SAN DIEGO | Boom Rundown, Vol. 2

[HurricaneHugo]

The truth is that we have to go up because we can't continue to spread horizontally forever.

People will want to come to San Diego because of our weather/other amenities and we can't really stop them. We're reaching our limit and must go up.

You can keep your suburban houses, but give us a couple of tall residential towers. We all can't have sprawling suburban houses, there's not enough room.

[NYC2ATX]

The truth is that we have to go up because we can't continue to spread horizontally forever.

People will want to come to San Diego because of our weather/other amenities and we can't really stop them. We're reaching our limit and must go up.

You can keep your suburban houses, but give us a couple of tall residential towers. We all can't have sprawling suburban houses, there's not enough room.

I've been thinking, I ignored San Diego for a while because I felt the architecture was mostly bland glass condos, and the height limits from Lindbergh Field prevented any tall showstoppers from grabbing my attention, but the more I think of it, that could be what defines San Diego's cityscape. Seeing the 9th/Broadway building's unique window pattern furthered this thought process for me.

To make a comparison, the reason Washington D.C. is so unique and so alive is because severe height limits have squashed all development to 12 floors or less (for the most part). This, in turn, has encouraged density and concentrated the design intuition and ability of local firms and bureaucrats on the groundscape as opposed to the skyline, creating a vibrant and desirable urban setting.

San Diego could gain the same advantage. If you all down there focus on street-level density, exemplary design, and public spaces that are vibrant, unique moments (that is, preserving the great structures and spaces you already have in addition to creating new)...you'll have a sublime metropolis. Do it, SD. I'm watching from New York, you have my attention. :tup:

[XtremeDave]

PS: High-rise living has become very popular...look how many have been built and sold downtown in the last 10 years. Mid-rise buildings MIGHT be even more popular in UTC, Kearny Mesa, etc, (with people that want to live in them, not with the NIMBY's) as it MIGHT be a less radical move for people used to single family homes in the burbs than moving downtown with the homeless and other things they may not be used to. They would enjoy better views, shorter commutes, better amenities, etc. But we don't know because nobody has tried building one. Have they researched it? Don't know. Seemed to work along the beach before the Coastal Commission was formed, but to their credit, those locations had awesome views and beach access.

Focusing development on the right neighborhoods is the key to successful urban places. I like Downtown and think that it gets better with every new building that goes up, but the combination of high rents and quality of life issues (homeless) mean that too many people don't consider it a place they want to live. However I think that adding density to places like UTC and Kearny Mesa just because it would be more comfortable for suburbanites is a mistake. Without walkable neighborhoods and transportation systems that do not require every adult over 16 to own their own car, these neighborhoods will fail to convince suburban skeptics that urban living is superior (because these will be vertical suburbs, not true urban neighborhoods). The parking requirements will result in high rents (due to the cost of parking garages) and misery-creating gridlock, since every trip will require a car trip. UTC is already a pretty dense neighborhood, but the lack of a street grid, mixed use, and a complete reliance on personal automobiles for transit doesn't result in a place that I would consider a model for the rest of San Diego.

The challenge for San Diego's urbanization is the transportation problem. Its hard to convince people to live in the central core if their jobs are in UTC, Mira Mesa or Sorrento Valley and the daily commute requires driving on the 805 parking lot. It also becomes harder to defeat NIMBYs and no-growthers if every single new resident moving into new construction in their neighborhood will be relying on their car for every trip. New mid-rise and high rise construction has to be in walkable, transit accessible neighborhoods for this not to happen.

San Diego deserves great urban places, but high rise buildings are not a means to that end. Only through massively expanding the region's non-automobile transportation system can denser development be successful. Once this happens, high rise buildings will become welcomed (by residents, neighborhoods, politicians, and the market), and future San Diegans will have a real alternative to ever expanding sprawl.

[spoonman]

^^ Improving the transit system would definititely be a conduit to increased density. Hopefully with the extension of the Trolley to UTC, that will open some more doors. For now it seems that most infill (outside of downtown) is not happening near transit, but rather in places like Kearny Mesa, Carlsbad, Mira Mesa, etc.

Doug Manchester's condo project next to the UT headquarters would actually be a decent example of a project taking advantage of transit. Chula Vista Bayfront is another. Too bad there aren't more example like it.

[mello]

Extreme Dave and Aero: When you look at photos of the Miami Metro area they have mid and high rises spread all over the place and their traffic isn't absolute gridlock... So what would be the difference with maybe 10 fifteen floor residential structures in Kearny Mesa, a few more in UTC and Sorrento Valley?

