Snowflake Bakery Building

Nominated on 29/08/2011 • Category: Historic Preservation • 0 Comments

Project Awarded

Although it was nominated for a Historic Preservation Orchid, the Jury agreed that this award for recognition is less about the building and more about how the storefront improvements will help to revitalize the neighborhood and activate the sidewalk. This project also recalls the buildings of old with regards to the artisan painters, a dying breed of artists who painstakingly hand-painted the brick and signage to match the original black color. These true craftsmen, mostly in their late 50’s and 60’s, did an excellent job in restoring one of San Diego’s oldest buildings, the Snowflake Baking Co., to its’ former glory. Taking note of the pictures of the building’s condition prior to this work, the jury concluded that the improvements were compelling. These renovations were thoughtfully carried out by the Owner, with careful attention paid to the details, combined with the collaborative passion of the artisan painters. The jury believes that the project should be recognized for these considerate and well-executed efforts.

Orchid

Project Address: 703 16th Street, San Diego, CA 92101
Project Owner/ Developer: MTS INVESTMENTS
Project Architect/ Designer: AVRP Studios

What was once an intersection with horse-drawn carriages and the smell of freshly baked bread is now a historic landmark in East Village, San Diego. This brick bakery building went through several transitions during the past 100 years, unfortunately falling into a state of despair and neglect. The current owners took it upon themselves to do an adaptive reuse that included taking the building back to its original brick façade and restoring the corner entry based on historical photos. Even the original Snowflake Bakery sign was repainted across the top of the building. A complete seismic upgrade was completed and the building is now home to AVRP Studios.