At the northwest corner of Balboa Park, the silent and barren Mi Arbolito has stood empty at Sixth & Upas for months, nearly finished but stalled in the financial crisis that has now gripped the rest of the nation. The project, developed by Delaware based 1700 Investors, LLC was originally dubbed “The Hole” after construction was delayed for over a year by neighbors at 666 Upas who filed a lawsuit after excavation for the subterranean parking began. The City approved the project ministerially without an environmental impact report, and it went up pretty fast, but the developer ran out of money, and the high rise became an incomplete eyesore. The controversial Mi Arbolito has stirred community emotions for years, and for months neighbors have been asking what’s next?…but this week the project is finally moving ahead.
Today two trucks showed up at the gated fence — the first activity since the end of May when the developer filed Chapter 11 bankruptcy, and the property was abandoned. After numerous requests, the City tried to work with the developer to restore parking opening up the right of way, but nothing happened.
The building design has been criticized as unattractive, with small windows on three sides. Mi Arbolito even received a 2008 onion award. This project, like many others, belies the City planning staff’s claim that their “urban infill” program will result in a city filled with beautifully designed buildings.
Condos come, the Village goes….
The good news is that funding became available December 17th and owners Martinez & Cutri plan for the project to be completed in the next three months. All 14 units, one per floors, will be for sale with prices ranging from $1,200,000 to $2,800,000. Get in line.
