SAN DIEGO | Boom Rundown, Vol. 2

[HurricaneHugo]

Was in UTC for the first time in years and saw this building going up

Anybody have info on it? Rendering?

http://i.imgur.com/oWurW3u.jpg?1

[Lipani]

The crane is coming down at Pacific Gate, the crane for Alexan Tower came down a couple weeks ago, and Ballpark Village is just about topped-off. 2017 is looking good for downtown so far. :cheers:

[Eightball]

UC San Diego is preparing for quite a bit of development at their main campus in La Jolla. The Living and Learning Neighborhood will develop a large parking lot on the western edge of campus into a multi-use student housing/education/minor retail area. It will be one of the campus' larger individual projects. The architecture is similar to other recent campus buildings:

http://livinglearning.ucsd.edu/_images/ntplln-scholars-drive.jpg
.

Wow, I didn't want to quote all the renderings, but gorgeous! :cheers:

[Streamliner]

Was in UTC for the first time in years and saw this building going up

Anybody have info on it? Rendering?

http://i.imgur.com/oWurW3u.jpg?1

I believe it's called Monte Verde. 16-stories, 270 feet if this is still accurate:

http://www.tsminc.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/02-Monte-Verde-SM.jpg

Source (http://www.tsminc.com/projects/monte-verde/)

[spoonman]

I believe there are additional buildings proposed for this site. Can anyone confirm? These buildings are in a prime spot with all of the development at UTC and the new trolley viaduct running down Genesee Ave.

http://www.universitycitynews.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/image15.png
University City News

http://hughesmarino.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/UTC-trolley-rendering.jpg
Hughes Marino website

[Streamliner]

I believe there are additional buildings proposed for this site. Can anyone confirm? These buildings are in a prime spot with all of the development at UTC and the new trolley viaduct running down Genesee Ave.


They are planning to revitalize the existing Costa Verde shopping center with more retail, hotel, residential, etc. The idea is to create a better connection to the future UTC Trolley station. It will be a much more outward-facing development instead of the existing oversized strip-mall look it currently has.

All of this development including the UTC mall expansion is making everything feel much more urban at the corner of La Jolla Village Dr. and Genesee.

[eburress]

I believe there are additional buildings proposed for this site. Can anyone confirm?

Years ago there were plans for two 40ish story apartment buildings on that site, but the local NIMBYs made sure that didn't happen, so for now, I think this is all that's going on that spot.

[HurricaneHugo]

That begs the question, what's UTC's height limit?

[Lipani]

Looks like SoccerCity is dead.

City Council eliminates $5M for special election on SoccerCity, convention center
By Roger Showley

The City Council voted 8-1 Monday to eliminate $5 million for a special election this November on SoccerCity and the San Diego Convention Center expansion.

But Mayor Kevin Faulconer immediately vowed to veto the council’s action.The mayor has until June 13 to modify the budget as he sees fit, and the council would need six votes to override.
Full article: http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/business/growth-development/sd-fi-electionbudget-20170605-story.html

[SDfan]

Years ago there were plans for two 40ish story apartment buildings on that site, but the local NIMBYs made sure that didn't happen, so for now, I think this is all that's going on that spot.

They originally proposed four towers, two at 32 stories, another two at 24 or something. They got approved for two at 24 or 26 and then another two at 16-ish. The developer then reapplied to lowered the heights of the tallest towers to what is being build now. There should still be 4 towers, but they'll all be in and around 16 stories.

[eburress]

They originally proposed four towers, two at 32 stories, another two at 24 or something. They got approved for two at 24 or 26 and then another two at 16-ish. The developer then reapplied to lowered the heights of the tallest towers to what is being build now. There should still be 4 towers, but they'll all be in and around 16 stories.

Oh gotcha...thanks for clarifying. It's been years since these UTC developments were discussed, so obviously the details were getting fuzzy. haha

[spoonman]

They originally proposed four towers, two at 32 stories, another two at 24 or something. They got approved for two at 24 or 26 and then another two at 16-ish. The developer then reapplied to lowered the heights of the tallest towers to what is being build now. There should still be 4 towers, but they'll all be in and around 16 stories.

Thanks, SDfan. That's about what I remember from seeing the proposal a long time ago (wow, we're all getting old).

Those towers along with the 22 story UTC residential tower will add a ton of additional density to an already very dense area. UTC is about as dense as you can get without a traditional downtown style street grid. Definitely worthy as a second "downtown" as much as it can be for being developed out of a 1970's/80's suburb. Very akin to Tyson's Corner with significant office, retail, residential, and now mass transit.

[HurricaneHugo]

Looks like SoccerCity is dead.

City Council eliminates $5M for special election on SoccerCity, convention center
By Roger Showley


Full article: http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/business/growth-development/sd-fi-electionbudget-20170605-story.html

Bye bye MLS & Comic Con.

[SDCAL]

Bye bye MLS & Comic Con.

The mayor said he would veto the decision, so I'm guessing if that's the case the votes will still happen?

[HurricaneHugo]

The mayor said he would veto the decision, so I'm guessing if that's the case the votes will still happen?

The council can override the veto with 6 votes so we'll need three votes to flip

[Lipani]

Bye bye MLS & Comic Con.

Without a special election MLS is definitely gone at this point. Comic-Con, no. I've been heavily involved with them since 2011 (and marginally in 2009 and 2010). The only place in Southern California the CC staff like and would ever consider is Anaheim -- and even that is a huge stretch. They would have to be royally screwed by the city and the hotels to seriously consider it. WonderCon was in LA last year and they hated it. But right now they've only looked at Anaheim's offer and have focused on getting the best deal they can from San Diego.

[SDfan]

The council can override the veto with 6 votes so we'll need three votes to flip

I think the Mayor's office is betting that the 3 Republicans who voted to erase the funds for the election will flip their votes. From what I had read, they objected to other issues, not the project itself. So we shall see.

