AWARDS AND JURY COMMENTS
1980-1984

1980 ORCHIDS & ONIONS

1980 ORCHIDS

1. PACIFIC EXECUTIVE PLAZA
“Because of the natural grandeur of the sea and beaches in North County as one drives Highway 101, it is apparent that it is the natural, not the man-made environment, which attracts people. The Pacific Executive Plaza, a professional office building, represents a move forward in the creation of a man-made environment that blends with and complements its natural surroundings. This is accomplished through simplicity and clean-cut design which exemplifies mastery of the understatement.”

2. OAK INDUSTRIES CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS
“As corporate headquarters migrate to the San Diego County in order to capitalize on its economic, environmental, and aesthetic advantages, they should be welcomed but encouraged to add to the area’s scenic grandeur as well as the economic growth of the County. Oak Industries is an example of a wonderful case where an enormous budget didn’t spoil the results. Everything in this project was followed through to the finest detail and was minutely researched and masterfully executed. It personifies the heritage of San Diego executed in absolute harmony of architecture, interior, and landscape. We hold this project up as the visible challenge to other corporate headquarters contemplating San Diego as a home base.”

3. BRITT HOUSE, 406 MAPLE STREET, SAN DIEGO
“Historic preservation activities undertaken by historical societies with public and private funds are laudable endeavors. Perhaps even more commendable are those historic preservation efforts undertaken by private individuals and, in this case, involving creative reuse of an old residence. The Britt House is a beautiful example of preservation of an old Victorian home. The outside and interior show dedication to the style of the period down to the smallest detail. The house now functions as a bed and board hotel, carrying with it an aura of the hospitality of the era. The conversion of this home into a commercial establishment was wonderfully carried out without sacrificing the authenticity of the period.”

4. CITY OF SAN DIEGO, SAN DIEGO UNIFIED PORT DISTRICT & CENTRE CITY DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION
“The legacy to American cities for this century’s industrial and urban development has frequently been over population, urban blight, out migration of people and industries, and bankrupt governments. This orchid is given to the City of San Diego, the San Diego Unified Port District and Centre City Development Corporation for their farsightedness and massive planning efforts in working closely together on the redevelopment of downtown San Diego and the bay area to make the heart of San Diego economically viable and the living environment beautiful for future generations of San Diegans. San Diego will benefit much from the Marina Peninsula Parks, the Port District Master Plan, and the Centre City’s Urban Design Program.”

5. PARKSIDE LINDA VISTA HOUSING REMODELING
“In the future, the demand for housing in San Diego will have to be met through recycling of existing structures rather than through new construction of homes. An orchid is given to this project as an outstanding example of how an older housing section in San Diego can be refurbished and revitalized with minimum expense and effort. This kind of effort enables those of moderate income groups in San Diego to meet their housing needs with a sense of pride.”

6. SUNSET VIEW RANCH HOUSE, LEMON GROVE
“The preservation and restoration of historical landmarks is an important part of San Diego’s total historical preservation efforts. Personal commitment and foresight often go into understanding the historical significance of a familiar landmark. The Sunset Ranch House in Lemon Grove represents part of San Diego’s citrus growing heritage. The restoration of the Ranch House is a definitive statement of extensive research and dedication to total authenticity in bringing this ranch house back to its original 1895 state.”

7. SAN DIEGO COUNTY SMALL WASTEWATER TREATMENT SYSTEM
“This conservation measure is a step forward for San Diego and is an example of responsible County government action. The small wastewater treatment concept represents a creative governmental policy which provides incentives for conservation of a valuable scarce County resource water. The policy enables both responsible land development and water reclamation as the County continues to grow and develop.”

8. SAN DIEGO CIVIC THEATRE
“Much-used public facilities like the Civic Theatre, with the passage of time, need rejuvenation. The renovation of Civic Theatre represents an effort to keep the theatre which houses the San Diego Opera up to the quality and caliber of the arts which are performed there. The redecoration of the theatre symbolizes the pride which the community takes in such public places.”

9. CALTRANS DISTRICT II PARK AND RIDE SYSTEM
“As the cost of gasoline spirals and San Diego’s beautiful climate is threatened by more intensive air pollution, vigilant measures are required by those who live in the County to conserve gasoline and safeguard the quality of air. Park and Ride, as a concept, is designed to deal with both conservation and environmental protection. As these way stations spring up around the County, hopefully, more and more commuters will discontinue driving their own personal vehicles and rely more on car pools and mass transit. Let’s begin using them.”

