DTSD Needs a Major Office Catalyst

Schiffer: “San Diego is a commuter town traditionally, but I don’t think it has to be.”

SAN DIEGO—A subsidiary of Google or a major biotech company tenant would spawn ancillary business and ultimately create a jobs cluster in Downtown San Diego, Trammell Crow Residential ‘s managing director Alec Schiffer tells GlobeSt.com. As we recently reported , the firm’s Southern California division has started construction on the Alexan Tower , a 313-unit, mixed-use development consisting of a 19-story tower with 209 apartment units, a four-story residential building with 104 units, subterranean parking for 376 vehicles and an indoor-outdoor restaurant in a converted 100-year-old church. The 250,000-square-foot project is scheduled for completion in the third quarter of 2017. We spoke exclusively with Schiffer about his firm’s approach to Downtown San Diego development and what you need to know about this project. GlobeSt.com: How do you approach residential development in the Downtown San Diego market? Schiffer: Although we work throughout Southern California, we treat each market differently, researching the demographics, psychographics, history and community style of each neighborhood, then envisioning a project that best serves the needs of the community. Our approach to the Alexan Tower was to have a very simple exterior, with straight lines and an efficient envelope. This enabled us to provide huge usable balconies for every unit, high ceilings and as much glass as possible to provide lots of light and views. We created an amazing amenity package that’s spread throughout the building on multiple floors, offering many unique areas. It’s all about the residents. This project will cater to a very broad array of age groups and tenant needs/wants.  GlobeSt.com: What do you feel this market needs that doesn’t yet exist there? Schiffer: Downtown San Diego needs a major catalyst in the office market, such as a subsidiary of Google or a major biotech company—a company that would spawn ancillary business and ultimately create a jobs cluster. This would create a major shift change in the office market and spur spec-office development . Many residents of Downtown commute to work. Bringing more jobs to the CBD would also be more sustainable, since people could walk or take the trolley to work. San Diego is a commuter town traditionally, but I don’t think it has to be. GlobeSt.com: With so much activity taking place in this submarket, what is the next step for residential developers in Downtown San Diego? Schiffer: It’s great to see all of the activity: retail deals are getting done, parks are funded and proposed, even some spec office. It’s going to be an exciting place for people to live. We look forward to opening our doors. That’s our next step. GlobeSt.com: What else should our readers know about the Alexan? Schiffer: It’s going to be a great project. Our next step is finding a unique tenant for our restaurant parcel at the corner of 13 ^th  and J. The property had a 100-year-old building that is being renovated as a restaurant space with a 3,500-square-foot outdoor dining space. The restaurant will be a hip gathering space for tenants and neighboring residents.