Orchid Hanover Little Italy is a unique addition to the existing skyline of San Diego: The 21-story mixed-use residential tower celebrates the vibrant energy of Cortez Hill and Little Italy and ties into these strong residential communities. The tower provides additional ground-floor amenities, including retail, walkable conveniences, and gathering spaces.
The most unique feature of the tower is its “stepped back” profile. These stepped-back eco-terraces allow for maximum sunlighting at the adjacent park and endow the building with a unique character. The open spaces flow upward through the building and seamlessly connect even the highest floors with the natural world below.
The base of the building is clad in a combination of contrasting black and white stone with glass storefront retail spaces. This imbues the ground floors with a minimalist simplicity that is respectful of the other bolder design elements. A horizontal band of architectural fins divides the residential tower from the retail base.
Other architectural motifs include two contrasting facades on the east and west sides of the building, white mullion on the west, and clear glass windows on the east. The central core of the building is accented with charcoal-painted concrete that calls attention to the core of the building, centering the building’s energy and creating a focal point.
The central canopy completes the harmony of the building, unifying the contrasting facades and capping the building’s roof deck.
The tower offers breathtaking views of Balboa Park, Bankers Hill, the bay, and downtown, and is a strong addition to one of San Diego’s oldest and most vibrant communities.