious decision to focus inwardly with regards to growth from here on out. Unfortunately, this is extremely difficult to do since you have immense political opposition from established neighborhoods (rightly or wrongly). Furthermore, it is much more expensive to do from a developer standpoint, which is why most new development is luxury or close to it. I think San Diego is done what it can (approved virtually 100% of all development proposals), and of course the City is very buddy buddy with developers. In the past, San Diego could get away with sprawl as a means of providing much needed housing, but time will tell how (if at all) it meets the demands of the future. It will likely have to involve public-private partnerships, from local to the state level of government, to be able to provide housing for the mainstream.

[IMBY]

I'm kind of jealous of Tijuana's cool new projects:

Tijuana condo boom: The new San Diego?
San Diego Union-Tribune
Philip Molnar
September 30, 2016

http://www.trbimg.com/img-57e30e26/turbine/la-1474498088-snap-photo/550/550x309



Article:
http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/business/real-estate/sd-fi-tijuana-condos-20160921-story.html

Center of Tijuana? Where's Center? To some, the Rio Zona district is center, to others, Centro/Revolution, as there's essentially 2 "downtowns" to Tijuana. They already have 3 recently constructed condo towers (called New City I believe) walking distance to the Border, and so I'm curious where these will be built, as there's enough open, cleared land in Rio Zona, but hardly any in Centro, which would call for lots of clearing space. And I'm praying/hoping this project ends up in Rio Zona.

I've always maintained a certain portion of Centro, should be put on the National Historic Register, unattractive to the eye as it may seem., like the Nelson Hotel, for one, on Revolution.

When the new President came into power, one of his idealistic missions was to stop pushing the low income to the outskirts of Mexican cites (as you can see in Tijuana if you've ever taken the bus to Tecate) and build more low-income, subsidized housing in the heart of their cities. But this project is for the rich, not the poor.

[ArquitectoMontenegro]

This project is in Zona Rio, and I agree the "center of Tijuana" is moving eastward, away from the historical center where Ave. Revolucion is.

This project is located on the Blvd. Aguacaliente and Blvd. General Abelardo Rodriguez, which will bring it within proximity to many of Tijuana's highrises that surround the private golf club. In other words, this project couldn't be in a better place. It will start to define a more central area for the highrises and it is located on a vacant lot.

[IMBY]

The scare has been lifted, oh the idea of leveling buildings in Centro to build this, so I'm not surprised at all it's headed to the Rio Zona, Aguascaliente, Chapultepec Golf Course region.

Now, if the Prez of Mexico makes good on his promise to bring housing for the poor back to old Tijuana, that would be a big boon to Centro, as Centro is crying aloud for some housing, low-mid-or-higher density.

Great idea, 2 "downtowns", one for the rich/middle class, one for the poor.

[IMBY]

I need to consider getting Mexican citizenship (mother is Mexican). If I can get a 3 bedroom condo 15th floor or higher for less than 300k... Well, hola.

I wonder what the earthquake and safety standards are like in these buildings though? That would be my biggest reservation.

My judgement of construction quality in Latin America comes from video's/photo's of the aftermaths of earthquakes in that area of the world.

Did a number of high rises fall over during the quake? And what buildings fell over and which survived?

Mexico City was hit with a bad one, back in the 70's? See what survived and didn't survive. And that may help with your decision.

[sixonenine]

Does anyone know if TJ has any height restrictions on buildings? Also have there been any higher than 500ft that have been proposed?

[HurricaneHugo]

Does anybody know what's being built behind Courtesy Chevrolet in Mission Valley?

[Lipani]

Does anybody know what's being built behind Courtesy Chevrolet in Mission Valley?

Sounds like this is the project you're mentioning:

Work has begun on Millennium Mission Valley, a high-density, mixed-use community being developed by Dinerstein Companies.

The 5.37-acre property was formerly the site of the Bob Baker auto dealership and is bounded to the north by Camino de la Reina, the east by Camino del Arroyo, the south by Camino del Rio North, and the west by the Witt Lincoln car dealership.

Dinerstein chose TCA Architects to design the project, which will have 291 apartment homes, 14 live-work units and two stand-alone buildings with 9,000 square feet of retail space. TCA is well-known throughout California for creating high-density, master-planned communities, including two San Diego projects in Clairemont Mesa: Ariva Apartments, a 253-unit community completed in 2014; and Domain Apartment, an ultra-modern, high-density community designed to attract millennials.

Irwin Yau, principal and studio director at TCA’s Irvine office, spoke exclusively to Mission Valley News about the Millennium Mission Valley project that’s due for completion by fall 2017.
missionvalleynews.com/something-different-millennium-mission-valley/

[Streamliner]

Center of Tijuana? Where's Center? To some, the Rio Zona district is center, to others, Centro/Revolution, as there's essentially 2 "downtowns" to Tijuana. They already have 3 recently constructed condo towers (called New City I believe) walking distance to the Border, and so I'm curious where these will be built, as there's enough open, cleared land in Rio Zona, but hardly any in Centro, which would call for lots of clearing space. And I'm praying/hoping this project ends up in Rio Zona.