I mean if Miami seems to be able to do it (granted their land is totally flat and on more of a grid) why can't San Diego do it. I have also been thinking that the future of infill may be demolishing old 60's and 70's era office park areas like the area just west of the 5/805 merge (The real Sorrento Valley for all long time SD residents). That area is all junk and could be totally redeveloped.

Mission Valley could easily fit in 10 more high rise residential structures. Then you have all of that crap just off of Convoy, one story office warehouse type places that could be scrapped and built vertically on. San Diego really does have a ton of throw away sections that are way underutilized, I think this could be the future of urban infill.

[aerogt3]

Extreme Dave and Aero: When you look at photos of the Miami Metro area they have mid and high rises spread all over the place and their traffic isn't absolute gridlock... So what would be the difference with maybe 10 fifteen floor residential structures in Kearny Mesa, a few more in UTC and Sorrento Valley?

I mean if Miami seems to be able to do it (granted their land is totally flat and on more of a grid) why can't San Diego do it. I have also been thinking that the future of infill may be demolishing old 60's and 70's era office park areas like the area just west of the 5/805 merge (The real Sorrento Valley for all long time SD residents). That area is all junk and could be totally redeveloped.

Mission Valley could easily fit in 10 more high rise residential structures. Then you have all of that crap just off of Convoy, one story office warehouse type places that could be scrapped and built vertically on. San Diego really does have a ton of throw away sections that are way underutilized, I think this could be the future of urban infill.

I would love for that to happen! But consumers have to be willing to pay for it. Or people from this forum need to make hundred million dollar donations. Right now, they are not :( In order for it to happen, there needs to be:

1.) market pressure that drives up prices to make it feasible (population growth, etc.)
2.) a cultural shift in the type and standard of living people want

[HurricaneHugo]

Focusing development on the right neighborhoods is the key to successful urban places. I like Downtown and think that it gets better with every new building that goes up, but the combination of high rents and quality of life issues (homeless) mean that too many people don't consider it a place they want to live. However I think that adding density to places like UTC and Kearny Mesa just because it would be more comfortable for suburbanites is a mistake. Without walkable neighborhoods and transportation systems that do not require every adult over 16 to own their own car, these neighborhoods will fail to convince suburban skeptics that urban living is superior (because these will be vertical suburbs, not true urban neighborhoods). The parking requirements will result in high rents (due to the cost of parking garages) and misery-creating gridlock, since every trip will require a car trip. UTC is already a pretty dense neighborhood, but the lack of a street grid, mixed use, and a complete reliance on personal automobiles for transit doesn't result in a place that I would consider a model for the rest of San Diego.

The challenge for San Diego's urbanization is the transportation problem. Its hard to convince people to live in the central core if their jobs are in UTC, Mira Mesa or Sorrento Valley and the daily commute requires driving on the 805 parking lot. It also becomes harder to defeat NIMBYs and no-growthers if every single new resident moving into new construction in their neighborhood will be relying on their car for every trip. New mid-rise and high rise construction has to be in walkable, transit accessible neighborhoods for this not to happen.

San Diego deserves great urban places, but high rise buildings are not a means to that end. Only through massively expanding the region's non-automobile transportation system can denser development be successful. Once this happens, high rise buildings will become welcomed (by residents, neighborhoods, politicians, and the market), and future San Diegans will have a real alternative to ever expanding sprawl.

With increased density, public transportation will follow. ;)

There's a reason the UTC area is getting a trolley line and has a bunch of bus connections to downtown.

[kpexpress]

Saw them conducting soil tests at park and e today.

[SDfan]

Saw them conducting soil tests at park and e today.

What is supposed to go there?

[S.DviaPhilly]

I heard a rumor that Bosa bought the building in between Horton Plaza and the Meridian residential building. It used to be high end retail but now is mostly (if not all) vacant. I heard that Bosa wants to be build a 34 story tower there, leaving the retail at street level. Anyone know any truth to this?!?!? Curious and intrigued.

[HurricaneHugo]

I heard a rumor that Bosa bought the building in between Horton Plaza and the Meridian residential building. It used to be high end retail but now is mostly (if not all) vacant. I heard that Bosa wants to be build a 34 story tower there, leaving the retail at street level. Anyone know any truth to this?!?!? Curious and intrigued.

I don't know but I hope the rumor is right!

[mongoXZ]

The last I heard about the building was that it was converted into office space by some healthcare company. Are they still there?

I too would like to see that 80s relic torn down and a mixed use tower in its place. Where did you hear about this SDviaPnilly?

