As a densely populated beach town, the architectural designs of Pacific Beach vary from tightly-packed 30s-style beachfront cottages to large, pricey hotels and condos built with natural, earthy materials.  Aside from the quaint residential areas that run adjacent to popular businesses and busy streets, Pacific Beach holds an architectural report card that runs from San Diego’s budding first moments to today’s most modern fancies.

Primarily consisting of small studio- to four bedroom-sized apartments, the Pacific Beach residential neighborhoods offer older, well-established architecture that was built between 1940 and 1969. The newer, trendier architecture often found closer to the shore can be attributed to the 1970 through 1994 date range.

Standing at 1111 Pacific Beach Drive, one of the most distinguishing architectural structures erected in Pacific Beach owes its existence to America’s oldest women’s rowing club. The Zlac Rowing Clubhouse was originally designed by architect Lilian J. Rice, one of the first women to earn a degree in architecture from the University of California Berkeley in 1910.

The work of architect John Mock is visible throughout Pacific Beach in the many apartment complexes built during his time. Mock is responsible for architectural apartment outcroppings, and was recognized during his time for his omni-directional architecture that incorporated form, function and economy.

Tower 23 is another shining star of Pacific Beach Architecture. This hotel is a stylish, contemporary, and luxurious urban building that brings in the natural elements around it with glass-boxed architecture. Designer and architect Graham Downes built this hotel and restaurant to bring in the tropical surroundings and play up the beauty of the natural atmosphere. Another tropical architectural gem is The Catamaran Hotel, which incorporates strong colonial Hawaiian architecture and tropical design that is carried throughout the hotel.

Pacific Beach is also home to new styles of architecture. Many of the most recently built residences are multi-million dollar houses with spiral staircases, infinity pools, and theater rooms that show off the latest in ultramodern styles.

From practical apartment complexes to luxurious hotels with tropical themes, Pacific Beach architecture and home design provides an interesting reflection on the area’s history and growth.

Developed as a distinct community during the 60s and 70s, Del Cerro is Spanish for “of the hill” and its building structures range in both size and architectural design. Contemporary home design and ranch style homes can be seen throughout the Del Cerro area. With long lines of residential homes, Del Cerro is known for being quiet, walkable, kid-friendly, and ideal for the single family unit. Located in central San Diego just east of Mission Valley, backyard pools are a common inclusion in the landscape architecture of these family homes.

Contemporary design first came to the Del Cerro area in 1958 with the ‘Parade of Homes’ project of Richard Lareau. His Pan-Pacific house was built with advanced electrical options, as this modern gateway era sought out innovative design both aesthetically and functionally. This trend has been maintained in the area, as a good many of the residences are well-established—built between 1940 and 1969. These Del Cerro Highland homes cater to the contemporary style and family life with large floor plans and updated amenities. Although there are some rowhouses, attached homes, and small apartments, the Ranch style home is most prevalent architectural style in the area. This type of home is designed to have historically recognizable features, but also a great deal of individuality. Custom ranch-style developments are a common theme all across the rolling hills of San Diego, and the Del Cerro area ties in well with the rest of the city.

Del Cerro is a very desirable San Diego neighborhood with many second-generation homeowners and close-knit residents. With real estate that primarily consists of three to five bedroom single-family homes and apartment complexes, the average Del Cerro dwellers are family-oriented urban sophisticates who enjoy the roomy, well-established homes in this part of San Diego County.

A small, upscale beach community, Del Mar is located in San Diego County, right on the coast of the Pacific Ocean. Appropriately, the name Del Mar is Spanish for “of the sea” or “by the sea.” The community is well-known as home to the Del Mar Fairgrounds, which hosts the Del Mar Racetrack during the summer as well as the San Diego County Fair.

Facts About Del Mar
•    According to the 2010 census, Del Mar had a population of 4,161, which is down from the 4,389 in 2000.
•    The community has a total area of 1.8 square miles, with 1.7 square miles of land and 0.1 square miles of water.
•    The area was founded by Colonel Jacob Taylor, who purchased 338 acres from Enoch Talbert in 1885 to build a seaside resort for the rich and famous.
•    Del Mar has a warm, sub-tropical climate with mild winters and warm, dry summers. The temperature rarely goes over 85 degrees and rarely drops below 60 degrees.
•    According to government estimates, the median household income in Del Mar in 2005 was $169,348. When adjusted for inflation, the income was $100,982.

Del Mar Home Design
With such a small population with a relatively high median income, you can imagine how large and elegant the homes in Del Mar are. Most of these home designs and styles depict a classic Spanish style with some clear influences from being so close to the beach. Although these styles still remain classy and elegant, the new homeowner may want to consider remodeling and adding more modern flourishes. Homeowners can mix contemporary with Spanish and beachside style to create a home that is comfortable and original.

Located just 25 miles north of San Diego proper, Encinitas is a beautiful, coastal beach city. The city’s largest industry is the growing and cultivating of ornamental flowers, particularly poinsettias. Well-known for its mild climate and surf scene, Encinitas perfectly illustrates the laidback, beach-going vibe of Southern California, great for tourists and locals alike.

Facts About Encinitas
•    The city gained its name in 1669 from Gaspar de Portola, the Governor of Baja California, but the area was settled in 1881 by Jabez Pitcher, who is considered the father of the town.
•    As of the 2010 census, Encinitas has a population of 59,518, an increase from the 58,014 in 2000.
•    According to government estimates, the median household income of Encinitas in 2005 was $86,520.
•    Encinitas has the perfect mild climate, maintaining a temperate 72 degrees Fahrenheit throughout the year, rarely dipping below 40 degrees or exceeding 85 degrees. Average annual rainfall is about 10 inches. Although it’s generally sunny, the area experiences marine layer cover every so often (June Gloom, May Gray).

Encinitas Home Design
Encinitas is made up of five distinct areas: Old Encinitas, New Encinitas, Olivenhain, Leucadia, and Cardiff-by-the-Sea. As such, it has a wide range of different home designs and styles. While Old Encinitas presents a mix of Spanish styles and beachside bungalows, New Encinitas is composed of larger tract homes. With such a diverse array of styles, it’s easy to remodel your home into whatever style pleases you. From classic Spanish design to breezy and beach-oriented to the sleek, modern-contemporary home, you have a plethora of home design choices in Encinitas.

Home Remodeling
Spectacular views can be gained from many Encinitas homes by adding a second story.  Outdoor living spaces for personal enjoyment and entertaining are also very popular .  Like most areas in San Diego County, Encinitas has its share of homes that need kitchen renovations, bath remodeling, or an exterior facelift.

From the Nate Burkus Show, Holmes on Homes:

Renovation Rehab

Mike Holmes tells you everything you need to know when hiring a contractor.

Transform Your Bedroom and Relationship

October 11 2011

Choosing A Home Remodeler On The Nate Show