Orchids & Onions

Whitney Mixed-Use Building

Orchid Icon  Orchid
  Private Architecture

Address

2202 - 2206 Avenida de la Playa

Owner / Developer

Playa Grande, LLC

Architect / Designer

Martin Architecture & Rick Vandervort

Photo Credit

Leo Ignacio

The Whitney Mixed-Use building sits in the heart of La Jolla Shores just three blocks from La Jolla Shores beach. The building was inspired by, and showcases the elegant design, attention to proportion and scale, modernism, and simplicity of architect Irving Gill. The commercially-zoned infill building thoughtfully maximized allowable density by replacing a single-story 1950’s era duplex. The building eloquently breaks up its mass with cream-white stucco, vertical landscaping, and graceful arches complimented with locally handcrafted steel forged windows, pivoting doors, and Juliet balcony railings by Maiden Steel. The building’s overall appearance shows clean lines, simplicity, and functionality while capturing the breezes, sunlight, and views of the village of La Jolla Shores. Using geometric shapes, flat roofs, and smooth surfaces creates a contemporary yet timeless look. The three-story mixed-use building contains two luxury full-floor three-bedroom and three-and-a-half bath residences. Upon exiting the elevator that opens into each home’s living room, you immediately notice the floor-to-ceiling Fleetwood sliding doors that seamlessly flow to the residence’s ocean-view, private, glass-railed, sun-drenched patios. The two large homes are over a street-level boutique market/restaurant, all built above an underground 7-car garage accessed by a private car lift.

105 thoughts on “Whitney Mixed-Use Building”

  1. Easily on of the most beautiful projects in La Jolla. As a resident in this area I love to see our community growing especially when we have immaculate projects like this one. The owner is also one of the friendliest people in La Jolla, he is a true leader in our community.

  2. Claude-Anthony Marengo

    Not only is it architecturally a warm and inviting structure but it is timeless and appropriate to the sociology of the neighborhood … it took a lot for this building to be built and an orchid would be its best acknowledgement as being a part of the community fabric of la jolla shores well done Whitney family and Martin Architecture

  3. This building brings the Southern California beach community style with a modern twist. I frequently get coffee and food on this street and my eyes are constantly drawn to this beautiful building. It is such an amazing project and so good for our community.

  4. Michael Morton AIA

    This is the best new building in La Jolla shore’s commercial heart. This project is a perfect example of small infill project that perfectly exemplifies the Southern California beach style with a ground floor retail. The is a gem and heat addition to the “Shores”. This deserves an orchid!

  5. Corey Drew-Bel

    This property is absolutely breathtaking. Everything was done so to compliment the breathtaking view of La Jolla that the two upper levels have there beautiful and open floor plan.

  6. Susan Tschirn

    Beautiful building inside and out with exquisite taste in all architectural and esthetic details.
    An incredible upgrade for the La Jolla Shores business district. Hopefully, other nearby buildings will follow suit. A complete win for a unique beach area.

  7. Corey Drew-Bell

    Absolutely beautiful, walking down the street you can’t help but stop and admire the vertical green scape that decorated the the walls. The large windows that open up, inviting the nice ocean breeze is just another thing that is so noteworthy of this building. It is a very well thought out building.

  8. Rhonda Gallegos

    A standout property in the La Jolla Shores. Stunning from the outside and just as stunning on the inside

  9. This building has changed the dynamic of La Jolla Shores for the better…one of the few time the finished building was
    Prettier than the rendering… its just gorgeous !

  10. Wow , this is by far the best of the best of La Jolla . Quality gal-or.
    The feeling of grand design and comfort inside and outside.

  11. Robert Portillo

    Very aesthetic and luxurious in all. Looks very spacious and easy to get around. The decor also looks very modern in approach to seem so comfortable.

  12. I have had the pleasure of being inside both residential units, and they are both wonderful with some very enticing features and functionality

  13. Victoria Millay

    Such a beautiful property and the interior design is superb! It is very sophisticated yet comfortable. I thoroughly enjoyed my stay there.

  14. Victoria Millay

    Such a beautiful addition to La Jolla Shores! The architecture blends so well with the area and is very classy.

  15. Graham G Weiss

    It is appalling how long this beautiful bldg took to get approved.

