Commercial Design: Sandstone reflects California sunshine

One of the latest upscale retail addresses in San Diego, CA, is the Grande at Santa Fe Depot. The lower levels of the complex are clad in Peach Blossom sandstone from Southland Stone USA, Inc. of North Hollywood, CA.

The San Diego metropolitan area has been enjoying solid growth in the building trade - with new commercial projects being developed on a regular basis. One of the latest examples can be found at the Grande at Santa Fe Depot, an upscale, multi-tower housing complex in Downtown's Columbia District, a short walk to the Little Italy Village, the Marina District and the bustling Gaslamp Quarter. And befitting the project's location and prestige, the lower levels of the complex are clad with Peach Blossom sandstone.

A total of 60,000 square feet of Peach Blossom sandstone was used for the podium on the first seven floors, surrounding the perimeter of both buildings.

Situated across from the North Embarcadero waterfront, each tower is comprised of 39 stories and 221 residences, boasting fabulous views in all directions. The complex features 24-hour concierge service, a visitors' suite, a fully equipped exercise facility and workout room, an 80-foot pool, spa, sauna and steam room.

In addition to providing first-class amenities, the developer of the project, Bosa Development California, Inc. wanted to utilize premium building materials. As such, the design utilizes 60,000 square feet of Peach Blossom sandstone, supplied by Southland Stone USA, Inc. of North Hollywood, CA.

The stone was used for the podium on the first seven floors, surrounding the perimeter of both buildings, explained Paul Chamanadjian of Italian Marble & Tile of Sylmar, CA. â€œThe sandy beige Peach Blossom cleft sandstone was selected as being appropriate to the southern California climate - relating to the year-round warm light,â€ Chamanadjian said.

The typical size of each stone panel was 1 x 3 feet, and the stone was fixed to the building with stainless steel anchors and wedge anchors.

The typical size of each stone panel was 1 x 3 feet, and the stone was fixed to the building with stainless steel anchors and wedge anchors. Using a crew of 25 stonemasons and stone finishers, the installation of the stone took approximately three to four months for each of the two buildings, Chamanadjian said.

Lifting the material to its proper location presented a bit of a challenge to the installation team, but Italian Marble & Tile relied on its experience to devise a solution to the problem. â€œSince everything had to be loaded from the outside due to the windows being installed prior to our work, the biggest challenge was hoisting the material to the location where it was to be installed on the buildings,â€ Chamanadjian said. â€œTo overcome this, an electric hoist was used to raise the material up to the proper level, and then the material was distributed and installed by hand.â€

Now that the Grande at Santa Fe Depot is complete, it is among the hottest residential addresses in San Diego, and its exterior stonework has enhanced the neighborhood's appeal, while also connecting it to its natural surroundings.

Using a crew of 25 stonemasons and stone finishers, the installation of the stone took approximately three to four months for each of the two buildings, Chamanadjian said.