SAN DIEGO | Boom Rundown, Vol. 2

[Bertrice]

found this on twitter
little italy concept
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B-ot817e1eY1Rkg1OFJvNEdVVGc/view


https://pbs.twimg.com/media/C3nEwyaVYAAfEPz.jpg

[Nerv]

Anyone know how far along in construction is the second Pinnacle tower at 15th and island?

[Lipani]

^ The crane is up, but the second tower still has a long ways to go. It's supposed to completed at some point in 2019:

http://imageshack.com/a/img924/1984/OUsk4S.jpg

http://imageshack.com/a/img922/6531/hbyeYc.jpg

http://imageshack.com/a/img924/8971/BDe1bN.jpg

460 16th Street is also being built right across the street:

http://imageshack.com/a/img924/3600/7HbAbn.jpg

http://imageshack.com/a/img922/2491/4eWVs8.jpg

[Nerv]

Thanks. :tup:

[Streamliner]

found this on twitter
little italy concept
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B-ot817e1eY1Rkg1OFJvNEdVVGc/view


https://pbs.twimg.com/media/C3nEwyaVYAAfEPz.jpg

Reminds me a bit of the design for the mid-2000s Embassy1414 project that never happened:

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y120/Jaygergon/downtown%20development/EMBASSY.jpg

[Lipani]

Per the Union-Tribune (http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/business/growth-development/sd-fi-bosasales-20170206-story.html), Pacific Gate has sold over half of its units. The article also mentioned another Bosa development across the street on Broadway and Pacific Highway. I think this is the first time I've seen a rendering of it:

http://tu9srvbirvvtnyr3d3cudhjiaw1nlmnvbq00.g00.sandiegouniontribune.com/g00/2_d3d3LnNhbmRpZWdvdW5pb250cmlidW5lLmNvbQ%3D%3D_/TU9SRVBIRVVTNyRodHRwOi8vd3d3LnRyYmltZy5jb20vaW1nLTU4OTkyZDgwL3R1cmJpbmUvc2QtcnNob3dsZXktMTQ4NjQzMzczMS1zbmFwLXBob3RvLzU5NC81OTR4MzM0P2kxMGMubWFyay5pbWFnZS50eXBl_$/$/$/$/$/$

Bosa has meanwhile received approval for a third condo tower, a near-twin to Pacific Gate, at the northeast corner of Broadway and Pacific Highway. A construction start date has not yet been announced.

[chris08876]

Downtown has grown a lot and the surrounding areas. Will be nice to see the infill around the stadium.

Lots of potential!

https://cdn-standard.discourse.org/uploads/yimby/original/2X/e/eec789427e068781a6338e13588ce721c58b60ac.jpg
Credit: Above San Diego (https://www.flickr.com/photos/ineeddadrink/32678425985/in/photolist-RMFtxF-Qu6xMi-Qu6ybV-Qu6yCB-RFCNga-QA2kTG-RNYrxu-RhYRyE-QprQqj-RtqMhn-RD4E9X-RfXvpL-RbvhdG-RADejw-RADdFY-RtmN8t-R5Ht3j-QnEvhA-R19NYw-RhRHrS-RSqoar-PJj7Yu-QAV2zj-Rffr6H-R89sdX-QqwXTP-QqtQ8e-RqHTCU-REdGGn-REdDZ8-QnDHh9-RACrAC-R5GJMh-RqFdZW-Qq8w8M-Rbj3DG-RkKnsx-PRA9Zt-PGVTDd-PGVTgu-QVQeKU-QZdMp2-R3VXxA-Pbj9tW-QeuHAj-QYGskb-PJKT9U-PJKSKC-QPFjni-QWKaHE)

[sandiego_urban]

Not sure if this has been shared yet. Rendering of La Jolla Commons III tower. According to the website, it will be 14 floors.

https://www.hines.com/properties/la-jolla-commons-iii-san-diego

https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/536/32653238741_ffea3fb2e4.jpg

I'm more curious to know if anyone has any more info on this Radisson Blu proposal? I recall seeing it before and wasn't sure if it's for real or not. The article link below (Includes more renderings) from 2015 mentions the now dead Chargers stadium proposal, so what gives? I'm ok with the shape of the tower, but not sure about that exterior finish.

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

https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/536/32735874676_9bff3298ca_z.jpg

https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/462/32735874636_347fe95391_z.jpg

[spoonman]

^ 50 floors, plus a number of floors for parking. That is another squeaker under the height limit.

[SDfan]

Not sure if this has been shared yet. Rendering of La Jolla Commons III tower. According to the website, it will be 14 floors.

https://www.hines.com/properties/la-jolla-commons-iii-san-diego

https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/536/32653238741_ffea3fb2e4.jpg

Thanks for the rendering, I've been curious about the final tower. I count 11 floors. The website mentions 14 foot ceilings, maybe that's where the number came from? Regardless, it's another stubby addition to UTC. :slob: I really wish they'd push higher up there.

I'm more curious to know if anyone has any more info on this Radisson Blu proposal? I recall seeing it before and wasn't sure if it's for real or not. The article link below (Includes more renderings) from 2015 mentions the now dead Chargers stadium proposal, so what gives? I'm ok with the shape of the tower, but not sure about that exterior finish.

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

I saw this in the UT way back when. From what I recall, it was New School of Architecture student proposal, and wasn't a serious project.

[S.DviaPhilly]

I'm more curious to know if anyone has any more info on this Radisson Blu proposal? I recall seeing it before and wasn't sure if it's for real or not. The article link below (Includes more renderings) from 2015 mentions the now dead Chargers stadium proposal, so what gives? I'm ok with the shape of the tower, but not sure about that exterior finish.

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

https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/536/32735874676_9bff3298ca_z.jpg

https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/462/32735874636_347fe95391_z.jpg[/QUOTE]

That project is dead. This 22 story residential rental tower with 226 apartments was approved a couple years ago. The project's name is 330 13th and the developer is The Richman Group of California. Was supposed to break ground, but has not yet...

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e338/Spiewak/work-330-13th-Park-LRG-1_zpsxcn913zh.jpg (http://s42.photobucket.com/user/Spiewak/media/work-330-13th-Park-LRG-1_zpsxcn913zh.jpg.html)

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e338/Spiewak/71854_1426272418_33013th-large_zps1joi29jg.jpg (http://s42.photobucket.com/user/Spiewak/media/71854_1426272418_33013th-large_zps1joi29jg.jpg.html)

[spoonman]

^Everything I've seen from Richman Group shows that they always build the "minimum" even on blocks with entitlements for huge buildings. For example, the site with the 22 story building shown above is entitled for a 40+ story building (anyone remember One Library Circle?). Apparently Richman Group can't even churn out the 22 story building, let alone something larger as the site calls for.

[Streamliner]

^Everything I've seen from Richman Group shows that they always build the "minimum" even on blocks with entitlements for huge buildings. For example, the site with the 22 story building shown above is entitled for a 40+ story building (anyone remember One Library Circle?). Apparently Richman Group can't even churn out the 22 story building, let alone something larger as the site calls for.

I agree, such a wasted opportunity, especially compared with One Library Circle. Even if it had to be this height, I would've preferred something a bit more... iconic? for this location. This part of Park Boulevard is one of the few places downtown where there's an distinct terminus when looking down the street (https://www.google.com/maps/@32.7047346,-117.1579431,47a,20y,44.61h,83.77t/data=!3m1!1e3). There should be an attractive piece of architecture at the end of it. Personally, I wish the Central Library and its dome were located there instead.

