611 Island
East Village // A Proposed Residential Tower by the Ballpark
Disclaimer, This project was previously permitted in 2022, but is no longer on the Downtown Development Map. This project is also seeking discretionary permits, which it has not yet been awarded. However per to the developer in 2024 the project is still going ahead according to The Times of San Diego. BuildSD attempted to reach out to the developer, but couldn't locate contact information.
On the corner of 7th and Island, a proposed high rise is positioned to become the first new tower in the area since 2020 and the new tallest building in the Ballpark District; and among the tallest buildings in East Village.
This project utilizes density bonuses and the historic structure to achieve its height with a limited FAR (Floor Area Ratio). A variety of bonuses brings the FAR from 6.0 to 16.8, and the historic structure height doesn't count against FAR, allowing for the tall but slender project to soar to a 430 feet roofline and a 396 foot top floor.
This building is designed on top of an existing historic building. Currently the Ballpark Self Storage, it was originally known as the Klauber-Wangenheim Building. Built in 1929, this building would be restored as part of the project and contain a ground floor lobby, amenity space, bike storage, a small retail space, and the entrance to the underground parking garage. The project plan calls for 54 underground parking spaces - very low for its size, but also a very transit-accessible project site. The 2nd to 4th floor would be housing units, and atop the podium of housing would be a pool area and patio.
The 5th floor also contains more amenity space, including a gym and fitness room, a co-working space and likely more amenities, and marks the start of the tower structure.
Between floors 6 and 36 the project is residential, and has mostly the same unit plan for each floor. From the 29th story and up the 3 bedroom plan is replaced with an equally large 2 bedroom configuration. The 36th floor has a pool room replacing one unit. A select few units have balconies.
The top accessible floor has an amenity space, a rooftop pool, a patio, and a terrace. The rooftop is on the 37th floor and is nearly 400ft up, allowing for amazing views of the city and the San Diego Bay. Due to the project's unique zoning and design, any building reaching near its height would be over 1/4 mile away.
Because of this it will stand out on the skyline. The question must be asked why this project is currently stalled. To make some assumptions it is likely due to a combination of interest rates, higher construction costs, and the downtown rental market prices plateauing. This combination means it is harder to make projects like this make financial sense. With many projects finishing up between 2022 and 2025 along Broadway there is lots of competition for luxury high-rise living downtown.
Architecturally the building consists of the historic base, and mostly a large curtain wall of glass. However for a segment it is using white paneling and glass floor to ceiling windows. This both gives the building articulation by having a offset panel where the 2 textures meet, creating an inset look. But also gives a distinct contrast from the reflective windows to the pale white. This building would be a Contemporary style matching many others around downtown in recent years.
To note the location. The lot is located a block from busses on Market Street, and a few blocks from the Park and Market Trolley Station serving 2 Trolley lines. It is also a short walk away from the Gaslamp Quarter and Petco Park. And by bike nearby both the 6th Ave and J Street Bikeways to access more of the city. With a large bike room with ebike charging and ideal pedestrian and transit location, this project has been made perfect for the location.
This development, while currently on pause, would be a great addition to San Diego. Bringing more car lite development to our downtown and revitalize an ageing warehouse building in the center of the ball park district. With an impressive height and great utilization of the location, we at Build SD still remain hopeful that this development will happen.
https://carrierjohnson.com/work/611-island/
https://www.sandiego.gov/sites/default/files/report_pc-22-028_611_island.pdf
https://www.revelresidences.live/
https://opendsd.sandiego.gov/Web/Projects/Details/687976
https://www.sandiego.gov/sites/default/files/611_island_pc_memo.pdf
https://www.sandiego.gov/sites/default/files/sr_-_611_island_hrb_report-final_reduce_size.pdf