[PadreHomer]

Thats disappointing to hear about Cosmo Square. The more you hear about that project the more you eventually believe its going to be canceled. I wish they wouldn't have demolished the buildings on the site in that case, I hate empty dirt lots.

[Derek]

This weekend, downtown:
SAN DIEGO -- The California Democratic Party Convention is coming to San Diego, and at least seven presidential hopefuls will be in town for the event.

The convention runs from Friday through Sunday at the San Diego Convention Center.

Those expected to attend are New York Sen. Hillary Clinton, Illinois Sen. Barack Obama, former North Carolina Sen. John Edwards, Connecticut Sen. Chris Dodd, Ohio Rep. Dennis Kucinich, former Alaska Sen. Mike Gravel and New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson

I know this isn't a political blog, but I put it here because it sounds like a sizeable event that should bring some national attention to downtown this weekend :)


Gonna be CRAZY with the Dodgers in town this weekend! How am I supposed to find parking for the game tonight? (Without paying $20...)

[SD_Phil]

^This isn't a public event is it?

[sandiego_urban]

I stopped by the CCDC office downtown today and asked someone working there about these two projects.

She said she heard Cosmo Square has been delayed yet again, but said it has not been cancelled
I'm hopeful that this project will eventually break ground - even though it probably won't happen for at least 18 months. At least we get to watch Vantage Pointe, Bayside and Sapphire rise during the same period. That should keep us occupied for the time being, right? :tup:

She said Library Tower is on-schedule and not on hold in any way, so we'll see, hopefully she's correct
Recently, I called the sales office of Sapphire Tower (same developer of Library Tower) and asked about the status of Library. They told me that they are looking at changing the use from all condos to a hotel and condo project. The person said the plans for the updated project would be released in about 8 months. We shall see if they redesign the tower to do this.



Speaking of airports, did you hear about the Carlsbad Airport making their upgrades and preparing for their future? They already have flights to LA and Phoenix (and soon Las Vegas). Maybe this could be our primary airport in the future ;)

Article from yesterday's U-T:



COUNTY APPROVES NEW TERMINAL AT "DISJOINTED" PALOMAR AIRPORT

By Craig Gustafson
UNION-TRIBUNE STAFF WRITER

April 26, 2007

CARLSBAD – The mishmash of buildings that form Carlsbad's McClellan-Palomar Airport will be torn down and replaced with a new terminal in a nearly $24 million face-lift that officials say will reinvent the 48-year-old airport.

McClellan-Palomar Airport in Carlsbad is operated by San Diego County and used by private and corporate aircraft, as well as two commuter airlines.
The San Diego County Board of Supervisors yesterday unanimously approved a plan to use federal grants to combine 10 smaller upgrades into a single large project.

County officials said they expect to begin receiving construction bids this summer with the goal of starting work in October and finishing by November 2008.

The project calls for a new 18,000-square-foot commuter terminal with such amenities as baggage areas, outdoor gardens, a restaurant, and curbside drop-off and pickup.

The overall size of the airport will remain unchanged. But the improvements “will bring the airport into the 21st century and provide some real good service to North County,” said Peter Drinkwater, director of San Diego County airports.

Federal and state officials have long criticized the airport's layout. Drinkwater said those issues will be addressed by adding an inspection facility, access roads, security improvements and parking lots.

Drinkwater described the airport as a series of “disjointed, dysfunctional” buildings built in the 1960s and 1970s with no clear vision.

“We're not making the airport bigger. We're reinventing the airport to be more modernized, safer, more efficient and a better airport,” he said.

Supervisor Bill Horn, whose 5th District includes Carlsbad, called the airport an important asset for North County residents and businesspeople who can avoid driving to Lindbergh Field in San Diego.

The general aviation airport is operated by the county and used by private aircraft, corporate aircraft and two commuter airlines – AmericaWest Express and United Express. Built in 1959, it is named for aviator Gerald McClellan, a North County civic leader.

The airport has passenger service to Los Angeles and Phoenix from its 5,000-foot-long runway, although that could be expanded in the future.

Vision Airlines has committed to bringing a commuter flight from McClellan-Palomar to Las Vegas, where the carrier is based, starting in June.

Drinkwater said the upgrades will help attract more airlines and possibly expand service to markets such as Dallas, Denver, Sacramento and Salt Lake City.

“There's no reason why those kind of services can't be offered out of Palomar,” he said. “We're going to let the market decide.”

[sandiego_urban]

Downtown should be fun this weekend. In addition to the Dodger-Padres series being pretty much sold out, ArtWalk is also going on http://www.artwalkinfo.com/, so go out and support the local artists!!

I'll be going to both and will try to post some pics here after the weekend.

[eburress]

^^ Go to Google Maps and look at Palomar Airport and then go look at LAX. There's no way a major airport would fit there without leveling thousands of homes, buildings, and such. There's just not room.

[sandiego_urban]

^^ I was totally kidding :haha:

Can you imagine the residents of La Costa or Aviara ever letting that happen? Never in a million years

[eburress]

^^ hahaha - Oh I gotcha! Yeah, the folks up there would go just as apeshit as the people around Miramar.

[HurricaneHugo]

I saw two relatively tall cranes up by the 28th street naval station

anybody know what's going up there?

:previous:

[Derek]

Walking past the Cosmo Square sales office, it appeared to still be under construction. A possible good sign?

[Derek]

Hugo, it could be this maybe...

http://www.dtsc.ca.gov/OMF/Projects/upload/NavalStation_SDiego_FS_permitRenewal_english-2.pdf

[<ak/>]

haven't came across this before:

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j220/klepika/dt/10th_and_B.jpg

The proposed project is a 22-story building with 228 housing units, ground floor retail and three-floors of subterranean parking. The project will comply with LEED standards for a residential building and potentially become the first LEED certified building in Downtown San Diego. Burger King has a lease on the existing site, and will be the tenant for the ground floor retail space. KB Homes was the original developer and received entitlements for a plan for 172 condominium units. Affirmed Housing will utilize the approved design with some revisions to the unit size, number of parking spaces and building materials.

