Regarding the crown of IM Pei, it doesn't really bother me. I think it would look even more bland if it wasn't there. At least that thing forces you to look up at it. ;)

I can't believe anyone would ever consider replacing the historic SF Depot in favor of something newer. :shrug: The MOCA San Diego just added a Richard Gluckman-designed annex to the building, so that building isn't going away anytime soon - thank goodness.

As you said, the station is a part of our history and I totally agree that old and new can (and should) live together. I think Downtown Chicago has done a great job of doing that.

Can we take a break from the renderings for a minute and admire the view? ;)
I took these from the top of Mt. Soledad in La Jolla the other day.



Looking North, with the fog hugging the coast below.
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y12...a/IMG_8347.jpg

Sitting on the edge, high above the fog
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y12...a/IMG_8356.jpg

Looking out towards downtown in the distance.
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y12...a/IMG_8362.jpg

Looking towards the UTC area.
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y12...a/IMG_8371.jpg

Enjoying lunch while admiring the view over Mission Bay
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y12...a/IMG_8376.jpg



Ok.....back to talking about renderings.......

Wow downtown looks really full in those great pictures. Makes me wish there was a couple that stuck out above the rest, that would be ideal, right now its what we were expecting, a filled out plateau.

Regarding the Pei Cobb building, its pretty ridiculous that such a controversial architect could only come up with this, looks like the owners really did weigh in on the aesthetics. I think that the flared crown thing is trying to be a nod to the big cornices of the old original "skyscrapers" which themselves referenced the Italian Palazzos. Why this relates to the building's immediate vicinity, no idea. But yeah stately is a good word for it.

Heres an example of an older building in downtown with a big cornice. Pei Cobb just took out the ornamentation
http://www.liveitup.com/images/resd/jpg/ii_gps1.jpg

Like has been previously said, the top looks like the architects realized after listening to the owner's requirements that they had a box on their hands but they promised an iconic building so they slapped something on top. They should do better. Fricken height limit.

Good news, based on my desktop background from the water's perspective the new building will not black One America Plaza at all. It will block Santa Fe from that perspective, so no mission style tower anymore from the bay, but we keep OAP

That is pretty good news, though I'll miss seeing Santa Fe from the bay, it might be pretty cool to see it nestled between the buildings.

:previous:

It was envitable that Santa Fe Depot would eventually get boxed in and lose its view to the Bay, or the Bay's view of it.

The same ones we have all seen.

Oh alright, thanks E. I thought some new ones were released.

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y12...iorView_Da.gif

WTF is this sh!t????? I still can't get over it. This has got to be the worst "signature" tower in the history of EVER!!! And I'm not just saying that because I'm drunk!! What a big turd. Holy mother of crap -- what were you thinking, IM Pei???? Pei Cobb?? More like corn Cobb up your asses!!!

(I'm not happy about this building)

Grumble! :hell:

That was definitly an inspiration to us all! :jester:

Hello all,

For all of you that have been wondering what those big cranes at the 32nd St. Naval Station are for..........here it is!!


http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d6...ificBeacon.jpg

From San Diego Metropolitan Magazine

Single Sailors To Get
Resort-Style Housing

The nation’s first large-scale military apartment project devoted exclusively to unmarried sailors — three buildings containing 941 two-bedroom apartments — is expected to break ground in the second quarter of 2006 at the 32nd Street Naval Station under a partnership between the Navy and Clark Realty, a Maryland-based real estate and construction company.

Clark Realty describes the tower, to be called Pacific Beacon, as the first phase of a 1,200-unit development that will ultimately house more than 2,400 sailors at Naval Station San Diego. Construction of the first phase is expected to be completed in 2008. The resort-style nature of the project is unusual for San Diego military installations.

Pacific Beacon will be built on 15 acres on the dry side of the 32nd Street Naval Station near Main Street. Each of the apartments will be shared by two sailors, although members of other military branches also may rent units. The residences will have open living areas, full kitchens, washer/dryers and balconies with views. Both bedrooms will have large walk-in closets and private bathrooms. The buildings also will contain entertainment, fitness and educational amenities.

“This project is part of the Navy’s Public Private Venture program, which allows the Navy to leverage Clark’s private-sector capital and expertise to develop, manage and improve military housing,” says Bill Geibler, marketing and communications executive with Clark. “The Navy is able to provide its men and women with the best housing the marketplace has to offer with a minimal tax-dollar investment.”

Each sailor living at Pacific Beacon receives a basic allowance for housing from the Navy, a market-based stipend that will be used as rent for the apartments. Rent payments include utility costs and basic renter insurance. “We were able to finance this project by issuing bonds on Wall Street, and these bonds are backed by the future revenue stream of the basic allowance for housing,” says Geibler.

Geibler says the Navy’s Public Private Ventures are long-term partnerships, not government contracts. Through a request-for-proposal process, the Navy chose Clark Realty to enter into negotiations for a 50-year equity partnership. Clark has chosen Pinnacle, a real estate investment management company headquartered in Seattle, to be project manager. Clark partnered with Lincoln Property Co. on Navy Region Southwest’s Gateway Village townhomes in Loma Portal.

Clark Realty’s plans for Naval Station San Diego also include improving exterior amenities at Palmer Hall, a 12-story building that houses about 1,000 single sailors dormitory-style. The company will add a 25-meter lap pool, a resort-style pool deck area and a clubhouse. Residents of Pacific Beacon will be able to share use of these facilities.

The housing is exclusively for single enlisted sailors E-4 and above, called “unaccompanied sailors” by the Navy. Geibler says it is the first project of its kind in the country.

^Thanks for that! Welcome to SSP.:)

Thank you very much!:)

would those buildings be south of downtown along the water, or where would they be exactly?

It seems like they are constructing it on the golf course that was or is located along Main Street. Not exactly the best location on earth, but hopefully this will promote even more redevelopment in the area.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d6...cBeaconMap.jpg

The Broadway Pier was all torn up today. Is this a sign of good things to come?

I wish those towers didn't all look the same.

But still, good.

^At least they look nice! :)