The Union

The Union in San Diego, California by Jonathan Segal Architect

Text and images are courtesy Jonathan Segal Architect.

During the 70’s San Diego had a flourishing textile business and strong union membership. The Golden Hill area directly adjacent to the San Diego Freeway and Downtown became the home for the textile manufactures union hall. Subsequently the union and textile manufacturing industry moved away and the site fell in disarray.

Rather than demolishing the nondescript 70s slum block building, the architect took a sustainable approach and acting as owner/developer/contractor decided to adaptively reuse the building as fully sustainable edifice with two affordable live/work lofts and his own architectural office.

In addition the property provided two parking lots that are now developed to include 13 individual “for rent” sustainable town homes. Conceptually the homes are designed to harmonize with the neighborhood, have significant individual presence on the street and substantial private outdoor space connected to the interiors by an abundance of glazing.

Each unit generates their own power from roof mounted photovoltaic panels and landscaping with drought tolerant plants. No subsidies or variances were provided for from the city of San Diego.