[Nerv]

Downtown has grown a lot and the surrounding areas. Will be nice to see the infill around the stadium.

Lots of potential!

https://cdn-standard.discourse.org/uploads/yimby/original/2X/e/eec789427e068781a6338e13588ce721c58b60ac.jpg
Credit: Above San Diego (https://www.flickr.com/photos/ineeddadrink/32678425985/in/photolist-RMFtxF-Qu6xMi-Qu6ybV-Qu6yCB-RFCNga-QA2kTG-RNYrxu-RhYRyE-QprQqj-RtqMhn-RD4E9X-RfXvpL-RbvhdG-RADejw-RADdFY-RtmN8t-R5Ht3j-QnEvhA-R19NYw-RhRHrS-RSqoar-PJj7Yu-QAV2zj-Rffr6H-R89sdX-QqwXTP-QqtQ8e-RqHTCU-REdGGn-REdDZ8-QnDHh9-RACrAC-R5GJMh-RqFdZW-Qq8w8M-Rbj3DG-RkKnsx-PRA9Zt-PGVTDd-PGVTgu-QVQeKU-QZdMp2-R3VXxA-Pbj9tW-QeuHAj-QYGskb-PJKT9U-PJKSKC-QPFjni-QWKaHE)



Nice photo. I'd love to see this same shot in daylight.

EV has a lot to fill in yet but yeah, the city is starting to look a little dense these days.

[Lipani]

^Everything I've seen from Richman Group shows that they always build the "minimum" even on blocks with entitlements for huge buildings. For example, the site with the 22 story building shown above is entitled for a 40+ story building (anyone remember One Library Circle?). Apparently Richman Group can't even churn out the 22 story building, let alone something larger as the site calls for.

Richman is also building F11... on F & 11th. In fairness to Richman, most of the 6-7 story buildings in this area feel like they were built by doing the minimum.

http://www.therichmangroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/F11-Day-Rendering-1-970x647.jpg
http://www.therichmangroup.com/developments/f11-san-diego/

[The Flying Dutchman]

I'm hearing on the grapevine that two giant projects, 11th/Broadway by Pinnacle, and 'The Block' on Broadway by Bosa (formerly Zephyr partners), are scheduled to begin this year.

http://sandiego.urbdezine.com/files/2014/04/View-from-11th-E-St-Pinnacle.jpg

http://jwdainc.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/aerial-broadway-250x250.jpg

[embora]

I'm hearing on the grapevine that two giant projects, 11th/Broadway by Pinnacle, and 'The Block' on Broadway by Bosa (formerly Zephyr partners), are scheduled to begin this year.


That would be great. I've heard that, too. At a community meeting, a representative from Civic San Diego posited that the three most likely projects to break ground this year were The Nook, The Block, and 11th & Broadway.

My own thinking is that one of the first signs of action that development-watchers like us would see on the 11th & Broadway project is residents of the California Apartments moving out, since disassembling that building is part of the plan.

A few months ago, I saw a crew working on the C Street side of The Block. Their truck said something about "potholing," which I understand is a method to try to located existing buried utilities.

If I recall correctly, the same Civic SD rep said that the East Village Green was at the point of giving a notice to proceed on the design plans for the park. He anticipated 1 year of engineering design, 6 months of getting permitting approvals, and 2 years of construction. Remember that this park will include two levels of underground parking, and a community center building, so it is not just a matter of demolishing the existing buildings and inserting landscaping.

Someone asked about the Willmark development (on C Street between Park Blvd and 13th Street) that has been blocked off for a while with little to no action, and he said that it turns out that the tectonic fault that was known to be on the site was a bit further east than anticipated, and that the developer was considering going higher with the eastern building. No one present asked how much higher, but I imagine it would be similar to what had been previously approved.

The same rep said that we may hear an announcement about a new use for the old downtown library in the near future, but that he couldn't be more specific.

[SDCAL]

That would be great. I've heard that, too. At a community meeting, a representative from Civic San Diego posited that the three most likely projects to break ground this year were The Nook, The Block, and 11th & Broadway.

My own thinking is that one of the first signs of action that development-watchers like us would see on the 11th & Broadway project is residents of the California Apartments moving out, since disassembling that building is part of the plan.

A few months ago, I saw a crew working on the C Street side of The Block. Their truck said something about "potholing," which I understand is a method to try to located existing buried utilities.

If I recall correctly, the same Civic SD rep said that the East Village Green was at the point of giving a notice to proceed on the design plans for the park. He anticipated 1 year of engineering design, 6 months of getting permitting approvals, and 2 years of construction. Remember that this park will include two levels of underground parking, and a community center building, so it is not just a matter of demolishing the existing buildings and inserting landscaping.

Someone asked about the Willmark development (on C Street between Park Blvd and 13th Street) that has been blocked off for a while with little to no action, and he said that it turns out that the tectonic fault that was known to be on the site was a bit further east than anticipated, and that the developer was considering going higher with the eastern building. No one present asked how much higher, but I imagine it would be similar to what had been previously approved.

The same rep said that we may hear an announcement about a new use for the old downtown library in the near future, but that he couldn't be more specific.

Thanks for posting this, good information there. Did they mention anything about the Ritz/Whole Foods project 7th and market? What meeting was this and when and where is the next one, would love to attend if it's open to the public.

[mello]

Funny I was just walking around Downtown yesterday thinking that we need more height and bulk between the East Village and Symphony Towers/Vantage Point area and finally sounds like The Block and Pinnacle project will move forward and start to fill in that gap! :cheers:

Any news about the California Theatre Tower or that other 435ft. project just west of there? That area could really use some height and infill too, I think it was in between CA Thetr and Little Italy was that nice 430 proposal.

I went to the SD Sports Rally thing at Petco Park tons of support for an Arena behind Petco on the Tailgate Park land!!! Talked to Ted Leitner and other guys from Mighty 1090 they said AEG and the Qualcomm sons are looking to build an Arena and get an NBA team. League wants to Expand by 2 teams and Seatlle/SD are by far the largest and most under served sports markets.

(Qualcomm Sons currently own 25% of Sac Kings I believe so they would sell that and bring team here) :tup:

[Derek]

A downtown arena? That would be sweet.

[Bertrice]

A downtown arena? That would be sweet.

Especially if it were to replace Horton plaza. Right in the center of downtown like MSG

[Lipani]

^ That'd be a fantastic spot. Too bad redeveloping Horton Plaza is so bloody complicated and AEG seems eager to replace the old sports arena before that would happen.

[SDFC]

Especially if it were to replace Horton plaza. Right in the center of downtown like MSG

An arena where horton is?! Please no. An area would do the exact opposite of what should be done, turn horton inside out and connect all points of downtown to a centralized shopping, dining, cultural and civic space. An arena would be a roadblock and complete dead space, espcially during the daytime. There is a reason MSG is built on top of train tracks in a utilitarian section of Manhattan and not in Time Square or Rockefeller center. jmho :D

[The Flying Dutchman]

I really hope the projects along C (California Theater) and Broadway (11th/Broadway, Broadway 'Block') break ground soon. I've heard doubts from the Civic SD rep about 11th and Broadway, but that was a few months ago so maybe circumstances have changed.

