AWARDS AND JURY COMMENTS

1976-1979

1976 ORCHIDS & ONIONS

1976 ORCHIDS

1. SECURITY PACIFIC NATIONAL BANK HEADQUARTERS PLAZA (1200 3rd AVE)
“For developing an urban plaza with a human quality which acts as an important gathering place for people in the downtown area.”

2. PACIFIC PLAZA SHOPPING CENTER
“Through the generous use of landscaping, wood structures and graphics of an existing facility has resulted in a very handsome addition to the Pacific Beach community.”

3. STANDARD OIL COMPANY “BUBBLE MACHINES”
“Not your normal car wash. Standard Oil Company has developed through an ingenious design a well-landscaped and planned ‘oasis’ in the locations selected for these unusual facilities. It has set a high standard for a car-oriented facility.”

4. HERITAGE PARK
“Through great effort the community has preserved a complex of houses which represent some of San Diego’s finest old homes of the past. We want to encourage the ongoing program of preservation for the future generations in San Diego.”

5. OLD TOWN PRESERVATION
“Through a sensitive renovation of many of the old structures and the development of a pedestrian oriented district the State of California has preserved the feeling of the early California community. We encourage the State to continue in this fine effort.”

6. RANCHO BERNARDO “NEW TOWN”
“One of the few really successful and well planned ‘New Towns’ in America today. Rancho Bernardo with its generous landscaped streets and open spaces has aged well and in its development has and continues to set a high standard for community plans.”

7. TIJUANA RIVER REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT
“The project has been part of a national effort in Mexico to develop the Tijuana River floor plain, develop major circulation systems, and provide new developments in shopping, housing, parks and governmental land uses. With its ultimate development it will change and revitalize the Tijuana Community. We applaud this visionary planning effort and the progress already made in the brief six year period.”

8. HOUSING REHABILITATION (CODE ENFORCEMENT PROGRAM)
“This program has been selected for an orchid award for enabling a low income neighborhood to reverse its long term pattern of deterioration by providing residents with guidelines and self-help funding necessary for upgrading their environment. We applaud the Federal Government and the City Administration for the successful implementation of this program.”

1976 ONIONS

1. CALIFORNIA 1st BANK (MAIN OFFICE TOWER)
“To a fine high rise tower has been applied a logo and name identification which adds nothing to the architecture and sets a low standard for graphics in the downtown area. We would encourage better scale and graphic design.”

2. SAN DIEGO CITY SCHOOLS (10 ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS)
“With a ‘standard package design’ the San Diego City Schools has built ten elementary schools with little if any identification with the needs of the individual neighborhoods in which they are placed. The emphasis, which is apparent in the design, is total security from the surrounding community.”

3. MISSION VALLEY PLANNING
“For allowing a unique natural asset to be used up in a series of land development projects creating traffic congestion, poor planning and a ‘hodge podge’ of land uses. An example of what not to do in the future.”

4. MOUNTAIN MABELS
“The original design and planning solution was a major step forward in this auto-oriented district. Now, this renovation project has taken a giant step backwards by not recognizing the amenities in the existing development.”

5. PACIFIC TELEPHONE BUILDING (6th & ROBINSON)
“This new building adds nothing to the Hillcrest pedestrian oriented shopping district. By building an imposing structure out-of-scale with the surrounding community it acts as a barrier to the natural flow in this community shopping district. We encourage Pacific to develop a more human scale in their future projects.”

 

1977 ORCHIDS & ONIONS

1977 ORCHIDS

1. FARMER’S BAZAAR
“By reusing an old stable (Western Metal Company) he has helped revitalize downtown with a place of interest where people want to come to sense the entertainment and displays of various open produce stands.”

2. SAFEWAY-SAV-ON SHOPPING CENTER (PACIFIC BEACH)
“By following the example set by the east side of the plaza, the west side has enhanced the entire beach area.”

3. LAKE HELIX
“This design solution turned a stagnant lake, and rocky terrain into an exciting solution with the major natural environment assets of the site left intact.”

4. BAZAAR DEL MUNDO (OLD TOWN)
“The buildings have been reused with taste and exciting graphics. A delightful place.”

5. GRAND PACIFIC HOTEL (437 “J” STREET)
“The owners display both faith and vision by residing in and restoring a grand old landmark.”

6. YUMA BUILDING (631 FIFTH AVENUE)
“An orchid for restoring one of San Diego’s important landmarks.”

7. BURGER MAKER SIGN (CORNER GARNET AND KENDALL)
“Attractive, low profile sign which makes effective use of the company logo.”

8. EL CAJON CIVIC CENTER
“Clarity of design and sensitivity to scale and landscaping. The City of El Cajon has received a fine addition to the community.”