[tyleraf]

Is anyone else interested in Mayor Filner's proposal to host the Olympics? I think it would be great for development.An Olympic Challenge | UTSanDiego.com (http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2013/feb/26/olympics-san-diego-tijuana/)

[tyleraf]

SDviaPhilly, is this the article you're referencing? http://www.hughesmarino.com/articles/downtown-dirt/

[Bertrice]

filner says all kinds of crazy shit. if it were up to him SD would incorporate TJ.
olympics are money losing ventures. btw the embarcadero project is in full swing.

[Crackertastik]

filner says all kinds of crazy shit. if it were up to him SD would incorporate TJ.
olympics are money losing ventures. btw the embarcadero project is in full swing.

I've read a few articles that have stated the same thing; however, I have also read that bidding on the Olympics, and coming up short, actually bodes quite well for the bidding city.

So, why not. San Diego isn't going to win it. Might as well bid.

[HurricaneHugo]

People say Olympics lose money because the city spends billions on infrastructure and only gets a few billion back.

...but if we fix A LOT of our infrastructure and hold an Olympics...is it not worth losing money?

[spoonman]

Interesting that Bosa may be taking 880 W Broadway back from the Irvine Co. With that, 1st &Island, B-way & PCH, and the site next to Meridian, he'll have a full pipeline full for the next several years.

Anyone know if he has any sites in the East Village?

[SDfan]

SDviaPhilly, is this the article you're referencing? http://www.hughesmarino.com/articles/downtown-dirt/

Hmm. I would not be opposed to a new tower over there. As some of you know, the gaslamp creates a bit of a lull in the skyline. A Bosa tower would be nice filler.

I know Bosa has property in the East Village, but I think its the space right across from Vantage Pointe due south, or in and around that area. That will probably be a much later development, I don't see Bosa lowering their market segment anytime soon.

They should have more than a few properties aside from the ones we know about where they are going to be developing soon.

I hope they get the 880 Broadway property back, that office tower tower by Irvine is so uninspiring...

[XtremeDave]

Could a San Diego/Tijuana Olympics even be possible without completely opening the border for the 2 weeks of the Games? There's no way the IOC would pick SD/TJ if athletes and fans would have to wait hours crossing between countries.

San Diego has none of the infrastructure needed to host the Olympics. The airport is too small and the stadiums are either too small or non-existent. San Diego looks like an inferior option compared to LA or San Francisco, let alone any other cities worldwide.

Lets take the money that would be spent on preparing a plan/hosting selection committees/bribing IOC officials and use it on actually improving San Diego's infrastructure. Filner shouldn't be wasting his time on superficial stunts like this and actually work on improving infrastructure (roads, transit, etc) that would benefit San Diegans every day, not just a 2 week period 11 years from now.

[SDfan]

People say Olympics lose money because the city spends billions on infrastructure and only gets a few billion back.

...but if we fix A LOT of our infrastructure and hold an Olympics...is it not worth losing money?

I don't know. This is San Diego, where a downtown park with seed money takes 35 years to develop and NIMBY's run wild and free.

I would love it if it happened though, even if it was just a bid run.

[SDfan]

Old Police Station Development:

http://www.utsandiego.com/news/business/growth-and-development/

GROWTH & DEVELOPMENTPOLICE HQ: FROM MAYHEM TO MARGARITAS
After 26 years in a deep sleep, the former San Diego Police Department headquarters at the downtown waterfront is waking up. Heavy equipment operators, carpenters, painters, utility workers and many others since last summer have been readying the 100,000-square-foot landmark on Pacific Highway for a second life. Located just north of Seaport Village, “The Headquarters at Seaport District” will become a restaurant mecca, complemented by trendy shops, all expected to open by year’s end.

[S.DviaPhilly]

SDviaPhilly, is this the article you're referencing? http://www.hughesmarino.com/articles/downtown-dirt/

I did not read it in an article. I am a Realtor and we have thursday morning downtown meetings and another agent brought it up. she said it was a fact that Bosa bought that building, but a rumor about the tower going up there.

[spoonman]

^ Unless he's flipping it, the tower must be a fair assumption (or rumor)

[tyleraf]

Wow! Check out Brandon Martella's latest concept for downtown, Fracture.
http://www.brandonmartella.net/p/fracture.html

[Bertrice]

"fracture" would totally steal the thunder from the NEVP and ron roberts county waterpark

[SDfan]

Wow. That's just. Salivating.