I believe Pinnacle or Bosa is now the developer of the 'Willmark' 13th/Park/C project that has been limbo for almost 2 years. If it's true they are thinking about building taller due to a faultline, they might be thinking steel vs wood (closer to 20 stories). I wouldn't be surprised to see an entirely new project surface with Willmark throwing in the towel. There is also a firestation planned for that same block. No details, sorry. http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/business/growth-development/sdut-downtown-developer-fees-windfall-2016sep12-story.html

California Theater is alive and well. The next hearing is on Feb. 23 to clear some final permitting approvals. Funny how some projects seem to fly... http://www.civicsd.com/images/stories/downloads/planning/public-notices/2014-76_11224thAve_NoticeOfPublicHearing_PC.pdf

That EV green park will be a major headache. Phase 1 will be easy enough, but the completed design involves relocating the SDGE substation that powers all of EV. I talked to a Civic SD rep who said they are looking into spots near the freeway, but no one seems to know where funding will come from (which is completely separate from park funding). Remember eminent domain pays fair market value, but SDGE and the city are cozy so who knows what they'll dream up, if ever. Smart n Final doesn't want to sell, either. The good news is, the construction contract has been approved. "But the CivicSD staff proposes to drop an earlier commitment to reserve all future DIF payments to complete the park. That’s because it could cost $112 million more if an SDG&E power substation has to be relocated and privately owned parcels have to be bought."http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/business/growth-development/sdut-downtown-developer-fees-windfall-2016sep12-story.html
http://www.welcometosandiego.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/EV-Green-3.jpg

The Ritz (7th and Market) and 7th and Island have final approvals and permits, as does the 1st and Beech project (a 425') project I think Mello was referring to. That, or the India and Beech project that is 334'. Latest is that they 'are going forward'. http://dcpcsd.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/DCPC170118Minutes.pdf The Ritz won't have any more public hearings but they have a 5 year deadline. From the Oct. 2016 minutes:
http://dcpcsd.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/161019-Minutes.pdf

[HurricaneHugo]

Funny I was just walking around Downtown yesterday thinking that we need more height and bulk between the East Village and Symphony Towers/Vantage Point area and finally sounds like The Block and Pinnacle project will move forward and start to fill in that gap! :cheers:

Any news about the California Theatre Tower or that other 435ft. project just west of there? That area could really use some height and infill too, I think it was in between CA Thetr and Little Italy was that nice 430 proposal.

I went to the SD Sports Rally thing at Petco Park tons of support for an Arena behind Petco on the Tailgate Park land!!! Talked to Ted Leitner and other guys from Mighty 1090 they said AEG and the Qualcomm sons are looking to build an Arena and get an NBA team. League wants to Expand by 2 teams and Seatlle/SD are by far the largest and most under served sports markets.

(Qualcomm Sons currently own 25% of Sac Kings I believe so they would sell that and bring team here) :tup:

I've heard that Louisville and Mexico City are the frontrunners right now which is dumb.

Gotta get moving on the arena if we're to have a shot

[superfishy]

Lots of good info Flying Dutchman. Thanks

[sandiego_urban]

I really hope the projects along C (California Theater) and Broadway (11th/Broadway, Broadway 'Block') break ground soon. I've heard doubts from the Civic SD rep about 11th and Broadway, but that was a few months ago so maybe circumstances have changed.

I believe Pinnacle or Bosa is now the developer of the 'Willmark' 13th/Park/C project that has been limbo for almost 2 years. If it's true they are thinking about building taller due to a faultline, they might be thinking steel vs wood (closer to 20 stories). I wouldn't be surprised to see an entirely new project surface with Willmark throwing in the towel. There is also a firestation planned for that same block. No details, sorry. http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/business/growth-development/sdut-downtown-developer-fees-windfall-2016sep12-story.html

California Theater is alive and well. The next hearing is on Feb. 23 to clear some final permitting approvals. Funny how some projects seem to fly... http://www.civicsd.com/images/stories/downloads/planning/public-notices/2014-76_11224thAve_NoticeOfPublicHearing_PC.pdf

That EV green park will be a major headache. Phase 1 will be easy enough, but the completed design involves relocating the SDGE substation that powers all of EV. I talked to a Civic SD rep who said they are looking into spots near the freeway, but no one seems to know where funding will come from (which is completely separate from park funding). Remember eminent domain pays fair market value, but SDGE and the city are cozy so who knows what they'll dream up, if ever. Smart n Final doesn't want to sell, either. The good news is, the construction contract has been approved. "But the CivicSD staff proposes to drop an earlier commitment to reserve all future DIF payments to complete the park. That’s because it could cost $112 million more if an SDG&E power substation has to be relocated and privately owned parcels have to be bought."http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/business/growth-development/sdut-downtown-developer-fees-windfall-2016sep12-story.html
http://www.welcometosandiego.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/EV-Green-3.jpg

The Ritz (7th and Market) and 7th and Island have final approvals and permits, as does the 1st and Beech project (a 425') project I think Mello was referring to. That, or the India and Beech project that is 334'. Latest is that they 'are going forward'. http://dcpcsd.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/DCPC170118Minutes.pdf The Ritz won't have any more public hearings but they have a 5 year deadline. From the Oct. 2016 minutes:
http://dcpcsd.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/161019-Minutes.pdf

Good stuff here....Thanks for sharing.

Anyone know the latest crane count downtown? Last time was there I counted 11 :tup:

[tyleraf]

The Port is finally moving forward on NEVP phase 2.
http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/business/growth-development/sd-fi-north-embarcadero-phase2-workshop-20170210-story.html#nt=oft03a-1la1

[sandiego_urban]

Thanks for the rendering, I've been curious about the final tower. I count 11 floors. The website mentions 14 foot ceilings, maybe that's where the number came from? Regardless, it's another stubby addition to UTC. :slob: I really wish they'd push higher up there.
Yeah, I counted 11 also, so I'm hoping they've since increased the number of floors.

And speaking of UTC, the Westfield UTC website confirms a 22-story residential tower will be built on the southwestern corner of the property and be completed in 2018. That should be at least 220', right?

Below is from website https://www.westfield.com/utc/development/faq

Is it true there is a residential tower being built?

Residential development will include 300 luxury apartments on the southwest corner of the property; a twenty two-story tower and four-story tower joined by a 26,000 sqaure foot amenity deck and pool area. Residents will enjoy secure parking contained underneath the building, an exclusive sky deck that provides a relaxing vista with 180 degree ocean views and complete luxury amenities to include private co-work space, exercise facility, mail management system, concierge service, and extra storage.

This tower is expected to open in Fall 2019.

[sandiego_urban]

That project is dead. This 22 story residential rental tower with 226 apartments was approved a couple years ago. The project's name is 330 13th and the developer is The Richman Group of California. Was supposed to break ground, but has not yet...


That's right. Forgot about that one, thanks

[sandiego_urban]

An arena where horton is?! Please no. An area would do the exact opposite of what should be done, turn horton inside out and connect all points of downtown to a centralized shopping, dining, cultural and civic space. An arena would be a roadblock and complete dead space, espcially during the daytime. There is a reason MSG is built on top of train tracks in a utilitarian section of Manhattan and not in Time Square or Rockefeller center. jmho :D
Agreed. If anything, they might want to look at the location of the proposed Chargers stadium. At least an arena would take up a smaller footprint than a 70,000 seat stadium.

[Bertrice]

shopping, dining, cultural and civic space. An arena would be a roadblock and complete dead space :D

Most of downtown is a dead zone. Spreading out the retail would help the rest of downtown. The Gaslamp is buzzing right now. No dead zone.
I'm not sure a consolidated mall would bring culture.

