Word on the Street
Quartyard’s fate in limbo
The East Village’s Quartyard, or “shipping container park” on Market Street and Park Boulevard, is the hottest block in San Diego right now.
Everyone’s talking about the new petition to the city to stop the dirt lot turned urban park and craft beer garden from being developed into a residential high-rise. While Quartyard is an innovative concept that revitalized the area, and its designers were praised with an award, it was built with the understanding that it would be temporary (hence why shipping containers were used) until the land was sold.
Philip Auchettl, one of the NewSchool of Architecture students who designed the park and is now CEO of Rad Lab, says the lease for Quartyard expires in July 2017.
“If the city is ready to develop, then we hope to move Quartyard somewhere else in East Village,” Auchettl said. “We do hope that this project will not only continue to exist but also act as a model for future developments in other communities.”
While the space does fit the East Village like a glove, I asked around our office to see what other neighborhoods might be pining for a cool park like this. Here’s what some of our staffers said:
Allied Gardens
“…Waring Road, between Orcutt and Zion. The strip mall was abandoned by its anchor tenant (Albertsons) more than a year ago and it’s a HUGE spot in the middle of a rad community that’s just decaying! Bring beer gardens, coffee shops, a dog park, and cool space, STAT!” —Erin Chambers Smith, Chief Content Officer
Point Loma
“…On Catalina Boulevard where Fresh & Easy once sat. This ’hood is in desperate need of a communal gathering place.” —Megan Vondrak, Director of Social Media
North Park
“I’d love to see a space like Quartyard at 2891 University Avenue, a parking lot right in the heart of North Park. It’s a part of The Observatory and has hosted some awesome events, like the vintage flea market. Throw in North Park’s crowd, a bumpin’ music scene, and a place like Quartyard, and you’ve got gold!” —Ali Ferrante, Sales Assistant
Harbor Drive
“I want a Quartyard across from the airport, where the rental car places used to be. How great would it be if visitors and locals got to arrive at Lindbergh Field and then grab a beer and listen to live music while staring at the bay? It would be a great casual, urban spot for a $6 craft beer instead of a pricy steak and margarita at nearby Harbor Island restaurants.” —Jennifer Rea, Director of Marketing
Del Mar
“We need a Quartyard perched up high on a hill or cliff with the ocean below. Breezes and beer! There is a vacant lot on the southwestern corner where Via de la Valle meets 101, across from the Brigantine and the racetrack. It has been vacant my entire life. Why not build something where everyone and anyone can enjoy prime real estate?”—Erin Meanley Glenny, Editor in Chief
Bankers Hill
“There was an abandoned house across the street from Balboa Park, kitty-corner from Cortez Hill on Sixth Avenue. They have since knocked it down and now there is a big dirt lot. This area could really use a morale boost and a facelift. Not to mention it’s walkable to all the hot spots in Bankers Hill, which would really boost business.” —Jessica Jalowiec, Project Manager
Where would you like to see a new Quartyard? Tell us in the comments!
Cortez Hill gets a new affordable housing complex
Where Should Quartyard Go?
More than 200 affordable apartments will open in Cortez Hill early next year. | Image by Joseph Wong Design Associates
More than 200 affordable apartments will open in Cortez Hill early next year. | Image by Joseph Wong Design Associates
There’s a lot of construction happening along Fourth Avenue on the way into downtown, and one of the major projects on the block just reached the halfway mark.
Atmosphere, a 12-story affordable housing complex, is rising from a vacant lot next to the family courthouse. When it’s finished early next year, it will have 201 units ranging from studios to three bedrooms, and retail space on the ground floor. San Diego–based Wakeland Housing and Development, a company that has built affordable housing communities throughout the state, is behind the $79-million project.
Trio of historic businesses put on the market
Where Should Quartyard Go?
A historic home, barbecue joint, and saloon are for sale in Julian. | Photo by Warner Springs Realty/screenshot from Estately
A historic home, barbecue joint, and saloon are for sale in Julian. | Photo by Warner Springs Realty/screenshot from Estately
We were told about a cool commercial real estate listing for a property out in pastoral Julian.
The space for the former Bailey Wood Pit BBQ and Saloon, Julian Brewing Company, and historic Bailey House (which dates back to 1876 and has four bedrooms) is for sale, and a new owner could buy them all and own a piece of the town’s Main Street for $1.3 million.
Get a new solar heating system
In case you missed it, we’re having a contest for a generous credit on a solar panel installation and $500 cash. Click the link and enter and the contest. If you win, we’re also throwing in two free tickets to our popular Best of San Diego Party in August!
Where Should Quartyard Go?
The lease for Quartyard is up next summer. Residents have petitioned the city to keep the temporary park in East Village. | Photo courtesy of Rad Lab