[<ak/>]

:previous: burger king tower :jester:

[Derek]

This is a good looking tower.

[eburress]

Yep - I like it.

[spoonman]

Looks like something you'd find around India St.

[VegasBound]

I have been to Nobu at the Hard Rock in Vegas. Certainly great sushi, but somewhat pricy and long waits if you don't have reservations.

Despite my handle I am a 28 year San Diego resident. Personally I will be disappointed if Lindbergh is replaced elsewhere and I have created a petition to keep it right where it is: http://SaveLindbergh.org Please sign it if you agree.

G.

PS: I have money down on a 2br/2ba at Turnberry Towers in Vegas that I intend to use for vacations and occasional rentals. My price is 125K less than the current pricing. Looking for a partner (25% to 50%) if anybody is insterested.

[bmfarley]

I have been to Nobu at the Hard Rock in Vegas. Certainly great sushi, but somewhat pricy and long waits if you don't have reservations.

Despite my handle I am a 28 year San Diego resident. Personally I will be disappointed if Lindbergh is replaced elsewhere and I have created a petition to keep it right where it is: http://SaveLindbergh.org Please sign it if you agree.

G.

PS: I have money down on a 2br/2ba at Turnberry Towers in Vegas that I intend to use for vacations and occasional rentals. My price is 125K less than the current pricing. Looking for a partner (25% to 50%) if anybody is insterested.
Vegasbound, if you support Lindbergh where it is... I hope you support California High Speed Rail? If constructed it will help mitigate the need to expand the airport as it competes very well in-state air travel and flights in the 250-600 mile range.

I like flying but I would without question take HSR to places like LA, SF or Sacramento because door to door travel would be the same or better... and certainly have less hassles.

[dl3000]

YES HSR, YES on a new airport. San Diego has the potential to be the gateway to Asia on the west coast. It doesn't take much to outdo San Francisco. All you have to do is build an international facility better than theirs and then our weather will attract airlines since it is so consistent whereas San Francisco has fog issues. Then downtown can go up. And right in the middle would be the link to all of California in a terminal for HSR to whisk passengers throughout.

[bmfarley]

YES HSR, YES on a new airport. San Diego has the potential to be the gateway to Asia on the west coast. It doesn't take much to outdo San Francisco. All you have to do is build an international facility better than theirs and then our weather will attract airlines since it is so consistent whereas San Francisco has fog issues. Then downtown can go up. And right in the middle would be the link to all of California in a terminal for HSR to whisk passengers throughout."Yes" on a new airport and "yes" on Lindberg staying right where it is seems to conflict with each other. Are you supportive of a new airport alltogether... augmenting Lindberg? Is that what you mean?

[Derek]

Why would you want to keep Lindbergh where it is? The reasons on your website are dumb.

[bmfarley]

Why would you want to keep Lindbergh where it is? The reasons on your website are dumb.Yeah, I htink it is a misleading too.... after re-reading it. I don't think a centrally located ariport would add to commute link trips to the airport... or for people wanting access to it. If at all, the Miramar location would decrease them since that location was considered to be the central location to the SD region.

[Derek]

So, does anybody think that the power plant downtown next to Electra will ever be shut down and redeveloped into more condos or something?

[Urban Sky]

So, does anybody think that the power plant downtown next to Electra will ever be shut down and redeveloped into more condos or something?

yeah, its ugly

[Derek]

Especially next to such a lovely tower!

[bmfarley]

So, does anybody think that the power plant downtown next to Electra will ever be shut down and redeveloped into more condos or something?I'd definately think so. Once Sempra, or whom ever owns that property, does a analysis of what it would take (cost) to relocate the current facilities elsewhere versus possible return... and the numbers work out and they can still provide the necessary service... yeah, I'd think they'd come up with something. It' just a matter of time, I'd think.

[Derek]

^Let's hope it isn't too much time.;)

[sandiegodweller]

I'd definately think so. Once Sempra, or whom ever owns that property, does a analysis of what it would take (cost) to relocate the current facilities elsewhere versus possible return... and the numbers work out and they can still provide the necessary service... yeah, I'd think they'd come up with something. It' just a matter of time, I'd think.
I am curious to know what you think it is worth.

Do you realize what it would take to relocate that facility?

Where are you going to find a suitable replacement site in downtown? If you could find one, wouldn't you have to pay a similar price for the land at the new site?

[Derek]

Who said a power plant that supplies power to downtown has to physically be located downtown?;)

[bmfarley]

I am curious to know what you think it is worth.

Do you realize what it would take to relocate that facility?

Where are you going to find a suitable replacement site in downtown? If you could find one, wouldn't you have to pay a similar price for the land at the new site?Absolutely. No, those things did not escape me. The same questions hold true for each undesirable, but necessary utility, located downtown. At the end of the day... it's just a matter of time.

[sandiegodweller]

Who said a power plant that supplies power to downtown has to physically be located downtown?;)
It isn't a power plant, it is a transmission station. The Electra Building was the old power plant.

I am sure that there are miles of cable criscrossing downtown to that site. It would take decades and multi millions of dollars to buy easements and reroute the power lines to a different location downtown.

Unless someone knows of some advanced technology, electricity still needs to be tranferred by wires. I don't think they have some sort of wireless technology yet.

FYI - residential highrise dirt in downtown may actually have a zero or negative value right now. Most residential builders that I have talked to recently say that the revenues for new condos may not exceed the costs to build a new highrise. Office may be different.

[SDDTProspector]

Found some links to some up coming / proposed projects that i have not heard of yet.... Maybe you have....