10. CARTER OFFICE BUILDING, 10200 WILLOW CREEK ROAD, SAN DIEGO
“Conservation of electricity and natural gas are as important to Sun Belt cities like San Diego as they are to Snow Belt cities in the Midwest and East Coast. Innovations in design and technology which conserve energy are concepts which must be incorporated into office and housing construction of the future. The Carter Office Building is exemplar of how both design and technology can be skillfully combined to create a work or living environment which meet human needs and minimize the need for energy.”

11. LA JOLLA DEVELOPMENT COMPANY
“In a rapidly growing area like San Diego, the demand for public amenities and services and commercial areas is intense. Very often it becomes easy to be seduced into responding to this demand through rapidly constructed, low-cost, low-quality projects. The La Jolla Development Company has responded to the demand of commercial development by adopting a consistent pattern of fine design and quality execution. Two of their projects were nominated by the public for orchids this year: the Town and Country Shopping Center, 1600 block of East Valley Parkway, in Encinitas, CA and the Bottle Shop, 1030A Torrey Pines Road, in La Jolla, CA. The jury decided that, rather than give recognition to individual projects, the La Jolla Development Company should be recognized for the excellent quality of their endeavors in responding to the challenge of commercial growth.”

12. RESTORATION OF THE WALL MURAL IN THE FORD BUILDING, BALBOA PARK
“The skillful combining of architecture and fine art in one building represents a unique challenge to the artists involved. The outcome of such a union can be breathtaking, and, for the audience, provides a sensation of joy and awe. The restoration of the wall mural in the Aerospace Museum in the Ford Building in Balboa Park represents such an experience. The fluid momentum of the mural, depicting the history of transportation combined with the gracefully curved wall of the museum. Is certainly a fine work of art and citizens of San Diego should be proud to share this creation with visitors from all over the world.”

1980 ONIONS

1. 980 EAST MISSION AVENUE HOUSING, ESCONDIDO, CA
“San Diego County is now and will, in the future, be confronted with a housing shortage and a tight land market. To make the best use of existing land, and build housing which is modestly priced and yet functional will require much imagination and creativity. The housing project at 980 East Mission Avenue in Escondido is a prime example of implementation of medium density housing development which shows no imagination, innovation, creativity or even professional pride. It is a prime example of what we do not want to see happen in San Diego County as we attempt in a frenzy to meet housing demands.”

2. THE GENERAL PUBLIC
“San Diego is the oldest city in California and takes great pride in its heritage. As we rapidly move toward the 21st century, artifacts of the past two centuries will become part of our more recent history and heritage. Recently, because we the citizens of San Diego lost sight of the importance of the past, two historic sites were lost by the city. The Klauber House and the old Trolley Barn were demolished and are gone forever. Some efforts were made to save the Klauber House but not a peep was heard about the Trolley Barn. We give this onion to the general public to prick its conscience so future travesties will not be committed in the name of progress.”

3. THE CLOTHES VAULT STORE, 1170 FIFTH AVENUE, SAN DIEGO
“Much civic pride and money are currently being invested by commercial and public sectors to make the downtown area of San Diego the jewel that it should be. This onion goes to one commercial venture which marches to a different drummer, one out of harmony with what is going on downtown and out of tune with the business neighborhood and the city that surrounds it. In downtown San Diego, visual harmony is the order of the day, not graphic cacophony.”

4. THE INTERSECTION OF DEER SPRINGS ROAD AND HIGHWAY 15
“San Diego’s highway system is a thing of pride to the entire community and important to the economic viability of the County. As we expand the highway system, however, it should not be at the expense of our environment. The intersection of Deer Springs and Highway 15 is an example of what shouldn’t happen. It is a case where there was not enough imagination applied to the solution and no follow-through on details of revegetation and earth sculpture. This site exemplifies the dominance of engineering and economics and the lack of aesthetics. Since we must have a freeway to Riverside County, at least this is a safe and efficient roadway, but at what expense to the environment?”

5. LEHR’S GREENHOUSE RESTAURANT
“The use of land under the bypass of Route 805 began as a good idea. This area is one of the most visible sites in San Diego and, if carried out properly, would have given much visibly statewide and nationally to innovation in urban land use. The solution chosen was construction of Lehr’s Greenhouse Restaurant. On the whole, the way this project was carried out was not compatible with the man-made and natural character of the site. A greenhouse is essentially a great solar collector, and its construction there demonstrates a basic misunderstanding of what happens to this type of structure when exposed to the climate. Furthermore, the execution of interior design and exterior landscape does not add to the project. Hopefully, something can still be done to rectify what was essentially a good concept.”

