The Continental Apartments: Redefining Urban Living in Little Italy, San Diego

In the vibrant neighborhood of Little Italy, San Diego, a pressing issue arises: the scarcity of affordable apartments for the working class. This housing shortage forces residents to seek accommodation farther from the city center, exacerbating reliance on automobiles. A significant factor driving up housing costs is the provision of parking, which consumes valuable space, inflates construction expenses, and hampers project timelines.

A Innovative Solution: The Continental

To confront this challenge head-on, The Continental emerges as a pioneering solution, showcasing a radical approach to apartment design. At its core, The Continental is a testament to the concept of efficiency, offering compact living spaces of approximately 400 square feet each. Remarkably, the original plan aimed to entirely eliminate on-site parking, prioritizing space optimization and affordability.

A Model of Mixed-Use Development

Nestled within a modest 5,000-square-foot lot, The Continental stands as a beacon of mixed-use development. Comprising 42 apartments, including five designated for very low-income residents, commercial establishments on the ground floor, and a three-bedroom single-family home at the corner, this project epitomizes density-oriented urban living. With an impressive density of nearly 390 dwelling units per acre, The Continental sets a precedent for similar developments in urban transit hubs.

Integrating Community Feedback

While the initial vision sought to forego on-site parking, community input prompted a compromise. As a result, underground parking for 11 automobiles was incorporated into the design. Nevertheless, the project retains its commitment to pedestrian-friendly urbanism and access to public transit.

Architectural Features and Sustainability

Constructed with robust concrete and steel, The Continental boasts floor-to-ceiling glazing and spacious balconies, offering residents a connection to the outdoors. A communal roof deck, serving as a sanctuary amidst the urban landscape, also houses laundry facilities for residents. Notably, the building’s core services are powered by rooftop solar panels, exceeding Title24 requirements by an impressive 16.9%.

In essence, The Continental Apartments epitomizes a paradigm shift in urban living, demonstrating that thoughtful design, density, and sustainability can coexist harmoniously to address pressing housing challenges in vibrant city neighborhoods.