Santa Monica-based Watt Commercial Properties, a developer with a commercial portfolio exceeding eight million sf, is working with the Los Angeles office of RTKL, an international architectural firm, on the development, which is set to break ground next spring. The first rental units on the project, bordered by State, Beech, Columbia and Ash streets, are expected to be available for occupancy in summer 2002.

"There is pent-up demand in San Diego for luxury residential rental developments of this nature," says Jonathan Genton, VP of development for Watt Commercial Properties. "The redevelopment of this parcel will provide the community with market-rate units that offer views of San Diego Bay, individual security systems and the latest in technology for home-office connections and Internet access--all within an urban environment."

Daun St. Amand, VP with RTKL, adds that the community is designed to respond to the demand for a more urban lifestyle, while also providing the spark for further revitalization in the Little Italy area. "The project will complement efforts to create a greater mix of uses within the city's urban context," St. Amand says.