Construction on a new 40-story mixed-use building in San Diego’s Little Italy neighborhood could begin as soon as November. The Little Italy Association discussed the project proposed for 444 W. Beech St. at its recent meeting. Documenter Isabel Ontiveros listened in.
The project is under city review and, if approved, would include 492 apartments — 26 designated as affordable housing — and about 6,900 square feet of ground-floor retail. Dominic Li Mandri, LIA’s chief executive administrator, said the association hasn’t yet reviewed the project but plan to recommend ways the development can help activate the community.
“All we can say is what is the guest experience or what is the pedestrian experience, and how are you impacting the community?” Li Mandri said. “But we also want you to incorporate public art that reflects the history and culture of our community and then public spaces.”
— Written by Brisa Karow, Documenter and freelance reporter