[SDfan]

Thanks, SDfan. That's about what I remember from seeing the proposal a long time ago (wow, we're all getting old).

Those towers along with the 22 story UTC residential tower will add a ton of additional density to an already very dense area. UTC is about as dense as you can get without a traditional downtown style street grid. Definitely worthy as a second "downtown" as much as it can be for being developed out of a 1970's/80's suburb. Very akin to Tyson's Corner with significant office, retail, residential, and now mass transit.

We are getting old. Haha. I was reading this forum when I was 12. I'm 27 now. Haha!

Super excited to see UTC's tower. At 22 stories, it will likely become the tallest tower (height wise) in the area.

[SDfan]

PS, found a rendering of the UTC tower:

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c24/SDfan12/Public/UTC-Residential-Tower-Rendering_JWDAforweb-2091b7349d.jpg (http://s24.photobucket.com/user/SDfan12/media/Public/UTC-Residential-Tower-Rendering_JWDAforweb-2091b7349d.jpg.html)

Source: https://www.westfieldcorp.com/portfolio/residential

[spoonman]

PS, found a rendering of the UTC tower:

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c24/SDfan12/Public/UTC-Residential-Tower-Rendering_JWDAforweb-2091b7349d.jpg (http://s24.photobucket.com/user/SDfan12/media/Public/UTC-Residential-Tower-Rendering_JWDAforweb-2091b7349d.jpg.html)

Source: https://www.westfieldcorp.com/portfolio/residential

Thanks for the rendering. Funny the rendering doesn't show any neighboring buildings.

[eburress]

PS, found a rendering of the UTC tower:

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c24/SDfan12/Public/UTC-Residential-Tower-Rendering_JWDAforweb-2091b7349d.jpg (http://s24.photobucket.com/user/SDfan12/media/Public/UTC-Residential-Tower-Rendering_JWDAforweb-2091b7349d.jpg.html)

Source: https://www.westfieldcorp.com/portfolio/residential

I'm impressed...that's a pretty badass tower, especially for UTC! If I'm looking at that correctly, that's going in on the corner of Genesee and Nobel, in the Macy's parking lot?

[HurricaneHugo]

Qualcomm lot valued at $150 million, not sure how that changes things

http://www.nbcsandiego.com/news/local/Real-Estate-Appraisers-Value-Qualcomm-Stadium-and-Nearby-Land-at-110M-427105943.html

[mbb]

Thanks, SDfan. That's about what I remember from seeing the proposal a long time ago (wow, we're all getting old).

Those towers along with the 22 story UTC residential tower will add a ton of additional density to an already very dense area. UTC is about as dense as you can get without a traditional downtown style street grid. Definitely worthy as a second "downtown" as much as it can be for being developed out of a 1970's/80's suburb. Very akin to Tyson's Corner with significant office, retail, residential, and now mass transit.

Probably the biggest problem in terms of walkability is the huge blocks, rather than a lack of a street grid. Once rail transit is online, there should be a focus on creating mid-block pedestrian paseos. Given the existing built environment and property ownership, this will be challenging, but it's not impossible. A combination of eminent domain and convincing land owners that it will help to increase rents would be a way to get it done. There would be great opportunities for kiosks and cafes to increase revenue as well.

[SDfan]

Found this veiled anti-development hit piece in the Reader/garbage:

Two more downtown high-rises — 800 Broadway and 6th & A
https://www.sandiegoreader.com/news/2017/jun/09/stringers-downtown-high-rise/?google_editors_picks=true

I can't find info on these projects on the CivicSD website. Any help?

[spoonman]

Found this veiled anti-development hit piece in the Reader/garbage:

Two more downtown high-rises — 800 Broadway and 6th & A
https://www.sandiegoreader.com/news/2017/jun/09/stringers-downtown-high-rise/?google_editors_picks=true

I can't find info on these projects on the CivicSD website. Any help?

Typical Reader garbage. As if building government subsidized housing is going to solve high prices in California. Unreal.

[SDCAL]

Anyone know what the status is of the Ritz project at 7th/Market? It seems impossible to find any current information on the Internet. I know it's been reported they are involved in legal challenges, does anybody know the nature of these challenges and the date(s) courts are expected to rule on them? That project seems pivotal for downtown, it would be the largest building in San Diego County, would change the viewscape from the stadium, and would bring downtown our first 5 star luxury hotel. It will be a huge loss of it's dead.

[Streamliner]

Found this veiled anti-development hit piece in the Reader/garbage:

Two more downtown high-rises — 800 Broadway and 6th & A
https://www.sandiegoreader.com/news/2017/jun/09/stringers-downtown-high-rise/?google_editors_picks=true

I can't find info on these projects on the CivicSD website. Any help?

I hadn't seen them before either. Here are the pictures from the article for reference:

6th and A
https://media.sandiegoreader.com/img/photos/2017/06/08/6th__A_draft_plans_t658.jpg?ff95ca2b4c25d2d6ff3bfb257febf11d604414e5

800 Broadway
https://media.sandiegoreader.com/img/photos/2017/06/08/8th__Broadway_draft_plans_t670.jpg?b3f6a5d7692ccc373d56e40cf708e3fa67d9af9d

[Lipani]

Looks like the convention center expansion will have to wait until the 2018 ballot. As for SoccerCity, it depends whether or not adopts their proposal a week from today.

San Diego council rejects November special election on convention center expansion
By David Garrick

San Diego City Council members on Monday rejected a proposed November special election for a hotel tax increase to expand the convention center and boost money for homeless programs and street repair.

The 5-4 vote along party lines – five Democrats opposed to a special election and four Republicans in favor — makes it highly likely the council will also reject a November vote on the SoccerCity proposal in Mission Valley.

The council’s vote on Monday was to reject having a special election this year for any ballot measures, making a vote on the specific convention center proposal unnecessary.

