http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q4uNu7EicIQ

While working this morning at RealtyV2 Headquarters I kept hearing a strange sound like a waterfall.  Finally curiosity overcame my work ethic and I went downstairs to see the following:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4W9zTWXSlVo

Pioneer Lofts, which is a historic building, is 6 stores tall.  I talked with residents that were on the roof deck that stated the water was well above the building height.

According to the United Port of San Diego construction for Ruocco Park has been awarded to Ledcor Construction, Inc.  The park which is located near Seaport Village on West Harbor Drive & Pacific Highway is currently a parking lot and portions of a building known as Harbor Seafood Market.

Download Ruocco Park Concept PDF by clicking on the image below:

Port Pavilion on Broadway Pier Dedicated by Port of San Diego from Port of San Diego on Vimeo.

For those of you that have not seen the new Pavilion on Broadway Pier that opened in December 2011 check out this video.  Driving by the broadway pier doesn’t really give you any idea of how interesting this LEED certified building really is.

Some of the key points of the Broadway Pier Cruise-ship terminal are the following:

• It is a multi-use facility not only for the Cruise Ship industry but also for community events.
• The terminal will accommodate 2,600 passengers.
• LEED certified with photovoltaic system, reflective roof paint, and low flow toilets, urinals, and faucets.
•   52,000 square feet of space.
• Designed by Bermello Ajamil and Partners, Inc.
• Built by Jaynes Corporation.

Shore power, an electric system – known as cold ironing – is the process of switching from a ship’s onboard diesel power supply to shore-based electrical power, while at dock. This process greatly reduces polluting air emissions, from the ships since electricity from the grid is much cleaner than generating energy from diesel engines.

Shore power technology is just one of the initiatives the Port of San Diego has implemented to minimize its impact on the environment through its Green Port Program.

“Ships are our largest single source of air emissions and this project is going to significantly reduce those (harmful) emissions,” White said. “It’s going to be a huge benefit to the community.”

I have stocked up my coffee supply since the next 3 days will have mile long Starbuck’s lines.  Been working in the office all day at RealtyV2 World Headquarters and thought I would take a break and give you some pictures on the opening night of Comic Con.

Crossing over from The Gaslamp District on Harbor Drive towards the Convention Center.

For those that did not already know it was Comic Con, here was a bright reminder.

Foot traffic starting to slow down as the evening wears on.

Workers spent days putting up this huge signage on The Bayside Hilton with the Cornado Bridge in the background.

Really a bad day for the Hotel that had plumbing issues.

Blue hair seems very much in fashion this year.

I told you so….

Slithering down 5th Avenue in The Gaslamp.

View southwest from 38th Floor with Marriott, San Diego Bay,North Island, and Point Loma.

Some interesting homes for sale today on the downtown San Diego broker caravan.  One spectacular listing stood out in my mind which was two units combined in the Harbor Club towers in the Marina District of downtown.  Those that are familiar with Rancho Santa Fe and North County would recognize the unmistakable mark of Ken Ronchetti.  No expense was spared in the ultra-modern home in the sky.  The unit is listed for sale by Prudential California Realty – Neuman & Neuman team.  For more details and interior pictures see below:

We're sorry, but we couldn't find MLS # 110035537 in our database. This property may be a new listing or possibly taken off the market. Please check back again.

8 spectacular luxury downtown condos for front row seats to 4th of July fireworks.

Everyone knows that downtown San Diego offers some of the best values in the US for luxury units located in homes high above the city.  Today I thought we would look at some that would offer you a front row seat on the San Diego Bay fireworks held each year.

The following units are located in the Harbor Club, Horizon, Grande, Electra, Bayside, and Sapphire Tower listed with various real estate brokers.  Prices range from the low million dollar range up to $5,500,000.  These listings are updated daily and if they don’t appear they have either gone sale pending or are off the market.

