Are you wondering about who actually cleans and sweeps our streets in Downtown San Diego?

Well…we have an awesome crew who calls themselves the Maintenance Ambassador Team that is a part of the Clean and Safe Program. In March of 2010…the Green Machines was introduced as new equipment. The Green Machine is a walk behind combination vacuum and sweeper, which our Maintenance Ambassador team have used on Downtown sidewalks with greater efficiency and speed compared to manual sweeping. The team covered more area in less time with reduced dump cycles because the Green Machine compacts waste down to 33% of its original size. Another benefit is that the Maintenance Ambassadors are able to use this equipment at night without disturbing Downtown  San Diego Condo and Loft residents because the Green Machine runs with less noise and on less fuel thanks to its diesel engine. The Green Machine is versatile, providing great maneuverability around obstacles, and durable with tested construction and proven design, both of which are crucial features considering the varied sidewalk surfaces Downtown.

The Clean & Safe Program, which was introduced in 2000, is the main reason Downtown San Diego is this clean and safe. The program compromises two components; Maintenance Ambassador and Safety Ambassador. These two are working together as the Clean & Safe team; the individuals are committed to keeping Downtown San Diego clean, safe and friendly. The service area covers 272 blocks of Downtown and includes:

• Columbia District
• Core District
• Marina District
• Gaslamp District
• East Village/Ballpark District 
• Cortez Hill District

To read 92101 Urban Living’s former blog about the Clean and Safe program click on Who Keeps the Gaslamp District in Downtown San Diego Clean & Safe?

The Comparison graph represents the Condos and Lofts sold, during the year of 2009 and 2010, in Downtown San Diego.

A total of 1164 units were sold in 2009 compared to 1120 units sold in 2010. The resales declined in price during the year of 2010 as the price was $571,274 in 2009 compared to $483,391 in 2010. The number of short sales increased with a pretty good number from 138 in 2009 to 231 in 2010. The opposite thing happened with bank owned/REO’s..with a total of 264 homes sold in 2009 compared to 198 in 2010.

To read and compare 92101 Urban Living’s former blogs about the Downtown San Diego Real Estate Market click on Downtown San Diego Condos & Lofts Sold - Financing Breakdown - Jan to Dec 2010, Downtown San Diego Condos & Lofts Sold - Cash vs. Financing - Jan to Dec 2010, Downtown San Diego Condos & Lofts Sold by Type of Sale - Jan to Dec 2010 and Downtown San Diego Condos & Lofts Sold by Neighborhood - Jan to Dec 2010.

Because Governor Brown has proposed the disbanding of all redevelopment agencies as a means of balancing the budget, the Center City Development (CCDC) as well as most redevelopment agencies has had to reevaluate their pending projects and priorities for Downtown San Diego.

Since CCDC will have about $12 billion as a result of property taxes from private development over the past 30 years, they have reevaluated their wish list. Included in the wish list is the replacement of four firehouses and 14 parks but not addressed was an expansion of the San Diego Convention Center in the Marina District or a new Charger stadium in the East Village/Ballpark District. CCDC also moved to protect $30 million in funds earmarked for The North Embarcadero Visionary Plan to beautify the Downtown waterfront in the Columbia District.

In addition the CCDC Board reviewed a proposal from a Mexican developer to build a 13 story 300 room hotel opposite the Santa Fe Depot on Kettner Blvd between B and C streets. The land has been owned by the San Diego City for many years.

Another interesting proposal was the creation of an entertainment zone North of Broadway to be funded by the erection of high tech billboards. Apparently this has worked well in Denver and does not involve public money. It does involve some longstanding zoning laws.

To read more about this click on www.ccdc.com.

As an owner of a downtown San Diego loft, the history of this city-specifically anything having to do with downtown San Diego-continues to fascinate me. I came across a very interesting interview of former senator Jim Mills who is known as the “father” of the Port of San Diego. In this interview, which you can read more of here, Mills discusses just how the Port District was created and just how it has made this city what it is today. Guaranteed you will learn something new!

