A local developer has proposed a $400 million development that would add several game-changing uses to Downtown San Diego.

"A nearly $400 million high-rise project that promises to give downtown San Diego its first five-star hotel cleared a major hurdle [in December] when the San Diego City Council agreed to negotiate a deal with the developer," reports Lori Weisberg.
The 160-room hotel would be a Ritz Carlton. The development would also include a gourmet grocery store (Whole Foods), 156,000 square feet of office space, 238 public parking spaces, 115 apartments, and 58 Ritz-branded condos. The centerpiece of the project is a 39-story high rise.
The City Council decision rendered in December allows the city to "initiate negotiations with San Diego-based Cisterra Development on an agreement spelling out the precise scope of the hotel, office and housing project, as well as how much the developer would pay to acquire city-owned land at 7th Avenue and Market Street where the high-rise would be located," according to Weisberg.
FULL STORY: Downtown's Ritz, Whole Foods project clears key hurdle

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

Congressman Proposes Bill to Rename DC Metro “Trump Train”
The Make Autorail Great Again Act would withhold federal funding to the system until the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), rebrands as the Washington Metropolitan Authority for Greater Access (WMAGA).

The Simple Legislative Tool Transforming Vacant Downtowns
In California, Michigan and Georgia, an easy win is bringing dollars — and delight — back to city centers.

The States Losing Rural Delivery Rooms at an Alarming Pace
In some states, as few as 9% of rural hospitals still deliver babies. As a result, rising pre-term births, no adequate pre-term care and "harrowing" close calls are a growing reality.

The Small South Asian Republic Going all in on EVs
Thanks to one simple policy change less than five years ago, 65% of new cars in this Himalayan country are now electric.

DC Backpedals on Bike Lane Protection, Swaps Barriers for Paint
Citing aesthetic concerns, the city is removing the concrete barriers and flexposts that once separated Arizona Avenue cyclists from motor vehicles.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Smith Gee Studio
City of Charlotte
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
US High Speed Rail Association
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)