The developer of the six-block Makers Quarter for artists and entrepreneurs in downtown San Diego officially broke ground Monday for the first new building.
“We need places like Makers Quarter to ensure we have a home for ideas,” said Mayor Kevin Faulconer at the groundbreaking. “Great things are happening in San Diego and people around the country are recognizing it.”
The Broadstone Makers Quarter project at 16th and Broadway will include 265 residential units and nearly 5,000 square feet of retail space along Broadway in the East Village area.
The developer is Alliance Residential Company, a Phoenix-based real estate company specializing in muli-use communities.
“Since day one, the Alliance team have been believers wholeheartedly in the promise of the Makers Quarter,” said Brandon Nichols, development director for Alliance.
Upon completion, the Makers Quarter neighborhood will include one million square feet of office space, approximately 800 residential units, 175,000 square feet of retail shops and restaurants and 60,000 square feet of open public space, parks and public art.
“It is the first groundbreaking of Makers Quarter with many more to come ” said Stacey Pennington, urban planner for the Makers Quarter.
She said the new building is especially notable because it is at the eastern edge of downtown and will serve as a gateway on Broadway.
The neighborhood is already home to two popular outdoor community venues, SILO and SMARTS Farm, as well as the FAB LAB San Diego public workshop, the Urban Discovery Academy and Fuse Integration. Developers envision a creative environment that inspires entrepreneurs and artists.
The long term plan envisions new construction and renovation of six blocks south of the San Diego City College campus.