:omg:

[wadams92101]

Interesting article in Planetizen. It looks at the correlation between high rises and strong or weak downtowns: Are Tall Buildings Bad For Downtown? (http://www.planetizen.com/node/61262) I also posted the link in my blog UrbDeZine. (Personally, I think the desirability of high rises is often over-emphasized)

[SDfan]

Interesting article in Planetizen. It looks at the correlation between high rises and strong or weak downtowns: Are Tall Buildings Bad For Downtown? (http://www.planetizen.com/node/61262) I also posted the link in my blog UrbDeZine. (Personally, I think the desirability of high rises is often over-emphasized)

Interesting read, thank you for posting.

I think some of those arguments could be applicable to SD. The most vibrant section of downtown happens to be the gaslamp where there is a 12-story limit. However, it's also a thematic and entertainment district, and is surrounded by high-rise structures on all sides. So much like this article, their are no concrete conclusions to be drawn from either side of the yea or nay high rise debate.

I do believe in SD we have to accept the reality that high-rise construction will be limited to downtown. On the other end, we also must accept that mid-rise density (5-12 story) should and needs to be accepted in many of our urban neighborhoods. These densities, when properly designed to connect back into the street, would benefit their communities in terms of investment, housing and economic opportunities, and growth.

[wadams92101]

Interesting read, thank you for posting.

I think some of those arguments could be applicable to SD. The most vibrant section of downtown happens to be the gaslamp where there is a 12-story limit. However, it's also a thematic and entertainment district, and is surrounded by high-rise structures on all sides. So much like this article, their are no concrete conclusions to be drawn from either side of the yea or nay high rise debate.


Agree. I think there are many factors that go into evaluating what height is appropriate or helpful to urbanization for a particular area. I also believe that many communities are better served by incremental increases in density and small lot development, rather block clearing projects or completely out of scale projects: the Park Station proposal for La Mesa comes to mind.

[Leo the Dog]

Agree. I think there are many factors that go into evaluating what height is appropriate or helpful to urbanization for a particular area. I also believe that many communities are better served by incremental increases in density and small lot development, rather block clearing projects or completely out of scale projects: the Park Station proposal for La Mesa comes to mind.

Park Station La Mesa looks great. For a suburban location it sure adds nice density AND open space and would utilize the trolley. It would replace open lots and a used car lot(?) and add more permanent pedestrians in the Village area.

[mello]

I just looked at Park Station La Mesa and that looks great! Get that going now.

Was walking around downtown on Saturday and that area were the fountain was next to Tin Fish and Hard Rock Hotel looks TERRIBLE! That is such a dead space and just ruins the aesthetic of that whole section of downtown. What is the deal with that? Any solution? Why doesn't Hard Rock pay to make it look better....

Oh and also walked up the steps of Convention center and boy is it showing signs of age, the steps look terrible and the Center has fading clading with rust marks and water spots. It really does need to be fixed up a bit. Looks like the construction materials were not top notch.

[Derek]

I just looked at Park Station La Mesa and that looks great! Get that going now.

Was walking around downtown on Saturday and that area were the fountain was next to Tin Fish and Hard Rock Hotel looks TERRIBLE! That is such a dead space and just ruins the aesthetic of that whole section of downtown. What is the deal with that? Any solution? Why doesn't Hard Rock pay to make it look better....

Oh and also walked up the steps of Convention center and boy is it showing signs of age, the steps look terrible and the Center has fading clading with rust marks and water spots. It really does need to be fixed up a bit. Looks like the construction materials were not top notch.



Portland has a similar area comparable to the fountain by Tin Fish, except ours is a tiny little parking lot crammed into the same amount of space. I'd rather have a "dead" fountain than a tiny parking lot crammed into a corner lot in the middle of downtown. :(

[SDfan]

While I wouldn't be opposed to Park Station in my neighborhood, I can see how people in La Mesa may question why an 18 story high-rise is being put up in an area not accustomed to that kind of development. Granted, I think that area could handle that type of development, it's a place with accessible trolley and bus routes and a good street grid layout. I think if it's done well it could potentially be a role model for more dense development in similar places in the county.

[mello]

[QUOTE=SDfan;6059633]While I wouldn't be opposed to Park Station in my neighborhood, I can see how people in La Mesa may question why an 18 story/QUOTE]

In reality though 18 stories is nothing look at the TOD's in Toronto and Vancouver (Coastal Elitist City with views just like SD) go up to 40 floors in there "Vertical Villages" or what ever they call them I forget the proper term.