The bus yard is definitely on borrowed time.
EV groups want to put a grass patch there.
East Village doesn't feel villiage-y but a sports arena would be great there also

[embora]

Thanks for posting this, good information there. Did they mention anything about the Ritz/Whole Foods project 7th and market? What meeting was this and when and where is the next one, would love to attend if it's open to the public.

You're welcome. The community group is the East Village Residents Group. The below link shows the most recent agenda. They have recurring agenda items with people from CivicSD, the Mayor's Office, Clean&Safe, Police Department, and Council Member Ward's Office. Homelessness is always discussed. They invite developers to present their developments, which usually takes the form of a powerpoint presentation, but Cisterra brought a model of the 7th & Market (Ritz Carlton). Speaking of the Ritz Carlton, I remember the CivicSD rep saying that the project was in litigation. :(

The East Village Residents Group has their general meeting every other month on the third Thursday of the month, so the next one is March 16. See the below link:

http://evrgsd.org/

[SDfan]

And speaking of UTC, the Westfield UTC website confirms a 22-story residential tower will be built on the southwestern corner of the property and be completed in 2018. That should be at least 220', right?

Below is from website https://www.westfield.com/utc/development/faq

Is it true there is a residential tower being built?

Residential development will include 300 luxury apartments on the southwest corner of the property; a twenty two-story tower and four-story tower joined by a 26,000 sqaure foot amenity deck and pool area. Residents will enjoy secure parking contained underneath the building, an exclusive sky deck that provides a relaxing vista with 180 degree ocean views and complete luxury amenities to include private co-work space, exercise facility, mail management system, concierge service, and extra storage.

This tower is expected to open in Fall 2019.

I wouldn't be surprised if it's at least 250'-280'. The tallest building in UTC is the La Jolla Pacific Regent (that orange residential tower with the pitched roof south of the Mormon temple) at 21 stories, 256' (emporis). Pacifica Tower (the Wells Fargo building across the street from UTC) is 17 stories at 207' (emporis).

This means we are likely going to be getting a new tallest in UTC by 2019! However, if the tower is located on the southwestern corner of the property, in relation to the rest of the UTC skyline, the tower might not have the same visual effect. If it was sitting on La Jolla Village Drive, we would have a new tall, centered crown (which Pacifica Tower now commands). Back on the SW corner... it might be muted. :shrug:

[SDfan]

Note on the California Theater redevelopment, SOHO and the Historical Resource Board are out for blood on this one. They will likely stall this project with lawsuits/red tape until the developer moves on.

[HurricaneHugo]

The bus yard is definitely on borrowed time.
EV groups want to put a grass patch there.


Waste of land!

Put a lid on the 5 between Market and J, there's your park!

[SDCAL]

An interesting article on IDEA District and how developers are being entrusted to develop it as an arts/cultural/tech center without any concrete plans or assistance from the city:

http://www.voiceofsandiego.org/topics/arts/east-villages-emerging-arts-district-doesnt-have-much-art/?utm_source=Voice+of+San+Diego+Master+List&utm_campaign=ec53092a34-Morning_Report&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_c2357fd0a3-ec53092a34-83875729&goal=0_c2357fd0a3-ec53092a34-83875729

I see both sides of the issue. Of course developers need to profit otherwise development won't happen. But should the city be doing something to help the "goals" of this District materialize other than just hoping developers follow through on making this an arts/culture hub? What prevents the area from just becoming another monotonous zone of nondescript condos without the mix of tech jobs, culture, community/civic space, unique retail, etc. that the IDEA District proposes? I do think the planned UCSD expansion to east village will help shape the area.

[SDfan]

Manchester is talking to the NFL, apparently...

http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/sports/columnists/kevin-acee/sd-sp-manchester-0215-story.html

[Lipani]

I'd love to see MLS in San Diego, but Manchester jumping in changes a lot of things. It'll be interesting to see what he plans to offer compared to FS Investors.

[SDCAL]

I'd love to see MLS in San Diego, but Manchester jumping in changes a lot of things. It'll be interesting to see what he plans to offer compared to FS Investors.

Manchester is rich, but he's not Sheldon Adelson rich. He's not a billionaire. And we saw how Adelson's involvement in Vegas crashed and burned. I'm not sure what Manchester can do, he's obviously not going to fund something entirely himself and anything using public funds still needs a public vote. Even if he brings investors to the table there's still city involvement with land use, etc. Look how long it has it taken him to get "Pacific Gateway" off the ground and still nothing happening at that site. I think he thinks he has more power than he actually does, another big ego like Briggs.

[HurricaneHugo]

Manchester is talking to the NFL, apparently...

http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/sports/columnists/kevin-acee/sd-sp-manchester-0215-story.html

Why couldn't he jump in before the Chargers bolted? :(

[Lipani]

I agree with many of your points, but I think it's important to keep an open-mind until we have more substantial information on the two proposals (three, if you include JMI's to expand SDSU). Personally I think Manchester is a jackass. However, he does have more experience with large projects in the city. That being said, he needs to deliver more than just a letter to the NFL, and quickly, since FS Investors reportedly has a lot of support from the city council already.

[ucsbgaucho]

The Chargers are gone, that's done. NOt sure why his letter references them. The Raiders is a long-shot at best, as the situation in Vegas sounds like they still won't have much of a problem with the money, though Adelson has huge sway so who knows what's going on behind the scenes that might scare away alternative investors.

They should go forward with the soccer stadium, and leave the space for the NFL stadium as planned. DO the deal with the land and city so that everything is in place; all zoning, EICs, etc, so that if a team is ready to move here, a stadium can begin immediate construction. No way a stadium will begin construction without any binding agreement from a team to move. If it isn't the Raiders, the next best chance is getting the Jaguars to move, and that could be several years off. And the NFL might be feeling the sting of this whole 3-teams-moving-in-2-years fiasco and not want to move another team (except to Mexico City or London of course).

[SDCAL]

I agree with many of your points, but I think it's important to keep an open-mind until we have more substantial information on the two proposals (three, if you include JMI's to expand SDSU). Personally I think Manchester is a jackass. However, he does have more experience with large projects in the city. That being said, he needs to deliver more than just a letter to the NFL, and quickly, since FS Investors reportedly has a lot of support from the city council already.

totally agree :)

[SDCAL]

I agree with many of your points, but I think it's important to keep an open-mind until we have more substantial information on the two proposals (three, if you include JMI's to expand SDSU). Personally I think Manchester is a jackass. However, he does have more experience with large projects in the city. That being said, he needs to deliver more than just a letter to the NFL, and quickly, since FS Investors reportedly has a lot of support from the city council already.

totally agree :)

I never thought his Navy Broadway Complex/Pacific Gateway did justice to that prime waterfront spot, but by this point I just want the damn thing to break ground already. With the Bosa tower and Lane Field well under way, that spot with the crumbling navy buildings is going to be the one big eyesore along the waterfront!

[Derek]

With the Bosa tower and Lane Field well under way, that spot with the crumbling navy buildings is going to be the one big eyesore along the waterfront!



