Tom Ham’s Lighthouse

At the very tip of Harbor Island, Tom Ham’s Lighthouse sits surrounded by water on three sides. This coveted location means that diners get gorgeous views of the water from almost every table. The classic, private-club feel of the restaurant is the perfect setting for a relaxing Sunday brunch, and locals know it, so reservations are recommended. From 9:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. every Sunday, $30.00 will get you an all-access pass to champagne mimosas, a carving station, a custom omelet station, a seafood bar, and overabundance of sweet desserts.

Quality Social

Photos courtesy of Tom Ham’s Lighthouse, Quality Social and House of Blues San Diego

downtown neighborhood map

Santa Fe RR

Downtown is essentially zip code 92101. It reaches from Balboa Park to the east, to Little Italy to the north, to the airport at the west, and to the south you have Petco Park, the Gaslamp district and Seaport Village. On this map it is the area West of the curve of interstate 5. Here’s a helpful interactive map. Within downtown there are a number of distinct communities which we will discuss in the fullness of time, but here we will get a general idea of what downtown is all about.

[click any image for a larger view]

Here’s a quick rundown of the local neighborhoods:

• Harborview: View the harbor, also the coming Waterfront Park north of Broadway.
• Little Italy: Colorful arts community, great food… Just east of Harborview.
• Cortez: Mix of old and new on the hill adjacent to Balboa Park.
• East Village: New developments surrounding Petco Park. Library. SD City College.
• Gaslamp: Historic center- food, entertainment, nice place to stroll.
• Marina: Convention Center, Seaport Village shopping, walkable.
• Horton Plaza: Colorful shopping center attracts visitors from around the world.
• Columbia: Broadway- retail, offices, government buildings; business hub.

downtown ship & train

Like any city, there is traffic, noise and confusion. At least among the visitors. As a resident you will quickly become a master of your domain. You’ll learn the tricks of how to get around, where to find parking or a bicycle rack. You’ll learn where the best food and shopping are, and where the quiet corners are, hidden from most. You’ll be happy to know that every government and professional service is close at hand, every form of transportation is easily available and every communication media is present- for business or pleasure.

the venerable El Cortez Hotel, now condos

I have lived downtown for many years atop Cortez Hill. One of the wonderful revelations was that when the morning rush is coming into town, the commute away is easy, and likewise in the evening rush. Another is that weekends and holidays are relatively peaceful downtown and bicycle access to Balboa Park, the Zoo, Embarcadero and Seaport Village shopping is easy. It was easy to find tennis and handball partners at nearby City College. And whatever food or drink you crave is close at hand, usually including a unique decor and clientele.

shop at colorful Horton Plaza

Downtown redevelopment over a couple of decades has made it a haven for single and retired people. There are schools nearby and some families live downtown, but most families will be more comfortable elsewhere. The new sports facility, the coming new library, the fantastic Horton Plaza shopping and eateries, nightclubs, arts community and more can be tempting. You’ll find doctors, students, lawyers, cab drivers, entertainers and stockbrokers living downtown. Despite improvements there are some seedy areas which you’ll quickly and easily learn to avoid.

downtown panorama

All roads lead to Rome, I mean downtown. Buses, trains, trolleys, cars, ships and airplanes make it the hub for much San Diego activity and it’s easy to get to anywhere from here.

the good life

What about the homes? Mostly newer condos and townhomes, mostly expensive, many high rise but other options exist. You’ll see ads everywhere for some of the newest buildings but you won’t find the Cash Back offers that CondoDomain provides. Shop all you want but come back here to save thousands (here’s how it works).

Check this blog often for news and upcoming events. We’ll discuss the coming waterfront improvements that will add value to your new condo and wonder for your out of town visitors. We’ll document the progress of the new central library and tease with the possibility of a new major sports venue. We’ll consider price trends and the potential future value of your investment. We’ll look at every major development downtown.