The council is scheduled to vote next Monday whether to adopt the SoccerCity proposal or send it to the voters. If the council chooses to send it to voters, the timing of such an election would be determined at a subsequent meeting, Deputy City Attorney Sharon Spivak said.
www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/politics/sd-me-convention-vote-20170612-story.html

[SDCAL]

Looks like the convention center expansion will have to wait until the 2018 ballot. As for SoccerCity, it depends whether or not adopts their proposal a week from today.

San Diego council rejects November special election on convention center expansion
By David Garrick


www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/politics/sd-me-convention-vote-20170612-story.html

I don't understand, the article says they voted today to reject any special ballot election in November but then it goes on to say they will still consider the soccer city ballot measure. Am I missing something or is this an inconsistency/error in the article?

By the way, some interesting comments in there, including this classic Nimby post:

"The only thing that should be in the MV area is nothing. Putting anything there just increases traffic and congestion."

:haha:

[The Flying Dutchman]

Found this veiled anti-development hit piece in the Reader/garbage:

Two more downtown high-rises — 800 Broadway and 6th & A
https://www.sandiegoreader.com/news/2017/jun/09/stringers-downtown-high-rise/?google_editors_picks=true

I can't find info on these projects on the CivicSD website. Any help?

It really irks me whenever an article (Reader or otherwise) fails to mention what affordable housing actually means in a policy context. "Affordable Housing" is based off a HUD definition of a dwelling costing no more than 30% of AMI (Area Median Income), all-inclusive. The city uses a lower number than the county, but it still comes to about $1,500 for rent based on AMI. Easily found in many of the new apts. downtown...

If this is a hit piece as some say, it's a poorly done one that fails to mention that "affordable" is still quite high in desirable places. In any case, it's sloppy journalism.

sources:
https://www.sandiego.gov/housing/resources/whatis
http://www.sandiegocounty.gov/content/sdc/sdhcd/rental-assistance/income-limits-ami.html
https://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?src=/program_offices/comm_planning/affordablehousing/

[Lipani]

I don't understand, the article says they voted today to reject any special ballot election in November but then it goes on to say they will still consider the soccer city ballot measure. Am I missing something or is this an inconsistency/error in the article?

By the way, some interesting comments in there, including this classic Nimby post:

"The only thing that should be in the MV area is nothing. Putting anything there just increases traffic and congestion."

:haha:

If I recall correctly, the petition by FS Investors gathered enough signatures to take it directly to the city council. Putting it on a ballot would have been better PR, but MLS votes on the next expansion teams in November. Unlike the convention center expansion FS Investors can't wait several months until the 2018 primary or general elections.

[SDFC]

After reading the above mentioned article in the Reader I did some clicking through some old articles and found this one from April 15, 1982.

https://www.sandiegoreader.com/news/1982/apr/15/top-city/

It was fun to get a 1982 perspective of the downtown office market, but what really struck me was this:

"It is also limited in architectural stature because of the FAA’s restrictions — 380 feet above sea level — in regard to the city’s proximity to the airport."

380ft height limit in 1982! It is obviously 500ft now, but does that mean there is a chance it could be raised in the future? Anyone know the history of the height limit over time?

[SDFC]

Some pics of the Mid-Coast expansion progress in UTC...

http://i1110.photobucket.com/albums/h443/MDUNCAN10/20170601_082618.jpg
http://i1110.photobucket.com/albums/h443/MDUNCAN10/20170601_082809.jpg
http://i1110.photobucket.com/albums/h443/MDUNCAN10/20170601_083252.jpg

The progress is quite amazing. It can also be seen while riding the COASTER between Old Town and Sorrento Valley. I am somewhat surprised that it is not set to open until 2020/2021.

[Lipani]

^ 2020 is probably accurate. I was at UTC last week and noticed construction hasn't started in that area yet, although a few segments were fenced off. There's a Facebook page (https://m.facebook.com/MidCoastTrolley/photos/a.1127116847302302.1073741827.1127110517302935/1127116767302310/?type=3&source=44#~!/MidCoastTrolley/) for the Trolley extension that seems to be regularly updated. Maybe they'll post a clearer timeline on there.

[SDFC]

I was at UTC last week and noticed construction hasn't started in that area yet, although a few segments were fenced off.

Sure it has, there are actually only two very small sections that do not have active construction ongoing: 1) Genesee south of La Jolla Village Drive and 2) The segment where the tracks will cross over the 5 just South of Nobel to the current COASTER tracks.

I'm sure the stated completion goal of 2020/2021 (completion 2020; service beginning 2021) is accurate and appropriate, but I'm just saying I am very (happily) surprised by the amount of visible progress. It has been fun to watch this city FINALLY adding to the trolley network!

[HurricaneHugo]

I feel the opposite, seems like it's taking forever.

It's been planned for the like the last 2 decades lol

[a very long weekend]

wow, will the line from downtown be grade separated?

[The Flying Dutchman]

wow, will the line from downtown be grade separated?

Yes, one of the best things about our trolley network is that most of it is grade-separated. Now only if it went to more areas where people go (beach, Balboa Park/Zoo, etc.)

I had a professor who lamented the new UTC line because the cost/benefit ratio of this new 2 billion line is low, in terms of ridership. He said it is to appease politicians. He may be right, but I believe this line is 100% necessary.

[SDCAL]

Yes, one of the best things about our trolley network is that most of it is grade-separated. Now only if it went to more areas where people go (beach, Balboa Park/Zoo, etc.)

I had a professor who lamented the new UTC line because the cost/benefit ratio of this new 2 billion line is low, in terms of ridership. He said it is to appease politicians. He may be right, but I believe this line is 100% necessary.