It's going to be? It has been for decades! :P

[SDCAL]

It's going to be? It has been for decades! :P

You're right. :D What I meant to convey was that it used to be an overall nondescript, junky area but with the Bosa tower, Lane Field and the embarcadero that site really stands out now more than before as needing to be redeveloped. The Bosa tower is going to be SD's most expensive condo complex with units going for >1 million dollars. I've heard they are over 1/2 sold, but I would think that before someone spends that kind of money on a condo they would want the immediate surrounding area to have upscale amenities and not be a big void of crumbling crap.

[JerellO]

I love Manchester's design for the Navy Broadway Complex site. Art Deco doesn't really have a big presence here like they do in LA and NY and I think that project would be great, especially on the waterfront. Definitely better than another glass box.

[The Flying Dutchman]

Anybody know more about this? I heard the Navy bldg. will be the first to go up to allow the old complex to move/be torn down. Manchester himself said he was "breaking ground" in his recent MLS letter/bid to San Diego for the Q site.

Letter: http://www.kusi.com/story/34504963/san-diego-developer-doug-manchester-offers-to-build-nfl-stadium-at-qualcomm-site

The only activity I can find are discussions between Manchester and CivicSD to make improvements to Pacific Highway. (I would link but CivicSD site seems to be broken at the moment.)

[hughfb3]

Manchester is talking to the NFL, apparently...

http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/sports/columnists/kevin-acee/sd-sp-manchester-0215-story.html

This totally makes sense and just shows that Dean wasn't really working to stay in San Diego. All one would have to do is use the land around the stadium to develop with housing and commercial for extra money to privately finance a stadium; much like what Stockbridge and Kronke are doing with the Rams and area in Inglewood. I hope the chargers go back to San Diego where they belong and where their fans are.

[SLO]

This totally makes sense and just shows that Dean wasn't really working to stay in San Diego. All one would have to do is use the land around the stadium to develop with housing and commercial for extra money to privately finance a stadium; much like what Stockbridge and Kronke are doing with the Rams and area in Inglewood. I hope the chargers go back to San Diego where they belong and where their fans are.

That would be great, and its not like Spanos isn't a developer who could see the possibilities around that site.

[Nerv]

I love Manchester's design for the Navy Broadway Complex site. Art Deco doesn't really have a big presence here like they do in LA and NY and I think that project would be great, especially on the waterfront. Definitely better than another glass box.

I agree 100%. The more I look at it the more I like it. I want variety in my city.


Is this project in the clear now with a start date?

[Nerv]

That would be great, and its not like Spanos isn't a developer who could see the possibilities around that site.


Oh I don't know. No one is accusing the Spanos family of being smart in their sports team choices or business decisions over the years.

[Lipani]

Rendering of the river park proposed by FS Investors. A news conference with more details of their plans for the site is happening now.

http://media.10news.com/photo/2017/02/20/mission_valley_project_river_park_1487607549558_55470335_ver1.0_640_480.jpg
http://www.10news.com/news/group-heading-major-league-soccer-bid-to-unveil-plans-for-qualcomm-stadium-land-in-mission-valley

[Lipani]

SoccerCity plan: 4,800 homes, 2 stadiums, parks and commercial space at Q site
By Roger Showley

Site: 166 acres plus 67 acres north of Friars Road and south of San Diego River for SDSU athletics and Murphy Canyon training facility for soccer academy

Use: 4,800 homes including 800 student apartments and 480 affordable units and three 300-foot high-rises of up to 26 stories; 2.4 million square of offices, including room for a major corporate campus and usable for SDSU faculty and classrooms; 740,000 square feet of retail, 450 rooms in two hotels; 55 acres of parkland, play fields and neighborhood parks; 16,400 parking spaces; 16-acre site reserved for new NFL stadium; average daily trips at buildout, 71,535

Cost: More than $1 billion in ultimate property value; $150 million for MLS franchise; $200 million for 32,000-seat MLS/Aztec football stadium, half covered by SDSU, expandable to 40,000 seats (22,000-seat only MLS stadium as alternative, costing about $100 million); land cost subject to city appraisal; onsite improvements of about $60 million; $45 million for offsite traffic improvements; $40 million for San Diego River Park; $15 million to demolish Qualcomm Stadium

http://tu9srvbirvvtnyr3d3cudhjiaw1nlmnvbq00.g00.sandiegouniontribune.com/g00/2_d3d3LnNhbmRpZWdvdW5pb250cmlidW5lLmNvbQ%3D%3D_/TU9SRVBIRVVTNyRodHRwOi8vd3d3LnRyYmltZy5jb20vaW1nLTU4YWIzZDBmL3R1cmJpbmUvc2QtMTQ4NzYxNzM2Ni1qNDQyazJ4eGd4LXNuYXAtcGhvdG8vNzUwLzc1MHg0MjI%2FaTEwYy5tYXJrLmltYWdlLnR5cGU%3D_$/$/$/$/$/$

http://tu9srvbirvvtnyr3d3cudhjiaw1nlmnvbq00.g00.sandiegouniontribune.com/g00/2_d3d3LnNhbmRpZWdvdW5pb250cmlidW5lLmNvbQ%3D%3D_/TU9SRVBIRVVTNyRodHRwOi8vd3d3LnRyYmltZy5jb20vaW1nLTU4YTlmZTExL3R1cmJpbmUvc2QtMTQ4NzUzNTcwNS01aG9kZDZpYTduLXNuYXAtcGhvdG8vNzUwLzc1MHg0MjI%2FaTEwYy5tYXJrLmltYWdlLnR5cGU%3D_$/$/$/$/$/$

http://tu9srvbirvvtnyr3d3cudhjiaw1nlmnvbq00.g00.sandiegouniontribune.com/g00/2_d3d3LnNhbmRpZWdvdW5pb250cmlidW5lLmNvbQ%3D%3D_/TU9SRVBIRVVTNyRodHRwOi8vd3d3LnRyYmltZy5jb20vaW1nLTU4YWE4MTRhL3R1cmJpbmUvc2QtMTQ4NzU2OTI5Ny1pbjAyeWFkdnJzLXNuYXAtcGhvdG8vNzUwLzc1MHg0MjI%2FaTEwYy5tYXJrLmltYWdlLnR5cGU%3D_$/$/$/$/$/$

http://tu9srvbirvvtnyr3d3cudhjiaw1nlmnvbq00.g00.sandiegouniontribune.com/g00/2_d3d3LnNhbmRpZWdvdW5pb250cmlidW5lLmNvbQ%3D%3D_/TU9SRVBIRVVTNyRodHRwOi8vd3d3LnRyYmltZy5jb20vaW1nLTU4YTlmZGQ2L3R1cmJpbmUvc2QtMTQ4NzUzNTY0Ni01eGxlMmh6cXE2LXNuYXAtcGhvdG8vNzUwLzc1MHg0MjI%2FaTEwYy5tYXJrLmltYWdlLnR5cGU%3D_$/$/$/$/$/$

http://tu9srvbirvvtnyr3d3cudhjiaw1nlmnvbq00.g00.sandiegouniontribune.com/g00/2_d3d3LnNhbmRpZWdvdW5pb250cmlidW5lLmNvbQ%3D%3D_/TU9SRVBIRVVTNyRodHRwOi8vd3d3LnRyYmltZy5jb20vaW1nLTU4YTlmZWVjL3R1cmJpbmUvc2QtMTQ4NzUzNTkyMy1vZzE3M2pkcmxtLXNuYXAtcGhvdG8vNzUwLzc1MHg0MjI%2FaTEwYy5tYXJrLmltYWdlLnR5cGU%3D_$/$/$/$/$/$
http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/business/growth-development/sd-fi-soccerplan-20170217-story.html

[spoonman]

Love it! Leave it to a real developer like Manchester to come up with a solid plan as opposed to the years of false starts by Spanos.

