Last Friday two dramatic one bedroom highrise San Diego apartments were listed on the same day.  There are so many similarities in floorplan and finishes, that contrasting the differences in the culture of the buildings and neighborhoods help define the market for each.

As realtors, we find that there are innumerable condo “boxes” that our clients can choose from.  In this case, the boxes are slightly over 900 square feet.  Both have dramatic floor to ceiling windows, large kitchens with European cabinetry, gas stovetops and ovens and granite countertops.

Built in 2007 and 2009, these clearly represent the “good life” in Downtown San Diego.

Sapphire Tower #1903 | The Mark #1204

Sapphire Tower is the newer of the two Downtown San Diego Condos.  Rising 33 stories in the Columbia District, Sapphire Tower features 97 luxury condominium residences and lower level retail space. Each residence has 10’ ceilings with modern, state of the art, luxury interior finishes.

Sapphire Tower has the lowest “density” of living of any Downtown Condo.  Most floors have only 4 units, while floors 24-32 are half floor penthouses.  A complete array of amenities are shared among these few homeowners.

#1903 Sapphire Tower is a 904 sqaure foot residence. It is priced at $515,000, with a monthly HOA of $796.  Its southeast orientation provides a light, bright living space and beautiful views of The Embarcadero and city lights.  It is surrounded by some of the most striking highrise towers in all of Downtown San Diego.

Future development throughout the Columbia District is anticipated to change the skyline significantly.  The North Embarcadero Visionary plan includes the addition of at least 3 hotel brands, and the addition of 3 highrise residences.  The commercial/retail component is much anticipated by area residents.

The Mark #1204 is a 905 square foot one bedroom, one bath.  It is priced at $424,900, with a monthly HOA of $668.   It is oriented on the building’s northeast corner, providing panoramic views from Downtown to Balboa Park and the eastern moutains.

The Mark San Diego Condos feature a 33 story tower and 11 brick townhomes that enclose an urban courtyard with lavish amenities.  The urban courtyard includes a 55’ lap pool, spa, sun deck with lounging chairs, contemporary cabanas, BBQ area, and large grassy park-like area.  It’s residences are unique among San Diego highrises,, as they feature exposed structural concrete contrasting with traditional wood floors, granite, etc.

A Tale of Two Neighborhoods

 The Mark Condos is in the center of Downtown San Diego’s East Village neighborhood.  Located between 8th and 9th Avenues, this residential building is two blocks from Petco Park and three blocks from the Gaslamp District.  It’s also centrally located to both of Downtown’s grocery stores.

Over the past decade, East Village has become Downtown’s “other” entertainment district.  Many of our clients, particularly visitors from outside of San Diego say things like, “we never seem to get out of the Gaslamp when we come to San Diego.”  Yet, once exposed to EV, they find limitless options for food, shopping and entertainment.

Sapphire Tower is a “boutique building” among the larger Columbia District choices.  Many of its residents use this as a seasonal or weekend home.  One of the greatest conveniences of Columbia District living is its proximity to Lindbergh Field and Santa Fe Depot.

Although in the “second row,” Sapphire Tower’s proximity to San Diego Bay and The Embarcadero provides access to sightseeing, walking and biking that is the best in Downtown.  With the development of additonal parks, shopping and dining choices, life keeps getting better in Columbia.

Where do you want to live

There is a price gap of nearly $100,000 between these condos–not intending to make that sound insignificant.  But they are very comparable places to live.  In Sapphire Tower you are paying a bit more for a 19th floor water view.  For many home buyers in Downtown San Diego, view is their key parameter in where to buy.

Living at The Mark is San Diego urban.  East Village is an active, evolving neighborhood.  There’s always something to do or somewhere to go.  No views, but lots to do.  Come check it out.

Ready for Downtown life?  Call David Manes, Realtor.  Phone 858.432.3203 or email david.manes@welcometosandiego.com