    Positive addition to the Shores

  16. Steve Kotsenburg

    Wow this is beautiful building and I’ve been there ! Coolest place in La Jolla. Great design and really adds to the srea

  17. The Whitney Mixed-Use building is beautiful, it sits in the heart of La Jolla Shores and within a few minutes you can get to La Jolla Shores beach. Upon entering the building you can immediately see the elegant design, and the modernism created by architect Irvin Gill! Best part is that you can easily walk to Piatti and have a nice glass of wine and enjoy the immaculate atmosphere of the The Whitney Mixed-Use building.

  18. Lori Nettleton

    There was a lot of controversy about this building but I think it turned out beautiful! I love that it has balcony setbacks and the mixed use of a business at the bottom and residential on the top. It also is one of the few buildings that has parking in La Jolla Shores!

  19. As someone who works in the real estate field as a sales agent, I would HIGHLY recommend Whitney! These blend of modern design with the latest technology is truly magnificent. No detail left behind! I will refer Whitney’s services to my clients.

  20. excellent design! This has truly upgraded downtown La Jolla and given a upgraded feel for the entire area. Very well done and I hope more of La Jolla takes on this type of architecture.

  21. Kathy Stevens

    This project was long in the making but very well worth the wait. Bob Whitney is a visionary in property development and this is one of his crowning projects. So modern yet classic at the same time. The way it elevates the area while blending in with the current vibe of La Jolla is perfection.

  22. Camille Harris

    The property has made a beautiful transformation. It blends beautifully into the surrounding environment!

  23. The inside of this building is done extremely well. Very comfortable and space is utilized to the fullest. Very high end quality.

  24. Gorgeous building with clean crips lines. Architecture adds to classical beauty of La Jolla Shores. A perfect fit!

  25. Mary Klotzbach

    Gorgeous building with clean crips lines. Architecture adds to classical beauty of La Jolla Shores. A perfect fit!

  26. I’ve been there. Such a fantastic building in the best area of La Jolla. It has a great vibe. I can’t wait to stay there again!
    The owners are super cool people!

  27. Drew Haygeman

    Elegantly, La Jolla casual. The Whitney Mixed Use Structure stands as testimony to the bravado, and perseverance of the Whitney Family. Not only does the structure enhance and elevate the currently existing beachscape neighborhood, over time it will surely set the tone and expectation for future excellence in design and development of the area. A thirteen year case book example of the power of a dream. Often against seemingly impossible odds. A virtual “how-to” toward realizing and delivering on a vision that few initially recognized. The bar has been set high. Kudos to Bob and all involved…

  28. Drew Haygeman

    It just feels right and sets an example of “beach chic”. Whether inside looking out, or outside looking in… the spaces merge with the beach scape of the neighborhood. The early evening sunset dimly casts an inviting light to passers-.by. Hypnotizing!

  29. Drew Haygeman

    Elegantly, casual La Jolla! Thirteen years from vision to completion. Truly a testimony to the bravado and perseverance of the Whitney Family! Most often agains seemingly impossible odds. This building not only enhances and elevates the currently existing beach scape neighborhood… it also makes a statement about the future high design expectation for excellence over time. The bar is now high, appropriately so! Kudos to Bob and Team

  30. Ethan Schaffer

    The exquisite steel design works by Maiden Steel give the Whitney such a clean and sophisticated look. It is one of our favorite places to walk by before watching the summer sunsets at the shores.

  31. The Whitney’s had a vision and spared no expense or headache(s) to achieve it.
    This is one of my favorite (if not my favorite) projects in my 20+ year career in architectural metal. This project is representative of a Team with passion and commitment for overachievement . A great addition to the community. Thank you Whitneys!

  32. I’m a native San Diegan. I grew up surrounded by Craftsman and Spanish architecture in Mission Hills, and enjoyed seeing the same in La Jolla and in other historical neighborhoods in San Diego.
    I am grateful that owners have preserved and maintained those structures over the years, especially with the ongoing changes in architectural trends.
    The Whitney Mixed-Use Building is brilliant. It creatively masks all the needs within with a beautifully integrated exterior, which combines traditional architecture with a modern twist.
    The arched windows and doors with the metal frames anchor the structure and acknowledge the Spanish architecture at eye level. The style transitions as it moves to the next level, which reflects the Spanish with a modern twist, and moves to the upper level with a crispy modern style.
    This building is a functional and creative architectural statement, which has showcased this corner.

  33. The bar has been set. From the rooms, to the underground garage elevator, this space feels like the new modern.

  34. I’m happy to see the building. Finally be done. The architectural goes very well with the surrounding community.

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