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As a steady follower of the construction of the new public library…I just wanted to give you guys an update on the progress here in Downtown San Diego. If you haven’t been by to see it, then I urge you to take a look the next time you are in the East Village/Ballpark District. The final product is going to consist of nine stories and will entail a cafe, events gathering site, an auditorium, a school, underground parking and a whole lot more.

If you drive past or stroll by, you will see that they have the concrete structure built up to about the 4th floor. This new site will serve as the heart for the 35 branch library system and is scheduled to open in 2013 if all goes as planned. I’m sure the Downtown San Diego Loft and Condo home owners will be happy when the construction is over and the library is open for business. This is going to be a very useful resource for young professionals and students as well as a social gathering point for residents and visitors.

For more information and construction updates visit Downtown San Diego Library and to read 92101 Urban Living’s former blogs about the new library project click on Downtown San Diego Library - Progress Update, Groundbreaking Ceremony for the New Downtown San Diego Library in the East Village/Ballpark District, New Central Downtown San Diego Library in the East Village District is Seeking for Bids!, San Diego City Council Votes to Include San Diego Unified School District in New Downtown San Diego Library!, “San Diego’s New Central library on YouTube! ” and “What do you think of downtown San Diego’s “School-In Library” Concept in the East Village?”

One of the best parts of living in Downtown San Diego is its vicinity to all the fabulous restaurants we have here. If you haven’t been to Las Hadas…you are missing out. Las Hadas is a friendly neighborhood bar/restaurant with very competitive prices located at 558 4th ave (4th and market) in the Gaslamp District.

They serve a wide variety of food and drinks and they pride themselves on their customer service. This is a Mexican inspired restaurant that serve some of the best seafood I’ve ever had….and for those happy hour goers check out one of the best happy hours in the city. Every Monday-Thursday from 4-7pm and 10pm-12am, Friday and Saturday from 12pm-7pm and 10pm-12am, and then all day on Sunday…so there is not an excuse for you to come on down and try it out. You gotta order the scallops…the best ever!

For more info visit their website www.lashadasgrill.com.

First time home buyers, people buying second homes and investors have been so attracted to The Mark lately? The Mark has really been the target for all types of buyers. You may wonder why?

Well, as a Downtown San Diego Condo & Loft home owner in the East Village/Ballpark District myself…I can vouch for how much the neighborhood has developed over the past few years. As a rookie to Downtown in the early 2003 I look back and see myself standing in this empty dirt lot in the middle of the East Village. I’m trying to picture what this neighborhood will look like when pretty much all construction that was on the plan was completed.

Believe me when I say…I had a pretty good idea on the outcome. As a geek for facts, plans and a steady follower of the CCDC’s plans and the ideas from the Port of San Diego…I had a great foundation on what it would look like but…The Mark has totally blown my mind!

In the last several days Mayor of San Diego Jerry Sanders has been on a road trip to Kansas City, Indianapolis, and Denver. You might ask yourself….”what for?”

Well not that long ago there was a plan to build the San Diego Chargers new football stadium in Downtown San Diego and it has caused quite a bit a controversy. So Mayor Sanders has been on a fact finding road trip to these areas with relatively new sports facilities to try and solve some problems that Downtown San Diego Condo & loft home owerns and residents are having with the proposed plan.

I think he has been finding out some interesting facts both good and bad supporting the new Chargers stadium. I like the idea and I also think that bringing the new stadium to Downtown would help property values go back up. Just think about having 2 professional teams playing almost all year round within walking distance from your Condo or Loft.

Hot dogs, cold beer, and some fine baseball…ring a bell? If you haven’t been to a Petco Park game yet…I would recommend you go. The San Diego Padres regular season is coming to an end in the 2011 season. As a Downtown San Diego Condo & Loft home owner its always sad to see the season end as this brings such a good energy to the East Village/Ballpark District. 

No matter what the outcome of the game is, Petco Park is one of the coolest stadiums and it sits right in the heart of Downtown San Diego. The San Diego Padres have won 6 out of their last 10 games. Their record for the 2011 season is 59 wins with 70 losses, and with only a few more home games this season be sure to stop in for one. To get your ticket in advance click on Petco Park or if want…just stop by the ticket stands and get one right before the game!

As we all know…Downtown San Diego sales have been pretty good lately. But…who is buying right now? Who has the money to invest in Downtown San Diego real estate? With these all time low prices and interest rates, investors have really opened up their eyes and started to invest in the Downtown market.

