London Daily

Focus on the big picture.
Monday, Sep 15, 2025

A Luxe, Four-Unit Building Hits the Market in the Shadow of San Diego's Historic Balboa Park

A Luxe, Four-Unit Building Hits the Market in the Shadow of San Diego's Historic Balboa Park

Designed by Safdie Rabines Architects and decked out with modern amenities, the current mixed-use structure in the Bankers Hill neighborhood is seeking $6,495,000.

One of San Diego’s most remarkable urban treasures is undoubtedly garden-packed Balboa Park, home to the San Diego Zoo. In 1915-1916, the green space hosted the Panama–California Exposition, followed by the California Pacific International Exposition in 1935-1936. Both events led to the creation of buildings that remain architectural landmarks today.



Recently constructed in 2017, the mixed-use Modern on Fifth is a visually striking building designed by local firm Safdie Rabines Architects.

Just a two-minute walk away from this hub of culture and nature is the ritzy Modern on Fifth compound, a stark, contemporary contrast designed by local firm Safdie Rabines Architects. Completed in 2017, it encompasses some 7,000 square feet, including ground-floor retail space and a garage, and is crowned with a two-bedroom, two-bathroom penthouse on the third floor. There are high ceilings and quality finishes throughout.



In the open-plan penthouse, the kitchen, defined by a massive 20-foot Neolith island with waterfall edges, organically melds with the living/dining area.



Mexican cement tiles adorn the bathrooms, including this upbeat black-and-white scheme in the penthouse.

"This property is something special. I like to describe it as an urban retreat," says listing agent Tommy Crudo of La Jolla-based Willis Allen Real Estate. "Bankers Hill is a vibrant neighborhood, which makes the location so appealing. However, the inside is private and peaceful. I personally feel a calming effect from the beautiful interior architecture and large open spaces."



This custom egg-shaped tub in the penthouse, buoyed by city views, is large enough to accommodate two people.



From the penthouse, Fleetwood sliding doors open onto the 5th Avenue balcony, which features a gas fire pit.

The current owner says that he built the project with "no detail overlooked. We always wanted to live in the heart of San Diego, where the ocean breeze meets Balboa Park. In a few minutes you can be walking one of San Diego’s famous beaches and have a sunset drink overlooking all of the city at Mister A’s." But, he adds, he also craved an "oasis that felt away from it all when we wanted to be just at home. "



One of the penthouse bedrooms, brightened by another balcony in the rear.

The vastness of the building lends itself to different configurations. Units can be individually rented or a multi-generational family can take it over entirely. Above the main level, currently leased to a personal trainer, is a commodious office, complete with chef’s kitchen, that faces 5th Avenue and can easily be converted into a two-bedroom, one-bathroom condo.



The retail space is fully air-conditioned and includes one enclosed bathroom. Equipped with pre-placed drains/grease traps and upgraded electrical that make it sound for a food service business, it is also designed to reduce sound.



The expansive garage includes eight parking spots, a charging station for electric cars, and an oversized climate-controlled room perfect for wine storage.

The two-bedroom, two-bathroom unit in the rear of the second floor features such stylish conveniences as floor-to-ceiling Fleetwood windows that open onto a private balcony, planter boxes full of shade-inducing ficus trees, and a built-in bar with wine fridge.



A walk-in pantry, built-in shelves, and Bosch and Wolf appliances are all showcased in the kitchen on the rear side of the condo.



Ten-foot-high ceilings make the living area feel even more airy.

But, it’s the dual-balcony, 2,800-square-foot penthouse that really steals the show, outfitted with towering built-in walnut cabinets, a colossal walk-in closet, and skylights that drench the space in natural light.



In the office, the chef's kitchen stars an induction cooktop and custom Neolith countertops that resemble concrete.



Sleek Italian porcelain wood-grained tile flooring, like that in the office, is found throughout the building.

Secured with solid steel custom gates and doors and a state-of-the-art security system centered on two-way audio and video capabilities, this property "is perfect for someone who prioritizes privacy," adds Crudo. "It provides the same aesthetic of a modern luxury building, but there are only a few units inside-the retail suite is accessed directly from the street-so the owner is in control of who lives here." Scroll ahead to see more of this versatile building, which is now listed for $6,495,000.