County of San Diego
Health and Human Services Administration
Headquarters and Parking Garage
40,000 SF + 768 cars
Little Italy, San Diego, CA




http://www.davisdavisarch.com/images/hssa_1_09.jpg

http://www.davisdavisarch.com/images/hssa_1_2_09.jpg

http://www.davisdavisarch.com/images/hssa_info2_09.jpg

Waterfront Park and Underground Parking,
County Administration Building
Downtown, San Diego, CA
On the boards, in association with
Hargreaves Associates, San Francisco

http://www.davisdavisarch.com/images/county_admin1_09.jpg


MARRIOTT HOTEL TOWER 3

Building Area: 353,000 SF; 24 stories

http://www.mc-architects.com/images/_HOSPITALITY/Marriott_Hotel/Marriott_Hotel_FULL_1.jpg

CAMPBELL LANDING HOTEL

Building Area: 1.2 Million SF; 40 stories

http://www.mc-architects.com/images/_HOSPITALITY/Campbell_Hotel/Campbell_Hotel_FULL_1.jpg

40 stories, Is that higher than 500 Ft?
(Edit most building at 40 stories are between 575 to 610 ft )

[SDPhil]

Does anyone have any information on the Federal Courthouse? The last info I had seen indicated that the only 2 contractors who bid on the project said the amount allocated was too low, so they were withdrawing their bids.

[lakegz]

Found some links to some up coming / proposed projects that i have not heard of yet.... Maybe you have....

County of San Diego
Health and Human Services Administration
Headquarters and Parking Garage
40,000 SF + 768 cars
Little Italy, San Diego, CA




http://www.davisdavisarch.com/images/hssa_1_09.jpg

http://www.davisdavisarch.com/images/hssa_1_2_09.jpg

http://www.davisdavisarch.com/images/hssa_info2_09.jpg

Waterfront Park and Underground Parking,
County Administration Building
Downtown, San Diego, CA
On the boards, in association with
Hargreaves Associates, San Francisco

http://www.davisdavisarch.com/images/county_admin1_09.jpg


MARRIOTT HOTEL TOWER 3

Building Area: 353,000 SF; 24 stories

http://www.mc-architects.com/images/_HOSPITALITY/Marriott_Hotel/Marriott_Hotel_FULL_1.jpg

CAMPBELL LANDING HOTEL

Building Area: 1.2 Million SF; 40 stories

http://www.mc-architects.com/images/_HOSPITALITY/Campbell_Hotel/Campbell_Hotel_FULL_1.jpg

40 stories, Is that higher than 500 Ft?
(Edit most building at 40 stories are between 575 to 610 ft )


office buildings at 40 floors are usually higher than 500 feet due to the high ceilings needed for the more versatile operations that go on in office buildings. Hotel and residential towers usually stay at about 10-11 feet per floor so i'm assuming this 40 floor building would be safely below the 500 foot limit for downtown.

[eburress]

^^ Where is Campbell Landing? I think that Marriott tower is an old, possibly dead proposal.

[ShekelPop]

im pretty sure campbell landing is the site that Manchester wanted to build some time ago that got tied up in litigation with the port. that followed with the port buying out his option for like 3 million to get rid of him (or some nonsense like that). whatever the case, its long dead. it was a Martinez-Cutri design.

[sandiegodweller]

^^ Where is Campbell Landing? I think that Marriott tower is an old, possibly dead proposal.
Campbell Landing is the Hilton that is under construction right now next to the Convention Center.

[spoonman]

The Marriott tower 3 proposal has been around forever. I remember asking members on this board about that project about a year ago, and the verdict was that it was long dead.

I believe the Campbell project is actually the new Convention Center Hilton going in, as it is being built on the former site of the "Campbell Shipyards".

I think the Health and Human Services project looks great. It will bring more business activity to a leisure area.:tup:

[SDCAL]

"Despite my handle I am a 28 year San Diego resident. Personally I will be disappointed if Lindbergh is replaced elsewhere and I have created a petition to keep it right where it is: http://SaveLindbergh.org Please sign it if you agree."

I don't agree and, having just flown to Chicago this weekend I can tell you why.

The terminal was like a sardine can without anywhere to sit on a typical business day. The gift shop had a line out into the terminal with people trying to buy water. The line was so long that passengers coming off the escalator into the terminal were having to say excuse me as they moved themselves and their luggage through the line.

When we got onto the runway, we had to sit and wait for 30 minutes to take off and the pilot told us outright it was becuase there is only one runway and they had to wait for several planes to land

Based on conversations on the plane, a large number of passengers were people flying from San Diego to Europe, but had to go through Chicago (United's Hub) because there is no direct from SD.

As someone who has to fly alot I find it an insult you'd even put this stupid petition out here. Just because our airport is "cute and close to the city" does not mean it's practical. It's a pain in the **** a$$, pardon my French. Sorry to sound rude, but it gets worse each month and I'm sick and tired of people who fly like once a year on small hops to Phoenix or Las Vegas rooting for Lindbergh to stay because it's so "quaint" or "convinient there on the water by downtown". Ask any aiprot or airline, the real money is generated from business travel and business travellers HATE flying from SAN and it is hurting our county economically because the airport is not pratical for the frequent or long-haul traveller.

So, obviously, no I won't sign this nonsense!

[SDCAL]

Building Area: 1.2 Million SF; 40 stories

http://www.mc-architects.com/images/_HOSPITALITY/Campbell_Hotel/Campbell_Hotel_FULL_1.jpg

40 stories, Is that higher than 500 Ft?
(Edit most building at 40 stories are between 575 to 610 ft )[/QUOTE]

I like the height but have to say not liking the design

It looks like a Casino-hotel in some B-list gambling resort like Laughlin, Nevada or atlantic City :slob:

thank goodness someone had the good taste to cancel it!