The fact is people who live outside of DTSD will HAVE TO just get used to tall structures being in their, the future has arrived. It is 2013 for christ sakes time for some CHANGE. Why does everyone think things will always just stay the same? Verticality is not your enemy as long as the structure is designed well and not big chunky stucco towers like in UTC but nice glassy stuff like Vancouver and downtown.

(Oh and I will add, vertical development obviously has not affected property values in Vancouver, it is a very expensive city especially for one without a lot of high paying jobs - just like good ole SD and its sunshine tax - )

[SDfan]

In reality though 18 stories is nothing look at the TOD's in Toronto and Vancouver (Coastal Elitist City with views just like SD) go up to 40 floors in there "Vertical Villages" or what ever they call them I forget the proper term.

The fact is people who live outside of DTSD will HAVE TO just get used to tall structures being in their, the future has arrived. It is 2013 for christ sakes time for some CHANGE. Why does everyone think things will always just stay the same? Verticality is not your enemy as long as the structure is designed well and not big chunky stucco towers like in UTC but nice glassy stuff like Vancouver and downtown.

I think we need to be a little more sympathetic to places where these kinds of developments have not been introduced, well, ever.

I mean 18 stories is nothing in Toronto and Vancouver because high-rise structures have been in those regions for decades. La Mesa has what? 5, 6 story precedent? I mean you're comparing two very different situations.

Now say this was Mission Valley, or UTC, or even National City or western Chula Vista where there could be reasonable high-rise development (30-40 stories), then I would think that those communities would need to be given some education as to why they need to absorb more of these types of projects.

Again, I wouldn't disapprove of Park Station, I think it would be lovely if it was in downtown Oside, or in a number of areas uptown. In La Mesa, however, I would take it more slowly. Maybe introduce that community to 10-12 story structures first rather then propose something three times the height of every other structure in their community?

The future is coming, but we need to be more mindful (and respectful) of our neighbors sense of community and place. Otherwise, the next time something similar is proposed, they may fight tooth and nail and turn radically against all new urban ideas and concepts (think 1970's coastal height limit type actions).

[Leo the Dog]

Since we're talking about East County, I always thought that El Cajon has so much potential. It's a moderate sized city, confined in a valley, served by the trolley. I think they should create a street-car line through their DT that connects to the trolley. Their core could easily develop and densify and I'm sure the city would welcome large projects to revitalize the area.

I'd like to see other neighborhoods of SD utilize the trolley as the backbone and have streetcar spurs come off of it.

What do you guys think?

[Derek]

Just come across this article. Thoughts?




Filner backs convention-stadium

Mayor Bob Filner backed a Chargers stadium-convention center expansion combination Friday as good for the city and a possible money saver.

“I say we’re not going to put public money into a private effort,” he said. “But that leaves some kind of room to talk to them, and we will be talking.”

Filner, who outlined his thoughts at a San Diego Foundation forum on neighborhood revitalization, said the stadium idea opens up the possibility of generating new revenue to replace money no longer available from redevelopment agencies.

The mayor said he is interested in a dual-use facility because it could potentially save 25 percent off a combined $1.6 billion price tag for convention expansion and a downtown football stadium.


Continued: http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2013/mar/22/filner-stadium-convention-qualcomm-sports-arena/

[SDfan]

Since we're talking about East County, I always thought that El Cajon has so much potential. It's a moderate sized city, confined in a valley, served by the trolley. I think they should create a street-car line through their DT that connects to the trolley. Their core could easily develop and densify and I'm sure the city would welcome large projects to revitalize the area.

I'd like to see other neighborhoods of SD utilize the trolley as the backbone and have streetcar spurs come off of it.

What do you guys think?

I agree their is potential, but it's East County - and they're known more for their Southern style living than urbanism. Aside from La Mesa, both Santee and El Cajon are conservative when it comes to development - and most things in general. Although their is a plan in the 2050 regional transportation map for a possible streetcar in downtown El Cajon.

[SDfan]

Just come across this article. Thoughts?




Filner backs convention-stadium




Continued: http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2013/mar/22/filner-stadium-convention-qualcomm-sports-arena/

Eh. I'll believe is when I see it. And we probably won't see this for at least another 10-20 years.

[Chapelo]

Grabbed a couple of pictures of LJC Tower II while I was on my lunch break. The building has topped out, and brackets for the curtain wall are currently being installed. Sorry for the quality, took them on my iPhone.

