SAN DIEGO | Boom Rundown, Vol. 2

[spoonman]

Originally Posted by Northparkwizard

Now this is a perfect example of expectations versus reality. I don't consider any of the listed above "accomplishments" more than normal operational procedure. Not exceptionable. I'm not sure if this passes a SLC litmus test.

Noteworthy?

Maybe.

Worth bragging about?

Not even close.

San Diego deserves a lot better than this. I'll beat that drum all day.

I agree with you on this. HOWEVER, what did the Port accomplish when they controlled the airport? What makes you think the Port is going to do better?

[Northparkwizard]

Originally Posted by spoonman

I agree with you on this. HOWEVER, what did the Port accomplish when they controlled the airport? What makes you think the Port is going to do better?

Accomplishments? It's been so long I couldn't say. Maybe someone else here has some insight.

In my opinion the Port is the lesser of two evils.

The Port is more transparent, I like what they're doing with the Tenth Ave. modernization project, and I generally have more confidence in them. I also believe they're more integrated with our regional authorities. However that's not necessary a good thing (looking at you SANDAG).

[Streamliner]

New Plans for Seaport Village Unveiled
Phillip Molnar
March 13, 2018
San Diego Union-Tribune
Full article: http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/...312-story.html

Original ideas for the site were unveiled in 2016 by Protea Waterfront Development but it will present new preliminary plans Tuesday to port officials, who must still decide on them. Aside from just the earthquake changes, the firm has further modified plans but says the alterations still fit with the port’s vision.

A hotel, retail area and underground parking garage directly on top of the fault line need to be relocated elsewhere on the 70-acre site. The fault line will largely be turned into a long pedestrian mall surrounded by trees, inspired by Barcelona’s Las Ramblas.

Also, sewage lines were discovered coming from Coronado that ran under the site, as well as other utilities, which have further altered original plans.

The biggest change was moving the aquarium next to the observation tower. The move puts the aquarium closer to the water, similar to the Monterey Bay Aquarium that uses its position on the water to observe marine life.

Office space was increased from 19,130-square-feet to 144,987-square feet because of Protea’s confidence that ocean-related businesses, sometimes called “blue economy,” will seek office space.

Other changes:

- Aquarium: Increased from 178,490 square feet to 192,050 square feet. The facility is a partnership with Scripps Institution of Oceanography and will include a butterfly exhibit.

- Hotel: Decreased from 405,805 square feet to 367,964 square feet. Instead of 500 rooms, it will be reduced to 231 rooms and eight villas. Protea said it hopes to get a 5-star hotel for the site. There are still 350 rooms planned for a micro hotel and a 237-room hostel.

- Learning Center: Increased from 65,150 square feet to 84,600 square feet. The marine-related school administered by Scripps will be between the observation tower and aquarium.

[SDfan]

I like it. Although the rendering is deceptive. The observation tower will be shorter than the hyatt.

[eburress]

Originally Posted by SDfan

I like it. Although the rendering is deceptive. The observation tower will be shorter than the hyatt.

hahaha - I noticed that. Nevertheless, this would be a cool addition to the bayfront. We've seen proposals like this for the last 30+ years so let's hope this one actually happens.

[Fozcat]

I really hope this redesign is just preliminary. I appreciate the bump in office space and the larger aquarium, but why mess up the grid up so bad? It makes everything look unwelcoming, and it walls off the bayfront even more. It just looks so... cramped. And why, all of a sudden, are there "villas" eating up valuable park space?

Again, I know it's just preliminary... but it just lookes so half-assed.

[superfishy]

Agreed that the villas should be replaced with park space, but I have nothing wrong with the irregular grid. Cramped is one way to put it, but I like 'enclosed' better. Gives the location a distinct feeling when you cant see 2 miles down the street into the rest of downtown.

[Puzzlecraft]

The Park Bankers Hill at the 2500 block 5th Avenue between 5th and 6th is one of the most expensive residences built so far and getting ready to open soon. Advertised as True Exclusivity, Unrivaled Luxury. White marble, private elevators, spectacular views.

But driving up 5th one of the first things I see visible from the street is this:



The immediate impression is that there had to be a mistake to cause this misalignment. The indentation is for glass viewable from the front. The thing is this is not just a matter of the one tile being cut narrower, the tile below juts out a little more than the one on top, all three are different. I don't like it.

[BuildSanDiego]

Hey everyone. I'm very new to this site and still trying to learn the ropes on how to post pictures. I was walking around, San Diego yesterday and took a few pictures. I have to figure out how to download them on this site. Please be patient as I have some really cool shots of downtown. Has anyone seen this link? It's the old United States National Bank Building on Broadway. It's directly across from the Spreckles Theatre. Seems it's empty and the remodel is going to be spectacular, compared to what is there now. Those of you who are familiar with it, the windows are tinted in "Gold". However, what a difference this redo will do for that part of downtown. Check it out. I love it. http://tower180.com

[JerellO]

Originally Posted by superfishy

Agreed that the villas should be replaced with park space, but I have nothing wrong with the irregular grid. Cramped is one way to put it, but I like 'enclosed' better. Gives the location a distinct feeling when you cant see 2 miles down the street into the rest of downtown.