If you are following luxury downtown real estate please bookmark our 10 Top Downtown Listings which is updated daily to keep an eye out for what you’re looking for.

Compare these opportunities to Manhattan and you’ll soon discover what a value San Diego offers in it’s real estate prices.

We're sorry, but we couldn't find MLS # 110038242 in our database. This property may be a new listing or possibly taken off the market. Please check back again.

We're sorry, but we couldn't find MLS # 110026849 in our database. This property may be a new listing or possibly taken off the market. Please check back again.

We're sorry, but we couldn't find MLS # 110037311 in our database. This property may be a new listing or possibly taken off the market. Please check back again.

We're sorry, but we couldn't find MLS # 110024575 in our database. This property may be a new listing or possibly taken off the market. Please check back again.

We're sorry, but we couldn't find MLS # 110019201 in our database. This property may be a new listing or possibly taken off the market. Please check back again.

We're sorry, but we couldn't find MLS # 110007456 in our database. This property may be a new listing or possibly taken off the market. Please check back again.

1325 Pacific Hwy 3302, San Diego, CA 92101 (MLS # 110035733)

BAYSIDE BY BOSA - Last spectacular SW corner Penthouse. Ultra Chic very spacious home with spectacular ocean, city and bay views in downtown San Diego! This Penthouse home spans the entire south side of Bayside. Enjoy panoramic views from every room, 2 large entertaining balconies, and the finest finishes including Viking, Miele, Snaidero Italian cabinetry, Caesarstone and California closets.

Property Type(s): Residential / All Other Attached, Residential / All

Last Updated	1/9/2012	Tract	Columbia
Year Built	2009	Community	Downtown
Garage Spaces	2.0	County	San Diego
Total Parking	2	Walk Score ®	91

Location

Listing information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Read full disclaimer.

Listed with Pacific Shore Platinum

(view all details for MLS #110035733)

We're sorry, but we couldn't find MLS # 110035537 in our database. This property may be a new listing or possibly taken off the market. Please check back again.

Here is a press release today from Centre City Development Corporation (CCDC)

SAN DIEGO— Downtown San Diego residents, business owners and hoteliers who have long awaited the establishment of a Quiet Zone to significantly reduce the number of train horn blasts may notice the sounds of progress on Sunday, July 10, beginning at 6:00 a.m. and continuing until approximately 1:00 p.m. as safety tests are conducted to ensure that newly installed equipment functions properly. This test, the first of seven that will certify equipment function at 12 public crossings, is required before new vehicular and pedestrian gates, (expected to arrive in August 2011) can be installed.

On July 10, in addition to regular rail traffic, a test train will make a total of 8 roundtrips from Old Town Station through downtown to check the accuracy and responsiveness of upgraded railroad signal devices that activate gates at public crossings.

As required by Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) regulations, the test train’s horn must sound as it approaches each crossing. Flaggers will also be present at the four intersections being tested (Laurel, Palm, Sassafras and Washington streets) and at other areas along the rail corridor as an additional safety precaution. “The need to coordinate numerous schedules affected our plans and timing,” said Gary Bosse, Centre City Development Corporation Assistant Vice President – Public Works. “We are glad to be making progress on this important project, yet remain sensitive to the possible inconvenience. We will complete the testing as quickly as possible, knowing that noise now is in the name of a quieter tomorrow.”

Plans call for all safety enhancements, including gates, medians, traffic signals and warning lights to be operational by Spring 2012. Shortly thereafter, the City’s application is approved and authorized by the FRA, the track between Laurel Street and Fifth Avenue will qualify as a “Quiet Zone.” This designation will exempt that section of the rail corridor from federal regulations requiring that train horns be sounded for 15-20 seconds before entering all public grade crossings, though not more than one-quarter mile in advance, except in an emergency.