In the past 90 days, 60% (157 out of 260) of Downtown San Diego Condo & Loft sales have been below the $400,000 price point with most of the sales going to investors and/or cash buyers.

The East Village/Ballpark District and the Little Italy District have become the hot spot for these types of buyers. Some are buying multiple properties to hang onto in hopes of getting a return after the prices come back up. It will be interesting to see what happens in the next year. Stay tuned for more info to come…

Fat City/Top’s Building has been a part of Downtown San Diego’s heritage for many years, but the building has become old and in need of a reconstruction to keep this heritage going. SOHO (Save Our Heritage Organization) representatives, architect Jonathan Segal, and GLJ developer Luke Daniels have came up with and alternative design agreement that will preserve the historical landmark to the original 1941 Top’s appearance.

The plan is to create the Fat City Lofts, this plan includes a 232 unit apartment complex along with retail space that incorporates original and reconstructed portions of the Top’s building.

Downtown San Diego Condo and Loft home owners along with board members have been debating the plan because it could take away the historic designation of the building if the plan is not executed exactly right. Architects and developers are certain that this will not be an issue and they welcome that designation take place only after the successful completion of the plan. This topic is up for discussion in the September meeting and if the plan sticks, construction could start by the end of this year and the parties will seek designation from the HRB (Historical Resources Board) upon completion of the project.

For more information visit the San Diego Union Tribune’s article Top’s/Fat City historic designation in doubt

The time has come…next month Downtown San Diego will be holding the annual Taste of Downtown once again.

This year it will be held on Thursday Sept 8th from 5pm to 9pm. “Taste of Downtown” is where over 50 restaurants throughout the neighborhoods such as the Little Italy District, the Gaslamp District and the East Village/Ballpark District will showcase their menus and give Downtown San Diego Loft and Condo owners, residents and visitors the chance to tour some of their favorite restaurants along with discovering some new ones.

A complimentary shuttle service will also be available to take you to and from each neighborhood if you would like to use it. Tickets for this fun and interactive Downtown event are limited so get yours fast (they have sold out the past 8 years)…. I know I already purchased mine. Ticket prices are $30 if you buy them in advance and $35 on the day of the event. Don’t miss out on this yummy yearly event, I hope to see you there.

Looking for something fun to do? Comedian Daniel Tosh from the hit comedy television show Tosh.0 will be performing live in Downtown San Diego on August 20th at the Copley Symphony Hall at 7th an B st in the Gaslamp District.

Downtown San Diego Loft and Condo home owners, residents and visitors will be able to enjoy Daniel on Saturday at either the 7pm showing or the 10pm showing, and believe me…if you have never seen Tosh.0 or any of Daniel’s other stand up shows then you have got to see it. Daniel has a way of saying things that will make you laugh so hard! He is a comedy genius and is a sure crowd pleaser.

Click here for tickets and enjoy the show…for more information on Daniel Tosh and his live show calendar visit www.danieltosh.com.

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As you walk into this luxury condo at The Mark in the East Village/Ballpark District you will notice the amazing panoramic views over Downtown San Diego, the Pacific Ocean, the San Diego Bay and the planes coming in for landing in the distance. The upgraded kitchen has stainless steel appliances and granite counter tops and opens up towards the living room. There are hardwood floors throughout except tile flooring in the bathroom. A stackable washer and dryer is located in the bathroom and there is a large walk in closet in the bedroom.

$2750/month including 2 parking spaces and 1 large storage unit. Available September 1st, 2011. No pets! Security deposit $2750.

Step out on the good size balcony that is perfect for entertaining or sit down and just soak in the amazing views and relax. 2 parking spaces and 1 storage unit included in rent. 12 month lease. No pets! The Mark: one of the newest of the East Village high rise luxury towers. This building was developed by Douglas Wilson, delivered in 2007.

Brick town homes frame an urban central park, and rising above, a soaring 32-story glass tower. The Mark in the East Village is architecturally engaging and sophisticated, with European cabinetry, granite counter tops, ceramic entries and top-floor penthouses. Most residences at The Mark feature incredible views across Downtown, the San Diego Bay and the new ballpark. Not surprisingly, you’ll also find floor to ceiling windows to create a vast field of view. The pool amenity area features a lap style pool with contemporary cabanas and community areas. The views to the South, Southwest, West, and Northwest are some of the most valuable in the East Village.

For more information contact Sofia 619-992-5144 or e-mail sofia@92101urbanliving.com.