[mwm991]

SDSU aren't happy.....if they want to go it alone I'd love to know how they are going to finance a top 25 multi use calibre stadium. Who is paying for it, who are the other tenants who are going to give them their money's worth? College soccer and lacrosse, aren't going to. Maybe it's just a bargaining chip.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/C5IzrX8VUAAH_n3.jpg:large

[ucsbgaucho]

Nice design, obviously very preliminary. I kind of agree with the assessment of SDSU regarding expandability of the soccer/football complex, they need to explain a little better how/where they can add an additional 8,000 seats. They have designed an open end to the stadium, but that open end faces retail space immediately across from it, which is where you'd assume expansion of seating would take place. Looks like they'd need to reorient the stadium so the open end is facing the play fields/VIP parking on the north side instead, so you have that open space to add additional bleachers to fully-enclose the space. Unless they plan to be able to add another deck of seating on top of the proposed seating, I'm not sure where the "expansion" could happen, and I'm sure SDSU wants that clarified.

[Boatguy619]

Couple questions I had that I didnt see answered in the articles. Why is a citizens initiative needed if there's no tax money paying for it? There doesn't look to be any parking, if the NFL stadium happens (doubtful) how would the parking issue be handled?

[Bertrice]

This development feels less and less about soccer and more of a landgrab.
I don't care either way but i'm sure the lawsuits will start if this is greenlighted.

[Nerv]

Nice design, obviously very preliminary. I kind of agree with the assessment of SDSU regarding expandability of the soccer/football complex, they need to explain a little better how/where they can add an additional 8,000 seats. They have designed an open end to the stadium, but that open end faces retail space immediately across from it, which is where you'd assume expansion of seating would take place. Looks like they'd need to reorient the stadium so the open end is facing the play fields/VIP parking on the north side instead, so you have that open space to add additional bleachers to fully-enclose the space. Unless they plan to be able to add another deck of seating on top of the proposed seating, I'm not sure where the "expansion" could happen, and I'm sure SDSU wants that clarified.

It's a good question but I'm guessing there is an answer since they clearly list it as expandable to 40,000 seats. Without the actual specs it's hard to say how they could expand it from that drawing.

I'm more curious how much space would be left for a possible NFL stadium. Like how many seats it could be if ever done.

Any future parking needs to be addressed with high rise parking lots. The whole concept of a giant parking lot with a stadium in it like the Q currently is doesn't work anymore.

[spoonman]

Sorry SDSU. Beggars can't be choosers.

[lakeviewer]

Live in the area and noticed that site prep has been underway for the dual brand hotel from J Street Hospitality:

http://jstreethospitality.com/portfolio/canopy-san-diego/

[ucsbgaucho]

It's a good question but I'm guessing there is an answer since they clearly list it as expandable to 40,000 seats. Without the actual specs it's hard to say how they could expand it from that drawing.

I'm more curious how much space would be left for a possible NFL stadium. Like how many seats it could be if ever done.

Any future parking needs to be addressed with high rise parking lots. The whole concept of a giant parking lot with a stadium in it like the Q currently is doesn't work anymore.

16 acres set aside for a stadium. In comparison, the "bowl" of the Cowboys stadium is 13-14 acres (couldn't find data on stadium footprints), so 16 probably would be enough to fit a stadium.

They'll obviously build to Super Bowl specs for attendance, or build with ways to temporarily expand seating for a Super Bowl if needed.

Parking is listed at 16,700 spaces in the whole complex. The new Vikings stadium lists "20,000 spaces within a 20 minute walk". It also has light rail stop at the stadium. So mass transit would be a high priority for CHarger games, and tailgating looks like it'd be pushed out of parking lots. Not sure if there are open spaces to allow tailgating or if it'll just be a thing of the past. The Minnesota stadium has 600 spaces designated for tailgating.

I don't see structures in the rendering either, so maybe lots of underground structures that don't rise up above ground level too much.

[SDFC]

Live in the area and noticed that site prep has been underway for the dual brand hotel from J Street Hospitality:

http://jstreethospitality.com/portfolio/canopy-san-diego/

I walked by yesterday. It is being paved to become a parking lot. :hell:

[mello]

The Qualcomm site is not prepped and ready to go for massive development. I've heard that huge portions of the site need to be raised by 20 feet due to the flood plane. The old stadium will have to be demolished. The 55 acre park in a major flood zone will take some expensive engineering before the park can even be built. Tons of soccer fields don't make the Group much money.

My point is the community is getting a lot on a site that isn't shovel ready for development and they estimate huge tax revenues for the city. So its either sit around for years and quibble about this being a land grab and fair market value for the site or move forward get major amenities and tax revenue. Also the longer we sit here and do nothing the city continues to lose money on maintaining the current decrepit stadium.

Regarding parking heard Nick Stone on interview last night say there will be 10% less parking on the site then there currently is now so there will be plenty of parking don't worry about that :cheers:

[HurricaneHugo]

Couple questions I had that I didnt see answered in the articles. Why is a citizens initiative needed if there's no tax money paying for it? There doesn't look to be any parking, if the NFL stadium happens (doubtful) how would the parking issue be handled?

The initiative is needed to fast track it, it won't actually go for a vote, just a council decision

Apparently the site has almost as many spots as there are now

[lakeviewer]

I walked by yesterday. It is being paved to become a parking lot. :hell:

You've got to be kidding me...ugh:uhh:

[The Flying Dutchman]

https://ocbj.media.clients.ellingtoncms.com/img/photos/2017/02/17/NAI_Rendering_Union__Ash_SD_t286.png?bbf6033217fd363b80b8c649142dbd7491934c06

Source: http://www.sdbj.com/news/2017/feb/19/multifamily-tower-planned-after-152m-property-buys/

"The properties are at 210 W. Ash St. and 1400-1430 Front St."

"A preliminary architectural site study — performed by Joseph Wong and Chris Fassler of Joseph Wong Design Associates (JWDA) —- indicates that the project may include a multifamily tower with approximately 260 units."

"No development timeline has been announced. The acquired land currently includes one parking lot and three single-story office buildings, which would be cleared away for future development."

"Current tenants in the office buildings include Aladdin Bail Bonds and the San Diego County Office of Education."

[SDCAL]

I walked by yesterday. It is being paved to become a parking lot. :hell:

I saw it looked like this too. So what's this mean? Project dead? Project delayed? Project up in the air? Project still on schedule but there was going to be a certain gap before groundbreaking and they thought it was worth it to get money for parking in the meantime?

Meanwhile the Ritz-whole foods site remains an eyesore parking lot as well. I'm nervous about these coming to fruition.

[Nerv]

I saw it looked like this too. So what's this mean? Project dead? Project delayed? Project up in the air? Project still on schedule but there was going to be a certain gap before groundbreaking and they thought it was worth it to get money for parking in the meantime?

Meanwhile the Ritz-whole foods site remains an eyesore parking lot as well. I'm nervous about these coming to fruition.


Given Whole Foods current performance along with their other "issues" (store closings to quality control problems) they are probably not in a big hurry to get that store opened anytime soon. They have much bigger problems to address.

[SDCAL]

Given Whole Foods current performance along with their other "issues" (store closings to quality control problems) they are probably not in a big hurry to get that store opened anytime soon. They have much bigger problems to address.