I'm not a transportation expert by any stretch, but my view is that building a mass transit network is about investment and long-term strategy as opposed to a quick profit/ total solution to everything. Each line that's built makes the system more relevant and more useful to the community as a whole and will help contribute to ridership/ relief from traffic congestion. As someone who lives downtown and works in the ucsd area, I can say this will be a game changer for me. I never take the trolley because, as you mention, it fails to go to basic places within the core like Balboa park/Hillcrest/North Park, the airport, the beach, etc. With the utc line I would consider using it daily to commute to work. Going from not using it at all to being a regular daily user is huge, and I'm sure there are others like me. It won't solve everything but it will be a major piece to build on for our mass transit. What scares me is that after this extension is complete, SANDAG doesn't have anything else that looks like it will be built on the trolley line for another decade plus.

[SDCAL]

This is great news for our region!!

http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/business/growth-development/sd-fi-frankfurt-20170614-story.html

[mello]

This is great news for our region!!

http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/business/growth-development/sd-fi-frankfurt-20170614-story.html


The author Roger Showley forgot to mention if this will just be a seasonal Summer flight or 5 departures a week year round. I will email him to ask. As you guys know the Condor and Edelweiss flights to Frankfurt and Zurich we got are only 3/4 days a week and from June through Sept/Oct I believe. I really hope this Lufthansa is year round.

Now we really need to work on getting a Shanghai or Hong Kong Flight to service Southern Asia. I find it hard to believe with the massive amounts of Filipinos and Vietnamese we have in SD county we only have a Tokyo flight.

[Streamliner]

The author Roger Showley forgot to mention if this will just be a seasonal Summer flight or 5 departures a week year round. I will email him to ask. As you guys know the Condor and Edelweiss flights to Frankfurt and Zurich we got are only 3/4 days a week and from June through Sept/Oct I believe. I really hope this Lufthansa is year round.

He probably just got the information from the Lufthansa press release which didn't give that info either. I was wondering the same thing:

http://newsroom.lufthansagroup.com/en/news-and-releases/2017/q2/458.html

[spoonman]

The article mentioned the Condor and Edelweiss flights as seasonal, but not Lufthansa. I doubt it will be seasonal. This flight will be very connection heavy on the Frankfurt side. SAN will largely be a business and tourism destination.

Philippine Airlines was looking at starting San Diego flights a while back, but have been going through certification challenges as of late.

You can access flights to Shanghai through the TIJ-Cross Border Terminal.

[Northparkwizard]

Yes, one of the best things about our trolley network is that most of it is grade-separated. Now only if it went to more areas where people go (beach, Balboa Park/Zoo, etc.)

I had a professor who lamented the new UTC line because the cost/benefit ratio of this new 2 billion line is low, in terms of ridership. He said it is to appease politicians. He may be right, but I believe this line is 100% necessary.

I'd like to know how elevated(grade-separated) light rail systems provide a positive benefit to riders.

[spoonman]

One reason is because the trains are not slowed down by traffic at crossings or the need to reduce speeds for safety, thus making travel faster.

Grade separation also benefits motorists from not having to wait at train crossings or deal with safety issues related to having trains cross or run down the middle of streets.

[SDCAL]

One reason is because the trains are not slowed down by traffic at crossings or the need to reduce speeds for safety, thus making travel faster.

Grade separation also benefits motorists from not having to wait at train crossings or deal with safety issues related to having trains cross or run down the middle of streets.

This is true. I've noticed along Park downtown near city college the traffic lights that serve both cars and the trolley are not timed that great, sometimes the trolley is still going even when there's a green light for traffic and car traffic has to wait through another round of lights. It's seems pretty draconian.

[Northparkwizard]

This is true. I've noticed along Park downtown near city college the traffic lights that serve both cars and the trolley are not timed that great, sometimes the trolley is still going even when there's a green light for traffic and car traffic has to wait through another round of lights. It's seems pretty draconian.

That's a bug, not a systemic problem.

[SDCAL]

That's a bug, not a systemic problem.

Then there are multiple "bugs." Sometimes at different intersections when the trolley is stopped it's partly sticking out into one traffic lane causing cars to need to merge over (I've seen this at two of the C street intersections).

[The Flying Dutchman]

SDCAL is right. A couple years back I believe the trolley had the ROW downtown, meaning the lights would turn red for cars like at railroad crossings to let the trolley pass.

You'll notice trolleys must now take turns with cars, however since the trolley is actually longer than some blocks they hold up cars while waiting at red lights, which is why you see the clusterf**k around City College Station or 5th/4th ave. (Ours blocks are intentionally small, ~200x300 feet. Thank Alonzo Horton for that :)) source: http://sandiego.urbdezine.com/2014/01/20/why-downtown-san-diego-pedestrians-stop-for-cars-more-than-any-other-city-and-what-to-do-about-it/

Don't believe me? Specs for the trolley are found here: https://www.sdmts.com/sites/default/files/attachments/LRVFactSheetFebruary2015.pdf

Depending on the model, the length of the current three-car setup is about 265 ft. Typical West/East length of blocks downtown are about 255 ft. The blocks run longer from North-South, just look at Google Maps. Also why the trolley doesn't block cars when running North or South, because blocks are 300 ft or longer on average.

Irony at its best.

[Northparkwizard]

Yep. None of those valid points has anything to do with my original question.

As a trolley rider i'd like more stops, like double the amount of stops. If the trolley blocks traffic ... I don't really care as a rider, driver, or pedestrian. Grade separation for light rail makes it burdensome on riders while accommodating vehicle traffic. There's got to be a compromise.

All I can do about it is complain, share my opinion, and fill out rider surveys.

[SDFC]

Yep. None of those valid points has anything to do with my original question.

As a trolley rider i'd like more stops, like double the amount of stops. If the trolley blocks traffic ... I don't really care as a rider, driver, or pedestrian. Grade separation for light rail makes it burdensome on riders while accommodating vehicle traffic. There's got to be a compromise.

All I can do about it is complain, share my opinion, and fill out rider surveys.

You don't think that having to wait at red lights like all other auto traffic takes away from the efficiency, and thus, reduces the rider experience?

