Orchid 
Five50West was a three-phase exterior and interior renovation located in the heart of downtown San Diego. The project upgraded tenant amenity offerings, enhanced the streetscape for pedestrian safety, and transformed the entry plaza with smart technology for outdoor meetings and a café to activate the space.
Context:
• The project carefully relates to its downtown urban surroundings by addressing and improving the public right-of-way, previously compromised by improperly planted mature trees causing trip hazards.
• The renovated streetscape features healthy, vibrant street trees supported by proper planting infrastructure, reflecting a thoughtful response to the urban environment and enhancing the pedestrian experience.
• Movable raised planters buffer the plaza from a nearby trolley line, unifying the site and creating a cohesive sense of place.
Quality and Craftsmanship:
• Through collaboration with Gensler and client partners, multiple design iterations were explored to align with vision and budget while prioritizing durability, simplicity, and longevity.
• Material selection expresses the site’s “grit” by reflecting downtown San Diego’s urban character with refined, classic, and professional finishes.
• Thoughtful planting design showcases shade-tolerant shrubs with seasonal interest in raised planters that frame the new plaza and pavilions, enhancing the user experience.
• Concrete benches topped with sustainable hardwood slats provide durable, elegant seating options.
Functionality and Community Impact:
• The plaza is reactivated as a welcoming space, featuring custom multimedia outdoor meeting areas and an outdoor café serving tenants, encouraging social interaction and creating a memorable, functional place.
• Enhanced pedestrian safety addresses prior trip hazards, improving accessibility for tenants and community members alike.
• The project supports sustainability through long-lasting materials and healthy landscaping, promoting a vibrant, resilient downtown environment.
This transformation exemplifies good placemaking by offering a functional, inviting, and memorable space that reflects the character of San Diego today. It supports community building, encourages social interaction, and instills a sense of civic pride in this key downtown corner.
The Development Services Department of the City of San Diego recently moved into 550West, and one of the highlights of the new facility is the outdoor plaza. It is amazing that in the City Center, along busy trolley tracks, an outdoor area can be so serene and peaceful. The shade trees litter beautiful yellow blooms that make me feel connected to nature, and provide a natural aesthetic that is unreplicated elsewhere downtown. The patio heaters for cooler days make the experience more pleasant. I recently witnessed the Urban Division of DSD having its small staff meeting outdoors on the plaza, and there was still plenty of room left for other tenants to sit. It’s a unique place to gather, or to sit alone amidst the hustle and bustle of downtown, to feel connected and removed at the same time. In the past, this type of improvement would have required an NUP; however, somewhat recent changes by the City removed that permitting obstacle and clearly that was a smart urban design decision. Truly a win for downtown.
My City Department moved into 550 West C Street, and the front courtyard, with its beautiful landscaping and the open lobby, which has an indoor and outdoor feel, is very inviting. I think the Orchid nomination form landscape architecture is very appropriate to encourage similar facelifts of older office buildings.
550 West C St is a beautiful and sustainable office building. The views from the 12th and 13th floor are absolutely stunning in all directions and the use of large glass viewing areas make it even better. All the windows come with blinds to keep the suite cool on a hot day and there are motion sensors in very office to promote efficient energy use. The gym and patio are just perks that put it over the top and after a long morning are great to retreat to so you can recharge your batteries. This is an office space that we are very proud of and what to show off to all our customers and colleague located throughout the City of San Diego. The building has well placed trash and recycling cans but also a food waste bin which helps adhere to the City’s zero waste initiatives which helps support the San Diego environment. I have only been in the building for 2 months but I look forward to being in the building for as long as we can be there.
I’m fortunate enough to work in this building and love being greeted by the plaza each morning. It’s activated the entire area and is constantly full of people grabbing coffee or eating their lunch. The design embraces the open building design and carries it through to the sidewalk.
I worked on this project with the landscape team and they did an incredible job coordinating with the client and the final product exceeded the entire teams expectations.
What a beautiful amenity this plaza is! Love the coffee bar, the plantings, shaded tables, comfortable seating, and integral lighting and speakers. Really feels like an oasis amongst the hustle and bustle of the city.