6. SAN DIEGO COUNTY ANNEX BUILDING
“The address, 5201 Ruffin Road, is the site of the County of San Diego Annex. It houses the Office of Voter Registration, the Department of Welfare, and the Department of Parks and Recreation. The Annex is basically a commercial warehouse being used as an office building. It would make more sense if government facilities such as this were located in the center of downtown San Diego and not in an old warehouse out on the edge of town. If we are going to have an active, viable city and county government, we should have government services downtown in pleasant surroundings. Not only is this location an unpleasant place to go for services, it is a most uninspiring place for the County employees who work there. The jury hopes this is only a temporary solution to a space problem that will soon be corrected.”

 1981 ORCHIDS & ONIONS

1981 ORCHIDS

1. COUNTY DEPARTMENT  OF PLANNING AND LAND USE OFFICE, RUFFIN ROAD, SAN DIEGO
“An onion last year and an orchid this year. Proof that onions do not have to smell forever. The County of San Diego is to be commended for its sensitivity in attempting to improve the interior space of a very hostile environment. If one has to go through the agony of obtaining a building permit, why not do it in a great environment.”

2. LA MESA TRAIN DEPOT
“An example of what can be done through the use of volunteer labor. A brilliant restoration of this historical building in the outlying community of La Mesa shows what can be done to continue our historical heritage on a small scale.”

3. SAND TUBE INSTALLATION, DEL MAR
“A very innovative solution to the problem of beach erosion. A major accomplishment by the City of Del Mar in light of all the approvals and agreements that ultimately allowed this project to be executed. This could be called the ultimate ‘sandbag’.”

4. SAN DIEGO TROLLEY, SAN YSIDRO STATION
“A pleasant mini-park in the center of a very busy street. The various elements used on the site relate very well to the surrounding area. The Aztec-type forms are a welcome change from the conventional Spanish-style clay roof. An inviting environment in which to either depart or arrive on the Trolley.”

5. GASLAMP QUARTER, DOWNTOWN SAN DIEGO
“Recognition of overall standards of excellence in the perseverance of all involved in maintaining the high level of quality in the restoration and preservation of the Gaslamp area. An example of significant planning concepts actually materializing. A blending of the new and old in a rejuvenation of our urban environment.”

6. THE BACKESTO BLOCK, 5TH AVENUE, DOWNTOWN, SAN DIEGO
“Not just another pretty painted façade, but a sensitive restoration exhibiting particular care on the interior as well as exterior. A restrained and elegant restoration.”

7. FAT CITY/ CHINA CAMP, 2137 PACIFIC HIGHWAY, SAN DIEGO
“A design solution with ‘chutzpah’!! This offers an exciting alternative to the typical cliché, theme eating places so prevalent in our community. We hope that San Diego is ready for this bold use of color and neon.”

8. EL CENTRO CULTURAL DEL LA RAZA, BALBOA PARK
“Graphics, not just for graphics sake, but a proclamation of the heritage of the Hispanic community. Every brush stroke has a meaning. Although controversial at times, beauty and education are combined in this abandoned water tank promoting intercultural awareness. Right Mural!! Right Wall!!"

9. TIJUANA ESTUARY PRESERVATION, SAN DIEGO
“A successful culmination of the many agencies involved to achieve a project of this magnitude. The choices were a concrete channel with resultant urbanization or a beautiful, natural wild life sanctuary. An orchid in recognition of the tremendous effort and coordination on a very complex project.”

1981 ONIONS

1. K-MART SHOPPING CENTER, 13644 POWAY ROAD PARKWAY
“A dual award to the County of San Diego for lack of any landscape requirements and to the owner/developer for not making an effort to provide any landscaping. This project is an asphalt pavers paradise - a sea of asphalt in a sea of asphalt. A few trees or some greenery anywhere would have done much to alleviate the brutal impression of this center."

2. MURAL ON RETAINING WALL, JUNCTION OF HWY 805 AND HWY 8
“Right mural!! Wrong wall!! This onion is not given to the artist or the resulting art work but to Caltrans for their allowing this retaining wall to be used as a background for art. This retaining wall previously blended in with the hillside and was unnoticeable. It is now a distraction to the motorists on a busy stretch of freeway. Additionally, the application of this mural raises the question as to where and how these murals are going to be applied in the future.”