At times this SanDiegoCondoLoft blog will be listing specific downtown condos so that you can get a general idea of what’s available. We’ll discuss the merits of micro neighborhoods and even particular large developments. Our main site at CondoDomain will allow you to narrow your search, and whether you are at the main site or this blog, we’ll be sure that you know where to get more information and where to find a CondoDomain agent (start here- 877-852-6636) who can tell you how much Cash Back you’ll get on a particular home.

Here are some 2011 sales figures for luxury units in popular buildings. If you see similar units asking for far more or far less, this information can be helpful. We’re primarily interested in $1M+ units, but others will be mentioned.

The Metropolitan

The Metropolitan, 165 Sixth Ave, 36 ultra-luxury units atop the Omni Hotel between the attached Petco Park and the Convention Center. Includes the expected perks plus the amenities of the Omni. Four units sold in the last four months with prices ranging from $1,099,000 to $1,750,000. Three units are available at prices up to $2,295,000.

1325 Pacific Hwy "Bayside"

 
1325 Pacific Highway, Bayside by Bosa Development. With 35 recent sales, it is one of the most active luxury buildings downtown. Prices ranged from $480,000 to $1,482,000 with eight units in excess of $1M. Fifteen units are available currently with prices from $479,000 to $3,478,000, mostly over $1M. It’s a true luxury building from a well respected builder but there have been concerns about noise from frequent trains passing by that could affect the lower floors. Take time to see the neighborhood for yourself.

1262 Kettner - Sapphire Tower

1262 Kettner Blvd, Sapphire Tower in the Columbia District between Little Italy and downtown is a nice walking neighborhood with friendly restaurants and an active arts community. ArtWalk is a festive annual event which fills the Little Italy streets for a weekend. Eight units have recently sold from $455,000 to $1,400,000 with two over $1M. Currently there are twelve available from $450,000 to $2,550,000 with four above $1M.

550 Front Street - Pinnacle Tower

550 Front Street, the Pinnacle Museum Tower soars 35 floors with 218 units of luxury. Close to the Gaslamp District, Convention Center and Horton Plaza it is an ideal urban location. Recent sales of five units ran from $300,000 to $1,575,000 including three in excess of $1M. At this writing there are nine units listed with prices from $395,000 to $1,980,000, with more than half over $1M.

555 Front St - Horizons

555 Front Street “Horizons” is a pair of 25 story towers in the Marina District, with 211 luxury units. In addition to the usual comforts in this Bosa Development building, it includes a central soft water unit (very helpful in San Diego). Sold units ran from $475,000 to $2,175,000 recently with one unit over $1M. There are four current listings from $424,999 to $1,380,000 with one above $1M.

San Diego offers great variety and complex choices in the condo market. Luxury downtown condos tend to offer similar comforts but look at one a few blocks away and you are in a very different environment. The downtown core has received many improvements in recent decades and more are on the way. The savvy investor will want to consider past sale prices as well as current asking prices. When you’ve done your online research you’ll want to call CondoDomain at 877-852-6636 to arrange viewing, close the deal and pocket a rebate of thousands … and check in to our San Diego blog when you can!

Information believed correct at time of posting. Your CondoDomain agent can verify details.

Brown Pelican

For some of us, the renewal of downtown has been an explosion of newer and better. For those less patient, it has taken forever. For all of us–there’s more to come! Your investment in downtown condo life comes with perks galore.

Let’s talk about the waterfront. Already we have magnificent naval vessels visiting Broadway pier, but add the cruise ships, the classic tall ships, the visiting yachts and anchored boats just offshore and you have a splendid view of maritime history and current technology. But wait, there’s more to come!

San Diego has a long association with the sea, from its beginning as the first European settlement on our west coast, to the role as WWII protector of the Pacific, to being the heart of the tuna fishing industry and now the largest Naval installation in the US. The waterfront as it is and as it will be, is an homage to all that went before.