I tried to get closer, but there's fencing all around the tower, so this is the closest I could get. I'll get a tour of the building this Friday so I will be sure to take tons of photos.

http://i.imgur.com/rpVJYG5l.jpg (http://imgur.com/rpVJYG5)

http://i.imgur.com/XfF0z8Tl.jpg (http://imgur.com/XfF0z8T)

http://i.imgur.com/0jLvGdol.jpg (http://imgur.com/0jLvGdo)

http://i.imgur.com/dODqK8Ml.jpg (http://imgur.com/dODqK8M)

[tyleraf]

If anyone has time, could someone update the front page with the current projects? Thanks

[SDfan]

If anyone has time, could someone update the front page with the current projects? Thanks

That would have to be done by sandiego_urban, as he/she was the original poster. I don't think they have been active in a few years, however.

[Miklo Velka]

Ariel suites as of 3/28 - 8 stories to go. Nice addition to the area.

http://i1189.photobucket.com/albums/z429/Miklo37/IMG_08121.jpg

http://i1189.photobucket.com/albums/z429/Miklo37/IMG_08131.jpg

http://i1189.photobucket.com/albums/z429/Miklo37/IMG_08141.jpg

[tyleraf]

Ariel Suites looks nice. Good to see some added density.

[HurricaneHugo]

No more whale mural though!

[eburress]

No more whale mural though!

I thought they were going to move it, incorporating it into this project.

[spoonman]

Here's a rendering of Ariel Suites

http://www.williamjencks.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/Arial-Suites-Northeast-Rendering2-1024x662.jpg

[spoonman]

Anyone know if the building proposed for Sempra's new headquarters for was approved last Wednesday??

[Urbanize_It]

I noticed the signs had changed on the old bay front Holiday Inn when on my way to the airport the other day. So I did some snooping...

http://www.prweb.com/releases/2013/3/prweb10581970.htm

"Effective March 1, 2013, the former Holiday Inn San Diego on the Bay has joined the upscale Wyndham® Hotels and Resorts portfolio, part of Wyndham Hotel Group..."

"The property will undergo extensive renovations starting mid-November, 2013..."

Even if those renovations are only a new paint job it would be a massive improvement!!!

[SDfan]

I noticed the signs had changed on the old bay front Holiday Inn when on my way to the airport the other day. So I did some snooping...

http://www.prweb.com/releases/2013/3/prweb10581970.htm

"Effective March 1, 2013, the former Holiday Inn San Diego on the Bay has joined the upscale Wyndham® Hotels and Resorts portfolio, part of Wyndham Hotel Group..."

"The property will undergo extensive renovations starting mid-November, 2013..."

Even if those renovations are only a new paint job it would be a massive improvement!!!

I had read an article, maybe a year ago, that said the port was already thinking about redevelopment of the holiday inn (now wyndham) site. I guess the lease isn't up until 2026 or something ridic like that, but its going to have to change, that place is :(

[tyleraf]

I was just thinking how much that place needed a renovation so I'm glad to hear it's going to happen.

[kpexpress]

Anyone know if the building proposed for Sempra's new headquarters for was approved last Wednesday??

It was approved, but still no solid for sure from Sempra.

[spoonman]

Damn, seems like everyone on this forum has checked out.

Anyone have pics of Broadstone in Little Italy, or other projects?

[kpexpress]

It was approved, but still no solid for sure from Sempra.

Whoa, I was wrong. Special Board Meeting this upcoming week for a vote.

[HurricaneHugo]

Serious question, how would I get involved in urban planning?

I got a BS in Structural Engineering and looking to get experience in urban planning as a side job/hobby.

[202_Cyclist]

Serious question, how would I get involved in urban planning?

I got a BS in Structural Engineering and looking to get experience in urban planning as a side job/hobby.

In most cities, there is no shortage of citizen advisory boards and commissions to serve on. These take time and commitment but are an excellent opportunity to both become involved and to make professional contacts.

[bushman61988]

Serious question, how would I get involved in urban planning?

I got a BS in Structural Engineering and looking to get experience in urban planning as a side job/hobby.


I would volunteer/intern at various agencies. I know CALTRANS accepts interns, and I've volunteered at the National City planning department. It was really hard to find planning agencies or even development firms that accepted even volunteer interns.

[HurricaneHugo]

I'll check out CALTRANS!

Any other specific agencies looking for interns?

I have a fulltime job so I'm not looking to get paid, just experience

[dl3000]

Try to get with SANDAG.