The number of stops is irrelevant to your original question, which spoonman answered in the post after yours. The downtown corridor is an easy example. The trolley would be much faster through that area if elevated or buried and trains did not have to compete with cars and pedestrians by waiting at red lights. The point is not that the train is obstructing traffic, for example, on 11th Ave while stopped at the 10th Ave intersection…the point is it is stopped at a red light.

[The Flying Dutchman]

Yep. None of those valid points has anything to do with my original question.

As a trolley rider i'd like more stops, like double the amount of stops. If the trolley blocks traffic ... I don't really care as a rider, driver, or pedestrian. Grade separation for light rail makes it burdensome on riders while accommodating vehicle traffic. There's got to be a compromise.

All I can do about it is complain, share my opinion, and fill out rider surveys.

I think I see what you're getting at... you want transit to be more accessible, right? As in, not just serve parking lots in random parts of the city (granted, some of these parking lots have potential, like Grantville, Clairemont, UTC)

SANDAG is obviously betting, as others have mentioned, on future growth occurring around these transit stations that don't really serve a lot of foot traffic. (Downtown is an exception)

This was a major criticism of my professor, who said transit should go where demand already exists. The key, he said, was to make it as fast as possible (grade separated). Read it here: https://www.slideshare.net/TheMissionGroup/introducing-the-quickway-proposal-a-vision-for-a-worldclass-transit-system-for-san-diego-46387912

[The Flying Dutchman]

Not sure if this is of any interest to this forum, but kinda of a big deal: (also the start of a 10-year long process)

"University of California San Diego plans to build a new medical center on its Hillcrest campus by 2030 to comply with California’s Hospital Seismic Safety Law."

http://sduptownnews.com/uc-san-diego-replace-hillcrest-hospital-2030/

http://sduptownnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/web-MAIN-PAGE-1-Hillcrest-Aerial-view.jpg
http://sduptownnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/web-Map-06-08-17.jpg

[SDCAL]

Not sure if this is of any interest to this forum, but kinda of a big deal: (also the start of a 10-year long process)

"University of California San Diego plans to build a new medical center on its Hillcrest campus by 2030 to comply with California’s Hospital Seismic Safety Law."

http://sduptownnews.com/uc-san-diego-replace-hillcrest-hospital-2030/

http://sduptownnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/web-MAIN-PAGE-1-Hillcrest-Aerial-view.jpg
http://sduptownnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/web-Map-06-08-17.jpg

This could be significant, especially if they build something like the new Jacobs Medical Center (UCSD) in LJ. That place is pretty nice, both the exterior and inside.

[HurricaneHugo]

Ballpark Village is topped out!

http://i.imgur.com/g43AFBb.jpg?2

[eburress]

San Diego doesn't have the balls to do anything about their height limits, but here's some related news from San Jose:

"Seeking to reshape downtown San Jose’s low-slung skyline of boxy office towers, Mayor Sam Liccardo is eyeing ways to raise the maximum heights of buildings in the city’s urban core."

http://www.mercurynews.com/2017/06/13/san-jose-eyes-higher-towers-amid-downtown-transit-village-quest/

[Derek]

The problem with San Jose is that planes fly directly over downtown, so I'm not quite sure what they can really do to build taller buildings. San Diego on the other hand has no excuse for the vast majority of downtown to be covered by the blanket 500' limit.

[SDCAL]

The problem with San Jose is that planes fly directly over downtown, so I'm not quite sure what they can really do to build taller buildings. San Diego on the other hand has no excuse for the vast majority of downtown to be covered by the blanket 500' limit.

From the article:

Federal Aviation Administration officials said the FAA doesn’t specifically set height limits on buildings near airports. But it does have power to undertake reviews.

“Under federal law, the FAA has to be given the opportunity to review any proposed structure over 200 feet high anywhere in the country, and shorter proposed structures if they are near airports,” FAA spokesman Ian Gregor said Tuesday.

--------------
Does this mean SD's blanket 500ft limit is just something local bureaucrats came up with, not the FAA? If a developer wanted to go on their own and get FAA approval for say a 650' tower in east village and the FAA ok'd it, what "teeth" exist in the 500 ft blanket 'rule'? Is it a law, a guideline, what? So much of this outdated blanket rule makes no sense. If a developer wanted to challenge this in court I wonder what would happen

[SLO]

San Diego doesn't have the balls to do anything about their height limits, but here's some related news from San Jose:

"Seeking to reshape downtown San Jose’s low-slung skyline of boxy office towers, Mayor Sam Liccardo is eyeing ways to raise the maximum heights of buildings in the city’s urban core."

http://www.mercurynews.com/2017/06/13/san-jose-eyes-higher-towers-amid-downtown-transit-village-quest/

That's great for San Jose, they really need it.

San Diego, it would be great to have zones of taller buildings.

[Streamliner]

Ballpark Village is topped out!


Wow! This one had fallen off my personal radar. I'm amazed to see it topped out already! I'd like to see how this one looks in the skyline from afar.

[SDFC]

http://i1110.photobucket.com/albums/h443/MDUNCAN10/20170620_214513.jpg
http://i1110.photobucket.com/albums/h443/MDUNCAN10/20170620_183956.jpg
http://i1110.photobucket.com/albums/h443/MDUNCAN10/20170620_184200.jpg
http://i1110.photobucket.com/albums/h443/MDUNCAN10/20170620_214255.jpg
http://i1110.photobucket.com/albums/h443/MDUNCAN10/20170620_184428.jpg
http://i1110.photobucket.com/albums/h443/MDUNCAN10/20170620_184407.jpg
http://i1110.photobucket.com/albums/h443/MDUNCAN10/20170620_183036.jpg
http://i1110.photobucket.com/albums/h443/MDUNCAN10/20170620_184441.jpg
http://i1110.photobucket.com/albums/h443/MDUNCAN10/20170620_184741.jpg

Progress! NBC, Lane South & Pacific Gate

[JerellO]

Amazing! I used to work at the navy Broadway complex back in 2010-2012 and that is such a big change.. I remember we, navy ppl, used to gaze at all the buildings around the complex. Imagine what the current sailors are thinking right now :D

[spoonman]

The old Navy building appears incredibly strong. The entire looks like concrete block reinforced with tons of rebar.

