SAN DIEGO | Boom Rundown, Vol. 2

[spoonman]

Originally Posted by mongoXZ

Wow I don't think Ive seen an early proposal garner so much rave reviews. I'd like to see different renders of the thing myself. It seems curved in the east facing side while the pointed apex of the curve (north face) is the highest elevation. SDfan mentioned no balconies but I do believe those things in the middle (west face) are indeed balconies. I don't mind. Just as long as it isn't another box.

Here's to hoping that this is the begining of an upward trend in the economy and more proposals like this surface in the future.

Good call. Hopefully this will raise the bar on design in SD.

[OneMetropolis]

Originally Posted by spoonman

Once again you jump to conclusions and miss the point. If you know politics, you know that often times bills for roads include public transportation, just as bills for public transportation often include roads. Bill or Measure, this had to be equitable to enough people to pass.

I was blessing you with insight from someone that has lived in both SD and LA, and I can tell you LA has done little to improve it's freeways over the past decade +. That is not an analysis, it' an observation.

OK, Whatever, since my knowledge on this is limited I will refrain from saying anything else.

[HurricaneHugo]

But what about the Office Depot??!!

[bmfarley]

^^^
Nice. I'd like to see a podium. Maybe layered or 2 levels. And, beginning at back of sidwewalk. It appears this glass tower begins at ground level... and probably set-back.

I always felt the street level needed something more human and engaging.

Nevertheless, teh upper levels look impressive. Now wondering what a night view would look like.

[kpexpress]

Seems like there's quite a debate going on in downtown regarding SANDAG's BRT proposal. Looks like there's some opposition to the project.

http://www.fox5sandiego.com/news/ksw...,1654542.story

What are your thoughts?

[LosAngelesDreamin]

Originally Posted by kpexpress

Seems like there's quite a debate going on in downtown regarding SANDAG's BRT proposal. Looks like there's some opposition to the project.

http://www.fox5sandiego.com/news/ksw...,1654542.story

What are your thoughts?

Wow shes stupid. If the system plans to bring hundreds of people to the front door of your business, isn't that an advantage???

[bmfarley]

Originally Posted by kpexpress

Seems like there's quite a debate going on in downtown regarding SANDAG's BRT proposal. Looks like there's some opposition to the project.

http://www.fox5sandiego.com/news/ksw...,1654542.story

What are your thoughts?

IMO, BRT is a half measure. Trains are more costly with respect to construction cost; however, much more effecient with respect to cost per rider. They are also much faster.

[spoonman]

Originally Posted by bmfarley

IMO, BRT is a half measure. Trains are more costly with respect to construction cost; however, much more effecient with respect to cost per rider. They are also much faster.

Trains also do not carry the same stigma that buses do.

[SDfan]

Here is a link to the other tower being built a La Jolla Commons. Its a 13 story glass box.

http://sandiegometro.com/wp-content/...Low-Res_sm.jpg

Disappointed: yes.

Your thoughts?

[HurricaneHugo]

Originally Posted by bmfarley

IMO, BRT is a half measure. Trains are more costly with respect to construction cost; however, much more effecient with respect to cost per rider. They are also much faster.

But just look at the Mid-Coast Extension and how long it's taking us to build that when it already has the right of way most of the way...

[bmfarley]

Originally Posted by HurricaneHugo

But just look at the Mid-Coast Extension and how long it's taking us to build that when it already has the right of way most of the way...

I wonder why that is. I know planning and environmental review takes a long time, but geesh. If a region is trying to get Federal funds, they must follow the New Starts process. Thus, they can count on a year for an Alternatives Analysis study. Then, a year for doing the Draft of the EIR/EIS. Then, another year to complete the Final EIR/EIS before a decision is made. Add a year for being delays due to getting politicians or other stakeholders on board... and that makes the planning phase 4 years long.

Then, add a year to develop design drawings. A year to bid the work. And then 3-4 years for construction.

8 years?

These projects just take too long.

[mello]

^^^ Exactly I can't understand why the midcoast extension is taking so long while LA is sprouting rail line like octopus arms... What is the deal? Have any of the candidates for mayor addressed this?

La Jolla Commons Tower: What a peace of unimaginative crap, this might be decent for Kearny Mesa or Carlsbad (if god forbid you could build higher than 4 floors anywhere near the coast that isn't UTC). I expected so much more from the UTC area it has really been disappointing to see stucco residential highrises and then these crap glass office boxes at the Commons site.

[eburress]

Originally Posted by mello

^^^ Exactly I can't understand why the midcoast extension is taking so long while LA is sprouting rail line like octopus arms... What is the deal? Have any of the candidates for mayor addressed this?

La Jolla Commons Tower: What a peace of unimaginative crap, this might be decent for Kearny Mesa or Carlsbad (if god forbid you could build higher than 4 floors anywhere near the coast that isn't UTC). I expected so much more from the UTC area it has really been disappointing to see stucco residential highrises and then these crap glass office boxes at the Commons site.

Totally agree. Compared to the renderings, this project has been a big turd. On the bright side, I do prefer this new building over the one that's there now. Horrible!

[HurricaneHugo]

The Pep Boys downtown now has a sign of a grocery outlet/bargain market coming soon.

http://groceryoutlet.com/

Interesting.

[SDfan]

Hahaha! I knew it, and I love it! hahaha. Click the link for the rendering.

http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2012/...ion-valley-si/

U-T plans office, residential buildings on Mission Valley site
$200 million river-oriented, mixed-use development would retain newspaper plant

- A 22-story, 198-unit residential tower.
 -A 10-story, 234,415-square-foot office building.
 -A parking garage topped by a pool, a fitness center and tennis courts.
 -6,470 square feet of retail space.
 -A biking and jogging trail alongside the San Diego River.

[mello]

^^^ This is great news, finally some dense urban infill happening outside of downtown. Lets hope the Hazard Center 20+ floor apartment towers get going soon (was that planned to be one or two I forget?)

Have you guys also heard about a 13 and 15 floor condo tower being approved on the St. Paul's Church Property one block North of 5th and Laurel? I saw it in some community paper in a Hillcrest Cafe a couple of weeks ago.

[HurricaneHugo]

"Because adding density to Mission Valley is a good idea.... <eyeroll>"

[Miklo Velka]

Have you guys also heard about a 13 and 15 floor condo tower being approved on the St. Paul's Church Property one block North of 5th and Laurel? I saw it in some community paper in a Hillcrest Cafe a couple of weeks ago.

Here are the renderings...5th and Nutmeg street.
http://www.clbpartners.com/projects/...e&list=0&id=14

[kpexpress]

Feels like more resistance to adding BRT in downtown. Of all the communities, downtown should not be the one to resist large scale transportation projects.

[Urbanize_It]

Originally Posted by kpexpress

New BOSA tower proposed for Pacific Coast Highway and Broadway. Thoughts?

CCAC Predesign is scheduled to review the project on May 15, 5:00PM.

I don't just like it... I love it! It is refreshingly different than any other building DT. Very classy.

http://www.ccdc.com/images/stories/I...d_Broadway.pdf