The Memphis Mixed-Use

The Memphis is a mixed-use project containing 16 residential units, a retail space and structured parking in a developing neighborhood near downtown San Diego. The sloping corner of the site fronts a commercial boulevard on one side and a residential street on the other. The design balances the interface of public, private and vehicular space, placing retail toward the boulevard, parking below the building, residential elevated over retail, and parking and residential entrances off of landscaped courtyards.

The form responds to site edges with a 3-story volume facing the boulevard and a 2-story volume addressing the side street. These forms are connected by a linear metal screen.  The elevated masses attempt to regain density lost to flatter adjacent projects.  The corridor of the main boulevard is reestablished at this particular intersection with the heightened facades. Residential units are organized with living spaces and adjacent balconies addressing the streets. Three-story boulevard units have roof decks which, are adjacent to master suites and oriented toward distant bay views.  By varying the unit sizes, the property manager has the ability to have available several different leasing options if needed. Stucco, Ipe wood, Corten steel and exposed concrete enhance different building elements and modulate scale.