I never thought I'd see that building go, but it is going down swinging.

[The Flying Dutchman]

The old Navy building appears incredibly strong. The entire looks like concrete block reinforced with tons of rebar.

I never thought I'd see that building go, but it is going down swinging.

That's because it was designed to be bomb-proof. I pray I don't get mesothelioma from the asbestos when riding my bike along there :yuck:

[Derek]

Pacific Gate is beautiful.

[HurricaneHugo]

Mayor Faulconer, Councilmembers Unveil Plan to Increase Housing Supply, Boost Affordability for San Diegans

https://www.sandiego.gov/mayor/news/releases/mayor-faulconer-councilmembers-unveil-plan-increase-housing-supply-boost-affordability

[The Flying Dutchman]

I'd like to stress to this forum that many of these proposals, while sound, do not come from the Mayor's office but from various channels who invest time and money into research. Still, I must give Faulconer and the council credit for what is admittedly an impressive initiative. But don't think for a second they deserve 100% of the credit. (Which politicians LOVE to do)

[Streamliner]

http://i1110.photobucket.com/albums/h443/MDUNCAN10/20170620_184441.jpg
http://i1110.photobucket.com/albums/h443/MDUNCAN10/20170620_184741.jpg

I love how it looks frosted when looking at the narrow edge.

[eburress]

I love how it looks frosted when looking at the narrow edge.

I agree. This is easily the nicest tower built in San Diego in years...maybe ever. I'm struggling to think of another more unique, elegant building. They did a great job on it.

[SDFC]

I love how it looks frosted when looking at the narrow edge.

The narrow edge is even more beautiful at night. It almost glows. I have tried several times to capture it in a photo, but it just doesn't come off. You have to see it in person. It makes for a great view while having carnitas tacos and a Sculpin at the Snack Shack...god I love this city! :D

[SDCAL]

I agree. This is easily the nicest tower built in San Diego in years...maybe ever. I'm struggling to think of another more unique, elegant building. They did a great job on it.

Agree. In addition to the tower itself I also like the design at the base of the building. Any timeline on the second tower which will be similar that Bosa is going to build across the street?

[superfishy]

4 highrises under construction in this pic.


https://i.imgur.com/ttPF4kV.jpg

[clubtokyo]

http://i1110.photobucket.com/albums/h443/MDUNCAN10/20170620_214513.jpg
http://i1110.photobucket.com/albums/h443/MDUNCAN10/20170620_183956.jpg
http://i1110.photobucket.com/albums/h443/MDUNCAN10/20170620_184200.jpg
http://i1110.photobucket.com/albums/h443/MDUNCAN10/20170620_214255.jpg
http://i1110.photobucket.com/albums/h443/MDUNCAN10/20170620_184428.jpg
http://i1110.photobucket.com/albums/h443/MDUNCAN10/20170620_184407.jpg
http://i1110.photobucket.com/albums/h443/MDUNCAN10/20170620_183036.jpg
http://i1110.photobucket.com/albums/h443/MDUNCAN10/20170620_184441.jpg
http://i1110.photobucket.com/albums/h443/MDUNCAN10/20170620_184741.jpg

Progress! NBC, Lane South & Pacific Gate

Beautiful building!

[Boatguy619]

4 highrises under construction in this pic.


https://i.imgur.com/ttPF4kV.jpg

what is the foundation being dug? thats adjacent to the library? I dont remember seeing any proposals for that lot

[SDFC]

what is the foundation being dug? thats adjacent to the library? I dont remember seeing any proposals for that lot

K1 (Formerly known as Library Tower)

They are digging fast!

http://timesofsandiego.com/business/2017/04/12/work-begins-on-100-million-apartment-tower-near-central-library/

[HurricaneHugo]

I remember when Library Tower was going to be 450+ ft :(

[Streamliner]

That begs the question, what's UTC's height limit?

Does anyone know the answer to this? I've been searching through City planning documents, but nothing is really clear cut.

[Nerv]

Does anyone know the answer to this? I've been searching through City planning documents, but nothing is really clear cut.

I asked that either here or on another thread in the past.

The fact that I've never heard one quoted by sources in the news (unlike San Diego's height limit which comes up regularly) I'm thinking there isn't one.

I would guess something could interfere with Mira Mar but if any projects proposed height has been a problem they've been pretty stealth with disclosure on it. I know more projects whose height was reduced due to more economic changes, financing, etc.

I know a lot of people thought that there must be height restrictions but I don't remember anyone providing evidence.

Good subject. Maybe someone else has better information with some facts to provide on it.

[eburress]

I asked that either here or on another thread in the past.

The fact that I've never heard one quoted by sources in the news (unlike San Diego's height limit which comes up regularly) I'm thinking there isn't one.

I would guess something could interfere with Mira Mar but if any projects proposed height has been a problem they've been pretty stealth with disclosure on it. I know more projects whose height was reduced due to more economic changes, financing, etc.

I know a lot of people thought that there must be height restrictions but I don't remember anyone providing evidence.

Good subject. Maybe someone else has better information with some facts to provide on it.

I don't know what the height limit is, but there definitely is one. I'm sure some of you remember the first of the La Jolla Commons towers' height being decreased to what we have now - and - the developer having to purchase a new radar for Miramar's ATC tower just to make that (not very tall building) possible.

What's surprising is that the originally proposed LJ Commons towers were VERY tall, including a Mandarin Oriental hotel that had to be 30+ floors. I know it happens all the time, but still you'd think the developers would know better than to waste time and money proposing a building of that scale when all that was actually possible was a structure a third of that height.