The Financing Breakdown graph represents the Condos and Lofts sold, for the year of 2010, in Downtown San Diego.

Conforming loans ($417,000 and under) are leading the way with 597 homes sold, thereafter comes Extended Conforming ($417,001 - $697,500) with 124 homes sold and last are the Jumbo Loans (above $697,500) with 7 homes sold.

To read and compare 92101 Urban Living’s former blogs about the Downtown San Diego Real Estate Market click on Downtown San Diego Condos & Lofts Sold - Cash vs. Financing - Jan to Dec 2010, Downtown San Diego Condos & Lofts Sold by Type of Sale - Jan to Dec 2010 and Downtown San Diego Condos & Lofts Sold by Neighborhood - Jan to Dec 2010.

No, there is not a spelling error in the title-Quash is for real. Just what is Quash you ask? Check it out:

So now that you know what Quash is, why don’t you become a part of this urban adventure?! You and your team get to cruise/run/sprint/trolley/bus/pedicab through downtown San Diego in the name of raising funds for the Alzheimer’s Association care programs and research. On March 5th, give 2 1/2 hours of your time to solve destination clues, along with found questions and challenges, as you try to beat out other teams in doing so. Fun competition for a good cause and hey, once your team crosses that finish line, it’s time to party with food, music and of course, awards!

Gather your teammates and register now at www.sanalz.org/QUASH. 

This graph is showing us how many Condos and Lofts that were sold from January to December 2010, Cash vs. Financing in Downtown San Diego.

A total of 1120 homes were sold during the year and financing lead the way with a total of 728 (65%) homes sold. A total of 392 (35%) of all transaction was Cash. 

To read and compare 92101 Urban Living’s former blogs about the Downtown San Diego Real Estate Market click on Downtown San Diego Condos & Lofts Sold by Type of Sale - Jan to Dec 2010 and Downtown San Diego Condos & Lofts Sold by Neighborhood - Jan to Dec 2010.

This graph shows us Downtown San Diego Condos & Lofts sold by type of sale from January to December 2010. There was a total of 1,120 units sold during the year compared to 2008 when 1,108 homes were sold and 1,164 homes sold in 2009.  

Total sales during the 1 st quarter of 2010 were 259 homes, during the 2nd quarter…349 homes, 3rd quarter…268 homes and last but not least the 4th quarter with 244 homes sold. Developer leads lead the way this whole year with 412 homes sold which equals 37% of the market in Downtown San Diego.

To read and compare 92101 Urban Living’s former blogs about the Downtown San Diego Real Estate Market click on Downtown San Diego Condos & Lofts Sold by Neighborhood - Jan to Dec 2010.

 The Thomas Jefferson School of Law, with its new digs located in downtown San Diego’s East Village, recently announced that it will offer student housing. They will be the first law school in San Diego to do so.

TJSL has assumed the lease on Entrada, located a block away from the school on 13th Street. Entrada is a 172 unit complex of studios, one, two and three (a few) bedroom units. The roof top of Entrada with its tables, BBQs, bay and city views is the perfect ammenity for students needing a break to socialize and eat. Personally, I think this is brilliant on the school’s part. Puts them on the map of law schools and the more students we have in downtown San Diego, the more small businesses will be able to sustain themselves. As an owner of a downtown San Diego loft or condo, the benefits of this law school to our neighborhood continue to grow.

I know I’ve already said it, but in case you didn’t hear me, welcome to the neighborhood TJSL!

This graph is showing us Condos & Lofts sold by neighborhood in Downtown San Diego from January to December 2010. A total of 1120 units were sold.

The East Village/Ballpark District is still going strong with its 156 Developer sales, 81 short sales, 58 resales and 58 REO’s. The Marina District is strong on resales with 89 sold and the Columbia District is not to far behind the East Village with 137 Developer sales.