Background

The San Diego Quiet Zone project includes 13 public right-of-way railroad crossings, from Park Boulevard at Harbor Drive north to Fifth and First avenues, Front Street, Market Street, Kettner Boulevard and G streets, Broadway, Ash, Beech, Cedar, Grape, Hawthorn, and Laurel streets are included in the San Diego Quiet Zone. Park Boulevard will be constructed as a separate project.

As one of the nation’s longest and most complex Quiet Zones to be planned within a shared rail corridor, many organizations are involved in the design, construction, functionality and long-term maintenance including: Burlington Northern Sante Fe (BNSF), Metropolitan Transit System (MTS), San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG), AMTRAK, San Diego Imperial Valley Railway, North County Transit District, the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) and the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA).

For more information about the Quiet Zone, visit www.CCDC.com, or San Diego Quiet Zone, http://www.quietzonesd.info/. For specific information about traffic impacts on this or other downtown construction projects or special events, visit Paradise in Progress www.paradiseinprogress.org.

 

 

According to a recent article on NBC San Diego, the first phase of the North Embarcadero Visionary Plan with groundbreaking expected in November of 2011.

An ambitious project to redevelop San Diego’s downtown waterfront gained approval from the California Coastal Commission Wednesday.

In an 8 to 1 vote, the commission approved the first phase of North Embarcadero Visionary Plan. The commission had rejected earlier versions.

The plan calls for a dramatic transformation of the bay front west of Pacific Highway and between the B Street and Navy Piers along Harbor Drive.

The waterfront along Harbor Drive will become a landscaped gathering place for the public, by adding about five acres of parks with plazas, public art, kiosks and walking paths.

Here is a description from the United Port of San Diego Website on Phase One:

NEVP Phase 1 will increase and enhance the public’s access to San Diego Bay through a wide esplanade and waterfront promenade. Through its groves of jacaranda trees and world-class public art, the public will feel welcomed into this area, which is the first leg of a signature linear public park that will eventually run the entire 1.2 mile length of the North Embarcadero. From the City, NEVP Phase 1 will frame views of the Bay down West Broadway and C Street. The project will also capture and treat storm water to improve the water quality of San Diego Bay. Through the contribution of construction and tenant jobs, along with laying the foundation for adjacent redevelopment, NEVP Phase 1 will provide a significant economic benefit to the region and to the State of California.

The first phase of the NEVP includes:

• Relocating Harbor Drive to the east and improving the waterfront esplanade from the B Street Pier to the former Navy Pier;
• Improving West Broadway from Harbor Drive to the railroad tracks; and
• Adding a third left turn lane from southbound Harbor Drive to eastbound Grape Street.

Features of Phase 1 include:

• A linear park, or esplanade, over 100-feet wide between the Harbor Drive roadway and the Bay, designed to be fully accessible.
• A continuous 30-foot wide promenade adjacent to the Bay, with signature paving, for mixed pedestrian and bicycle use.
• Wide landscaped median in West Broadway and a public plaza at the foot of the street.
• Formal gardens featuring groves of jacarandas.
• Open shade pavilions over colored glass information center, café and service kiosks, all with unique architecture inspired by world-renowned artist, Pae White.
• Public restroom also inspired by Pae White through the public art program.
• Storm water drainage system which will provide biological or structural water treatment within a “water quality band” in the esplanade.
• Street furniture.
• Energy-efficient lighting.
• Signage to assist pedestrian and vehicle wayfinding.

Here is a some media regarding the Phase 1 of North Embarcadero Visionary Plan (NEVP).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dQMHjwhhH-w

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QLaNqmxiVHM

Yesterday I had written a post regarding the water front park at the San Diego County Administration Center.  Combined with the NEVP the Columbia District downtown is going to look much different than it does today.  The new cruise ship terminal is already completed and passengers disembarking from cruise ships will have greatly improved gateway into the city on Broadway.  Right now it is pretty unattractive.

Residential buildings that will benefit will be Bayside, The Grande North and South, and Electra located in the Columbia District.