3. GLASSHOUSE SQUARE, 3146 SPORTS ARENA BLVD., SAN DIEGO
“A sterile building in a sterile environment. An unsuccessful attempt to create a unique experience for the shopper. An uninviting, forbidding white wall separates the arriving shoppers from the interior spaces. The relationship between the parking areas, the pedestrian and automobile circulation to the interior of the complex is very weak. More sensitivity to the colors, better graphics and a different approach to the automobile circulation would have contributed greatly to the success of this project.”

4. SELF-REALIZATION FELLOWSHIP, 939 SECOND STREET, ENCINITAS
“This group destroyed the natural land form of the bluff above a beautiful beach to create a meditation area. The result is a dangerous, unsightly and illegally filled slope subject to future landscaping."

5. BANKER HILL CONDOMINIUMS, 3568 FRONT STREET, SAN DIEGO
“A potpourri of fragmented, unrelated architectural styles and details with the result being a chaotic mass of confusing forms, totally ignoring the surrounding character of the neighborhood.”

6. MIRAMAR ROAD, COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL COMPLEX, SAN DIEGO
“Due to lack of planning and foresight, the major east/west link between Hwy 805 and Hwy 15 has become a dangerous and unattractive area. It will become an even greater problem in the future as the remainder of the surrounding area is developed. A major problem is the lack of planning of some control of access on to Miramar Road. There are more curb cuts than curbs. This lack of planning has set the stage for continued chaos.”

7. OLD TOWN STATE PARK, OLD TOWN, SAN DIEGO
“A project with the right intentions that ended with the wrong results. Poor execution and follow through of the original planning and research. Many of the constructed features are not historically accurate, particularly the curvilinear forms. Bureaucratic bungling at its best.”

1982 ORCHIDS & ONIONS

1982 ORCHIDS

1. LA JOLLA GATEWAY (Landscape Architecture)
The Gateway is an example of a skillful interaction between landscaping and architecture. It creates pleasant people oriented exterior spaces; an appropriate entrance to La Jolla.

2. CCDC URBAN DESIGN GUIDELINES (Urban Design & Planning)
Clear comprehensive and handsomely illustrated guidelines of the urban design of Center City. Well conceived suggestions and criteria for the integration of structures, traffic, pedestrian movement and infrastructure. An important tool which merits adoption and implementation.

3. OFFICE BUILDING, 1010 Prospect, La Jolla (Architecture)
This project is a skillful and innovative use of an extremely difficult site. A sensitive Owner and Architect have teamed to afford both visitor and tenant the opportunity to enjoy ocean views and the bustle of the street. A handsome addition to the La Jolla street scene.

4. OAK SYSTEMS (Architecture)
A refreshing deviation from the all too typical industrial building. A dynamic sophisticated statement. A fluid combination of building and landscaping.

5. OLD CITY HALL (Historic Preservation)
One of the outstanding examples of historic restoration in the Gaslamp Quarter. Its completion marks a significant addition to this historic district. An architectural reminiscence of San Diego’s bygone days.

6. PACIFIC WINE BAR (Interior Design)
A sensitive adaptation of an existing space to a new function. A sophisticated integration of contemporary design with the City’s history. Truly refreshing.

7. SCRIPPS MIRAMAR COMMUNITY PLAN (Planning Solution)
Delivers on the promises of the community planning program encouraging citizens to play an active role in the developmental design of their community. This citizen planning group in association with developers and governmental officials has created one of the truly unique communities in San Diego. The plan and its creators deserve much of the credit for an environment that balances social, business, and ecological concerns.

8. OLD GLOBE THEATRE (Theater Design)
A Phoenix! A testament to community spirit and dedication to the arts. State-of-the-art in theater design yet maintains the intimate theatrical experience we’ve come to associate with the Old Globe. Deserves a better neighbor than a run down temporary stage.

1982 ONIONS

1. STREET SCAPE AND ACCESS OF COLUMBIA CENTER (Architecture & Urban Design)
“A beautiful lady with a tattered hemline.” While this building creates a striking addition to the San Diego skyline, the street level appears to have been designed to repel pedestrians. A seemingly impenetrable wall of mirrors, confusing entries, unrelated detailing and materials, and stairs leading to locked gates seem destined to discourage all but the most persistent pedestrian. The building gives the impression that it may have settled one story into the ground leaving a moat between the building and the public sidewalk. Addition of water and alligators will complete the hostile fortress effect.

