Progress at OB’s Entryway. (All photos by Frank Gormlile)
Every now and then, we set out with camera in hand and attempt to record and track the various construction projects in and around OB. And there’s a lot of them, from CVS Pharmacy coming on line to the OB Entryway Project to the latest mansion starting to be built along West Pt Loma Blvd.
So here they are in all their glory.
CVS Phamacy to Keep Mural
Spoke to Mike Smith of Hearne Corp., supe at the CVS Pharmacy site.Smith explained that he and his crews have to be ready to turn the building over to CVS by November 17th – this year.
He said that the plan now is for the pharmacy to open before Christmas. He particularly praised the concrete planter boxes built outside.
Smith also said, “I don’t know who complained the most, but we’re keeping the mural on the side of the building. We’re even keeping the old Apple Tree sign above it.”
This is good news to some who were concerned that another OB mural would become history with the new renovations.
Here is a detail of the mural:
Voltaire and Sunset Cliffs
This will be the site of World Oil’s Sunset Plaza. Right now, there’s a lot of dirt. The large hole has been filled in – and not much activity displayed the day I was there.
This project is a ways off, so not much progress.
West Point Loma Avenue
The fourth large house to be granted variances in order to circumvent the OB Community Plan’s restrictions has started its ground level work.
Abbott and Saratoga Condos
OB’s largest project, the condos being built in the 3-level structure along Abbott Street at Saratoga, has seen quite a bit of progress of late, despite rumors to the contrary.
This of course is OB’s most visible development.
Santa Monica Condos
Kitty-corner from the OB Rec Center is a project that includes 4 two-story condos – where the first two were completed awhile ago. The next two units are being prepped. A hundred old historic building was torn down to make way for this project. It’s more progress … that if it continues … will remove all of OB’s history.
The OB Entryway Project
This project is supposed to be ready by mid-November. And the on-site manager told me they’re working hard to make that deadline.
Catalina and Voltaire
Finally, we have the huge project at the intersection of Catalina and Voltaire. Yes, technically, it’s outside of OB, but OBceans will be and already are affected by the development.
Traffic at that intersection is the worst I’ve ever seen it. And there will be more.
The managers of the site acknowledged that the project will be finalized soon, and they’ll soon announce what business will take over the one commercial space in the project.
{ 22 comments… read them below or add one }
Awesome Update Frank!
Damn shame about tat latest mansion.
Love the photo update but I would like to see your camera go into the Peninsula area as well. We seem to get overlooked and there is a LOT going on over here.
Korla – we’re on it. See our current post about the Peninsula planners. Send us a list of projects and locations, why don’t ya.
Thanks for the update. Have you heard anything new about OB Brewery that’s being built on Newport?
Yup, sure have – and our reporter Matt Wood will be covering it.
Thanks for the excellent coverage!
Any idea what is going up next to jungle java on Newport?
Sure do – it’s Newport Pizza’s Italian restaurant – with beer tasting downstairs, and 2 floors of dining – including the rooftop with ocean views.
That building is a shameful blight on the whole block. There is another mess up the street where Cow Records used to be. There should be a regulation regarding upkeep of buildings regardless during vacancies and when under construction.
Respect OB?
It’s under construction, how can you expect it to look pretty?
Yeah, buildings under construction aren’t going to look nice. However, that place has been in the state of construction for around half a decade. Enough is enough.
Three businesses are in a state of “hold” for some reason:
The expansion of the Barbecue House
The Pizza Port Construction
The Greek place where the check cashing place was
I surmize some of it it is the city holding up the process but it always seems to take a long time build out restaurants etc for some reason. Can anyone give a better explanation?
I believe it’s a new location for new location for Newport ale house not Pizza Port. Frank had some pictures of the interior construction and a little more detail on a similar post a few months back.
Part of the reason for the delay in construction projects probably has to do with the fact the building code for California had it’s triennial update this year and many designers and regulatory agencies are still learning the new code. There were substantial changes to the energy efficiency standards across the board.
The difference here being they’ve clearly been working on it the past 6 months as opposed to the previous years where it just sat there.
I don’t expect “pretty”, but property owners should have a community responsibility to maintain the facade of their buildings in an acceptable manner.
The condition of the course of the construction is a reflection on the workmanship and professionalism of the contractor. If it looks like crap then the owner/property manager should jump to it and make them clean it up.
It’s just the right thing to do to respect the community and make the work area as safe as possible.
Thank you so much for keeping me informed. I really appreciate your information and photos., however sad they are. Quirky charm is being replaced with ugly.
I so agree. Just a bunch of sterile looking boxes. I can almost smell the noxious, new, chemical-y odors, wafting through the computer screen.
Anyone know any updates about our supposed grocery going in on Newport at the old BofA/surf and skate. Still seems like it was all talk
In case this is helpful…..previously posted October 23, 2014 at 8:18 am
Doubtful the Hirmez’s will open a grocery store in OB…..they just sold out to Target in North Park (see link below). Looks like they are not staying in the grocery business, they own theh property and now leasing to Target. They probably never had intentions to keep Apple Tree afloat at its old location in OB.
http://fox5sandiego.com/2014/10/22/south-park-residents-oppose-plans-for-target-express/
I figured that would happen. I wonder who they can sell that building to?
Do you know if there are any more large houses scheduled to be built on West Point Loma Blvd. where you have the one currently being started (above)? There are 3 now and this is the 4th. Are there anymore coming?
Thanks! (I live across the street from those monstrosities.)