A Striking Mixed-Use Building Near San Diego’s Historic Balboa Park Seeks $6.5M
One of San Diego’s urban treasures is undoubtedly its verdant Balboa Park area, which, as a result of the great Panama–California California Pacific International expositions, remains home to many architectural and cultural landmarks, including the San Diego Zoo.
Built in 2017, Modern on Fifth was designed by San Diego–based firm Safdie Rabines Architects.
Just a stroll away from there, in the Bankers Hill quarter, a sleek, contemporary home built in 2017 by local firm Safdie Rabines Architects provides a nice contrast to its turn-of-the-century neighbors. The three-story, 7,000-square-foot home includes a ground-floor retail space with a street entrance and shared garage. High ceilings and quality finishes throughout culminate in a two-bedroom, two-bathroom penthouse on the third floor.
The penthouse features an open plan and kitchen defined by a massive 20-foot island with waterfall edges.
Mexican cement tiles adorn the bathrooms, including this upbeat black-and-white scheme in the penthouse.
"This property is something special," says listing agent Tommy Crudo of La Jolla-based Willis Allen Real Estate, who describes it as an "urban retreat in a vibrant neighborhood." Inside the home, however, the setting is decidedly private and peaceful. "I personally feel a calming effect from the beautiful interior architecture and large open spaces," Crudo says.
This custom freestanding tub in the penthouse bathroom offers city views and is large enough for two.
Sliding doors in the penthouse open onto the 5th Avenue balcony, which features a fire pit and outdoor grill.
The project was built with no detail overlooked. Convenient to San Diego's nearby beaches, where drinks and sunset overlooking all of the city are just a few minutes away, it serves as an oasis of seclusion.
One of the penthouse bedrooms (shown) enjoys balcony access.
Flexible in use, the units can be individually rented or taken over entirely by one party. Above the ground level, which is currently leased to a personal trainer, is an office space and chef's kitchen that faces 5th Avenue, and could easily be converted into a two-bedroom, one-bathroom condo.
The ground-level retail space is fully equipped to house a food-service business and features noise-reducing acoustics.
The expansive garage includes eight parking spots, a charging station for electric cars, and an oversized climate-controlled room perfect for wine storage.
The two-bedroom, two-bathroom unit in the rear of the second floor features floor-to-ceiling Fleetwood windows that open onto a private balcony, planter boxes full of shade-offering ficus trees, and a built-in bar with a wine refrigerator.
A walk-in pantry, built-in shelves, and Bosch and Wolf appliances are all showcased in the kitchen of one of the units.
10-foot ceilings make the primary living areas feel airy and bright.
But, it’s the dual-balcony, 2,800-square-foot penthouse that really steals the show. Outfitted with towering, built-in walnut cabinets, a colossal walk-in closet, and skylights that drench the space in natural light, it crowns the stylish home.
On the second level, the chef's kitchen features an induction cooktop and custom Neolith countertops that resemble concrete.
Italian porcelain tile flooring with a wood grain pattern flows underfoot throughout the building.
Custom steel gates and a state-of-the-art security system offer ultimate peace of mind. Crudo says the property is "perfect for someone who prioritizes privacy. It provides the aesthetic of a larger, luxury building, but there are only a few units inside."
Modern on Fifth is currently listed for $6,495,000 through Crudo Real Estate.
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