Today your stroll along the harbor is punctuated with public art that enhances the nautical experience. The wide walkway guides you from the Coast Guard station on the north to the cruise terminal and Broadway pier to the south. You’ll pass Anthony’s Fish Grotto over the water, and across the street are hotels and more restaurants. It’s a pleasant experience, but that is only the beginning.

Soon you may expect much more. Two major projects are expected to bring greater wonders to make our fine harbor the envy of all.

The County Administration Building is just north of the Broadway pier area. It’s a classic old municipal style building surrounded by some greenery and two large ugly parking lots.

Now they envision more green, a water feature, underground parking and a dramatic new look while retaining the quaint old building.

I’ll pepper this blog with all the images that I can squeeze in, but feel free to follow up on links to the County plan.

The other project, known as the North Embarcadero Visionary Plan, was rejected by the State authorities. Our Port District had plans for a major upgrade to the Broadway heart of the Embarcadero that have evolved over many years and overcome many impediments. Then the State said ‘no’. Is that going to stop the Port District? Not likely- they have remarkable stamina and continue to move forward with adjustments as necessary. They currently have the go-ahead for phase 1.

One complication is the Navy administrative building just south of Broadway. An ugly complex that takes prime real estate and offers nothing to the residents and visitors to this area. Arrangements will be made to relocate this facility and free the land for public use. Patience will be necessary for the eager lover of the waterfront.

The finished project as currently visualized is unquestionably grand and sweeping in scope. Not every detail is praised by all (some say the proposed public bathrooms are ugly, etc) but nothing is set in stone yet and we can be confident that the changes will be a great asset to our city.

So there you have it- a peek at the future of the downtown waterfront. Like most of downtown, the people who shape our city have an eye to reinforcing the motto “America’s Finest City”. Expect more about city improvements in coming blogs.

Your investment today in a downtown condo will be well rewarded as the city plans continue to become reality. With each improvement by the city, your home value will grow. Visit this blog when you can and educate yourself about the opportunities. When you’re ready for action, give us a call at 877-852-6636 and learn how you can save thousands on your new home with Condo Domain.

CrossFit training is one of many fitness options in downtown San Diego

The Urban Warrior

CrossFit East Village uses words like “efficient” and “functional” in describing its approach to fitness, which is favored by members of the military and police officers. The strength and conditioning workouts at CrossFit are designed with overall fitness in mind. If you want to be ready for anything, the trainers at CrossFit can get you there.

The Contender

At City Boxing, you can combine exercise with self-defense and stress relief in one of the club’s intense workouts. Boxing, kickboxing, muy thai, jiu jitsu and mixed martial arts training is available from the trainers at City Boxing, who are experienced competitors. The club also offers women-only and kid’s classes.

The Work Hard, Play Hard

Aire Urban Fitness has built a gym around the idea that quality trumps quantity when it comes to fitness. They offer per-class pricing, in addition to unlimited access memberships, and keep group exercise classes small. In addition to sophisticated indoor cycling equipment, the trainers lead killer stair running sessions at the nearby Convention Center.

The Social Butterfly

If you’re looking to start socializing before you even get to your favorite Gaslamp nightclub, Fit Athletic could be the gym for you. Fit Athletic describes itself as hip, upscale, and fun. This club even throws pool parties where members can “Mix and mingle under the sun all summer long at Fit Saturday Pool Parties! ”

Wherever you choose to get fit, a San Diego Condodomain agent can help you find a fabulous new condo to relax in after your workout, and save thousands on the commission in the process. Call 877-852-6636 to speak with a representative today!

Photo courtesy of Lululemon Athletica [CC-BY-2.0 (www.creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

Every condo or loft community that has a homeowners association will have rules about what type and how many pets are allowed in each condo unit. It is also a good idea to check with the company that provides your homeowner insurance to see if they have breed restrictions before you begin searching for a pet.

You may assume that a small space calls for a small dog. Some small breeds are very energetic, or bred to be very social, and will not do well being left alone inside a condo all day. Conversely, there are larger dog breeds that do not require as much exercise or attention, and will happily nap the day away until it’s time for an evening walk. If you bring home a puppy of any breed, be prepared to spend extra time training your new pet for the first few weeks.