[SDCAL]

Does anyone have any information on the Federal Courthouse? The last info I had seen indicated that the only 2 contractors who bid on the project said the amount allocated was too low, so they were withdrawing their bids.

I hope not - - they have a model on the map with the cardboard models at ccdc and it really stands out as a nice addition, hope it moves forward

[spoonman]

^That's exactly what I was thinking...Atlantic City all the way. The sight of it conjuers up cheesy Italian names in my head...

[SDCAL]

By the way, I got "skyscraper envy" flying into Chicago over downtown the other day. They have some relly nice buildings, and not just the iconic Sears and j hancock blds, but some cool looking ones i never saw before They are building a Mandarin-Oriental Condotel that is going to be fantastic. I like that alot of their buildings aren't so cluttered with balconies, they look so much cleaner and sleaker. I guess since our climate is different and most of our highrises are residential as opposed to office/commercial, we have to deal with the balcony-ladened towers :-(

[spoonman]

It's a federal courthouse people...it will happen...it just may take a little longer

[spoonman]

Poor Miami. They must be sick of balconies by now

[SDCAL]

^That's exactly what I was thinking...Atlantic City all the way. The sight of it conjuers up cheesy Italian names in my head...

Hahaha that is so right - I can just picture old ladies walking around the lobby with their cans of coins for the slots and the signs for a $2.99 prime rib and seafood buffet :-)

[spoonman]

:cheers:

[spoonman]

SDCAL..I didn't realize you just joined this month. Welcome:tup:

[SDCAL]

SDCAL..I didn't realize you just joined this month. Welcome:tup:

Thanks!! It's a great site

[Derek]

Found some links to some up coming / proposed projects that i have not heard of yet.... Maybe you have....

County of San Diego
Health and Human Services Administration
Headquarters and Parking Garage
40,000 SF + 768 cars
Little Italy, San Diego, CA




http://www.davisdavisarch.com/images/hssa_1_09.jpg

http://www.davisdavisarch.com/images/hssa_1_2_09.jpg

http://www.davisdavisarch.com/images/hssa_info2_09.jpg



I like this!

[dl3000]

"Yes" on a new airport and "yes" on Lindberg staying right where it is seems to conflict with each other. Are you supportive of a new airport alltogether... augmenting Lindberg? Is that what you mean?

Lindbergh gone, put a dutch flats memorial to lindbergh and whatnot, and then build the shit out of that thing and have a nice big airport elsewhere with a direct feed into the HSR system. That is my ideal.

[sandiegodweller]

Building Area: 1.2 Million SF; 40 stories

http://www.mc-architects.com/images/_HOSPITALITY/Campbell_Hotel/Campbell_Hotel_FULL_1.jpg

40 stories, Is that higher than 500 Ft?
(Edit most building at 40 stories are between 575 to 610 ft )

I like the height but have to say not liking the design

It looks like a Casino-hotel in some B-list gambling resort like Laughlin, Nevada or atlantic City :slob:

thank goodness someone had the good taste to cancel it![/QUOTE]






It wasn't cancelled. It is under construction right now (with a different developer and architect).

http://www.ccdc.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=projects.projectDetail&propertyID=437

[ShekelPop]

Some clarification on my original thought about the Campbell site and the Port's dispute with Manchester and why the design in the recently posted photo never materialized. This article from a february issue of CityBeat has some detail on why that original plan fell out:
from San Diego CityBeat discussing friction between John Moores and Manchester...

On the Waterfront 02-14-07
by Carl Luna
"In 1999, the two men became embroiled in a convoluted tussle over the Campbell shipyard property. Located right next to the convention center, it was the natural site for Manchester to next expand into. But Moores’ JMI Realty had already entered into a preliminary agreement with the Port District to build a hotel on the property. Then the Port District deselected JMI and switched award of the project to the Manchester Financial Group. A JMI spokesman at the time said that JMI’s only interest in the property was to get a hotel built on the site to generate transit occupancy tax revenues needed to offset financial obligations generated by Petco Park. But the series of legal and environmental hassles that followed ultimately resulted in the Port of San Diego paying Manchester a hefty $5 million (including a $3 million profit) to buy out his interests in the development deal. Meanwhile the hotel project remained derailed and the TOT dollars desired by JMI never materialized... "

full text available: http://www.sdcitybeat.com/article.php?id=5378

[OCtoSD]

So is the Cambell Shipyard property the Hilton? And who controls that property right now?

[ShekelPop]

After some googling, the leaseholder on the Campbell Yards, Hilton site, is One Park Boulevard, and according to an older tribune article, the company is "a partnership of Hilton Hotels and ING Clarion Partners". So it seems neither Manchester OR Moores ended up involved with the final project.

[HurricaneHugo]

I remember a project called One Park Boulevard, was to be 500ft.

[Derek]

^It was located directly at one of the ends of the Harbor Drive Pedestrian Bridge.

[Derek]

http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/showthread.php?t=130529

[Derek]

Some good stuff in here...especially item 4!
http://www.ccdc.com/news/resources/NewsDigest42507.pdf

[OCtoSD]

3. 6th AVENUE OFFICE - Design Review Approval Granted by Board
(East Village)
The Board granted design review approval of ENDEV’s 6th Avenue Office project,
a 13-story tower to include 12 stories of commercial office space over groundfloor
retail at 453 and 459 Sixth Avenue in East Village. Designed by Fehlman
LaBarre architects, the project is a proposed redevelopment of an infill parcel
located across the street from the Gaslamp Quarter. The Board also granted a
variance to reduce tower stepbacks from 20 feet to zero feet. This project will add
a range of downtown employment opportunities. (Vote: 4-0, with Directors
McNeely, Raffesberger and Brown Absent)

[eburress]

3. 6th AVENUE OFFICE - Design Review Approval Granted by Board
(East Village)
The Board granted design review approval of ENDEV’s 6th Avenue Office project,
a 13-story tower to include 12 stories of commercial office space over groundfloor
retail at 453 and 459 Sixth Avenue in East Village. Designed by Fehlman
LaBarre architects, the project is a proposed redevelopment of an infill parcel
located across the street from the Gaslamp Quarter. The Board also granted a
variance to reduce tower stepbacks from 20 feet to zero feet. This project will add
a range of downtown employment opportunities. (Vote: 4-0, with Directors
McNeely, Raffesberger and Brown Absent)

That is good news! We definitely need more places for people to work downtown!