[Nerv]

I don't know what the height limit is, but there definitely is one. I'm sure some of you remember the first of the La Jolla Commons towers' height being decreased to what we have now - and - the developer having to purchase a new radar for Miramar's ATC tower just to make that (not very tall building) possible.

What's surprising is that the originally proposed LJ Commons towers were VERY tall, including a Mandarin Oriental hotel that had to be 30+ floors. I know it happens all the time, but still you'd think the developers would know better than to waste time and money proposing a building of that scale when all that was actually possible was a structure a third of that height.

At the time it was built we were going through that financial mess that crashed around 2008 in the country.

I don't know the exact story with the La Jolla Commons but I remember a number of projects were stopped, delayed, or reduced in scale. If a project gets reduced through public "issues" with it you can read about it online. Most of these projects get reduced due to market demand changes or more simply not enough capital to build what they at first envision. A number also fade away as someone runs out of money and another project replaces it.

There may very well be a height limit in UTC. I do think a very small part of it might have height restrictions of some sort with Mira Mar at the very least.

I do find it interesting with all the high rise developments in it for years now that no height limit has been posted like it has for the downtown and numerous other areas in San Diego county. Hell we know the height limits in places like Encinitas since they gave Scripps a pass to go higher when they expanded.

If UTC does have a height limit I can't imagine it being lower than the 500 feet downtown has since the air traffic is much closer and heavier in the downtown area.

[The Flying Dutchman]

Good Friday, all

Just thought I would post some news regarding the 13th, Park and C lot that has been vacant/partially demo'd for years now. The old developer apparently sold the rights to another developer that is now turning the lot into affordable housing on a much larger scale (a ~19 story tower vs. the old ~6 story shorty).

They are doing this to avoid including affordable units in another tower, I suspect this is Bosa's doing with all his west side construction going on (Pacific Gate, Savina, etc.)

Wish I had concrete sources to provide, but there will be updates on July 21, 6 p.m. at the next EVRG meeting by CivicSD. Not sure what type of affordable housing it will be, but the entire game is changing now in lieu of the many policies initiated by the City to increase housing affordability. Expect more density along transit!

http://www.kpbs.org/news/2017/jun/21/mayor-faulconer-housing-initiatives-homeless/

[chris08876]

I want to live in San Diego.

If anybody wants to donate to the "Save a Chris Foundation" , please do so.

You can even sponsor a Chris too. Your daily contribution of just $100, can help save a Chris from the hot, and humid wasteland of NJ, into the chill, and beautiful SD region.

(Sad music playing in background)

[Boatguy619]

Is there even a possibility of UTC getting a real skyscraper? La Jolla has to be the most nimby city in the country, and there's plenty of room for more mid-rises before the need to build taller. Regardless of a height limit I don't see that skyline growing up.

[joemamma]

Good Friday, all

Just thought I would post some news regarding the 13th, Park and C lot that has been vacant/partially demo'd for years now. The old developer apparently sold the rights to another developer that is now turning the lot into affordable housing on a much larger scale (a ~19 story tower vs. the old ~6 story shorty).

They are doing this to avoid including affordable units in another tower, I suspect this is Bosa's doing with all his west side construction going on (Pacific Gate, Savina, etc.)

Wish I had concrete sources to provide, but there will be updates on July 21, 6 p.m. at the next EVRG meeting by CivicSD. Not sure what type of affordable housing it will be, but the entire game is changing now in lieu of the many policies initiated by the City to increase housing affordability. Expect more density along transit!

http://www.kpbs.org/news/2017/jun/21/mayor-faulconer-housing-initiatives-homeless/

Thanks for info on this. I was curious how this block's plan would affect Smart Corner across the street.

[HurricaneHugo]

Is there even a possibility of UTC getting a real skyscraper? La Jolla has to be the most nimby city in the country, and there's plenty of room for more mid-rises before the need to build taller. Regardless of a height limit I don't see that skyline growing up.

La Jolla Commons was supposed to be 40 stories tall or so and I don't remember much NIMBYism about it

[spoonman]

The new resedential tower at UTC will be around 26 floors. Not bad for secondary high rise district IMO. Would love to have seen the 40 story Mandarin Oriental built at La Jolla Conmons that was proposed before the crash. I'm sure we'll see more proposals like this in the future after the new LRT line is completed. There are still some underutilized parcels in the UTC area.

[chris08876]

Some nice towers rising aka Ballpark Village and its surroundings.

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4287/35431576936_4a27a1ed71_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/VYY6pw)
San Diego, California (https://flic.kr/p/VYY6pw) by San Diego, California (https://www.flickr.com/photos/san_diego_california/), on Flickr

[chris08876]

One more u/c update if I may. I found this angle and photo amazing.

Growing skyline. Can see some crane action. SD's skyline IMO is very proportional. Granted a plataeu I presume due to fight patterns, but it works. And it has the Mountains, and being near the water, the topography works in sync to create a beautiful city scape.

As more density fills the outlying fringes of the skyline mass, it will appear not only wide, but deep, and depth is important for a downtown. Makes if feel grandiose.

https://cdn-standard.discourse.org/uploads/yimby/original/3X/4/c/4cd4b50d3d4cea872078989ac4628fb825e9cdc3.jpg
Credit: Rick Sunamoto (https://www.flickr.com/photos/ricksunamoto/34858949596/in/datetaken/)

[SDfan]

Thank you, Chris. And if a relocation fund were to ever exist, you should definitely climb aboard. :)

[IconRPCV]

One more u/c update if I may. I found this angle and photo amazing.

Growing skyline. Can see some crane action. SD's skyline IMO is very proportional. Granted a plataeu I presume due to fight patterns, but it works. And it has the Mountains, and being near the water, the topography works in sync to create a beautiful city scape.

As more density fills the outlying fringes of the skyline mass, it will appear not only wide, but deep, and depth is important for a downtown. Makes if feel grandiose.

https://cdn-standard.discourse.org/uploads/yimby/original/3X/4/c/4cd4b50d3d4cea872078989ac4628fb825e9cdc3.jpg
Credit: Rick Sunamoto (https://www.flickr.com/photos/ricksunamoto/34858949596/in/datetaken/)

Amazing pic!!