Big or small, there is a dog that will love downtown condo life as much as you do

Among small dogs, a compact Bichon Frise will do far less anxious barking than the petite Chihuahua. Poodles of any size, from tiny toys to tall standard poodles, require only a moderate amount of exercise each day, and due to their high intelligence, will take well to house training. If you want a dog that will be quiet and mellow all day, and then happily join you for a jog after work, either a petite Pug or a Great Dane can be a good choice. The American Kennel Club has a detailed list of the characteristics of almost 200 dog breeds. There is detailed information about how the temperament, exercise and grooming needs of different types of dogs.

Contact a San Diego Condodomain agent to arrange a tour of pet-friendly condos and lofts available in downtown San Diego, and save thousands on the commission in the process. Call 877-852-6636 to speak with a representative today!

Photo courtesy of By Charles Melton (USAG Fort Irwin) (United States Army) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

Prime real estate in PB

Each beach community in San Diego has its own flavor. Pacific Beach (call it PB) is one of the more ‘pacific’, or peaceful. It’s a laid back community but it’s also home to some hard driving individuals who like to really relax on their time off.

Famous sports stars can often be found at the local clubs alongside beach bums, college students and middle management types. The bar scene compares with the downtown Gaslamp Quarter for energy, while being more accessible for most.

Of course the beach is a prime attraction and the surf is usually good. The pier, with its hotel, attracts tourists and locals. Mission Bay just to the south is great for boating, swimming kite flying or picnics. Mild temperatures make these destinations attractive year ’round.

Homes in PB tend to be older, with enough space for attractive landscaping. There are many apartment buildings. Condos are relatively rare and a few are luxurious. Considering the prime location, condos can be surprisingly affordable. On the quiet residential streets you’ll find a roughly equal mix of families, retired people and young singles.

There is plenty of shopping available from groceries, healthy groceries, unique gift shops and beachwear stores to auto repair shops, gas stations and other practical resources. Just south in the Sports Arena area you’ll find the major retailers. PB is one of the local communities that has resisted the influx of big chain stores. Restaurants abound including affordable food and better dining experiences. A couple of excellent hotels are very close.

Traffic can be hectic at times but far better than most beach communities. Parking is a problem on some streets and always nearest the beaches. There are buses along the main streets and you have easy access to Highway 5, La Jolla, Mission Beach and the Sports Arena area.

My personal take is that I love to kayak around Mission Bay from PB. I admire the sailboats, catamarans and yachts. I enjoy the shore birds and the view of the lovely homes around the bay. I enjoy the usually peaceful waters (except during the annual Thunderboat races) and the sky that reaches from Mount Soledad in La Jolla to Mexico. If you like, you can bicycle around the Bay (a long ride) or along the beach without worrying about cars, smog or excessive noise.

For information about homes, condos, and lofts in Pacific Beach, call CondoDomain at 877-852-6636 and watch this blog!

The East Village is one neighborhood in particular that has flourished due to its arts community.  A recent exciting addition to the scene are the working studios and live/work spaces comprised of three warehouse buildings that make up Space for Art, a concept meant to support and develop local artists and incorporate it into the community.  Space for Art has many ongoing events and classes which can be found on their website. In addition, one of the developments downtown, Icon, is home to a particularly cutting-edge art gallery known as Sushi Contemporary Performance and Visual Arts.  Sushi is known for introducing revolutionary artists and performances within San Diego and abroad.

Bar Basic in East Village hosts an eclectic art event every Tuesday when there isn’t a Padres game; the event is a Bacchanalian feast for the senses featuring local underground and new artists doing live performances, live music, cocktails and artisan pizzas. Artists that have done live painting there in the past include The Dope Show, Shay Davis, Sean Dietrich and Mark Jesinosky among many others.