[SDfan]

Columbia Tower - asking for a three year extension

http://www.civicsd.com/images/stories/Columbia_Tower_Drawings.pdf

NEW Alpha Square affordable housing project at 14th and Market

http://www.civicsd.com/images/stories/Alpha_Square_Drawings.pdf

Appeal hearing to be held against Blue Sky:

http://www.civicsd.com/meetings-and-events/calendar/icalrepeat.detail/2013/04/11/970/127%7C128%7C130%7C129%7C136%7C131%7C132/city-of-san-diego-planning-commission-meeting-blue-sky-project-appeal.html

Also, how did the Cisterra office tower meeting go, kpexpress?

[kpexpress]

Columbia Tower - asking for a three year extension

http://www.civicsd.com/images/stories/Columbia_Tower_Drawings.pdf

NEW Alpha Square affordable housing project at 14th and Market

http://www.civicsd.com/images/stories/Alpha_Square_Drawings.pdf

Appeal hearing to be held against Blue Sky:

http://www.civicsd.com/meetings-and-events/calendar/icalrepeat.detail/2013/04/11/970/127%7C128%7C130%7C129%7C136%7C131%7C132/city-of-san-diego-planning-commission-meeting-blue-sky-project-appeal.html

Also, how did the Cisterra office tower meeting go, kpexpress?

Cisterra was approved by CSD Board yesterday!

[tyleraf]

Good to hear the news about cisterra. Now it just needs to break ground.

[SDfan]

Cisterra was approved by CSD Board yesterday!

Yay!

[bushman61988]

NEW Alpha Square affordable housing project at 14th and Market

http://www.civicsd.com/images/stories/Alpha_Square_Drawings.pdf


Great...another completely unimaginative, 6-story low rise apartment building what should be one of the densest cooridors in downtown if not all of San Diego.

This project belongs somewhere in Barrio Logan, Hillcrest, North Park, Downtown National City, or even Chula Vista...not on one of downtown's main thoroughfares.. how disappointing.

[SDfan]

NEW Alpha Square affordable housing project at 14th and Market

http://www.civicsd.com/images/stories/Alpha_Square_Drawings.pdf


Great...another completely unimaginative, 6-story low rise apartment building what should be one of the densest cooridors in downtown if not all of San Diego.

This project belongs somewhere in Barrio Logan, Hillcrest, North Park, Downtown National City, or even Chula Vista...not on one of downtown's main thoroughfares.. how disappointing.

Agreed. :(

[Leo the Dog]

NEW Alpha Square affordable housing project at 14th and Market

http://www.civicsd.com/images/stories/Alpha_Square_Drawings.pdf


Great...another completely unimaginative, 6-story low rise apartment building what should be one of the densest cooridors in downtown if not all of San Diego.

This project belongs somewhere in Barrio Logan, Hillcrest, North Park, Downtown National City, or even Chula Vista...not on one of downtown's main thoroughfares.. how disappointing.

I love high rises, especially residential high rises, but this fits in nicely with the surrounding development. If SD had 6 stores residential districts lining the streets this would create a great urban fabric.

[mello]

Completely agree six stories is not acceptable for Market St. That area should be packing in as much density as possible not rinky dink 6 story boxes.... Just another lot gone and an opportunity lost to add serious density. Look at downtown Miami, they didn't get 6 story proposals in their boom time, everything is tall and over 30 floors. That is how it should be here.

[HurricaneHugo]

Baby steps...

[kpexpress]

a 30 story SRO?

[spoonman]

Does anyone know if 14th and Island is under construction? I believe the park has commenced, but not sure about the tower(s).

[tyleraf]

Does anyone know if 14th and Island is under construction? I believe the park has commenced, but not sure about the tower(s).
I believe a few weeks ago that another forumer said that the yellow tower is under construction.

[ArquitectoMontenegro]

15th and Island is under construction, one crane is up-and-operational, the foundation concrete is poured and 1 floor of reinforced-concrete columns are standing. Excavation took forever...its a huge gaping hole--it looks around 5 or 6 floors of underground parking. I heard that once the parking garage is completed, Spurlock&Poirier will get to start construction on the park and will open while the buildings continue construction.

[HurricaneHugo]

Picture I took of the construction site the other day:

Hard to tell but it's a GIANT hole.

Excited!

http://i.imgur.com/61lrULN.jpg

[spoonman]

This will be definitely a game changer for East Village

[tyleraf]

Good to see 15th and Island rising. I can't wait to see it complete! The skyline needs more towers to the east.

[SDfan]

I almost can't believe something that big is being built that far east in downtown.

*giddy*

[SDfan]

Oh! And has anyone gotten any news about Stadium View or 11th and Broadway? Those are two fairly large projects that have just been floating around.

