I marvel at the transformation of downtown San Diego  over the last few decades.  Once a stagnant, blighted urban area where few wanted to live, downtown has become a vibrant and diverse place where people live, work, shop, dine and play.   As the economy flourished in the early to mid 2000s, the revitalization of downtown accelerated.   

Where vacant lots and decaying buildings once stood,  residential high rises were built that beautified our skyline and contributed to the live/work community we know today.  In fact, the building boom that began in 2001 included a combination of low, mid, and high-rise buildings that now account for 80% of downtown’s residential units, illustrating downtown’s growth.  

Downtown’s residential resurgence began with two pioneering low-rise condominium projects, Park Row (1983) and Marina Park (1984).  Located adjacent to Pantoja Park, these two communities are lushly landscaped with beautiful gardens and outdoor walkways.    Next came two high rises, the Meridian (1986), encompassing 172 elegant residential units, and Harbor Club (1992) with twin towers 41 stories high, built on downtown’s “front row”.  These developments were followed by two mid-rises, Watermark (1992) and City Front Terrace (1994).  An elegant beauty, Watermark is constructed of concrete and steel, unique for a mid-rise. 

 A portion of City Front Terrace is built as part of the historic Soap Factory warehouse, ten stories high, and all brick!  All six of these communities are found in the Marina District, and within walking distance of Seaport Village and Horton Plaza shopping mall (1985).

Downtown San Diego Redevelopment

Along with new residential construction, downtown San Diego has seen the restoration of early 20^th century structures such as the El Cortez (1927) on Cortez Hill, and Samuel Fox Lofts (1929) located in the Gaslamp district, the heart of the city.  Originally built as a luxury apartment hotel, and for years the tallest building in San Diego, the El Cortez is now a historic landmark, and sold as condominiums.  Samuel Fox Lofts rarely has condominiums available for sale.   

More recent development has pushed the outer edges of the city, extending downtown’s neighborhoods to Columbia District and East Village.  Two recently built residential communities in Columbia are Sapphire (2008) and Bayside (2009), both luxury high rises offering resort-like amenities, concierge service, pool, spa, sauna, library, fitness center, wine room, and 24 hour security to name a few. 

Many downtown high rises have built-in commercial/retail space, separated from residences with street level entrances.  In these commercial/retail spaces, you’ll find businesses that include corporate offices, restaurants, art galleries, hair salons, and cafes.  Horizons, Pinnacle, Alta, and the Meridian, for example, all feature ground-floor retail businesses.  Pinnacle is home to a popular eatery, Richard Walker’s Pancake House.

Living Downtown

Thanks to decades of comprehensive planning by the city’s redevelopment arm, Centre City Development Corporation, and the collaboration of engineers, architects, entrepreneurs and  residents, downtown offers a variety of attractions that appeal to just about any interest.  Wherever you might choose to live or work, you’ll find convenient shopping, parks, recreation, theaters, restaurants, nightclubs and public transportation all within short walking distance.

Whether it’s a stroll along Market Street where you’ll see trees decorated in blue lights during winter holidays, lounging in Children’s Park with its elaborate water fountains, attending a Padres game at Petco Park, or bike riding along the Embarcaderos, you’ll fall in love with downtown San Diego’s beauty and energy.  Downtown city living at its best.

For more information, please call (619) 356-3099.  I’d like to hear from you.