I wouldn't think that would delay the entire project though? It's not expected to be complete for 5 years, if they don't have their problems solved by then they have much bigger problems :)

There are other, smaller high end grocery stores they could
Possibly look at. I've been to Erewhon Market in LA, they have a couple locations in LA area, it's like a more upscale version of Jimbos or WF. Point being I'm sure they could find an alternative if WH didn't work out. Maybe they could even look at a TJs?

[Bertrice]

Ballpark Village visible from inside petco.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/C5YvkvmVMAIHkOM.jpg

[HurricaneHugo]

Nice!

How many more floors does it have to go?

[Northparkwizard]

Nice shot Bertrice! I wonder how the new building will effect the wind/gameplay at Condo Canyon (PETCO).

[Bertrice]

A few more

https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/776/32293809114_781c09c253_b.jpg


https://c2.staticflickr.com/4/3862/32293807394_e863097def_b.jpg

[JerellO]

Anyone else love the Skyspire observation deck idea?? I think it's awesome! :D

[SDCAL]

Driving on the 5 into downtown, I noticed the crane on Pacific Gate is well over 500', clearly taller than OAP. It's been that way for weeks. If having a tower >500' is so "dangerous" to aviation safety, why is the crane allowed to be that high? And that's right along the bay. I don't see how a 600 or 700' tower east of petco park would be any danger to airline safety. Was kind of hoping that during this current building boom we are in at least one development would challenge this height restriction.

[spoonman]

^ I believe that the developers currently have to get FAA and Airport Authority approval to put up cranes (at least ones over 500').

The point you raise seems very valid to me. Based on what I've seen of the FAA's airport approach area maps, building heights SHOULD be able to gradually increase as you get farther from the airport. Under this scenario, areas such as Ballpark Village/Barrio Logan should be able to go past 500', however the city restricted the entire downtown area to a 500' max a long time ago (probably under FAA pressure or cooperation).

I believe that it would be possible (though perhaps not politically wise) to increase the city's height limit in certain areas of downtown WITHOUT violating the FAA's rules. That said, the FAA and the city would probably both prefer not to go down this path. One has to wonder though if the height limit issue will finally be discussed as downtown builds out the last of the "low-hanging-fruit" land parcels.

[HurricaneHugo]

Anyone else love the Skyspire observation deck idea?? I think it's awesome! :D

I thought it was tacky but now I'm warming up to the idea

[eburress]

Based on what I've seen of the FAA's airport approach area maps, building heights SHOULD be able to gradually increase as you get farther from the airport. Under this scenario, areas such as Ballpark Village/Barrio Logan should be able to go past 500', however the city restricted the entire downtown area to a 500' max a long time ago (probably under FAA pressure or cooperation).


What you're describing is very common in other cities. I seemed to recall though that the problem for San Diego was North Island's approach(es) also extend over Downtown, making none of it viable for >500' development.

[Lipani]

Does anyone know what's going on with 777 Front Street? Those offices have been closed for awhile (although there is a Bosa sales office on the corner).

The pro­posed de­vel­op­ment con­sists of a 42 story con­crete res­id­en­tial tower with 260 units sur­roun­ded by a forty foot po­di­um above four levels of un­der­ground park­ing. Varied balcony edges create an undulating facade around the inner glass volume. The inner volume is revealed at random points up the tower facade. A luxurious porte cochere is carved out of Front Street for the residential entry and Lobby connection. The remainder of the ground floor is devoted to 16,000 gsf of retail frontage and it's associated loading and parking access.

http://www.amanatarchitect.com/777/001.jpg
http://www.amanatarchitect.com/777/index.php

[ArquitectoMontenegro]

http://responsibilityfoundation.org/news/

http://www.statuefund.org/images/content/pagebuilder/slider-about-lg-2.jpg
https://www.themarriageboss.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/gallery-6.jpg

This project was in City Beat recently, I guess San Diego is considered a front runner as the host city for this statue. It is conceived as a national bookend to the Statue of Liberty--a west coast statue symbolizing the responsibility that comes with liberty. The concept seems to be decades in the making, but seems very timely considering the current administration in the white house seems hellbent on closing borders and this Statue of Responsibility aims to symbolize empathy, assistance, etc. San Diego would also be a great location given its geographical proximity to the busiest border crossing in the world. From the rendering it looks like Coronado Island would be its home if it were to be constructed in San Diego, which I think is appropriate. There's a smaller scale replica of the statue at some university in Utah.

[ucsbgaucho]

Utah Valley University

https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/f4/05/13/f40513b9e3e96d0747957d88ca2e8fa6.jpg

[spoonman]

This project was in City Beat recently, I guess San Diego is considered a front runner as the host city for this statue. It is conceived as a national bookend to the Statue of Liberty--a west coast statue symbolizing the responsibility that comes with liberty. The concept seems to be decades in the making, but seems very timely considering the current administration in the white house seems hellbent on closing borders and this Statue of Responsibility aims to symbolize empathy, assistance, etc. San Diego would also be a great location given its geographical proximity to the busiest border crossing in the world. From the rendering it looks like Coronado Island would be its home if it were to be constructed in San Diego, which I think is appropriate. There's a smaller scale replica of the statue at some university in Utah.

Yes, let's create a PC statue about responsibly helping immigrants in a city with one of the worst homeless populations in the country. Kind of ironic.

At least the statue has plenty of office space.

[Bertrice]

This could be your City!
Dare to Dream!
:haha:
Coronado is gonna love this.
GTFO Arquitecto!



[QUOTE=ArquitectoMontenegro;7727730]http://responsibilityfoundation.org/news/

http://www.statuefund.org/images/content/pagebuilder/slider-about-lg-2.jpg

[SDCAL]

This could be your City!
Dare to Dream!
:haha:
Coronado is gonna love this.
GTFO Arquitecto!



[QUOTE=ArquitectoMontenegro;7727730]http://responsibilityfoundation.org/news/

http://www.statuefund.org/images/content/pagebuilder/slider-about-lg-2.jpg

Who cares what Coronado thinks? These are the old cranks who fought bike lanes calling them "paint stripe pollution."

http://www.kpbs.org/news/2015/sep/23/coronado-puts-brakes-all-future-bike-lanes-after-r/

They aren't exactly a visionary town.

Also, not sure why you're telling someone to GTFO for expressing their viewpoint on a proposed project. We get it, you're very conservative (I've seen past comments of yours negative towards immigrants). We're all entitled to our own political viewpoints so more power to you. But SD is a diverse city and as Arquitecto points out we are at a unique location on the border with Mexico and on the Pacific Rim. If done right it could be a good thing.

[Bertrice]

(I've seen past comments of yours negative towards immigrants)
bs!
I keep my post about SD not TJ. start a TJ thread.no problem.
But this is an abomination along the lines of that wing design for the navy pier.

[ArquitectoMontenegro]

Those wings were horrid. I'd say this Responsibility Statue is definitely an improvement.

And FYI, I was born and raised in Orange County, and have lived in San Diego for nearly a decade. I'm sorry that your thinking is limited to assume someone can't be bilingual AND a US citizen, Bertrice.