[bmfarley]

Todays Paradise in progress:

Marriott Residence Inn Construction Begins
Construction of the 12-story, 185-room hotel at Sixth Avenue and J Street will start next week with the installation of fencing and the beginning of dewatering and shoring. On street parking on the south side of J and east side of Sixth next to the project will be eliminated for the length of construction. The hotel is expected to open in the summer of 2009.

[sandiegodweller]

Todays Paradise in progress:

Marriott Residence Inn Construction Begins
Construction of the 12-story, 185-room hotel at Sixth Avenue and J Street will start next week with the installation of fencing and the beginning of dewatering and shoring. On street parking on the south side of J and east side of Sixth next to the project will be eliminated for the length of construction. The hotel is expected to open in the summer of 2009.



When is the other Marriott across the street expected to break ground?




Judgment favors eminent-domain plaintiff

By Elizabeth Fitzsimons
UNION-TRIBUNE STAFF WRITER
April 25, 2006

A business owner whose property in the Gaslamp Quarter was condemned by the city's powers of eminent domain has been awarded $1.25 million in attorneys fees.

The judge's award last Thursday was in addition to a San Diego Superior Court jury's award in October of $7.8 million in favor of the business owner, Ahmed Mesdaq.

The City Council, acting as the Redevelopment Agency of San Diego, voted in April 2004 to force Mesdaq and his Gran Havana Cigar and Coffee Lounge from the property at Fifth Avenue and J Street so that a developer could build a 334-room Marriott Renaissance Hotel on the site.
“The city condemned my property and promised they would break ground immediately to build this hotel,” Mesdaq said.

“They took my property, kicked me out of the place, but they never had any plans. There's no plan, there's no financing, there's nothing whatsoever.”

Under an agreement with the city, developers Ramin Samimi and Ed Himmelberg would have to pay the judgment.

The city has appealed the case. The city's attorney, Bruce Beach, was unavailable for comment yesterday. Mesdaq's attorney, Vincent Bartolotta Jr., said he was willing to reach a settlement.

“From our standpoint, it's an unnecessary and unwarranted waste of time and money, and they should sit down with us and settle this case,” Bartolotta said.

He said the city is using the property for parking and special events.

Mesdaq bought the property in 2000 for $1.3 million and put about $1 million into renovations. He refused offers to sell the property for $3 million.

Mesdaq's dispute with the city drew national attention in the debate over a government's power to take private land so that it may be developed privately by someone else.

Traditionally, eminent domain has been used by governments seeking private land for public projects such as schools and roads. In recent years, governments have used the eminent domain powers for economic development, reasoning that the jobs and tax revenue generated by the project would benefit the public.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Elizabeth Fitzsimons: (619) 542-4577; elizabeth.fitzsimons@uniontrib.com

[Derek]

Todays Paradise in progress:

Marriott Residence Inn Construction Begins
Construction of the 12-story, 185-room hotel at Sixth Avenue and J Street will start next week with the installation of fencing and the beginning of dewatering and shoring. On street parking on the south side of J and east side of Sixth next to the project will be eliminated for the length of construction. The hotel is expected to open in the summer of 2009.

About friggin' time!

[Derek]

When is the other Marriott across the street expected to break ground?

Soon, I hope...it's such an eyesore on Fifth:yuck:

[OCtoSD]

Those hotel lots always worried me. I am so glad something is moving.

[Derek]

Anybody got any info on the "State Parking Garage"?

[Derek]

The librarytowersd.net website been changed to the old Chicago Title building condos.

Could this be bad news for Library Tower?

[sandiegodweller]

The librarytowersd.net website been changed to the old Chicago Title building condos.

Could this be bad news for Library Tower?
I think that you can get the latest info at:

http://www.the_city_of_sandiego_is_broke_and_there_will_be_no_money_for_a_library_anytime_soon_therefore_we_are_changing_the_name_of_the_project_to_"view_the_homeless_pissing_on_the_sidewalk_tower".com

[Derek]

Fucking money...

Who needs it?:rolleyes:

[eburress]

me

[eburress]

The librarytowersd.net website been changed to the old Chicago Title building condos.

Could this be bad news for Library Tower?

If the building is being re-purposed as hotel/condo, then I'm sure the branding, visuals, and everything else would need to be changed as well.

[Derek]

Good point. But why is it a direct link to the other project? I know its the same developer, but they could've given us a heads up. :frog:

[eburress]

Good point. But why is it a direct link to the other project? I know its the same developer, but they could've given us a heads up. :frog:

Who knows...could be nothing more than their web developer being an air head or maybe they're wanting to make a big re-announcement.

[bmfarley]

Mistakeningly posted... will revise and post later

[druna974]

I just got my keys for The Mark, I'll post some pics of the inside and views this weekend!

[stockjock]

I just got my keys for The Mark, I'll post some pics of the inside and views this weekend!

Congrats and please do post the pics. I'd be interested in checking the place out. What sort of unit did you buy there and on what floor?

[druna974]

Congrats and please do post the pics. I'd be interested in checking the place out. What sort of unit did you buy there and on what floor?

