I like this development. Reminds me of something similar in Madrid, which is also a library. Very nice addition.

Which corner (SE, SW, NW, NE) of 4th and J is this slated for? Maybe I have this location confused, but are they demoing something for it? Aren't there restaurants/world market warehouse there with no empty lot I'm aware of? In any case, I agree with you about the design - it's horrendous. The street level looks dark, uninviting, and uninspiring for any type of retail business.

On the other hand, I do like the street level design on the Alexan, large high windows with some kind of stone molding work around them it appears. Very classy/elegant in appearance and will attract retailers and customers alike.

What about 1st and J street, where j street ends? That's been a huge eyesore parking lot for sometime, I remember years ago seeing a high rise planned for that spot, anyone have any info on it?

I also like the park and market design. Agree it could be taller, but I like the street level design.

IDEA1

I'm baffled by this project. Something has seemed sketchy from the beginning. It has been well touted by both the IDEA1 people themselves as well as by city officials as being a catalyst of innovation to spark this world-class urban tech district. It seemed like everyone was on the same page that this was a key development certain to happen as soon as the economy improved. Then the economy improved and the current boom starts, and IDEA1 remains a fenced lot. We are told "definitely" a ground breaking fall of this year.

Now, seemingly out of the blue, this density issue comes up. This project has been on the table for years now, it's been re-designed at least once, and it's been publicly touted as a key stimulator for the entire East Village. So, why the hell is this density thing just coming forward now??????? Someone really dropped the ball here or what!?!?

Does this mean the project is in jeapordy and, if so, the e tire IDEA district in jeapordy? I think the IDEA District is a brilliant idea but those who came up with it seem incompetent to actually see it to fruition.

On a positive note, I was in Hillcrest earlier today and drove by Mr. Robinson. Very nice. Hope to see more designs like that raising up in the mid city area :)

Yes, 4th and J is going to be built where World Market sits. So we're trading solid retail for no retail. I hope the city makes an example out of this for others proposing similar garbage.

1st and J is another lot owned by Bosa. Since he seemingly will not take on two projects at once, this will be parking for the next 5+ years... he has to finish Broadway & PCH 1, then 2, then Kettner & Ash, before taking on this project. You'd think he could partner with another firm to expedite some projects.

You're right. IDEA is starting to raise questions. Not only have the developers drawn this out, but the credibility and scope of the development is also suspect (though you could indict many others as well). The multi block developments proposed by IDEA (Maker's Quarter is the same group, correct?) are mostly low rise and under utilize the land in question. It seems that IDEA is making excuses for the small scope of their development... as if it's the city's problem. I really don't want to watch them botch the rest of the Maker's Quarter project over the coming years or eons.

wasn't Idea District the brainchild of Jerome's furniture Guy?
whaddya expect?

Took this shot from the library today.

http://images.yuku.com.s3.amazonaws....165cb61eef.jpg


Is the lot being worked on in the right side the Alexan or something else?


If so, when are they going to break ground?

Also any news on when the second Pinnacle tower breaks ground?

It looks lonely.

Are there two projects called "Alexan" being proposed? If so, that's pretty lame. We can't even have original names for the projects downtown?

This is the Alexan project I thought it might be in my picture:


http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/...trammell-crow/


I wasn't aware there was another.

i spent the past week in the downtown thanks to Comic Con with a friend who lives in the Gaslamp. The city is looking better with some of the more recent additions and it's kind of exciting to see a lot more going on with construction in the different parts of downtown.

Like most posters here I would love to see more taller projects going in but in my opinion here's what I see as the most lacking aspects that need work on.

1) More people living downtown. I think having a more active feel on the streets with people who actually live here is going to be a vital part of the downtown experience in the future. Right now it's better than the past but still kind of a dead feel at times. Comic Con's masses in downtown were excessive but damn fun with their energy. I wish the city had 1/10 of that regularly.


2) Better retail experience. OK, it has Horton Plaza and I don't expect a New York level of shopping but really not a single Target or Best Buy? Outside of going to the mall it's highlight is a CVS! It's still a retail wasteland. I'm hoping as more people move it that changes soon. It's got lots of restaurants, a couple of grocery stores but is lacking in the retail basics. Awful.

3) More business/projects that draw people into the city. I'm not saying it needs a theme park in the middle of downtown but it needs more retail projects or events or whatever that make a trip downtown worth making with something you can't find elsewhere.


Anyway it's improving. More hotels are still needed, it's nightlife in the Gaslamp and around on the weekends should continue to expand and the transit is looking improved with the bike sharing and cars 2go (both those I thought were awesome). I only get to the downtown these days a few times a year but it really is looking nice to me. A long ways to go still but a lot of progress in many areas. :)

UTC expansion is moving forward. Will include 400,000sf of new retail space as well as a new 5 level parking structure with a skybridge to the new elevated trolley station on Genesee.

According to the article, UTC still plans on adding the previously approved 300 apartment units at the corner of Genesee and La Jolla Village Dr. No timeline is set yet, but it sounds like this will happen after the retail expansion.

http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/...strom-parking/

Does anyone know the status of the Monte/Costa Verde project on the other corner of Gen & LJV Dr?

UC San Diego Health System may rename new Trolley line
http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/...-line-trolley/

I really dislike special naming rights for transit. Information needs to be accessible, understandable, and simple. Renaming the Old Town stop sounds like a really bad idea. A stop needs to display clearly the name of its location, not reference something 8 miles to the north.

There is also this:

http://civicsd.com/images/stories/Al..._-_reduced.pdf

It appears there will be an Alexan Little Italy and an Alexan EV.

All that for less than a million per year?

I agree with you

Do any other transit systems do the same thing?

Does anyone know why Bosa doesn't build multiple projects at once? You would think he would want to take advantage of this strong business cycle while it lasts and get in before the next recession hits.

When the two Mercato Buildings and Alexan are finished Little Italy is going to be one of the best urban districts in the Western US in my opinion what do you guys think. The dining scene there is starting to get national attention.

^ Good observation. The area has a lot to offer and I agree that the dining scene has really started to garner attention.

http://i1027.photobucket.com/albums/...psjafb7q55.jpg

http://i1027.photobucket.com/albums/...psnmdmmkkm.jpg

http://i1027.photobucket.com/albums/...psmwod6hm9.jpg

http://i1027.photobucket.com/albums/...psaz4wbsm8.jpg



Here are a few pictures of hole digging for the Alexan and ballpark village

http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/...t-nfl-stadium/

City approves 2.1 million for an accelerated EIR for a new stadium.

This whole deal reminds me of that one girlfriend that you knew was bad for you, but you couldn't seem to let go. :koko:

Thanks for the pictures, dtell04. Its exciting to see projects moving closer to the MTS headquarters and transit station, making the station increasingly useful.

PS: The excavation for Ballpark Village looks absolutely massive.

Anyone know what is happening off the 805 and Nobel? There is a huge crane erected?