1977 ONIONS

1. BALBOA PARK APARTMENTS (3635 SEVENTH AVE. – NOW CORAL TREE PLAZA APRTMENTS)
“Completely out of scale with surrounding housing. An intrusion on a quiet neighborhood.”

2. BILLBOARDS IN SAN DIEGO COUNTY
“For Judge Levitt’s ruling that the City Council’s billboard ordinance was illegal. For the billboard companies (1) Foster and Kleiser and (2) Pacific Outdoor for a proliferation of billboards creating in many areas visual and environmental pollution.”

3. HOME SAVINGS AND LOAND (MISSION BAY AND GARNET)
“Highly inappropriate uses of classical details, modern massing, mission arches. Even the color of an onion.”

4. BELMONT PARK – CITY COUNCIL OF SAN DIEGO – DESTRUCTION OF ROLLER COASTER (LANDMARK)
“A very significant historical landmark to the community will be lost by the City Council: action in recommending the removal of the wood roller coaster.”

 

1978 ORCHIDS & ONIONS

1978 ORCHIDS

1. NEIGHBORHOOD AWARENESS PROGRAM
“For developing a comprehensive community walking program focusing on the history, structures and character of our many neighborhoods.”

2. OPEN SPACE PROPOSITION “C”
“For their awareness of our unique environment and its preservation for future generations.”

3. THE PANNIKIN
“For an excellent job in restoration and reuse of an old brick building. Well-planned and aesthetically sensitive.”

4. COAST WALK (LA JOLLA)
“While taking advantage of the elevation drop across the site the project has retained human scale, scenic pedestrian vista and a low profile. An excellent solution for a difficult problem.”

5. LIGHT RAIL TRANSIT PROJECT
“For the creative solution to provide downtown access. One of the few studies designed to be implemented.”

6. BARCLAYS BANK OF CALIFORNIA
“Rediscovering one of San Diego’s beautiful old buildings, this restoration returns a “Modernized” building back to its original state with grace and beauty.”

7. HISTORIC BUILDING CODE
“For building code modifications to promote historic preservation and neighborhood revitalization.”

8. ADA HARRIS & CARDIFF SCHOOL PARKS
“For creative solutions to school facility, county facility and community needs.”

9. STREET FAIR/ GASLAMP QUARTER
“For enticing people downtown on a Sunday afternoon to enjoy old buildings, ride double decker buses and just have an old fashioned good time.”

10. OUTDOOR MURAL ON THE ROXY THEATER
“The mural, which contains five movie star greats, has started a delightful trend in the Pacific Beach area. The scope, imagination and location of the Roxy mural have made it a neighborhood landmark.”

1978 ONIONS

1. OLD TOWN STORAGE
“This location is one of the gateways to the City of San Diego and certainly has a “first impression” impact on visitors and tourists entering San Diego. Previously, there existed a moderate amount of landscaping between the freeways. Now, with the CALTRANS and Coastal Commission approval, a series of flat roofed storage buildings have been allowed to be constructed immediately adjacent to the freeway. This project is a major eyesore to the San Diego region.”

2. THE ORCHARD APARTMENTS
“Although the developer has achieved the difficult goal of providing truly affordable low income housing for the elderly, the project suffers from the Architectural scale of the barracks style buildings, the site planning, and the color selection. More landscaping is the only hope.”

3. SEA TREE PLAZA
“One of San Diego’s most interesting and attractive building complexes has been dramatically altered because of the addition of thoughtlessly planned and poorly integrated graphics, as well as numerous alterations to the interior and exterior spaces which violate the integrity of the original design.” 

4. SAN DIEGO BUS SERVICE
“For the radical cut in the bus service to those most in need of better service, the lower income groups and the elderly. Also, for the raising of fares while providing poorer services. There will, as a result, be a greater reliance on the automobile and those services which support increased automobile usage. We feel the Council should give a higher priority to improvement of the public transportation in the City.”

5. THE OLD OX RESTAURANT
“For many, this James Hubbel design was a unique design experience as “The Greenery” restaurant. Now, with the remodeling accomplished, a dull unimaginative façade of a chain restaurant is the result.”

 

1979 ORCHIDS & ONIONS

1979 ORCHIDS

1. EAST GATE OVER PASS - INTERSTATE 805
“An Orchid to the office of the state architect and the state department of transportation for the East Gate Mall Road/Interstate 805 bridge. Their wise recognition of the need for a grand bridge on this site, is only exceeded by the grace of the architecture itself. This beautiful gateway structure frames the south entry to the macro space of the Sorrento Valley. It proves that we can have great public architecture on critical public sites. ‘Oh Sacramento, hear our pleas for more of the same’.”

