Open House San Diego, the popular free-to-the-public architecture & urban design event, launches Saturday, October 17, 2015. “San Diego proudly becomes only the third city in the United States to be designated as an official Open House Worldwide City,” said Susanne Friestedt, Founder, Open House San Diego. 

The San Diego Architectural Foundation (SDAF), in collaboration with the Downtown San Diego Partnership, is pleased to announce the launch of the very first Open House San Diego architecture and urban design event on Saturday, October 17, 2015 at forty locations in Downtown San Diego and Barrio Logan.

“With the debut of Open House San Diego (OHSD), San Diegans will have a brand new, and free, opportunity to learn and interact with our city through rare, behind-the-scenes access to a large number of outstanding buildings and sites,” said Maxine Ward, Chair, OHSD 2015, and immediate past-president, SDAF.

“By joining with New York and Chicago, San Diego proudly becomes only the third city in the United States to be designated an official Open House Worldwide City,” said Susanne Friestedt, Founder, Open House San Diego.

“All San Diegans are invited to attend, including families, and students who will become our future architects and urban designers,” said Ms. Friestedt. 

Most buildings and sites will be open from 10 am until 4 pm, and will provide open access.  Some will offer scheduled talks and guided tours on a first-come, first-served basis.  Others will require reservations.

The full list of OHSD 2015 sites, as well as an advance reservations link, will be available starting September 21 at SDAF’s website: www.sdarchitecture.org/program/openhouse.

Please see event details here.

Please see Open House here.

“Each OHSD building and site was carefully selected because it contributes in a unique way to the fabric of Downtown San Diego and Barrio Logan, the focus areas for our first OHSD.  Each site has special significance:  architectural design, historic or cultural value, innovative use of materials, repurposing of space, environmental sustainability, energy efficiency, or unique use of public areas,” said Ms. Ward.  “This year, such spaces as:  architecture and design studios, museums, schools, hotels, and high-rises will be featured.”

Participating sites include:

-Bread & Salt, the former Weber Bread Factory which is being re-purposed as a community arts center in Barrio Logan. Visit the galleries and design offices it houses, plus see some of the original equipment.

-Fashion Institute of Design & Marketing, a creative learning environment from international architect Clive Wilkinson, with a modern aesthetic, vibrant atmosphere and an amazing view into Petco Park.

-Visit the largest unreinforced masonry building ever to have been moved. Formerly the Showley Brothers Candy Factory dating from 1924, this building now houses the newly renovated corporate office of Bumble Bee Seafoods.

-SMARTS Farm transformed a vacant East Village lot into a thriving community garden and center for learning.  They use “green” gardening to teach students how to farm in an urban setting, and encourage conservation of natural resources.

“The Open House program is an economic engine.  Depending on the city, during the event, attendees conservatively invest $5 to $32 per person in local businesses and restaurants,” said Ms. Friestedt.  “ ‘Cultural tourism’ attendees from out-of-town spend even more on hotels and entertainment.”

“In the future, SDAF plans to expand Open House San Diego to other vibrant neighborhoods in our region.  And, plans are already in the works to include children’s educational activities, a photography competition, panel discussions by experts in architecture and urban design, and much more,” concluded Ms. Ward. 

Hashtag: #OHSanDiego

Day-of-Event 

Maps:  Maps will be available at all participating sites.

They will also be available at many public libraries, and for download at our website.

Hours:  Most buildings will be open from 10am-4pm

Some will have limited opening hours. Check the website for details.

Access:  Most buildings will provide open access. Some will have regularly scheduled guided tours available - first come, first served, no reservations required.

Reservations:  The following sites will only allow access by reserved guided tours.

Advance reservations will be required and will be accepted starting September 21 at our website:

-Basile Studio

-Lane Field North Hotel (Hard Hat Tour)

-Embarcadero Improvements (Designer Led Tour)

-Faultline Park (Designer Led Tour)

-1 Columbia Place

-707 Broadway

-Connections Housing

-Parq Restaurant and Nightclub

Parking:  Discounted parking will be available on October 17 at Ace Parking lot at ‘A’ Street and

3rd Ave. Park all day for $5.  No code required.

Fun for attendees:  Visit the OHSD ‘Social Hub’ at Quartyard, 1102 Market Street. Happy hour discounts will be available for OHSD participants from 4pm-6pm.

Get to know us:  Visit the OHSD ‘Welcome Center’ at Co-Merge Workplace, 330 A Street. Drop in and say ‘Hello’.  We’ll help set you up for a successful OHSD day!

Volunteer & sponsorship opportunities:  Inquire at the website and the OHSD ‘Welcome Center’.

> via Studio E Architects, sdarchitecture.org