[tyleraf]

Does anyone know what happened to the Blue Sky appeal?

[SDfan]

Nice project at 30th and Upas in North Park. I think these types of projects are more of the future for our urban neighborhoods.

http://mynorthparkloft.com/

[tyleraf]

Looks nice. It will make a great addition to North Park.

[Northparkwizard]

Nice project at 30th and Upas in North Park. I think these types of projects are more of the future for our urban neighborhoods.

http://mynorthparkloft.com/

To clarify, the above project isn't the one planned for Upas & 30th. It's called the North Parker, a new Jonathan Segal project.

http://tomshess.blogspot.com/2013/01/jonathan-segal-ready-jto-designdevelop.html

[SDfan]

To clarify, the above project isn't the one planned for Upas & 30th. It's called the North Parker, a new Jonathan Segal project.

http://tomshess.blogspot.com/2013/01/jonathan-segal-ready-jto-designdevelop.html

Opps! Are there any renderings for the Segal project yet? I mean if they can demo the site already there must be some permit processing going on, no?

[kpexpress]

Does anyone know what happened to the Blue Sky appeal?

For some reason I remember hearing that they survived the appeal and will be breaking ground within 90 days. Notice is already posted on Brake Depot.

[kpexpress]

http://www.hughesmarino.com/articles/downtown-dirt-breaking-news-sempra-to-build-new-downtown-headquarters/

[bushman61988]

http://www.hughesmarino.com/articles/downtown-dirt-breaking-news-sempra-to-build-new-downtown-headquarters/

I hope the renderings we saw were mostly conceptual... I just think it's too squatty looking and is almost identical to the Diamondview Tower.

I'm not against the project, I just wish it could be more slender or at least taller to bring some more height to that area. I just hate that this replaced the Cosmo, that would've been the coolest and one of the tallest buildings in downtown.

[HurricaneHugo]

Progress on this Little Italy tower

http://i.imgur.com/LjgWlt6.jpg

[SDfan]

Yay!

'Anchorman 2' is looking for you
http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2013/may/02/anchorman2-casting-call-san-diego/

[SDfan]

Good Article:

San Diego’s Railroad Deja Vu
http://sandiego.urbdezine.com/2013/04/06/san-diegos-railroad-deja-vu/

[bmfarley]

Good Article:
Excellent article. Great message.

San Diego leadership is obviously not supporting their future. Still tied to freeways.

[tyleraf]

Thanks for the update HurricaneHugo. Ariel Suites hopefully is a sign of a new boom that is coming.

[Northparkwizard]

Sdurban.com just posted a rendering of The North Parker on the corner of Upas & 30th street.

http://sdurban.com/?p=8012

[HurricaneHugo]

Sdurban.com just posted a rendering of The North Parker on the corner of Upas & 30th street.

http://sdurban.com/?p=8012

Well at the very least it's an upgrade to what's there

[SDfan]

Sdurban.com just posted a rendering of The North Parker on the corner of Upas & 30th street.

http://sdurban.com/?p=8012

Thanks.

I don't think I don't like it... eh.

Reminds me of the stuff they've been putting up in Golden Hill the past few years.

[tyleraf]

30th and Upas looks ok. It could use a few more stories though.

[tyleraf]

Park and G broke ground on Thursday. 208 more apartments coming to downtown. Unfortunately it is only five stories tall though.

[Erip]

Park and G broke ground on Thursday. 208 more apartments coming to downtown. Unfortunately it is only five stories tall though.

Any renderings for this one? What's this one going to look like, any different than all the surrounding ones?

[Erip]

Even with all the continued development in the east village, there's still so many vacant lots, and scay shuttered warehouses. Creative solutions like this could really help change the feel of the area while waiting for stalled projects to come back online:
www.kpbs.org/news/2013/may/01/san-diego-students-have-plans-stalled-redevelopmen/

[Northparkwizard]

Even with all the continued development in the east village, there's still so many vacant lots, and scay shuttered warehouses. Creative solutions like this could really help change the feel of the area while waiting for stalled projects to come back online:
www.kpbs.org/news/2013/may/01/san-diego-students-have-plans-stalled-redevelopmen/

Agreed, East Village benefits from San Diego City College's new expansion which (in my opinion) looks great. Now if the city could only muster enough willpower to build other ambitious civic projects like a state-of-the-art stadium, an expansion of the light-rail system, and a plan of action for the Plaza de Panama fiasco.

[Bertrice]

how does civicsandiego own any land? ccdc is dismantled an another bureaucracy replaces it ,smh.