2. DR. JOHN FAESSEL, D.D.S, BILLBOARD (Signage and Graphics)
The sign is the “crowning touch” on a street whose signage and graphics program has lapsed into decay. While the supergraphics on the building are undoubtedly an effort at improvement, the combination of the tasteless sign and these graphics gives the observer an aesthetic experience similar to a root canal without anesthesia. Let’s hope that other professionals exhibit better taste in advertising their services. “Regular brushing with fluoride won’t remove this plaque. An onion in the onion patch.”

3. TWO GASLAMP MURALS (Graphics)
(1) Freeway Interchange – G West of 5th and, (2) Abstract – E side of 5th, North of G
A well intended effort to enhance the Gaslamp District has gone totally haywire. Abstract art and representations of freeway interchanges have no more relationship to the significant historic preservation efforts underway than do the adult bookstores, peepshows, etc. which still remain in the area.

4. OLD CITY FIRE STATION (Signage and Graphics)
This beautifully preserved example of an early San Diego Fire Station has been renovated in an oriental theme by a group of unknowns. Upon entering the building through the traditional oriental wrought iron gate, one is met by a ferocious totem pole. What could be more in keeping with the pseudo-oriental theme? The chaotic potpourri of unrelated colors and facades on the exterior of the building can best be described as “Tutti-frutti”.

5. TWO STORY SHINGLE BUILDING, ERMA STREET (Architecture)
Due to its location along a major San Diego growth corridor this is one of the most visible buildings in San Diego. This shingled box resembles an overgrown chicken coop deposited with total disregard to its location and prominence. “At best a very shakey building.”

6. INTERSECTION EL CAMINO REAL AND ENCINITAS BLVD. (Planning Solution)
The commercial development which surrounds this intersection seems to have been conceived on a piece-meal basis. The overall impression is that of a very hectic intersection surrounded by a sea of parking lots, accented by a museum of Southern California architectural clichés, some of which represent superficial set-design as might have come out of Disneyland or Blazing Saddles. The profusion of driveways and traffic generated by the commercial development gives every passing motorist the opportunity to participate in a real live demolition derby.

7. HOME FEDERAL SAVINGS AND LOAN DATA PROCESSING CENTER (Architecture)
A major project by a native San Diego institution has taken a disappointing turn. The freeway traveler is confronted with a series of large grey forbidding masses perched atop a very prominent site. From the freeway one is given the impression that the Bureau of Prisons might have participated in the design effort. The mirrored glass at the ground floor level of one building affords the visitor the dubious pleasure of watching himself park in a sea of asphalt.

8. 1982/ SPECIAL SCALLION OF THE YEAR- Jury Comment
To all manufacturers of mirror glass and their legions of narcissistic patrons – the “Glass Box Award” for their contribution to the emerging San Diego skyline which reflects and reflects and reflects… A computer model has irrefutably demonstrated that, in the event of a major earthquake, San Diego will be visited with seven million years of bad luck.

1983 ORCHIDS & ONIONS

1983 ORCHIDS

1. SAN DIEGO ROWING CLUB (CHART HOUSE RESTAURANT) (Historic Preservation, Interior Design)
A new jewel on the waterfront. Kudos to Chart House and Save Our Heritage Organization for their role in faithfully researching the Club and its memorabilia. Every detail is tasteful – perfect – even right down to the stainless steel wire railings hiding behind the original design. Old and new can work together.

2. WATERIDGE (Architecture, Landscape Design, Interior Design)
A pristine prism atop a powerful waterfall. Wateridge pierces San Diego’s sometimes- tired and overdone penchant for quaint tile roofs like a dynamic glass arrow. Its success lies in every design element working as one.

3. WAVECREST RESORT (Architecture, Landscape Design)
Approaching the ideal in San Diego beach cottages. Only a blanket of cypress needles could be more appropriate to this coastal bluff site.

4. SAN ELIJO LAGOON RESTORATION (Environmental Solution)
A resting place for birds (and people) in a rapidly developing area. This is one “ocean nursery” that’s back on its way to recovery. Let the trend continue!

