525 OLIVE

525 OLIVE

• 300,000 SF mixed-use multifamily tower in a walkable neighborhood
• 204 units (186 market rate + 18 deed-restricted low-income units)
• 20-story building connected to St. Paul’s Cathedral located on the edge of 1600 acres of parkland and museums
• Rooftop pool deck with stunning 270-degree views of San Diego
• Fitness deck with on-demand group fitness space and outdoor areas on the 5th floor overlooking the treetops of Balboa Park and metropolitan skyline
• Multi-level subterranean parking shared with St. Paul’s Cathedral
• Corner street-level retail/restaurant space

Jules Wilson Design Studio has just completed 525 Olive on Balboa Park in San Diego, CA.  This new multifamily housing tower project is located on an underutilized parcel of land owned by St. Paul’s Cathedral in the walkable Banker’s Hill neighborhood with panoramic jaw dropping views of San Diego Bay, Balboa Park, Point Loma, Mexico, and the Pacific Ocean.  The new ground-up project preserves the historic architecture of St. Paul’s Cathedral, adding modernized and expanded spaces and upgrades to its public courtyard.  The project also addresses the housing needs, supports economic growth, and creates local jobs in the community.

Drawing inspiration from the coastal experience and luxury travel, Jules Wilson Design Studio created a cohesive design for this new housing community centered on refined elegance.  Despite being in the middle of a bustling, walkable neighborhood, residents of 525 Olive enjoy an unexpected level of serenity and quiet.  The 240-units are artfully arranged to create a boutique sense of hospitality unprecedented in such a vertical project.

The 300,000 sf 525 Olive features a striking entry experience, setting a new standard for glamorous living in California, pulling elements from the design out into the street.  A custom designed installation featuring hundreds of seemingly fluttering hand-cut metal mesh butterflies adorn a see-through wall in the main lobby.  Designed in collaboration with local artist Saree Silverman, this initial burst of butterflies is a reference to the surrounding parklands and natural environs.  The unmistakable butterflies make cameo appearances throughout the project, creating moments of movement and airiness throughout the building.

On the fifth floor, a state-of-the-art fitness deck overlooks the treetops of Balboa Park.  At the street level, a large commercial space will offer restaurant or retail to the residents and community.

The rooftop features a glamorous Sky Lounge with dramatic 270-degree top-of-class views of San Diego from Mission Bay to the north to Mexico to the south.  From their perch in the Sky Lounge co-working spaces or custom designed cabanas, residents will be on eye level with approaching planes as they land at San Diego Airport.  18-foot stone arches on the feature wall are a nod to the gothic architecture of St. Paul’s Cathedral’s cloister and are visible for miles approaching the building.

All units feature high-end finishes and a soft, modern gray palette.  Studio, 1-bedroom and 2-bedroom units feature wood look plank flooring with quartz countertops throughout. Kitchens are equipped with top of the line Fisher & Paykel stainless appliances, and high gloss cabinetry with a herringbone marble look backsplash. Bathrooms include ­­Symmons Duro line fixtures and a soft grey modern palette. Electrolux washer and dryers are available in each unit.

Penthouse Units feature 270-degree views, soaring 14’ ceilings, engineered wood flooring, with quartz countertops throughout. Kitchens are equipped with top of the line Fisher & Paykel stainless appliances with frameless white glass cabinetry. Bathrooms include Symmons Duro line fixtures with a soft grey palette and a herringbone accent wall tile.