We bought a 2BR, 2B, on the 18th Floor in the SE corner. Aprox 1150 SQ Ft. The balcony overlooks PETCO, but I can't quite see home plate, because of Parkloft - damn!

[eburress]

Congrats, Druna! When's the house-warming party????

[mello]

Damn druna ballin shot callin 20 inch blades on the impala, can I be your personal assistant mang? I do real good work, shine ya shoes, give foot massages and shit! Na foo congrats you doin yo thang, I ain't hatin, I got 300 square feet on Washington street across from the board of education.

Hey atleast I can walk to the DMV and Whole Foods har har

[stockjock]

We bought a 2BR, 2B, on the 18th Floor in the SE corner. Aprox 1150 SQ Ft. The balcony overlooks PETCO, but I can't quite see home plate, because of Parkloft - damn!

I bought at Vantage Pointe about 6 blocks north of you and I figure I won't be able to see the fireworks at Petco Park because of...THE MARK!!!

[Derek]

I just got my keys for The Mark, I'll post some pics of the inside and views this weekend!

You are incredibly lucky! Congrats:tup:

[bmfarley]

This thread needs a bump and so this topic is relavent to San Diego I am taqking liberties of a post I put on the California section earlier this morning:

According to an email I recieved, and pasted below for your information, a State Senate Budget subcommittee will consider funding the original request from the California High Speed Rail Authority for next years budget. Not covered in the email, but pertinent to Thursday's heaing is that the CHSRA originally requested $103 million to advance environmental and engineering efforts, as well as purchase critical right of way. Schwarzeneggers original budget only allocated $1.3 million.


------
While Gov. Schwarzenegger has been touting his "green" credentials, it appears that his administration is trying to kill high-speed rail. And with a tight budget situation in Sacramento this year many legislators are not yet committed to supporting funding for HSR.

We need high-speed rail to combat climate change and prevent our state from traffic paralysis in the future. The alternatives are highway and airport expansions that cost twice as much and create a lot of negative environmental impacts. But if the High Speed Rail Authority doesn't get significant funding this year the project may be dead. Because the environmental work done to date has a limited shelf life, being unable to complete the work this year could kill the project and waste the $47 million investment made by the state so far.

On Thursday, May 10, there will be a key committee hearing in Sacramento that will largely determine whether or not HSR is funded. Please fax letters to the committee members or join us for the hearing in Sacramento to express
your support for HSR.

Senate Budget Subcommittee #4
Thursday, May 10 @ 10 AM or upon adjournment of the previous session, Room 112, State Capitol item 2665, the High Speed Rail Authority's budget

For more information, please see the letter that BayRail Alliance has sent in support of the project: http://www.bayrailalliance.org/calif...igh_speed_rail (http://www.bayrailalliance.org/california_high_speed_rail)
The Governor's staff will be watching this hearing. If we fail to demonstrate strong support, it will discourages legislators who support us and encourage the Governor to kill HSR.

Please reply to this e-mail if you can attend the hearing in Sacramento. If enough of us attend we can get discounted Capitol Corridor tickets.

Please also encourage friends who live in the members' districts below to contact their senator with letters of support. The time to do this is now!

- - -

Members of Senate Budget Sub 4 Committee

1) Senator Michael Machado (Chair)
Senate District 5 - Tracy, Manteca and Stockton in San Joaquin County; Suisun City, Fairfield, Dixon and Vacaville in Solano County; Davis, West Sacramento, Winters and Woodland in Yolo County; as well as Walnut Grove and a portion of Elk Grove in Sacramento County.

Phone: (916) 651-4005
Fax: (916) 323-2304
State Capitol, Room 5066
Sacramento, CA 95814

2) Senator Robert Dutton (Republican)
Senate District 31 - southwestern portion of San Bernardino County and the northwestern portion of Riverside County: all of Big Bear, Grand Terrace, Highland, Loma Linda, Rancho Cucamonga, Redlands, Upland, Yucaipa, Yucca Valley, Crestline, Lake Arrowhead, Mentone, Running Springs, An Antonio Heights and portions of San Bernardino and Colton; all of Riverside, Glen Avon, Highgrove, Mira Loma, Pedley, Rubidoux, Sunnyslope and all but a small portion of Woodcrest.

State Capitol, Room 5094
Sacramento, CA 95814
Phone: (916) 651-4031
Fax: (916) 327-2272

3) Senator Christine Kehoe – Democrat from San Diego
Phone: (916) 651-4039
Fax: (916) 327-2188 State Capitol, Room 4038 Sacramento, CA 95814

* * *
BayRail Alliance
www.bayrailalliance.org

[SDCAL]

I agree we need high-speed rail, but the airport problems can't be ignored any longer either

Saturday night, arrival, Lindergh Field. Work travel, so hired a car for pick-up. The second I meet the driver holding my name on a piece of paper, he begins complaining.

Complaining he is working later and later because back-logs in landing are causing flights to come in later

Complaining about the crowds, which he says on Fridays and Sundays you can hardly move in parts of the airport

On the car ride home he confessed that 50% of his business is driving passengers who live in San Diego County to LAX, or picking them up at LAX and taking them here. When I asked why he said it's International travelers who find it more time and cost effective to pay $2oo for a car-hire to take them from their international arrival back home than to deal with the cost and hassle of a hopper filght to SD.

As anyone who has flown overseas knows, when you arrive back at your entry destination, SF, LAX, JFK or wherever, you have to go through customs, possibly get searched, then re-check your bags on a domestic flight. It's a pain and it makes International travel from small, ill-equiped airports (like Lindbergh Field) a complete pain and waiste of time.

In terms of the airport, we are obviously not in the same category as tier-1 hubs like LAX, New York, SF, or Chicago, but I have news for you - we're not even in the same category as tier-2 regional airports such as Portland, Ore., Phoenix and Denver. Those cities all have flights to London and/or Frankfurt.

