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Aerial Elegance

A former air traffic reporter reaches new heights in a swanky Harbor Club penthouse

By Thomas Shess
Aerial Elegance

"I had my fun here,” Steve Springer says of his elegant penthouse atop the north tower of the Harbor Club. With 360-degree views of the city, bay and ocean, it resembles a cross between an astronomical observatory and high-end greenhouse. At 41 floors above the city—with no one else above or on either side— it’s a perfect place to end the day over cocktails and soft music. “This place can party,” Spring er says. “I had more than 150 people at the last soirée. However, calm and tranquility have always been the norm. Most nights we simply watch the sunset. But if we want action, Gaslamp Quarter nightlife is a few steps away.” Designed by the late Arthur Porras, ASID, the one-bedroom, two-level pent house features the finest golden woods from around the world, along with granite and marble finishes. Together, these materials create a warm yet vibrant atmosphere reflecting the ultimate in urban sophistication. The master suite is regal. With the penthouse wrapping around roughly 300 degrees, terraces face the four winds. Inside are an oversized, walk-in shower and a fireplace at the foot of the kingsize bed. A large office houses all the communications equipment needed to run any empire.

from his days as head of Airwatch Traffic, where he delivered updates while flying his helicopter. For years, Airwatch reports dominated Southern California airwaves from Los Angeles into north - ern Mex ico. Now retired, Springer splits his time between San Diego and a getaway home on the beach in the Domin - i can Republic. Both homes are designed for serious relaxation, but he isn’t about to abandon his urban life style.

“When I’m at the penthouse, there’s a hard-to-describe feeling of anticipation as the elevator starts lifting you into the sky,” Springer says. “Being a pilot, it’s that first and last flight of the day, when you know you’ve just reached a place of sanctuary, peaceful and sophisticated, just above the city and below the clouds. Martinis were made for such moments.”