5. FLUID COMPONENTS FLOODPLAIN PARK (Planning Solution, Environmental Solution)
Are we dreaming? Could this be a beautiful little park nestled behind a factory in San Marcos? A shady creekbed now serves as a picnic spot and still channels floodwaters in winter without resorting to a concrete ditch.

6. SABRE SPRINGS COMMUNITY PLAN (Planning Solution, Environmental Solution)
A stunning site tucked between Poway Road and Intersection 15 that will retain over 50% of its natural topography. The land’s best features, its mountains and two creekbeds, will be left substantially alone. Let this sensitive plan live up to its potential.

7. HEART OF THE ZOO (Landscape Design, Environmental Solution)
No monkeying around here: this is one of the finest animal enclosures in the world, alive with birds on the wing and happy primates. Its series of pagodas, elevated decks, and airy wire tents is well integrated and natural in its treetop feel.

8. ZOO ADMINISTRATION BUILDING (Interior Design)
Warm, inviting interiors surround a soaring atrium. Modern office systems unite with a design that facilitates comfort and creative thought.

9. SAN DIEGO’S PUSHCART and SIDEWALK CAFÉ MOVEMENT (Planning Solutions)
Finally! America’s Finest Climate decides it’s all right to dine outside.

1983 ONIONS

1. EZ-8 MOTEL (Architecture and Planning)
The area beneath (literally!) Interstate 8 and 5 has turned into a backwash of nondescript buildings shoved among concrete pillars and ramps. Is this the best way to use space around our freeways that serve as gateways to San Diego? You’d better hope the earth doesn’t move when you spend your honeymoon here.

2. FOUR WINDS INTERNATIONAL HEADQUARTERS (Architecture)
This “international headquarters” set in a prestigious, high-tech area looks more like a motel. Passerby on Genesee Avenue see its backside surrounded by parking lot reefs. From any angle, it is a graceless attempt at a Mediterranean style beset by out-of-scale detailing.

3. CORONADO CONDOMINIUMS, CORNER ORANGE AND FOURTH (Architecture)
Does Alice live here? A wildly scaled attempt at relating to the Hotel del Coronado look, set amidst a tangle of power lines and surging traffic. A bold statement that only contributes to the chaos.

4. CABRILLO PLAZA PROFESSIONAL OFFICE BUILDING (Architecture)
Recess time for the Old Town architectural review committee! This highly visible project at the very gateway to San Diego’s precious historic district looks destined for a Knott’s Berry Farm gunfight. A smorgasbord of clichés executed in the most common materials.

5. ART FUNDS WITHDRAWEL (Fine Arts)
Board of Supervisors Policy F-23 calls for inclusion of works of art on certain County building projects. The amount spent on art is budgeted proportionately to the cost of the building. Yet when it was East County Regional Center’s turn for $150,000 worth of art, the budget was slashed to $10,000 by three supervisors. Cutbacks such as this hit where it hurts for decades – the beauty of the built environment. The world is thankful that Fordem, Hamilton, and Eckert weren’t in office when the Parthenon was built.

6. STREETLIGHT CONVERSION TO HIGH-PRESSURE SODIUM (Environmental Solution)
Ignoring growing worldwide acceptance of low-pressure sodium street lights (and their own first vote), San Diego City Council voted for a citywide standard of high-pressure lights. These wide-spectrum lights will degrade the effectiveness of what is one of the world’s most important astronomical tools – Palomar Observatory. Granted: people look colorless in low-sodium light. But is that reason enough to cap the earth’s mightiest lens?

7. 1983 SPECIAL SCALLION OF THE YEAR (Structures)
To all “bottom line,” no-design buildings (as exemplified by many structures on Morena Boulevard) foisted on an unknowing public. Once built, these plain stucco boxes with their eyebrow tile roofs, plug-in windows, and bumper-sticker-style signage, go on forever encouraging other mediocre to bad architecture.

1984 ORCHIDS & ONIONS

1984 ORCHIDS

1. HOME FEDERAL SAVINGS AND LOAN HEADQUARTERS, 701 Broadway, Downtown (Historic Preservation)
Refusing to take short cuts, Home Federal has accomplished a restoration of remarkable proportions. Attention to detail and dedication to recreating the original grandeur of the interior as well as the exterior is clearly the trademark of this restoration.

2. PACIFIC BEACH PARK MASTER PLAN, Ocean Blvd., between Garnet and Diamond (Planning Solution)
In one of those rare examples where the needs of the people have overcome the automobile, four blocks on Ocean Boulevard have been reclaimed as a pedestrian mall which provides beach access. Passers-by may engage in conversation or people watch without competing with auto traffic.