Newsletter

Related Articles

0:00
0:00
Close
London Daily Podcast: London Massive Pro Democracy Rally, Musk Support, UK Economic Data and Premier League Results Mark Eventful Weekend
This Week in AI: Meta’s Superintelligence Push, xAI’s Ten Billion-Dollar Raise, Genesis AI’s Robotics Ambitions, Microsoft Restructuring, Amazon’s Million-Robot Milestone, and Google’s AlphaGenome Update
Le Pen Tightens the Pressure on Macron as France Edges Toward Political Breakdown
Musk calls for new UK government at huge pro-democracy rally in London, but Britons have been brainwashed to obey instead of fighting for their human rights
Elon Musk responds to post calling for the murder of Erika Kirk, widow of Charlie Kirk: 'Either we fight back or they will kill us'
Czech Republic signs €1.34 billion contract for Leopard 2A8 main battle tanks with delivery from 2028
USA: Office Depot Employees Refused to Print Poster in Memory of Charlie Kirk – and Were Fired
Proposed U.S. Bill Would Allow Civil Suits Against Judges Who Release Repeat Violent Offenders
Penske Media Sues Google Over “AI Overviews,” Claiming It Uses Journalism Without Consent and Destroys Traffic
Indian Student Engineers Propose “Project REBIRTH” to Protect Aircraft from Crashes Using AI, Airbags and Smart Materials
French Debt Downgrade Piles Pressure on Macron’s New Prime Minister
US and UK Near Tech, Nuclear and Whisky Deals Ahead of Trump Trip
One in Three Europeans Now Uses TikTok, According to the Chinese Tech Giant
Could AI Nursing Robots Help Healthcare Staffing Shortages?
NATO Deploys ‘Eastern Sentry’ After Russian Drones Violate Polish Airspace
Anesthesiologist Left Operation Mid-Surgery to Have Sex with Nurse
Tens of Thousands of Young Chinese Get Up Every Morning and Go to Work Where They Do Nothing
The New Life of Novak Djokovic
The German Owner of Politico Mathias Döpfner Eyes Further U.S. Media Expansion After Axel Springer Restructuring
Suspect Arrested: Utah Man in Custody for Charlie Kirk’s Fatal Shooting
In a politically motivated trial: Bolsonaro Sentenced to 27 Years for Plotting Coup After 2022 Defeat
German police raid AfD lawmaker’s offices in inquiry over Chinese payments
Turkish authorities seize leading broadcaster amid fraud and tax investigation
Volkswagen launches aggressive strategy to fend off Chinese challenge in Europe’s EV market
ChatGPT CEO signals policy to alert authorities over suicidal youth after teen’s death
The British legal mafia hit back: Banksy mural of judge beating protester is scrubbed from London court
Surpassing Musk: Larry Ellison becomes the richest man in the world
Embarrassment for Starmer: He fired the ambassador photographed on Epstein’s 'pedophile island'
Manhunt after 'skilled sniper' shot Charlie Kirk. Footage: Suspect running on rooftop during panic
Effective Protest Results: Nepal’s Prime Minister Resigns as Youth-Led Unrest Shakes the Nation
Qatari prime minister says Netanyahu ‘killed any hope’ for Israeli hostages
King Charles and Prince Harry Share First In-Person Moment in 19 Months
Starmer Establishes Economic ‘Budget Board’ to Centralise Policy and Rebuild Business Trust
France Erupts in Mass ‘Block Everything’ Protests on New PM’s First Day
Poland Shoots Down Russian Drones in Airspace Violation During Ukraine Attack
Brazilian police say ex-President Bolsonaro had planned to flee to Argentina seeking asylum
Trinidad Leader Applauds U.S. Naval Strike and Advocates Forceful Action Against Traffickers
Kim Jong Un Oversees Final Test of New High-Thrust Solid-Fuel Rocket Engine
Apple Introduces Ultra-Thin iPhone Air, Enhanced 17 Series and New Health-Focused Wearables
Macron Appoints Sébastien Lecornu as Prime Minister Amid Budget Crisis and Political Turmoil
Supreme Court temporarily allows Trump to pause billions in foreign aid
Charlie Sheen says his father, Martin Sheen, turned him in to the police: 'The greatest betrayal possible'
Vatican hosts first Catholic LGBTQ pilgrimage
Apple Unveils iPhone 17 Series, iPhone Air, Apple Watch 11 and More at 'Awe Dropping' Event
Pig Heads Left Outside Multiple Paris Mosques in Outrage-Inducing Acts
Nvidia’s ‘Wow’ Factor Is Fading. The AI chip giant used to beat Wall Street expectations for earnings by a substantial margin. That trajectory is coming down to earth.
France joins Eurozone’s ‘periphery’ as turmoil deepens, say investors
On the Anniversary of Queen Elizabeth’s Death: Prince Harry Returns to Britain
France Faces New Political Crisis, again, as Prime Minister Bayrou Pushed Out
Murdoch Family Finalises $3.3 Billion Succession Pact, Ensuring Eldest Son’s Leadership
×