San Diego is in the same class as tier-3 municiple airports like Sacramento, Colorado Springs, Tuscon, and Albuquerque. They all have the same number of overseas flights (Zero).

For example, if you wanted to fly from Tucson to London, you would need to either coordinate ground transportation to Phoenix or take some small hopper flight to Phoenix to make the flight, just like we would have to either drive or fly to LA. Only differnece is SD is five times bigger than Tucson and more similar in size to Phoenix!!!!!!

The same scenario exists with Colorado Springs - you would need to drive or take a small plane to Denver. Even though metro San Diego is more similar in population to Devner, our airport is much more similar to Colorado Springs than to Denver Stapleton

this airport situation will be our ultimate downfall from becoming a world-class city if not addressed soon

If no new airport is built, at least high-speed rail provides more convinient transport options to LAX

[eburress]

I agree we need high-speed rail, but the airport problems can't be ignored any longer either

Saturday night, arrival, Lindergh Field. Work travel, so hired a car for pick-up. The second I meet the driver holding my name on a piece of paper, he begins complaining.

Complaining he is working later and later because back-logs in landing are causing flights to come in later

Complaining about the crowds, which he says on Fridays and Sundays you can hardly move in parts of the airport

On the car ride home he confessed that 50% of his business is driving passengers who live in San Diego County to LAX, or picking them up at LAX and taking them here. When I asked why he said it's International travelers who find it more time and cost effective to pay $2oo for a car-hire to take them from their international arrival back home than to deal with the cost and hassle of a hopper filght to SD.

As anyone who has flown overseas knows, when you arrive back at your entry destination, SF, LAX, JFK or wherever, you have to go through customs, possibly get searched, then re-check your bags on a domestic flight. It's a pain and it makes International travel from small, ill-equiped airports (like Lindbergh Field) a complete pain and waiste of time.

In terms of the airport, we are obviously not in the same category as tier-1 hubs like LAX, New York, SF, or Chicago, but I have news for you - we're not even in the same category as tier-2 regional airports such as Portland, Ore., Phoenix and Denver. Those cities all have flights to London and/or Frankfurt.

San Diego is in the same class as tier-3 municiple airports like Sacramento, Colorado Springs, Tuscon, and Albuquerque. They all have the same number of overseas flights (Zero).

For example, if you wanted to fly from Tucson to London, you would need to either coordinate ground transportation to Phoenix or take some small hopper flight to Phoenix to make the flight, just like we would have to either drive or fly to LA. Only differnece is SD is five times bigger than Tucson and more similar in size to Phoenix!!!!!!

The same scenario exists with Colorado Springs - you would need to drive or take a small plane to Denver. Even though metro San Diego is more similar in population to Devner, our airport is much more similar to Colorado Springs than to Denver Stapleton

this airport situation will be our ultimate downfall from becoming a world-class city if not addressed soon

If no new airport is built, at least high-speed rail provides more convinient transport options to LAX

Yes, San Diego's airport situation absolutely blows, and while HSR is nice and all, it doesn't begin to address the problems.

[spoonman]

Looks like Electra and Aria are topping out at about the same time.

I've been really impressed with how Aria has ended up looking. It appears taller and sleeker than I had expected.

Also, I can't wait until Sapphire, Bayside and Breeza get out of the ground. I think Sapphire will be interesting as it has a slightly different look than we have seen lately....actually on second thought, maybe not so different, but a little more modern perhaps.

[SD_Phil]

Just a quickie update for the UTC area:

Towers at Costa Verde (Looks like they're working on the 13th floor):
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/226/489082091_25e16ed1bf_o.jpg

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/207/489082093_a7e97c240f_o.jpg

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/211/489082097_c3b68ea5ed_o.jpg

La Jolla Commons:
(Notice the high rise starting to rise on the left)
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/192/489082099_3b0b4adc92_o.jpg

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/202/489082101_426a7f1d12_o.jpg

*Bonus
It was SUCH a nice day today, here's a picture of La Jolla Cove taken a couple hours ago:

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/217/489082105_d88710cb23.jpg

[Derek]

How tall is Costa Verde supposed to be again?

[SD_Phil]

^I think it tops off at 23. Anyone know better?

[sandiego_urban]

3. 6th AVENUE OFFICE - Design Review Approval Granted by Board
(East Village)
The Board granted design review approval of ENDEV’s 6th Avenue Office project,
a 13-story tower to include 12 stories of commercial office space over groundfloor
retail at 453 and 459 Sixth Avenue in East Village. Designed by Fehlman
LaBarre architects, the project is a proposed redevelopment of an infill parcel
located across the street from the Gaslamp Quarter. The Board also granted a
variance to reduce tower stepbacks from 20 feet to zero feet. This project will add
a range of downtown employment opportunities. (Vote: 4-0, with Directors
McNeely, Raffesberger and Brown Absent)


Here's the rendering and another brief summary of the project. It looks very similar to the MetroWorks project going up in LI, don't you think? It will be another nice infill project for East Village.

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y120/Jaygergon/downtown%20development%203/6thAvenueOffice.jpg
6th Avenue Office

Design approval was granted for 6th Avenue Office, a 13-story (175’) commercial complex. The building is 12 commercial condominium office spaces (one per floor) over ground floor retail located mid-block on 6th between Island & J St. The site is currently occupied by an older low-rise commercial building. No parking is provided on the project.