3. WIMMER YAMADA BUILDING, 516 Fifth Avenue, Downtown (Architecture)
A jewel in the Gaslamp Quarter demonstrates a welcome sensitivity to the surrounding development. The elegant contemporary façade harmonizes with the character and spirit of the Gaslamp district.

4. WORDS AND MUSIC BOOKSTORE, 3806 Fourth Avenue, Hillcrest (Interior Design)
Once in danger of collapse, this prime example of classic revival architecture has been completely renovated. The tasteful and sensitive metamorphosis from an old church to a restaurant represents one creative solution to preservation.

5. SAN DIEGUITO LAGOON CREST CANYON ENHANCEMENT PROJECT, Del Mar (Planning and Environmental Solution)
A warm, friendly bookstore touching all the senses. Imaginative interior design invites patrons to linger while piano concerts add another page to the experience.

6. JACK IN THE BOX RENOVATIONS, Graphic Design and Signage/ City Wide (Landscape Architecture)
Jack’s got a new box! He leads the way in breaking out of the fast food stereotype through a bold program transforming his restaurants with a delightful blend of landscaping and graphic design. This is one trend that we hope others will follow.

7. RIO VISTA OFFICE BUILDING, 8885 Rio San Diego Drive, Mission Valley (Architecture)
More than a mirage, this oasis in Mission Valley is a dramatic departure from typical commercial architecture. Responding to San Diego’s climate, the tent-covered courtyard creates a playful working environment.

1984 ONIONS

1. MIRA WOODS APARTMENTS, 10320 Maya Linda Road, Scripps Ranch (Planning Solution, Landscape Architecture, Architecture)
While San Diego County has a need for affordable rental housing, this does not mean that design solutions should be depressing, sterile or dehumanizing. These battleship grey apartment buildings located in a sea of asphalt have the appearance of a correctional institution rather than a residential complex.

2. DEL MAR CORPORATE CENTER, 990 Highland Avenue, Solana Beach (Architecture)
“The bully with a peg leg.” A lone pipe column appears like a spinkly crutch feebly supporting a massive overpowering structure. This stark while edifice seems ready to fall off the hill onto defenseless neighbors.

3. TIFFANY HILL (Formerly Brittany Towers), 230 W. Laurel Street, San Diego (Architecture)
This project looks like a home for air traffic controllers. Although this neighborhood has been officially zoned for higher density projects, this massive building is insensitive to the neighborhood, particularly on the eastern side. Very little architectural relief is provided on this side of the building, and views from the adjacent property owners to the harbor have been blocked. Hopefully this type of project does not represent the future of San Diego’s urban housing.

4. SCRIPPS BANK BUILDING, 7817 Ivanhoe Avenue (La Jolla Graphics and Signage, Architecture)
“Picture a battleship-like building plowing through a residential neighborhood on the port side, and a cluster of small shops to the starboard.” This project characterizes the invasion of La Jolla.

5. AJ’S BAR, 2966 Midway Drive, San Diego (Graphics and Signage, Landscape Architecture)
An example of drought tolerant landscaping? Unfortunately this building gets worse each year. Maybe the site should be topless too.

6. WALLPAPERS TO GO, 2405 Vista Way, Oceanside (Architecture)
This schizophrenic mixture of Spanish architecture enveloped by another structure defies classification, leaving the jury to conclude that two sets of drawings became inadvertently scrambled on the drafting table.

7. ALBATROSS STREET CONDOMINIUMS, 4082 Albatross Street, Mission Hills (Landscape Architecture, Architecture)
“Seven minute frosting on an instant mix housing project.” Another outstanding example of what in-fill buildings should not be. Sliding glass doors lead to non-existent balconies, while minimal landscaping merely accentuates the stark character of the project.

SCALLION AWARD

DOWNTOWN LA JOLLA DEVELOPERS
To those La Jolla developers who have so radically altered the village atmosphere of this seaside community. The recent influx of massive new office buildings is insensitive to the character of old La Jolla.

METAMORPHOSIS AWARD

1. LOW PRESSURE SODIUM STREET LIGHTS

In 1983, the City Council of San Diego received an Onion for rejecting the notion of Low Pressure Sodium (LPS) streetlights as the City-wide standard, despite the fact that LPS lights were the only type which did not generate substantial light pollution for the equipment at Palomar Observatory. The future of astronomical research at the Observatory is much brighter today, thanks to the City’s February, 1984 reversal of their previous decision.

