I met with our building owner today and picked out a spot for our studio. It still needs to be built out but I can already see our vision coming to fruition. Although we downsized our space and gave up the window location, I feel our new spot is just as good and I'm glad it was available. We will have a sky light directly above our space and although we don't have the beautiful windows that define the buliding, our studio may still be seen by foot traffic off of Fern Street if we place our window correctly. I am really excited about the space and hopefully it will be ready by August 1! Not only is the building really cool, it has a rich history which is even cooler.
This used to be the Burlingame Garage. In the early part of the 20th century, the trolley ran through South Park for commuters to downtown. It ran right through that corner where the old Snippy's was. That is why those corner buildings have such odd shapes. People would park their cars in the garage (or get it serviced) and take the trolley to downtown. Imagine that. Without any formal roads and freeways, that must have been the fastest way to get to downtown.
This used to be the Burlingame Garage. In the early part of the 20th century, the trolley ran through South Park for commuters to downtown. It ran right through that corner where the old Snippy's was. That is why those corner buildings have such odd shapes. People would park their cars in the garage (or get it serviced) and take the trolley to downtown. Imagine that. Without any formal roads and freeways, that must have been the fastest way to get to downtown.
This was the original space that we wanted. The coveted window space that we couldn't afford and so we relinquished it and settled for an interior space. It would have been so wonderful to have this spot but...
On the Fern Street side, we are going to be in the very back left spot near the rear entrance to the building. We'll be closer to the Fern Street businesses, which is actually a better spot for us since it will be walking distance near the Whistle Stop, Rebecca's Coffee, Velo Cult , citizen video and The Grove. Don't you just love the exposed brick of the walls?
On the 30th Street side, we will be right next door to South Park Fitness and the old San Diego Firehouse, which is one of the oldest standing Fire stations in San Diego. Hopefully a restaurant goes in there. Next door to that (where South Park Fitness is), used to be Rose's Grocery Store, the local market. Rick, the building owner gave us an article about the history of these buildings and it is quite an interesting read with before and after photos. I must say they did an excellent job in restoring these buildings and I'm glad they were not torn down.