[eburress]

http://responsibilityfoundation.org/news/

http://www.statuefund.org/images/content/pagebuilder/slider-about-lg-2.jpg
https://www.themarriageboss.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/gallery-6.jpg

This project was in City Beat recently, I guess San Diego is considered a front runner as the host city for this statue. It is conceived as a national bookend to the Statue of Liberty--a west coast statue symbolizing the responsibility that comes with liberty. The concept seems to be decades in the making, but seems very timely considering the current administration in the white house seems hellbent on closing borders and this Statue of Responsibility aims to symbolize empathy, assistance, etc. San Diego would also be a great location given its geographical proximity to the busiest border crossing in the world. From the rendering it looks like Coronado Island would be its home if it were to be constructed in San Diego, which I think is appropriate. There's a smaller scale replica of the statue at some university in Utah.

I swear, each one of these observation towery structures is worse than the last. This one, with the windows at the top, looks more like an air traffic control tower. "It's more than a monument, it's a heaping pile of crap."

[Nerv]

As statues go I find it pretty unattractive but I'm also pretty sure it won't get enough support to build it. That's not to say a statue of size might not one day be in the city but it's going to have to be nice enough to get some support.

There were a few people that didn't care for the unconditional surrender statue when they first mentioned making it a permanent fixture vs its original temporary status but honestly it had good support, was popular with visitors and although a New York historic event from Life magazine it did fit San Diego's navy history along with an ideal location near the Midway museum.

A large statue as proposed will always have its detractors but it's going to be more important to have the right support and location.

I don't think the statue above will achieve either.

[Nerv]

^ I believe that the developers currently have to get FAA and Airport Authority approval to put up cranes (at least ones over 500').

The point you raise seems very valid to me. Based on what I've seen of the FAA's airport approach area maps, building heights SHOULD be able to gradually increase as you get farther from the airport. Under this scenario, areas such as Ballpark Village/Barrio Logan should be able to go past 500', however the city restricted the entire downtown area to a 500' max a long time ago (probably under FAA pressure or cooperation).

I believe that it would be possible (though perhaps not politically wise) to increase the city's height limit in certain areas of downtown WITHOUT violating the FAA's rules. That said, the FAA and the city would probably both prefer not to go down this path. One has to wonder though if the height limit issue will finally be discussed as downtown builds out the last of the "low-hanging-fruit" land parcels.


I'm not sure that even if we didn't have the current 500 foot height limit in place that we would instantly start seeing towers pop up over 500 feet.

If building demand was such why aren't more towers regularly hitting that 500 foot limit now. I'm not saying you wouldn't see a 500+ foot tower but it doesn't seem the city is suffering from a great demand to hit or break that 500 foot mark.


I think it's more important that the city of San Diego continue its downtown growth in a organic manner. It's not so much about size as it is the vibe the city creates. It has a lot of good parts in it already but still needs certain pieces to make it great which have nothing to do with its height (although I'm in the camp it does hurt the city to some degree but I don't agree it's some death blow).

[SDfan]

(I've seen past comments of yours negative towards immigrants)
bs!
I keep my post about SD not TJ. start a TJ thread.no problem.
But this is an abomination along the lines of that wing design for the navy pier.

Who brought up TJ? You saw "immigrants" and a forumer with a Spanish username and went all in. Can't you just stick to critiquing the statue (a horrible, horrible statue) rather than illuminating us, once again, with your less than subtle prejudice? :yuck:

[spoonman]

I'm not sure that even if we didn't have the current 500 foot height limit in place that we would instantly start seeing towers pop up over 500 feet.

If building demand was such why aren't more towers regularly hitting that 500 foot limit now. I'm not saying you wouldn't see a 500+ foot tower but it doesn't seem the city is suffering from a great demand to hit or break that 500 foot mark.


I think it's more important that the city of San Diego continue its downtown growth in a organic manner. It's not so much about size as it is the vibe the city creates. It has a lot of good parts in it already but still needs certain pieces to make it great which have nothing to do with its height (although I'm in the camp it does hurt the city to some degree but I don't agree it's some death blow).

I disagree. Just look at all the sets of twin towers in this city. It's possible some of these would have been single mega towers. Also, many buildings are building up to the height limit all the time...Bosa, Pinnacle, 7th/Market, Manchester, ,OAP, and others. You must also understand that the height limit if 500' from sea level. This means that the maximum building height from grade is often 480' or slightly less. This is why you see a lot of towers like Bosa building to heights of 479'. The effective height limit is even lower in places of higher elevation such as the financial district.

An increased height limit would definitely free up developers to build higher and if instituted in the past we'd have a much taller skyline.

[Nerv]

I disagree. Just look at all the sets of twin towers in this city. It's possible some of these would have been single mega towers. Also, many buildings are building up to the height limit all the time...Bosa, Pinnacle, 7th/Market, Manchester, ,OAP, and others. You must also understand that the height limit if 500' from sea level. This means that the maximum building height from grade is often 480' or slightly less. This is why you see a lot of towers like Bosa building to heights of 479'. The effective height limit is even lower in places of higher elevation such as the financial district.

An increased height limit would definitely free up developers to build higher and if instituted in the past we'd have a much taller skyline.


Yes I do understand how the height limit works from sea level. I also agree with you that a twin tower project might have gone with a single higher tower but that doesn't mean the leftover parcel would also have been used as another high tower. How many twin tower projects are in the city currently? So combine some of them as single higher towers (not all of them because it's unlikely all would have gone that route) and that's how many higher towers we would have today. You can't really add more because the towers are being built to market demand which if it was higher Bosa would have more than one project going on at a time based on the amount of land they currently own. What's the tallest condo towers Bosa builds? There's probably your answer. I'm not disagreeing with you that a few taller buildings wouldn't be better I'm just doubting the reality of how many we might actually have today.

There are a lot of projects being built right now and have been built that could have gone not just a little higher but a lot higher. I see the demand to build higher even if it was available limited. I could see someone breaking that 500 foot limit but I don't see the city looking like other cities with higher towers.

One of the problems being is the city has been unsuccessful so far at getting the type of business that would likely build such a high tower. No Qualcomm, no Sony, no Petco, media outlet, etc... in downtown right now to anchor such a tower. This talk of getting one of San Diegos big companies downtown has proven so far fruitless.

So yeah, I could certainly see Bosa using the land more to their benefit with single taller towers for condos which would help the cities appearance but it still wouldn't resolve a current problem with our downtowns identity. That being the lack of big players in business providing it with character. The downtown doesn't even have small business fronts like a Target, Walmart, Best Buy, etc... in it. The retail experience in downtown is more glaring to me than a 600 footer.

[Bertrice]

Who brought up TJ? You saw "immigrants" and a forumer with a Spanish username and went all in. Can't you just stick to critiquing the statue (a horrible, horrible statue) rather than illuminating us, once again, with your less than subtle prejudice? :yuck:

You don't know me. don't comment on me.
I stand by my posts.
I didn't say anything about " immigrants"
your oversensitive.
shut up and read.
If you got a problem with me then PM me.

[SDfan]

You don't know me. don't comment on me.
I stand by my posts.
I didn't say anything about " immigrants"
your oversensitive.
shut up and read.
If you got a problem with me then PM me.

You're weird.

[SDfan]

Sad but true article from VOSD:

How Soccer City Dies
http://www.voiceofsandiego.org/topics/land-use/how-soccercity-dies/

[Bertrice]

You're weird.

Sdfan looking for dinner

https://coolsandiegosights.files.wordpress.com/2017/03/img_5549z-a-worker-crosses-broadway-while-a-homeless-man-looks-into-a-trashcan.jpg

[Bertrice]

Sad but true article from VOSD:

oh god you read VOSD