2. SAN DIEGO CITY SCHOOLS

The San Diego Unified School District is dramatically changing its decision emphasis away from windowless, security conscious schools, for which they received a 1976 Onion Award. Four target schools in the older, Mid-City area have received special attention from the District through “School Design Assistance Teams,” composed of design professionals and school administrators. The planning process has encouraged extensive public involvement and may eventually result in school facilities which are more responsive to the needs of the surrounding community. The bold efforts of the District deserve recognition from the general community at this critical point in the process.

The 2009 Orchids & Onions Awards Ceremony was held last night at On Broadway in downtown San Diego. The ceremony was emcee'd by the witty and vivacious Barbarella. Architect Graham Downes served as the commentator, and provided some lively and considered discussion on the winners selected by the jury.

Now for the Onions... click on the link for photos and more information about each - and to let us know what you think (agree? disagree?) by leaving a comment!

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Grand Onion: Vantage Pointe

"Every so often a building comes along that presents a paradoxical image to the city in which it lands. Vantage Pointe to some degree is the usual massive condominium tower with all the architectural distinction that goes with it. Unfortunately, Vantage Pointe provides a severe disservice to the city life where it meets the street."

People’s Choice Onion: Jamul Casino

"A peaceful drive on the 94 takes one past the hustle and bustle of the city and into the countryside where two-story homes are the norm… for now.  On the darker side of this small community, a fierce battle rages on between the citizens who want to maintain their quality of life and the monster of increased traffic they fear to be the inevitable side effect of their potential neighbor."

SDG&E Utility Boxes (Special Jury Mention)

"Like a plague on the city streets, one can never escape the ever present SDG&E Utility Box. Oddly enough, while the utility cans really don’t fit the environment they in which they exist, the public has been trained to accept them into their neighborhoods."

Uptown Interim Height Ordinance (Planning Policies)

"In studying both sides of the argument, the jury felt the swift implementation of this ‘back door’ brokered ordinance was done without planning protocol, proper public hearings or any real research into either the short term or long term consequences of the action. Lets get a proper update of our Community Plan shall we?"

The Plaza UTC Landscape Retrofit (Landscape Architecture)

"Irvine Companies purchased two large blocks in the Golden Triangle area right across from UTC Mall. During these drought conditions they revamped their landscape to have even more grass put in than before! The jury has weighed in: this project’s landscape improvements are viewed as a blatant disregard for good design & water conservation."

Ryan Aeronautics (Historic Preservation)

"This important historic district is a key part of San Diego’s aviation heritage, yet the San Diego Unified Port District has elected to demolish it. T. Claude Ryan constructed the first buildings at Lindbergh Field in 1932 only a few years after he designed and built “The Spirit of St. Louis.” The Port District is failing to incorporate these easily adaptable buildings into future development, preferring to simply tear them down."

Mission Florence (Architecture)

"The bulk and scale of Mission Florence crushes its Washington Street intersection like an 800 pound stucco gorilla. The designers appeared to have thrown in every piece of architectural styrofoam they could find to disguise this clumsy creation."

Grossmont Medical Terrace Parking Structure (Architecture)

"This is an example of “form follows nothing.” The nominator called this new multi‐level
parking structure “a hideous scar on the landscape.” A blogger noted that at night it’s even worse, “exploding into an all encompassing beacon of horror that invades the valley in every direction.”" 

Here's the latest issue of the SDAF newsletter, By Design. In it, 3-time O&O Co-Chair Maxine Ward shares the inspiration behind this year's theme of "Keep Calm and Carry On". There's also lots of other O&O and SDAF news.

See you next Thursday at the REALLY BIG SHOW - 2009 O&O Awards Ceremony, Silent Auction and After-Party! Tickets are going fast! Get yours today!

THANK YOU for your great nominations, San Diego! The 2009 nomination window is now officially closed, and we'll begin accepting nominations again for the 2010 program in November. Please take a walk through this years' crop of nominees and let us know what you think by commenting - we always want to hear from you! Then, be sure to cast your ballot when the People's Choice Orchid & Onion poll opens on October 1. Of course, you won't want to miss the culmination of it all when we host the really big show and silent auction at On Broadway on November 12. Buy your Early Bird tickets NOW!!