SAN DIEGO—Lifescapes International has been selected by developer Zephyr Partners as the landscape architect for The Block, a new 720,000 square-foot mixed-use, high-rise residential development in the heart of downtown San Diego.

Lifescapes, of Newport Beach, is the landscape architectural firm behind iconic landscape designs such as the Fillmore in San Francisco, 8500 and The Grove in Los Angeles, and the recently reinvigorated design at the Hilton San Diego Bayfront in downtown San Diego,

“The Block is unlike any other residential development in the Southern California region,” says Julie Brinkerhoff, president of Lifescapes International. “This project goes above and beyond amenity space, incorporating large open and community environments that will drive the owner's target renter—the Millennial executive.”

The Block is situated on a 60,000 square-foot site, and is planned to feature both a 41-floor and a 21-floor tower. Lifescapes International will design an expansive amenity deck, resort style pool, and transitional gardens, as well as the ground floor Streetscape for the project.

“A project of this magnitude calls for truly out-of-the-box thinking that will result in the ultimate resident experience, which is something our firm has proven experience in creating,” says Brinkerhoff.

Zephyr Partners chief operating officer Chris Beucler says, "We are excited to have such an iconic firm design the outdoor spaces for our property. When choosing a landscape architecture firm we knew we needed a world-class company, so Lifescapes was a natural choice for us."

Lifescapes' track record includes the landscape design for more than 12 of the most notable resorts on the Las Vegas strip, as well as a host of prominent national and international retail, hospitality, mixed-use, and multifamily projects.

“We understand the Millennial mindset, and we know how to deliver an environment that blends urbanism with beauty,” Brinkerhoff notes. “Millennials want to be able to both work and play in the same location. By integrating strategic and thoughtful landscape design, we will be able to seamlessly deliver an environment that offers a vibrant Millennial lifestyle for residents.”

To deliver this lifestyle, Lifescapes plans to incorporate a large pool area, including a Jacuzzi spa and cabanas, as well as outdoor common areas and lounge spaces, according to Diego Alessi, senior principal at Lifescapes International and lead architect for the project.

“The inspiration behind our design is to incorporate the modern, sleek, clean lines of the building's architecture with warm, lush materials,” notes Alessi. “Our designs will also help to bring cohesion to the project's live, work, play environment by creating transitions between the more fun 'active zones' and the more relaxing 'social/work zones' that will exist in the project for residents.”

The Block's “active zone” is planned to incorporate a large multi-functional lawn, which can be used for events and serves as a large gathering space for residents. Nearby, Lifescapes will create transitional gardens, including semi-private patios that will be set up to provide mini work stations where residents can access Wi-Fi and other amenities.

“To bring the lawn and gardens to life, we will incorporate a combination of lush plant materials, as well as a series of drought resistant plants to accommodate the dry California climate,” explains Alessi. “The transitional gardens will also incorporate a series of edible plants, including citrus trees and perennial herbs. These foods and herbs will be available to residents, and can provide a unique opportunity for local restauranteurs and chefs to host pop-up events at the project and use these fresh ingredients.”

Lifescapes International will also design the landscape for the property's pavilion, which will feature additional resident amenities including BBQs, bar counters, a shade structure, and doggie relief area.

The Block is located on Broadway between 7th and 8th Avenue in downtown San Diego. The project will be developed by development/investment firm Zephyr Partners, with landscape design by Lifescapes International and architecture by Joseph Wong Design Associates.

Instant Insights /

Landscape Architect Picked for The Block

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