GlobeSt.com: How is this project unique to Downtown San Diego?

McNerney: There are many multifamily projects in Downtown San Diego that provide a variety of housing options. With IDEA1, we wanted to cater to entrepreneurs and collaborators by giving them comfortable and inviting residences, but more importantly, inspiring social spaces in which to collaborate, which is the purpose of the Hub, the centerpiece of the development. The Hub is a welcoming environment for the residents, businesses and community neighbors where we hold a variety of events including yoga and tai chi in the morning, Ted talks at lunch, movies or sporting events at night and art shows throughout the day and weekends.

The Hub includes the second-story IDEA Box, an intimate meeting space in which to grow ideas. The IDEA Box also features an exterior 10-foot x 20-foot screen for showing all types of events along with wireless sound, so you can be watching a game or dancing to music with your earbuds on while residents experience complete silence, undisturbed in their homes. The green soffit leading into the Hub may be the only green ceiling in a multifamily project and, we believe, in the world. It is an unusual area with air plants and its own water-misting system highlighted by lights and sound. It's become a popular photo opportunity with people stopping constantly throughout the day to take pictures.

GlobeSt.com: What challenges did you face in developing this project, and how were they met?

McNerney: The biggest challenge was working with the City to achieve the level of density we desired since the site can accommodate a higher-density project, but we could not accomplish the goals for IDEA1 in a Type 1 high-rise configuration. It's rare for a developer to seek lower density but after reviewing and discussing the underlying vision for IDEA1 and our goal for this development within the context of the greater IDEA District, the City joined with us in embracing this as the right plan. Now that it's finished, we hear from people throughout the community that it is the most interesting and special project in Downtown San Diego.

GlobeSt.com: What else should our readers know about this project?

McNerney: IDEA1 features an array of uncommon elements. such as the two-story roof top amenity deck and the East Coast-style water tower hot tub, but you really have to walk it to discover all of its attributes. Along with the Hub, the ground floor includes Seer Interactive, a digital marketing company; Lola 55, a fast-casual gourmet taco restaurant; and Young Hickory, a cool, hip coffee and beer joint. We have public art throughout the project, and our leasing office doubles as an art gallery.

SAN DIEGO—IDEA1 caters to entrepreneurs and collaborators by giving them comfortable and inviting residences as well as inspiring social spaces in which to collaborate, Lowe's EVP Mike McNerney tells GlobeSt.com. As we recently reported, the developer recently completed this much-anticipated mixed-use project in Downtown's East Village, an area that's undergoing an extensive revitalization.

We spoke with McNerney about how the finished project matched the developer's expectations for it and what it adds to the Downtown submarket.