San Diego’s Waterfront Is Taking Shape

San Diego’s waterfront is taking shape. Bosa Development has opened Pacific Gate by Bosa, the first super prime residential tower on the San Diego waterfront—which has been undergoing a revitalization. Pacific Gate is a 41-story high rise with 241 for-sale condo units, which are already 70% sold. Architect Kohn Pedersen Fox and Spanish artist Jaume Plensa and interior designer Hirsch Bedner Associates designed the space. We sat down with Bemi Jauhal, director of sales and marketing at Bosa Development, to talk about the waterfront market and how the new project is quickly becoming an icon.

GlobeSt.com: Why was the San Diego waterfront an ideal location for this high-end luxury project?

Bemi Jauhal: Downtown San Diego, and in particular the waterfront neighborhood, is a new gateway to the city. The amount of development that has occurred and is in the pipeline makes it one of the most dynamic and interesting areas of the city. Projects launched or completed include the Seaport Village Plan, Lane Field’s hotel and park, North Embarcadero Visionary Plan and Waterfront Park. With additional development, including new parks, hotels and retail space, this area will continue to be an even greater destination for an eclectic range of activities, from concerts to art to yoga on the decks of the Midway

Pacific Gate, the first Super Prime residences in downtown San Diego, is located at Broadway and Pacific Highway, where the historic waterfront meets a vibrant downtown. The building is an architectural and design landmark that brings a level of ultra-luxury living not found anywhere else downtown. It is also an integral part of the community, providing art, dining and other services on the ground level public area.

The newest installation of Downtown San Diego’s public art is a 25-foot tall sculpture by Spanish artist Jaume Plensa, titled “Pacific Soul,” located at Pacific Gate’s public plaza. On any given day, residents, visitors and those who work in the area are seen walking into and around the sculpture and taking photos and selfies with Pacific Soul in the background. The retail space of Pacific Gate will be anchored by Puffer Malarkey Restaurants’ newest restaurant called Animae, a contemporary Asian American restaurant that blends cuisines from Japan to Southeast Asia, with the cosmopolitan design and architecture of Hong Kong to create San Diego’s most progressive dining experience.

GlobeSt.com: What is demand like for luxury condos in San Diego?

Jauhal: We are seeing interest in our Super Prime residences, primarily because there is nothing like Pacific Gate in the downtown San Diego area, and to replicate it today would be prohibitive from timing and cost. Not only is Bosa’s reputation for quality, attention to detail and craftsmanship on full display at Pacific Gate, but our ability to redefine luxury waterfront living in the Western US and Canada has come to life in downtown San Diego.

GlobeSt.com: How does this project fit into the San Diego waterfront, which has seen a lot of new development recently?

Jauhal: Pacific Gate’s residences are one-of-kind, similar to other retail, entertainment and cultural developments at the waterfront. Our owners enjoy the walkability of the neighborhood, whether it’s to summer concerts, restaurants or a museum, as well as taking daily strolls along the waterfront. The curated amenities at Pacific Gate enhance the convenience of luxury waterfront living, including exclusive access to Pacific Dream—a 45-foot Cruisers Yacht, which our residents and their guests have also been enjoying.

The property is already 70% sold. Has the sales activity exceeded your expectations?

Jauhal: We’re really proud to have reached this big milestone of being more than 70% sold. The response has validated the interest and demand for something special in downtown. Pacific Gate provides this from all aspects including resort-style amenities and services such as access to a private luxury fleet of cars, chef concierge and porter services.

GlobeSt.com: Overall, what is the luxury condo market like in San Diego, and how is it changing/evolving?

Jauhal: As downtown San Diego continues to boom, there will be need for housing at different price levels. For example, UC San Diego’s satellite campus and the East Village’s tech companies and startups create demand for more affordable housing. Areas such as Little Italy, the Gaslamp and waterfront neighborhoods are drawing younger residents and couples, Baby Boomers and empty nesters who are looking to downsize and craving the energy and convenience of urban living. Knowing they can lock-and-go without worrying about their residence is another plus for those looking to simplify their lives. Pacific Gate is the epitome of luxury waterfront living and while we don’t envision another super prime development in the near future we are invested in downtown San Diego and will continue to provide more residential opportunities.