Orchid 
A bold, blushing exterior, gracefully curving walls of windows, intricate tilework and delicate décor—Nakhshab Development & Design’s latest mixed-use property combines elements of retro glam (think French art deco) and tropical modernism (a la the calming pinks and greens of the Beverly Hills Hotel). Replacing an existing run-down one-story strip mall, Soheil Nakhshab introduced an eight-story showstopper to infuse Mission Hills with fresh, vibrant architecture and exciting new hospitality concepts.
The Sasan offers 53 studio floorplans across six floors, plus ground floor and rooftop commercial spaces. Each microunit features floor-to-ceiling windows and a private balcony that offers stunning San Diego views in all directions. Within walking distance (.5 miles or less), the neighborhood offers ample access to public transportation and bike lanes, plus numerous amenities such as markets and grocers, restaurants and bars, health and fitness clubs, a public library, financial institutions, and a popular public park.
By incorporating LEED housing developments in urban cores with numerous options for entertainment, shopping, and transportation, Nakhshab is building to reduce carbon emissions. As a bonus, 52 out of 53 of the units are currently renting for below 120% AMI, making them an affordable and attainable option for many demographics.
One of the ugliest pieces of architecture I’ve seen. Is this South Beach? How did such a monstrosity get approved I would like to know.
You’d think I was an old crank, but I’m a designer with 35 years of experience. And all the neighbors share the same opinion. They’re calling it “Todd Gloria’s Pink Folly”.
Wow… That will not age well. It already looks 50 years old!
Ahahahaha, mann I NEVER want to stoop As Low as you have. Hate typing How much better you are compared to someone else’s work at 1am? You mustttttt be a wh¡te ‘Effeminate’ dude Lolololol
What a low ball thing to say haha. You’d think someone who has so much experience could appreciate the art of it. The people love it and that’s what matters.
Personally I love this building. It’s a beautiful example of Biophilic Design.
I bet in your 35 years as a designer, you’ve never created a true statement piece—that’s why it stings so much, doesn’t it?
This is one of the ugliest buildings I have seen in my entire life. The pink color screams at you from a distance, making it impossible to ignore, but for all the wrong reasons. The garish color doesn’t just clash with its surroundings—it completely dominates them, turning what could have been a charming setting into an eyesore. The design itself is equally uninspired, with mismatched elements that look as though they were cobbled together without any thought to aesthetics. It’s as if someone took a giant eraser to architectural taste and decided pink would make everything better. Spoiler alert: it didn’t.
Not only is this pink nightmare terrible to look at but remember it doesn’t have any parking. So the tenants have to use street parking which impacts the neighborhood.
Pepto Dismal! Complete disregard for the charm and history of the neighborhood. Blatant disregard for existing home owners who would like to park in front of their own home. This is adding a minimum of 40-50 cars with no place to park (except in front of other homes and businesses). $1905 for 250sq ft. This is not a studio – its a parking spot. To give perspective the average 2 car garage is 576 sq ft. But, hey, you will save time in the morning because the toilet, sink and shower are all in the same area, like an airplane bathroom – you know how you can sit on the toilet and wash your hands at the same time. In this one you can also shower and sit on the toilet…
And now let’s add in the restaurant/s with no parking…
https://www.trulia.com/building/sasan-lofts-901-w-washington-st-san-diego-ca-92103-2116270240
https://www.zillow.com/apartments/san-diego-ca/sasan-lofts/9V722Z/ – showing 463 sq ft renting for $3,350—AFFORDABLE????
There are so many buildings better than this very ugly and out of place structure. Bragging that it’s a “bonus” that the rent is below 120% of AMI is a very dishonest. The actual price per square foot is higher than almost any other new building because these units are incredibly tiny. There is no parking for the potential 50 + vehicles that will be added to the neighborhood. The color is totally out of step with the neighborhood and for San Diego as a whole. A better name for this building would be South Beach Tenements.
This is a joke right?
I’ve been an Architect for 40 years. I’ve designed some stinkers and have designed a few award winners, but I’ve never been so turned off by a building as this one. The issue I have is that this could easily have qualified as an onion. I don’t know of a single person who likes this.
This reeks of ‘insider trading’.
I like the Sasan precisely because it invokes some of the style and elegance of South Beach, something sadly lacking in much of San Diego’s contemporary architecture.
I think it is beautiful. Perfect for this location and a big improvement over what was there before. I would say more Solana Beach than South Beach (if Solana Beach had the courage and vision to build such buildings there). I suspect the real objection is the project is all studios and not condos, which means uh-oh, God forbid, more “renters.” Mayor Gloria should be proud of this one and support and encourage more like it. It’s time Mission Hills and yes, Hillcrest, opened up to larger and much taller, appropriate and attractive residences such as this. This “village” mentality has got to go. People need to realize they are now a part of a much larger, growing and vibrant community, and the only space available is up.
I live down the street and can tell you the neighborhood is appalled by this building. How it got approved, we still don’t know. It is called the Pepto Bismol Building around here. It looks incredibly cheap, with horrible pink tiles, and painted exterior plumbing. The placed plants on every floor to try and help it. Why Mission Hills has to endure this when other building around town are going up and elevate the sophistication of their neighborhoods I don’t know. It’s gross. Sorry.
Sike!!! Completely disagree with the other comment. To me this fits the vibe of San Diego. At times, San Diego has that classic American, ‘StreamLine’, Art Deco feel, kind of Like a 1950’s refrigerator. And other times San Diego feels like Mediterranean of USA. I think this building compliments those two Vibes very well, whether it was intentional or not.
I’m a lover of design but not a designer and I love it. I was not certain as I saw it going up but became a fan when finished. It brings a fresh, young energy to Mission Hills that I find refreshing.
I think it’s stunning! I’m a local and I love it. Highly desired over the usual modern box crap that has gone up all over the city. The building has personality.
I couldn’t agree more. I live a couple of blocks away and have to see this beast every day. So out of place with no respect for the neighborhood. Why not put this in City Heights where improvements are needed and leave Mission Hills alone. We don’t need 7 story apartment buildings here, it’s not NYC.