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Archive for the 'Downtown' Category

Living in San Diego’s Gaslamp District – Pro’s & Con’s (Video)

Tags: condos, Downtown, gaslamp district, ken kaplan, real estate, san diego

Live in the Heart of San Diego’s Gaslamp District at Gaslamp City Square

Gaslamp City Square is located in the center of San Diego’s Gaslamp District taking up an entire city block between Fourth and Fifth Avenue and Island and J Street.  It is one of our favorite buildings within the Gaslamp District due to its location, good construction and comparatively low association fees for the amenities included.  Expect to pay between $280 and $380 in association fees at this building.  Association fees typically vary within a building due to unit square footage.  Gaslamp City Square shares two addresses, 445 Island and 450 J Street, and has separate entrances at each.  Secure underground parking is available at the garage entrance along Fourth Avenue.  It is important to note this garage is shared with general public parking.  Units can come with zero to two garage parking spaces.  Strictly on a resale basis, we recommend trying to get a unit that comes with two spaces.  Typically, only the two bedroom units may come with two spaces.

Gaslamp City Square resides above commercial units and shares the block with restaurants such as the Red Pearl Kitchen and The Oceanaire Seafood Room along J Street.  Additionally, this block has retail stores such as Puma, Quicksilver and Skechers along Fifth Avenue.  This seven story building was built by K. Hovnanian Homes with phases completed between 2004 and 2006.  It has 223 units with floor plans that include studios, one-bedrooms and two-bedrooms.  In our opinion, Gaslamp City Square offers the best of both worlds with its unit layout.  Whether you want to be in the middle of the Gaslamp activity with a street facing unit or just close to the activity with a unit facing the interior courtyard and pool, both options are available. Read the rest of this entry »

Tags: 92101, california, condo, Downtown, gaslamp, gaslamp city square, home buyer, kaplan, nobullagent, prudential california realty, san diego

“Quiet Zone” in Downtown San Diego Approved by City Council

Downtown San Diego’s goal of providing a little less noise for its visitors, residents and businesses is now a reality.  In our December 22, 2009 post we discussed the proposed “Quiet Zone.”  However, the desire to create this zone began much earlier…try a decade earlier.  On Tuesday, June 22 the San Diego City Council voted 6 to 2 in favor of the $20.9 million plan to make improvements to 13 rail crossings that run north to south through the districts of Little Italy, Columbia, Marina, Gaslamp and the west edge of East Village.   Specifically, these intersections start at Laurel Street and end at Park Boulevard.  According to an article posted by Craig Gustafson on SignOnSanDiego.com, this “Quiet Zone” is slated to be the largest of its kind in the United States.

In our opinion, this approval will be a wonderful improvement for those who spend time in downtown whether it be to live, work or play.  Those who enjoy being downtown know that there is a constant “buzz” that goes along with the downtown experience. Read the rest of this entry »

Tags: california, city council, Downtown, kaplan, nobullagent, quiet zone, san diego, train