I like the enclosed version too... it breaks up the street grid, which can be boring. One of the things I love about Europe is their messy streets which makes a place feel organic.

What’s with this Tower 180??? It’s my first time seeing and hearing about it

[SDfan]

Originally Posted by BuildSanDiego

Hey everyone. I'm very new to this site and still trying to learn the ropes on how to post pictures. I was walking around, San Diego yesterday and took a few pictures. I have to figure out how to download them on this site. Please be patient as I have some really cool shots of downtown. Has anyone seen this link? It's the old United States National Bank Building on Broadway. It's directly across from the Spreckles Theatre. Seems it's empty and the remodel is going to be spectacular, compared to what is there now. Those of you who are familiar with it, the windows are tinted in "Gold". However, what a difference this redo will do for that part of downtown. Check it out. I love it. http://tower180.com

Oh Shit! That's awesome! I love the new skin on the old Executive complex. Yes please.

[SDfan]

Originally Posted by BuildSanDiego

Hey everyone. I'm very new to this site and still trying to learn the ropes on how to post pictures. I was walking around, San Diego yesterday and took a few pictures. I have to figure out how to download them on this site.

You need to upload your pics to a host site like flikr or photobucket and then wrap the image link in image brackets. Example (note there should be no space between the link and the brackets):

[IMG] http://blah.com [/IMG]

[BuildSanDiego]

Originally Posted by SDfan

You need to upload your pics to a host site like flikr or photobucket and then wrap the image link in image brackets. Example (note there should be no space between the link and the brackets):

[IMG] http://blah.com [/IMG]

Construction has already started on the building. The mid-rise connecting the tower is coming along just fine. I think it will really stand out, especially at night.

[mello]

This Tower 180 is not a new highrise or anything its just a rebrand of that crappy late 60's early 70's goldish tower that is part of the Westgate Hotel Complex. I don't think its anything to get excited over it just won't look as funky anymore. They are finally turning the YMCA across the street in to a hotel that is nice.

I'm waiting to see the proposals for the courthouse parcel should be coming out soon. Isn't the new one open now and in use, can't wait for the wrecking ball to tear down the old beast.

[HurricaneHugo]

Get rid of those Villas taking away park space.

And do we really need a ho-hum aquarium?

If it doesn't have whale sharks I don't want it

[Northparkwizard]

Originally Posted by mello

This Tower 180 is not a new highrise or anything its just a rebrand of that crappy late 60's early 70's goldish tower that is part of the Westgate Hotel Complex. I don't think its anything to get excited over it just won't look as funky anymore. They are finally turning the YMCA across the street in to a hotel that is nice.

I'm waiting to see the proposals for the courthouse parcel should be coming out soon. Isn't the new one open now and in use, can't wait for the wrecking ball to tear down the old beast.

Seems like more than a rebrand if they're doing tenant improvements building-wide to bring it up to true Class-A office space. That would mean a total mechanical, HVAC, electrical, etc.. upgrade. The development package is pretty typical.

Upgrading the exterior & lobby would be just like what Eburress said about the airport upgrades, "lipstick on a pig".

Could be a smart move on Hammer Ventures part. A lot cheaper than building a new tower with all these new building standards.

Although it sorta smells like a corporate flip like we're seeing with a lot of the house flips around town but on large scale. I'll reserve my judgement and wish them the best.

I'm also looking forward to proposals on the old courthouse parcel.

[SDfan]

Originally Posted by mello

This Tower 180 is not a new highrise or anything its just a rebrand of that crappy late 60's early 70's goldish tower that is part of the Westgate Hotel Complex. I don't think its anything to get excited over it just won't look as funky anymore. They are finally turning the YMCA across the street in to a hotel that is nice.

I'm waiting to see the proposals for the courthouse parcel should be coming out soon. Isn't the new one open now and in use, can't wait for the wrecking ball to tear down the old beast.

LOLz I'll take a refreshing rebrand over a crappy 60's/70's gaudy complex anyday, and I will be as excited as I want, thank you very much, mello.

And the YMCA has always been nice - the businesses inside of it, not so much.

[SDfan]

Originally Posted by HurricaneHugo

Get rid of those Villas taking away park space.

And do we really need a ho-hum aquarium?

If it doesn't have whale sharks I don't want it

Agreed on the Villas. Don't care about the aquarium either way. And whale sharks belong in the ocean!

[Northparkwizard]

Link to full design changes at Library Tower: 330 13th Street




Father Joe's 14th and Commercial drawings.

[eburress]

Library Tower looks good...I don't think much, if anything, is lost with the changes.