Leasing Fall 2008 Fill Out an Interest Form.
Introduction:
The Olde Cracker Factory is a heritage building that was built in 1913 and located on historic Market Street in downtown San Diego, California. The project is located in the Marina Housing District and is centrally located to all of downtown San Diego’s fine amenities. Horton Plaza, Seaport Village, Balboa Park, Gaslamp Historic District, Petco Park, The Children's Museum, Grand Hyatt and San Diego’s waterfront are just blocks away. The Olde Cracker Factory is being refurbished into 11 live/work lofts, which include four rooftop penthouse units, as well as office and ground floor retail space. The project is scheduled to break ground in 2007 and is to be completed by fall of 2008. It is located at 448 West Market between Columbia and State Streets. Attached to this website are conceptual drawings of the project. Once completed, the upscale development will offer contemporary conveniences and security while preserving the historic feel and ambiance of early downtown San Diego. Check it out for yourself or contact Nick Frost for a private tour.
Downtown San Diego History:
The origins of today’s downtown San Diego began in 1867 with the arrival of Alonzo Horton. After Horton viewed Old Town he made a decision that would result in the formation of San Diego. Horton felt that the harbor area was the only logical site for a city so he purchased 960 acres for $265 at a public auction. This became the locale for New Town, the beginnings of modern San Diego. The promise of a railroad prompted a land boom, resulting in a huge increase in real estate prices and an outpouring of new arrivals ready to make their fortunes in sunny San Diego. Horton developed plans for Balboa Park and ground was broken for the Horton House Hotel. Other hotels were built such as the fabulous Hotel Del Coronado to accommodate visitors and new arrivals to the area. In 1908, the US Grant Hotel (built by U.S. Grant, Jr.), was built on the same site to replace the Horton House hotel. With the arrival of the US Navy, the 1915 Panama-California Exposition, and Charles Lindbergh’s successful transatlantic flight, San Diego became a household name. After several boom and bust cycles, the City of San Diego became the second largest city in the State of California. Recently, a downtown renaissance has ensued with the additions of Seaport Village, our bay front convention center, The Grand Hyatt, and Petco Park (home of the Padres). Future redevelopments in the area such as the Old Police Headquarters and four super blocks at the Navy Broadway complex will further this exciting trend.
Building History:
The Olde Cracker Factory has a colorful past. The building is both architecturally and historically significant. Originally, the building was home to Bishop and Company Cracker and Candy Factory from 1913-1931, and then Nabisco Biscuit Company until 1941. In 1930, the Bishop Cracker and Candy Factory employed 100 men and women who produced cookies, crackers and peanut butter. Over ten tons of products were produced here annually. Owners of the buildings include Frederick & Ellen Browning Scripps from 1913-1943. The members of the Scripps family were noted San Diego investors and benefactors. They were partners in the Scripps-Howard newspaper chain founded by the family in the 1800’s. Ellen Browning Scripps was noted for her extensive philanthropy in San Diego which included numerous contributions to the San Diego Museum of Art, San Diego Museum of Man, the founding of Scripps Memorial Hospital and Scripps Research Institute, Scripps Institute of Oceanography, San Diego State University and the Bishop's School. The property was then purchased by the Benbough family, another prominent family, in 1943. Percy Benbough was San Diego's mayor from 1935-1943. The property was purchased from the Benbough’s by the Swanson family in 1963 and then sold to the Frost family in 1968. The property has housed an antique emporium for the last four decades and has been remodeled only once in its 93 year history. The property has been held continuously by the Frost Family since 1968 and is being redeveloped by their family partnership.
Contact CF Lofts
The Olde Cracker Factory
448 West Market
San Diego, CA 92101
Email Address: info@oldecrackerfactory.com
Click Here to fill out an interest form.
Proposed Southwest Corner of development
@ Market/Columbia:
Proposed Southeast Corner of development:
Ground Floor Retail:
The Olde Cracker Factory ground floor retail spaces (6,239 square feet net rentable) can provide commercial amenities to the surrounding neighborhood which aren't currently close by. With downtown residential population exploding in the last few years, retail services for the Marina District area residences have not kept up with demand. Many local residents have to drive to hair salons, dry cleaning and other services that are not offered close by. The retail businesses here will deliver these many needed amenities.
Office Lofts/Office Space:
The loft offices (7,375 square feet net rentable) are exactly that. Why be cooped up in some office high rise when you can have a second floor loft office with windows that actually open? High ceilings and hardwood floors are typical in these offices. Limited basement parking is available.
Residential (Live-Work Lofts/Penthouse):
The residential lofts on the third floor (average 1,025 square feet each /7,178 total) will feature custom kitchens, granite countertops, maple hardwood flooring (original), basement parking, secure entry, energy efficient utilities, and open beam and brick construction. The penthouse units additionally will feature rooftop decks and planters atop the building.
Looking North at Pantoja Park - San Diego's oldest park created in 1850 and named after the explorer who first chartered San Diego Bay:
Looking Southwest at the Manchester Grand Hyatt, Seaport Village and beautiful San Diego Bay:
