Record lease signed in Downtown San Diego high-rise

SAN DIEGO, CALIF., August 17, 2023 –Holland Partner Group (“Holland”), North America Sekisui House (“NASH”) and Lowe announced today that they have signed San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) to a lease for 87,000 square-feet of office space at West, a $450 million, 37-story mixed-use project located at 1011 Union Street in downtown San Diego that is currently under development. The deal marks the largest new office lease in downtown San Diego in the past seven years and the only speculative building in downtown San Diego to do any office pre-leasing in 20 years.

“With the evolving workplace environment, we believe that we are delivering a distinctive project that caters to the demands of today’s tenants,” said Brent Schertzer, Managing Director for Holland. “The lease with SANDAG affirms that companies want to be located in a vibrant mixed-use environment that caters to their employees by offering a higher standard in amenities, wellness, sustainability and collaboration, while maximizing the efficiency of their usable space.”

JLL’s Tony Russell and Richard Gonor represented Holland, NASH and Lowe, and are leading the office leasing efforts at West. The development can accommodate a wide range of users from 5,000 square feet to 289,000 square feet. There are also future expansion options for a total of up to +/-880,000 square feet of office space on two contiguous blocks. SANDAG was represented by Range Partners.

“Tenants and community were the focus of every design decision made at West. From the lively, amenity-rich environment, to the emphasis on wellness, sustainability, and unique spaces for work and collaboration, West provides the healthy and engaging workplace and premier location that today’s tenants desire,” said Mike McNerney, Executive Vice President of Lowe, which is leading the office development at West. 

As the first multi-mixed-use tower in the city, West will feature 289,000 square feet of office space, 10,000 square feet of retail space and 431 luxury apartments. Completion of West is planned for the end of first quarter 2024.

Designed by Carrier Johnson + CULTURE, with Holland Construction serving as the general contractor, West emphasizes connection and community, transitioning seamlessly from the lobby and retail space to the office floors and amenity floors, and up to the luxury apartments. The bright and inviting, next generation office spaces feature highly efficient 40,000-square foot floor plates, floor-to-ceiling glass and outdoor balconies with expansive city and ocean views. The modern, spacious first floor offers a contemporary lobby with large-scale sculptural art, indoor/outdoor dining along Broadway for tenants to enjoy the enviable San Diego climate; a modern lounge, meeting room and a variety of gathering areas; specialty ground floor restaurants and retail shops to entice both tenants and the local community; direct access to building parking; and tenant community engagement programs by on-site property manager Hospitality at Work. This transit-oriented development is located along the trolley line, adjacent to the Courthouse station and is just four blocks from the Santa Fe Depot train station.

The 9th floor and 37th floor roof decks provide panoramic views of San Diego and the Pacific Ocean, with indoor/outdoor meeting spaces; green roof space with outdoor seating and entertainment areas; private workspaces, conference rooms and flexible spaces provide a variety of options to accommodate today’s hybrid work environment. Other project amenities include a Level 37 pool deck, state-of-the-art indoor/outdoor fitness facilities, a dog run and pet spa. West will be a LEED and WELL Certified project that optimizes health and wellbeing for residents, tenants and visitors.

“As workplace trends continues to evolve, we’ll continue to see a flight to quality when it comes to office space,” said Richard Gonor, JLL Executive Vice President. “Over the next several years we will see mixed-use properties emerge as leaders for the new wave of employees. West will be at the top of the list with its amenity-rich environment that engages with the surrounding community.”

“Tenants are looking for the best projects with the best amenities to welcome their employees back into the office and West provides that,” said Tony Russell, JLL Managing Director. “Furthermore, West will be the only new project in downtown San Diego that will be fully activated when it delivers.”

For more information about the project, visit www.workatwest.com.