LIFESCAPES INTERNATIONAL NAMED AS LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT FOR THE BLOCK, A $250 MILLION, 720,000 SF MIXED-USE DEVELOPMENT IN SAN DIEGO
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“The Block is unlike any other residential development in the Southern California region,” says Julie Brinkerhoff, President of Lifescapes International. “This project goes above and beyond amenity space, incorporating large open and community environments that will drive the owner’s target renter – the Millennial executive.”
The Block is situated on a 60,000 square-foot site, and is planned to feature both a 41-floor and a 21-floor tower. Lifescapes International will design an expansive amenity deck, resort style pool, and transitional gardens, as well as the ground floor streetscape for the project.
“A project of this magnitude calls for truly out-of-the-box thinking that will result in the ultimate resident experience, which is something our firm has proven experience in creating,” says Brinkerhoff.
Zephyr Partners Chief Operating Officer Chris Beucler says, “We are excited to have such an iconic firm design the outdoor spaces for our property. When choosing a landscape architecture firm we knew we needed a world-class company, so Lifescapes was a natural choice for us.”
Lifescapes’ track record includes the landscape design for more than 12 of the most notable resorts on the Las Vegas strip, as well as a host of prominent national and international retail, hospitality, mixed-use, and multifamily projects.
“We understand the Millennial mindset, and we know how to deliver an environment that blends urbanism with beauty,” Brinkerhoff notes. “Millennials want to be able to both work and play in the same location. By integrating strategic and thoughtful landscape design, we will be able to seamlessly deliver an environment that offers a vibrant Millennial lifestyle for residents.”
To deliver this lifestyle, Lifescapes plans to incorporate a large pool area, including a Jacuzzi spa and cabanas, as well as outdoor common areas and lounge spaces, according to Diego Alessi, Senior Principal at Lifescapes International and lead architect for the project.
“The inspiration behind our design is to incorporate the modern, sleek, clean lines of the building’s architecture with warm, lush materials,” notes Alessi. “Our designs will also help to bring cohesion to the project’s live, work, play environment by creating transitions between the more fun ‘active zones’ and the more relaxing ‘social/work zones’ that will exist in the project for residents.”
The Block’s “active zone” is planned to incorporate a large multi-functional lawn, which can be used for events and serves as a large gathering space for residents. Nearby, Lifescapes will create transitional gardens, including semi-private patios that will be set up to provide mini work stations where residents can access Wi-Fi and other amenities.
“To bring the lawn and gardens to life, we will incorporate a combination of lush plant materials, as well as a series of drought resistant plants to accommodate the dry California climate,” explains Alessi. “The transitional gardens will also incorporate a series of edible plants, including citrus trees and perennial herbs. These foods and herbs will be available to residents, and can provide a unique opportunity for local restauranteurs and chefs to host pop-up events at the project and use these fresh ingredients.”
Lifescapes International will also design the landscape for the property’s pavilion, which will feature additional resident amenities including BBQs, bar counters, a shade structure, and doggie relief area.
The Block is located on Broadway between 7th and 8th Avenue in downtown San Diego. The project will be developed by development/investment firm Zephyr Partners, with landscape design by Lifescapes International and architecture by Joseph Wong Design Associates.
Lifescapes International is an internationally recognized landscape architectural firm that has become an influential force in the industry through its design of innovative, creative, and trendsetting landscape environments. For nearly 60 years, the company has remained true to its mantra: “We Create Gardens People Love.” SM
Lifescapes International has spearheaded many iconic landscapes that have been recognized as trendsetters in the industry, including mixed use, resorts and hotels, casinos, residential communities and retail/lifestyle centers. Notable projects include Fillmore Center in San Francisco, The Marke apartment community in Santa Ana, Trumark Urban’s 1050 downtown Los Angeles project, Wynn Las Vegas; Red Rock Resort & Spa; Americana at Brand in Glendale, Fontainebleau Miami Beach; the West Zhujiajian mixed use residential/resort project in China, the Four Seasons Macau; among many others. Additional information is available at www.lifescapesintl.com.
Contact:
Lexi Astfalk or Jenn Quader
Brower, Miller & Cole
(949) 955-7940
Lastfalk (at) browermillercole (dot) com
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