Reimagined Facade and Modern Interiors Planned for Downtown Landmark

Emmes Realty Services announced today plans for the transformation of Columbia Center, one of San Diego’s landmark high-rise office buildings, into a contemporary destination for the multi-tenant leasing market. A multi-million dollar interior and exterior styling is underway at the iconic building which has been renamed 1 Columbia Place.
 
“Our vision for the reimagination of 1 Columbia Place is bringing life to work," said Scott Grady, Vice President of Emmes Realty Services of California, LLC, an affiliate of the EMMES Group of Companies. “The property is ideally located in proximity to public transportation, San Diego’s courthouses and a fantastic variety of dining options. In addition, it is one of the only high-rise buildings downtown offering largely unobstructed views on all sides."
 
"The building’s systems have all been recently renovated including modernized elevators and the addition of a Building Optical Network that delivers fiber optic cable throughout the building. We plan to build on the existing infrastructure with a top-to-bottom exciting restyling including a new and prominent exterior entrance on Columbia Street and a renovation of the lobby. We will also deliver more lifestyle-oriented retail and amenities to meet the demands of today’s workforce,” continued Grady.
 
Refurbishing of the lobby, common areas and outdoor terraces is expected to be complete by summer 2014. Designed by LPA, Inc., the restyling will include an updated facade on Columbia Street to establish a stronger and more recognizable entrance at street level and create a welcoming arrival; a sleek and modern lobby with new furnishings and color palette as well as digital displays; new signage throughout the building; enhanced lighting to help guide tenants and visitors throughout the building; and redesigned and refurnished exterior terraces to provide a comfortable atmosphere for impromptu gatherings and  events. Work is also in progress to thematically upgrade common area corridor and restroom finishes on multiple floors. Finally, plans are underway for a new upmarket eatery, gourmet coffee shop and a fitness center.
 
“We think downtown San Diego’s Core-Columbia district has incredible potential to be the premier locale for desirable tenants including law and technology firms,” said Grady. “We see our investment in 1 Columbia Place as an investment in the resurgence of the west side of downtown and an opportunity to create a more inspiring place to do business just steps from San Diego Bay.”
 
1 Columbia Place is an iconic skyline landmark easily recognizable by its distinctive glass façade, stair-step design and a prominent American flag residing on its rooftop—the largest in downtown San Diego. 


The 27-story, Class A structure spans one city block and is strategically located in the Core-Columbia district on the re-emerging western edge of downtown. It is within walking distance of the vibrant Little Italy neighborhood and the picturesque Embarcadero. The building is in close proximity to state and federal courthouses, the main downtown Trolley Station and the Santa Fe Plaza. The building also offers a dramatic seven-story atrium lobby, common and private exterior balconies, and spectacular views of San Diego Bay, Coronado Island, Balboa Park and all of downtown San Diego.
 
Boasting superior technology and an advanced Building Optical Network, 1 Columbia Place is environmentally friendly. The building has received Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold certification by the U.S. Green Building Council, an Energy Star Rating of 96 and the BOMA 360 designation, demonstrating operation at the highest standards of excellence.
 
For more information, visit www.1columbiaplace.com.
 
Founded in 1992, New York based EMMES has affiliates engaged in asset management, investment advisory and property services businesses. The firm’s affiliated entities oversee a portfolio including office, retail, industrial and multi-family holdings in 19 states and manage over $1.5 billion of investments.  For more information about EMMES, visit www.emmesco.com.