I've always maintained a certain portion of Centro, should be put on the National Historic Register, unattractive to the eye as it may seem., like the Nelson Hotel, for one, on Revolution.

When the new President came into power, one of his idealistic missions was to stop pushing the low income to the outskirts of Mexican cites (as you can see in Tijuana if you've ever taken the bus to Tecate) and build more low-income, subsidized housing in the heart of their cities. But this project is for the rich, not the poor.

The pictured project is located on this plot of land (https://www.google.com/maps/place/Del+Rio,+Tijuana,+Baja+California,+Mexico/@32.5167115,-117.0146799,298m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m5!3m4!1s0x80d9487184bdd435:0x5afbf420ef91494!8m2!3d32.5293452!4d-116.9933362). I don't know my Tijuana neighborhoods though so I'm not sure exactly what this area is called. It's being built on a mostly empty plot of land though, so at least no existing housing/residents will be directly pushed out.

[Streamliner]

Does anyone know if TJ has any height restrictions on buildings? Also have there been any higher than 500ft that have been proposed?

The Tijuana airport is about two miles from the main parts of Tijuana, but I'm not sure if it has an effect on height limits there.

[SDfan]

My judgement of construction quality in Latin America comes from video's/photo's of the aftermaths of earthquakes in that area of the world.

Did a number of high rises fall over during the quake? And what buildings fell over and which survived?

Mexico City was hit with a bad one, back in the 70's? See what survived and didn't survive. And that may help with your decision.

Thank you!

[SDfan]

Sounds like this is the project you're mentioning:


missionvalleynews.com/something-different-millennium-mission-valley/

Rendering:

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c24/SDfan12/Public/Millenium-Mision-Valley1webtop.jpg (http://s24.photobucket.com/user/SDfan12/media/Public/Millenium-Mision-Valley1webtop.jpg.html)

[Kenchiku desu]

Does anyone know if TJ has any height restrictions on buildings? Also have there been any higher than 500ft that have been proposed?

Ayantamiento de Tijuana Zoning Code sets maximum height of buildings to 1.75 x distance from building face to opposite side of widest street. Clearly, then, these towers are getting special dispensation.

[IMBY]

The pictured project is located on this plot of land (https://www.google.com/maps/place/Del+Rio,+Tijuana,+Baja+California,+Mexico/@32.5167115,-117.0146799,298m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m5!3m4!1s0x80d9487184bdd435:0x5afbf420ef91494!8m2!3d32.5293452!4d-116.9933362). I don't know my Tijuana neighborhoods though so I'm not sure exactly what this area is called. It's being built on a mostly empty plot of land though, so at least no existing housing/residents will be directly pushed out.

Obviously, there's not much for city planning in TJ, as this project will be of no help at all in terms of concentration of buildings, or a new city center in the Rio Zona district.

It's exasperating, in some ways, downtown TJ/has been abandoned, and they're creating scattered density areas in Rio Zona, like the 3 New City towers so close to the Border which just rose up in the last 5 years.

No rhyme or reason here for that!

It saddens me, as on my last trip there this summer, I see more and more empty storefronts in Centro and abandoned buildings, as if there's a relocation going to Zona Rio.

[superfishy]

In the Central Library looking east. The Alexan (18 floors) is about 7 floors up, and I see a hole which I believe is for the second 15th and Island tower (45 floors). Also ground level construction for 460 16th street tower (21 floors) is underway.

Its nice to see 3 towers going up at the same time within a 3 block diameter, not to mention Ballpark village going up relatively close by.

The 330 13th street Library Tower (22 floors) lot has been cleared and fenced, any news on when it will begin construction? The website of the construction company says 2nd quarter 2016.

[sixonenine]

A cool thing that is happening right now is the "Rise Up As One" music festival happening at the border of San Diego and TJ.Two Cities, two countries united in one big party! Comes to show how much closer our cities are becoming and unites everybody. #NO WALLS, WE DON'T NEED THEM

[sixonenine]

Ayantamiento de Tijuana Zoning Code sets maximum height of buildings to 1.75 x distance from building face to opposite side of widest street. Clearly, then, these towers are getting special dispensation.

So is there a possibility of there being a building taller than 500 ft? It would be nice to see a big skyscraper in our region.

[Bertrice]

well this skyscraper in ob is being protested. the NIMBY's are so short sighted. if this were to pass it would up property values for everyone etc etc


http://www.cbs8.com/story/33396998/ocean-beach-neighbors-protest-construction-project?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter


https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Cu1SWbeVIAAqQpV.jpg

[HurricaneHugo]

4 people killed as a car plunges from the Coronado Bridge onto a crowd at Chicano Park

http://www.10news.com/news/people-trapped-after-car-rolls-off-coronado-bridge-ramp-101516

[Derek]

As the thread creator, I more than welcome active discussions about projects happening in Tijuana. :)