SAN DIEGO—Development/investment firm Zephyr has named Joseph Wong, of Joseph Wong Design Associates the lead architect for The Block, a 720,000 square foot mixed use tower.

The building will spring from a 60,000-square-foot site on Broadway between 7^th and 8th Avenues. Wong will overseeing the design of The Block, a mixed-use residential development including a 41-floor and 21-floor tower.  Zoning of the site allows for development up to 720,000 square feet.

“This project will add vitality to the city core, enhancing the downtown community and serving as an iconic place in the heart of San Diego” said Wong, who has been at the forefront of global architectural and interior design for nearly 40 years. “Based on the impact it will have on downtown, this is a milestone project for us.”

Founded in San Diego in 1977, Joseph Wong Design Associates has planned and designed major buildings throughout California and in most major cities in Asia. Some of its notable projects in San Diego include Hilton San Diego Bayfront Hotel, Hotel Indigo, San Diego Convention Center Sails Pavilion Enclosure and the San Diego North Embarcadero Visionary Plan.

“Joseph's work is distinctive and elegant,” said Brad Termini, co-CEO of Zephyr. “For a project of this scale, we wanted someone who had both the vision and skillset to create a San Diego landmark.”

The Block aims to attract new residents to downtown and expand the walkability experience for Gaslamp District visitors, also giving them additional retail, dining and shopping options.

Zephyr acquired the community last June in an off-market deal. It will be the city's first high-rise, mixed-use project since the recession. Termini estimates the cost to complete the project will exceed $250 million, making it one of the largest currently planned for the downtown core.

Founded in 2008, Zephyr is a San Diego-based real estate development and investment company committed to building high-quality attached and detached homes, condominiums and luxury apartments.