The tower is a slim 47’ wide and composed of green tinted glass with a silver concrete finish with a punctuation of brick color. Each side of the building will have different material treatments that will create shadow lines during day and evening hours. (East Village – Ballpark Neighborhood)

[sandiego_urban]

I just got my keys for The Mark, I'll post some pics of the inside and views this weekend!
We're still waiting for your pics ;)



Just a quickie update for the UTC area:

Towers at Costa Verde (Looks like they're working on the 13th floor):
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/226/489082091_25e16ed1bf_o.jpg

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/207/489082093_a7e97c240f_o.jpg

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/211/489082097_c3b68ea5ed_o.jpg

La Jolla Commons:
(Notice the high rise starting to rise on the left)
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/192/489082099_3b0b4adc92_o.jpg

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/202/489082101_426a7f1d12_o.jpg

*Bonus
It was SUCH a nice day today, here's a picture of La Jolla Cove taken a couple hours ago:

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/217/489082105_d88710cb23.jpg

Thanks for the pics, SD_Phil.

I drive by the Commons tower on my way to work and that thing seems to be going up pretty fast.

Does anyone have a rendering of the Costa Verde tower? Is it a twin of the one already there? Is it really for old folks?

[visionary]

Have you guys seen the new proposed renderings for The Elle?
I don't know how to post pictures yet, but go to CW Kim's web site: http://www.cwkimarchitect.com/
It's the project titled "Columbia Tower."
45 Stories
262 Upscale Hotel
74 Hotel-Condo
70 Condo's
270 Underground Parking
...all according to the website.

You will also notice a few other projects he is working on like the Spinnaker Hotel, Grand Pacific Tower, and the Shapery Park Tower.

Enjoy!

[eburress]

Have you guys seen the new proposed renderings for The Elle?
I don't know how to post pictures yet, but go to CW Kim's web site: http://www.cwkimarchitect.com/
It's the project titled "Columbia Tower."
45 Stories
262 Upscale Hotel
74 Hotel-Condo
70 Condo's
270 Underground Parking
...all according to the website.

You will also notice a few other projects he is working on like the Spinnaker Hotel, Grand Pacific Tower, and the Shapery Park Tower.

Enjoy!

Ouch...I don't like a single one of their projects. I hope all that junk gets killed!

[Derek]

45 stories?! New tallest by floor count in SD if built! :tup:

[Derek]

Hey! It's the old Spinnaker! What ever happened to that one?

[SDCAL]

Here's the rendering and another brief summary of the project. It looks very similar to the MetroWorks project going up in LI, don't you think? It will be another nice infill project for East Village.

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y120/Jaygergon/downtown%20development%203/6thAvenueOffice.jpg
6th Avenue Office

Design approval was granted for 6th Avenue Office, a 13-story (175’) commercial complex. The building is 12 commercial condominium office spaces (one per floor) over ground floor retail located mid-block on 6th between Island & J St. The site is currently occupied by an older low-rise commercial building. No parking is provided on the project.

The tower is a slim 47’ wide and composed of green tinted glass with a silver concrete finish with a punctuation of brick color. Each side of the building will have different material treatments that will create shadow lines during day and evening hours. (East Village – Ballpark Neighborhood)

It's small but I like it - - nice clean design, the compactness is cool lookin, the idea to have each side with different material treatments to create shadows is also cool

Wish they would put some of this creativity into the tower projects - -

seems like our smaller projects are the real winners downtown - creative thought without being tacky.

On the other hand, the high-rise towers look like they were designed by some retired architect who had his hay-day in the 80s and now he has a toupe, plays shuffleboard, and is designing San Diego's towers based on inspiration from his retirement home in Boca Raton Florida.

I agree that the website for "CW KIM Architects" is disgusting, those buildings are tacky.

If you want to bring an Asian-inspired touch to a room you can do it by adding a few nice pieces, some antiques that compliment the decor. If you go overboard, however, your room will look like a bad Chinese Restaurant.

I feel this is the same mistake that is being made with the "nautical" theme here in SD. Yes we should celebrate our wonderful seaside location, but if I see one more high-rise or bridge or anything else designed to resemble a sail I am going to puke :slob: This was the inspiration for the convention center, it's the inspiration for alot of the new towers, I don't want our downtown to look too much like a "theme" city. I mean what's next, put some giant statue of a pirate that looks like the long-johnsilver's logo out on our bay?

[SDCAL]

another rant I have, and I don't mean to sound un-patriotic - why the heck does every single high-rise need a huge American flag on top of it (and many have multiple ones). Some are so big they actually make the buildings seem smaller than they are. I was noticing this lately, and it seems like each week more and more buildings have these protruding from their rooftops. I actually think it makes the city look tacky.

I am not saying this because I have anything against the flag itself, I just think the look of it is tattered and makes the skyline look worse, would be the same if they were California flags, United Nations flags, or any other flag for that matter

[Derek]

I mean what's next, put some giant statue of a pirate that looks like the long-johnsilver's logo out on our bay?

There was a proposal for a giant Neptune riding dolphines statue a while back.:ack:

[Filambata]

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I personally would be thrilled if the Spinnaker and Columbia towers were built in San Diego, especially the Spinnaker since it'll provide a signature tower for the skyline. Many consider OAP to the city's signature tower, and it's so boring! For me, San Francisco's Transamerica Pyramid is the dealmaker for that city's skyline.

Have you guys seen the new proposed renderings for The Elle?
I don't know how to post pictures yet, but go to CW Kim's web site: http://www.cwkimarchitect.com/
It's the project titled "Columbia Tower."
45 Stories
262 Upscale Hotel
74 Hotel-Condo
70 Condo's
270 Underground Parking
...all according to the website.

You will also notice a few other projects he is working on like the Spinnaker Hotel, Grand Pacific Tower, and the Shapery Park Tower.

Enjoy!

[Derek]

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I personally would be thrilled if the Spinnaker and Columbia towers were built in San Diego, especially the Spinnaker since it'll provide a signature tower for the skyline. Many consider OAP to the city's signature tower, and it's so boring! For me, San Francisco's Transamerica Pyramid is the dealmaker for that city's skyline.

I couldn't agree more. I love those two as well as Shapery Park. Grand Pacific is a little strange though.