Luxury Tower 525 Olive is Complete

09.2022

Construction has finished for 525 Olive, a nearly $100 million tower sited in the Bankers Hill neighborhood of San Diego.  JWDA was retained by the unique partnership of Greystar and St. Paul’s Episcopal Cathedral to provide full architectural services on the project, with Jules Wilson Design Studio as Interior Designer.  For more info., please visit the 2022-0931 editorial of the SDBJ.

Sited on a hill, the 20-story tower gives a higher vantage point than its neighbors, offering panoramic views that reach the fringes of Balboa Park, downtown San Diego and the Pacific Ocean.  The architecture of the tower is modest, with its concrete frame wrapped in a floor-to-ceiling aluminum storefront system and slab fascia that is finished in a warm satin bronze.  The southwest portion of the highest occupied floor is reserved for a double-height sky deck, capped with a rounded roof structure that is finished in a silver-grey metal paneling, intended to contrast the warm satin bronze used elsewhere as well as highlight its distinctive curved form.  Large openings carve out portions of this roof structure, serving as atmospheric funnels that allow daylighting to permeate the sky deck from open air above.

The 300,000-SF development is comprised of studio, one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments of which 18 of the 204 provided are designated affordable for low-income residents.  The apartments range in size from 533-SF to 1,625-SF and are designed to condominium standards, outfitted with modern wide wood plank style flooring, private patios, and features such as automatic shades, WiFi-enabled LG thermostats, and keyless entry doors.  Kitchens are equipped with Fisher & Paykel appliances, quartz countertops and stylish herringbone tile backsplashes.  Tower amenities include grand lobby and leasing offices, mail room, fitness room including group studio space, lounge and work spaces, a dog run and pet spa with grooming services, and sky deck equipped with a pool, spa and BBQ area.  Residents will also have access to concierge services, 24-hour package reception, reservable bikes as well as a 15,000-SF community park on-site.  Five levels of subterranean parking accommodate 348 spaces with 70 (of the 348 spaces) dedicated for cathedral attendees.

The interior design harmonizes with the architecture to create a unique identity and branding of the project.  With its selective palette of materials and finishes and refined architectural form, the design of 525 Olive is exclusive yet timeless.  The project is anticipated to achieve LEED certification for its sustainable design and practices.

The JWDA team is led by Joseph O. Wong, FAIA; David Priest, AIA; Chris Fassler, RA; Adrienne Westlund; Sophia Del Mar English, Assoc. NOMA; and Eduardo Franco.

Owner/Developer/GC: Greystar

Architect: JWDA

Civil: PDC

Structural: KorStructural (Formerly known as BMZ)

Electrical: RB Consulting Engineers, Inc.

M/P: McParlane & Associates

Landscape: Urban Arena

Interior Design: Jules Wilson Design Studio