Over in the Gaslamp, there is a different scene between a mix of art galleries featuring fine art and collectibles and newer local artists bringing a fresh flava to San Diego.  A significant contributor to that scene is the Industry Showroom. Industry Showroom provides office and retail space for artists and local entrepreneurs that share a common interest in a diverse and evolving work space with a young vibe. The Industry Showroom also is highly active in the local arts community providing event space for many ongoing exhibits and performances within the Gaslamp district. One recent gallery that hosted a show there was Sudden Art Gallery in collaboration with the Thumbprint Gallery located in North Park. The event featured over a dozen artists specializing in pop art, comic and visual styles.

The Alexander Salazar Gallery is another notable spot on the map that is also located in the Gaslamp. Alexander Salazar is a Harvard-educated collector and historian who supports local and international artists with exhibits and events at his gallery.

The neighborhood of Little Italy with its international flair is a perfect downtown spot for representing the art scene downtown and it is also where another important player resides in San Diego. Subtext Gallery is the host and supporter to many pop surrealist artists and urban contemporary genres of art. Mark described pop surrealism as a style of art that emerged as a rebellion against the abstract style. It uses a high quality of imagery and derives itself from the tattoo and hot rod scene. Their showroom also houses a mix of collectibles with a focus on cutting edge and unique design.

The downtown lifestyle provides access to many of these exciting new art movements and events. Living downtown you can become a part of the energy and the evolving art scene that is starting to put downtown on the map. No longer known as a sleepy beach town, San Diego will become a cultural mecca in its own right and in its own style.

Come see for yourself by checking out Mark’s blog, or one of the other gallery links for the next event. The first weekend of September, the San Diego Contemporary Art Fair will be held downtown at the Hilton Bayfront. This event draws local and international artists and is the preeminent event of the year.

While you are downtown finding your next piece of artwork to add to your new loft space or condomimium, contact a San Diego Condodomain agent to tour some of these downtown floorplans. Many of these condos would be the perfect canvas for expressing yourself and your own unique lifestyle.

The Quiet Zone will run from the intersection near Harbor Drive and Park Blvd. in the south, up to where the tracks cross Laurel Street in the north. A number of high-rise condominiums and apartment buildings are adjacent to the affected area, including Breeza, Bayside at the Embarcadero, The Grande, Park Place, and Pinnacle Marina Tower. Current and future residents of these communities should be pleased with the reduction in noise provided by the Quiet Zone.

In addition to the Amtrak passenger trains, The Coaster and The Pacific Surfliner, the trolley, and freight trains use the tracks that run parallel to Harbor Drive. Under current regulations, train conductors are required to sound their horns at every intersection. In the tight grid of downtown streets, this results in frequent blasts of sound throughout the day and night. Under the proposed Quiet Zone, conductors would be allowed to use their discretion when approaching an intersection. Additional safety features will also be constructed around intersections of the train tracks and city streets.

The Quiet Zone was approved by the San Diego City Council in June, 2010, and construction should be completed by November, 2011.

If city noise is a factor in your decision to buy a condo in downtown San Diego, contact a San Diego Condodomain agent to discuss Quiet Zone options among the many  San Diego condo and loft communities and save thousands on the commission in the process. Call 877-852-6636 to speak with a representative today!

OK, it’s a tiny studio with a Murphy bed, but you won’t be spending much time there. You’ll be lounging at the lagoon, partying at the pool or bopping at the beach. You’ll be enjoying the night life, and everything you need is a leisurely bike ride away. Leave the car in your garage!

In a city with mild weather, PB (Pacific Beach) is noted for extremely mild weather, summer and winter. This location is ideal for an outdoor lifestyle.

1801 Diamond Street is in the heart of PB, between the mountain and the deep blue sea (and Mission Bay). If you enjoy the unique community vibe of Pacific Beach you’ll be right at home here.

This is new on the market and won’t last. You’ll save hundreds if you buy through Condo Domain. Give us a call at 877-852-6636 and ask about MLS#: 110041204 to learn more!

Listing provided by Jeffrey Presar, Presar Realty