I have no problem with our skyline except this caveat: I wish One America Plaza was like 700 feet tall instead of 500. It would make the skyline so perfect if it rose above the rest, as it is it is lost in the plateau.

[HurricaneHugo]

Yeah i think our skyline looks better than many that have 700 footers.

We just got to bridge the gap between the Hyatt and the Marriott.

Hopefully 7th and market does the trick...

[SDCAL]

Yeah i think our skyline looks better than many that have 700 footers.

We just got to bridge the gap between the Hyatt and the Marriott.

Hopefully 7th and market does the trick...

What's going on with that project?? Seems impossible to get any updated information. I hope it's not dead like the previous proposals for that site. :shrug:

[mello]

The perfect spot for a 700 to 800 footer would be where the old courthouse is getting demolished on Broadway, City will be putting that out to RFP soon. That would be right in the center of the skyline and rise out of the plateau beautifully.

(Speaking of that spot on Broadway whats up with the old YMCA building its a gem just sitting there empty shouldn't it be converted to residential?)

The SD skyline has a lot of potential I think the 7th/Broadway and 11th/Broadway Pinnacle project will really improve that section of the Cityscape. If those get built along with 7th/Market the other Bosa Tower across from Pacific Gate and Navy Complex our skyline is going to be pretty bad ass!!

Also would love it if JMI finally built that monster hotel behind Petco now that project has been crickets for years. :shrug:

[MyCitySFO]

New to this forum. Not too familiar with San Diego, even though I have lived my whole life in California (Northern). So if the problem is the airport, why not build a new terminal further away from the CBD? Miramar? Otherwise, I assume, any dreams of a 700 footer is just a pipe dream. Or is it a moot point? The plateau will continue to spread out. City leaders have no plans to move the airport, do they? Couldn't another city nearby have a 700 footer built there? Chula Vista? National City? Tijuana?

[spoonman]

Correct, the airport is the reason no towers can be over 500ft. If the height limit wasn't in place the city could go 600, 700, 800ft and beyond. SD has a number of existing (and proposed) twin tower buildings that are around or above 40 stories. With a higher height limit, projects like these could be consolidated into one tower in many cases pushing heights into the 700-900+ range (60-90 floors).

The reason the height limit topic comes up frequently is that there is widespread speculation on this board that the city may have some wiggle room in the height limit in certain parts of downtown (particularly those areas closest to the bridge and Barrio Logan). Essentially many are hoping that the city could possibly bump the limit higher as land becomes more scarce. This entire premise is based on the idea that the city actually imposes the height limit and not the FAA.

[HurricaneHugo]

New to this forum. Not too familiar with San Diego, even though I have lived my whole life in California (Northern). So if the problem is the airport, why not build a new terminal further away from the CBD? Miramar? Otherwise, I assume, any dreams of a 700 footer is just a pipe dream. Or is it a moot point? The plateau will continue to spread out. City leaders have no plans to move the airport, do they? Couldn't another city nearby have a 700 footer built there? Chula Vista? National City? Tijuana?

The city kinda half assed asked voters to vote on a non-binding resolution to kick out the military from Miramar but it failed.

That's really the only option we have since there's very little flat land left in San Diego.

Although we could be innovative for once and build a floating airport lol

[SDCAL]

The city kinda half assed asked voters to vote on a non-binding resolution to kick out the military from Miramar but it failed.

That's really the only option we have since there's very little flat land left in San Diego.

Although we could be innovative for once and build a floating airport lol

Not only was it non binding, it was over a decade ago. Would be interesting to have a poll done to see if public opinion changed at all.

[spoonman]

^A poll is an interesting thought.

My perception is that more people have come to the realization now that Miramar is the only real option and are now more supportive of the idea. At the same time, SAN has improved tremendously in the past decade in terms of facility growth, improvements, and destinations. I suspect for some folks this is "evidence" that a new airport is not needed (since they are incapable of imagining the future).

[Boatguy619]

I can't imagine san diegans kicking out the Marines in favor of a new airport when we're throwing so much at the current one. There's really no need for a larger airport here, LAX is a few hours away, no other cities in America have two major hubs so close. Most our visitors coming from abroad are on long trips visiting all the CA cities not flying into and leaving from SAN. You can fly into SAN from almost any city in the US, and Tijuana internation airport supports 4+ million a year. The only thing the our airport is holding us back on is our downtown height limit, which isn't a big enough deal to move an airport.

[CaliNative]

I can't imagine san diegans kicking out the Marines in favor of a new airport when we're throwing so much at the current one. There's really no need for a larger airport here, LAX is a few hours away, no other cities in America have two major hubs so close. Most our visitors coming from abroad are on long trips visiting all the CA cities not flying into and leaving from SAN. You can fly into SAN from almost any city in the US, and Tijuana internation airport supports 4+ million a year. The only thing the our airport is holding us back on is our downtown height limit, which isn't a big enough deal to move an airport.

I agree. SD has a very nice & increasingly dense skyline capped at 500'. Prior to 1966, No California city had a building over 464' (LA City Hall). The tallest bldg. in S.F. in 1966 was under 500' (Hartford Bldg., 463', 33 stories). Only after 1966 did towers above 500' emerge in LA & SF. Height isn't everything. The only negative to a height limit is a "plateau skyline" or "tabletop" effect where many of the buildings rise to the same height. In San Diego this isn't that noticible, since there is a variety of building heights and shapes. With a 500' limit residential buildings can rise to 40-50 stories and that seems enough. If SD had a higher height limit we might end up with higher but fewer new buildings. A denser, but lower skyline might be better than one with a few really tall ones. Tourists must like the convenience of Lindbergh Field being so close in. No long cab rides.

In the future we might see buildings above 500' rise in the UTC area and Mission Valley.