Fat City Lofts Return as Two Hotels

San Diego – Earlier this year, the Fat City Lofts residential apartment project was rejected by the Centre City Development Corporation (CCDC) Board and President Kim Kilkenny after strong opposition from neighbor Solar Turbines, a nearby industrial use, out of concern that a residential project could invoke regulatory scrutiny and lawsuits.  Representatives from Solar Turbines implored, in public agency meetings, that nearly any other use but residential would be acceptable – even a hotel use.  The project development team was poised to appeal the denial to the City’s Planning Commission. Instead, the development team took Solar Turbines’ request to heart, and after a period of redesign, have come back with a “dual branded hotel” project, i.e. two hotels are proposed to occupy the complex. However, the staff report did not name the hoteliers.

The 6 story, 236,000 square foot project is being developed by GLJ Partners and Jonathan Segal.  Gene Fong Associates is the architect and Frank Fat L.P. is the property owner.  Click here for the full May 11, 2012 staff report. See below the Project Team & Description excerpted from the report for basic facts (click image for full size).  The site is the block bounded by Pacific Highway, Ivy St., Hawthorn St., and California St.

On May 16, 2012, the project came before the CCDC Real Estate Committee, which unanimously approved it.  Next stops are Centre City Advisory Committee (CCAC) on May 23rd and CCDC full board on May 30th.  Project completion is projected for 2013.

All Images from CCDC Staff Report, May 11, 2012 and republished under Fair Use Doctrine – comment or review.