What makes the Community @ The Martin Building a community? First, there's the sense that the people who live there are co-operative, supportive and generally interested in similar philosophical and cultural issues. For instance, environmentalism and ‘green' concerns play a big part in the Community - from the construction materials used (recycled whenever possible), to the bikes available for use by those who live there, to the garden plots available for planting. Community has also supported and played host to special events (Sanctuary 143/ Conspire)that have featured exhibitions and performances by local artists and musicians. Centrally located in the heart of Banker's Hill, Community inhabitants are within walking and biking distance of Balboa Park, Hillcrest, and the downtown core, as well as being only a short distance from North Park, South Park, and Golden Hill. With easy access to these neighborhoods, Community dwellers connect and support an urban San Diego, ultimately contributing to it's vibrant lifestyle. Community offers these urbanite's a place to live, but in a way that is forward thinking and new: a home (your apartment) within a home (your building that can be used as an extension of your apartment) within a home (an apartment building located in close proximity to all of the restaurants, bars, and services that you frequent). Residents enjoy the creative energy and excitement of an ever-evolving urban property that’s noticeably different in look and feel. They appreciate an environment that provides social connectivity and engages their senses through art, design and technology.

Community living....great spaces....when can I enjoy this environment?

Orchid. This demonstrates great use of design concepts and innovative methods, for example re-using existing structures of the building. The preservation of historic building styles and foundations from the ‘20’s & ‘60’s gives an added sense of character intertwined within the summation of the whole design. The structures have style. More than a “pretty” concept, the residence fulfills functionality concepts and accommodates for current and potential residents. The design is very hip, innovative, and young with great private spaces within the structure as well as communal public spaces. These allow residents to share this public space within their own private space.

Film Documentary by BREADTRUCK TV of Community @ Martin Bldg. & Flats and Conspire event held @ the property. http://vimeo.com/3154233 http://vimeo.com/3050203

New Urban Community (@ The Martin Building) Unites Banker's Hill Culture LWP Group, Inc.'s new Banker's Hill urban abode is called Community, and is located in the Martin Building + Flats on 4th and Olive. The building is constructed in a way to encourage a sense of belonging to the community of people who live there, as well as to the community within which it's located. The lead designer behind the Community is Michael Soriano – the same innovator responsible for the retro-chic appeal of LWP Inc.’s Pearl Hotel in Point Loma. The Community: What makes the Community a community? First, there's the sense that the people who live there will be interested in similar political, philosophical, and cultural issues. For instance, environmentalism and ‘green' concerns play a big part in the Community - from the construction materials used (recycled whenever possible), to the bikes available for use by those who live there, to the garden plots available for planting. Community's location in the heart of Banker's Hill means that its inhabitants are in close proximity to Balboa Park, Hillcrest, and the downtown core, as well as being only a short jaunt from North Park, South Park, and Golden Hill. By keeping these neighborhoods local and easily accessible, Community dwellers connect to an urban San Diego, support it, and become a part of it (if they weren't already). Furthermore, the centralized location offers these urbanites a place to live, but in a way that is forward thinking and new: a home (your apartment) within a home (your building that can be used as an extension of your apartment) within a home (an apartment building located in close proximity to all of the restaurants, bars, and services that you frequent). The Units: Community developers have refurbished the building so that floor landings, areas around the pool, and a spot on the roof offer spaces for socializing, working and lounging while taking advantage of the properties free wi-fi . The building's hallways serve as informal “galleries” and currently feature the works by Acamonchi. Unexpected creative touches from the communal chalkboard at the entrance to the shoe/plant/stereo stairwell installation piece instill a sense of grander living than one's rent might imply. The Change: San Diego is transforming from a large beach town into an urban city with pockets of beach town appeal. While the surf report is still an important component of many major radio broadcasts, bicycles and vespas are becoming a ubiquitous part of the city's landscape, and are more conducive to lugging shopping bags and yoga mats than surfboards or kayaks. As more restaurants, galleries, and wine bars open and as more metro neighborhoods celebrate their urban cultures with nightly happenings, a community of like-minded urbanites is growing. Community in Banker's Hill offers these urbanites a place to live, but in a way that is forward thinking and new: a home (your apartment) within a home (your building that can be used as an extension of your apartment) within a home (an apartment building located in close proximity to all of the restaurants, bars, and services that you frequent). (excerpts taken from Discovers SD’s 12/04/2008 article by Christiana Gauger)