2. FESTIVAL THEATRE – BALBOA PARK
“An Orchid award to the Festival Theatre in Balboa Park for conceiving a planning solution to an unexpected and urgent problem. While retaining the flavor of the Old Globe by its close proximity, it has created a unique and exciting theatre experience.”

3. TOWN & COUNTRY E. HOTEL & ALLIANCE HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING
“For the conversion of all swimming pool heating to a heat recovery system of the existing building air conditioning. This is a practical solution which works without exotic technology. The kind of energy consciousness we all need.”

4. FED MART CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS
“For creative reuse of the old White Front building, a monumental eyesore converted into a solid redevelopment in a chaotic area. The landscaping will further compliment the beautifully simple statement.”

5. LONG-WATERMAN HOUSE (PARKER IND. HQS. – 2408 FIRST AVE., S.D.)
“For the restoration and preservation of one of San Diego’s most significant Victorian houses. Without the dedication and dollars expended by this owner the Long-Waterman residence would surely have become one of the next Grande Dame’s to fall prey to the wrecking ball.”

6. OFFICE BUILDING/SECOND AND LAUREL STREETS
“For a handsome building that takes into account energy considerations, site planning, existing trees and neighborhood character. An excellent design blending form, materials usage and other factors.”

7. POMERADO HOSPITAL
“Far outstanding treatment of a building type which is far too seldom handled with such sensitivity. The building form relates well to a very special rural site. The interior presents a delightful combination of colors, fabrics, and graphics proving that a hospital doesn’t have to be a depressing place. Indeed, a walkthrough of the facility proves to be a bright, uplifting, pleasant experience.”

8. RACINE & LARAMIE, LTD (2737 SAN DIEGO AVENUE)
“This building complex represents seven years of effort and research and as a result the community is given one of San Diego’s best historic reconstruction efforts. One can be transported back in time with a visit to this authentic restoration.”

1979 ONIONS

1. THE ANDALUCIA RESTAURANT (LA JOLLA)
“If ever the Orchids and Onions jury had an easy onion award it was the selection of the Andalucia Restaurant. Winning the highest number of Orchids or Onions nominations is only one measure of its negative impact on the community. Even more damning were the sophisticated criticism of a public that not only demands excellence but abhors mediocrity. Much of their language cannot be repeated here but some more mild comments included: ‘eyesore’, ‘disgusted’, ‘bastardization’, ‘cheap’, ‘unfinished’, ‘has me aghast’, ‘difficult to be polite’, ‘plastic’, ‘tortured structure’, ‘mars the countryside’, ‘guffaws of laughter’, and ‘who needs it’. Owners and designers beware.”

2. NAVAL HOSPITAL, FLORIDA CANYON
“For a bullheaded refusal to carefully consider alternate sites for the Naval Hospital, despite federal ownership of thousands of acres in the area; and for arbitrarily insisting on the Balboa Park location. Hazards of the site include its nearness to the airport flight path, excessive noise, difficult construction site, unnecessary use of scenic parkland, traffic difficulties and environmental harm.”

3. ART BUILDING, SAN DIEGO STATE UNIVERSITY
“For disregarding good taste in the planning, building design and the functioning of the new San Diego State University Art Building, and coming up with pure UGLY! Its bleakness and clumsiness are depressing and perpetuate the penitentiary look of state buildings.”

4. SAN DIEGO AIRPORT – WEST TERMINAL
“The new terminal and parking areas presents a most confusing and unenjoyable visit to our airport with hard to read signing, confusing approach and good luck to visitors still trying to get out of the parking lot. The main lobby lacks human warmth by failing to offer a place to sit or visit with departing passengers, proving an endless journey to planes and out the way ticket windows. Please arrive two hours early with map and compass.”

5. MCDONALD’S RESTAURANT, VISTA
“For graphics, planning, and environmental design. The establishment of a tasteless plastic playground in violation of city ordinances reaches a new high in visual chaos and civic irresponsibility. Repeated efforts by the city to have the violation corrected have been ignored. The owners have finally applied for a special use permit which has been denied by the planning commission and is now being appealed to the City Council. This jury sincerely hopes that this city council will make this hard decision and support their ordinances and this planning commission.”

6. CENTER CITY DEVELOPMENT CORP. & SHAPELL INDUSTRIES
PROPOSED MARINA HOUSING, DOWNTOWN SAN DIEGO
“For approving low density suburban housing solution in the first phase of an important urban housing project in the heart of Downtown San Diego. For a typically suburban solution to an urban problem. This project, as presently planned is proposed as low density housing and as a result fails to take advantage of bay views and promotes a suburban sprawl.”

7. FIRST ANNUAL GOLDEN FLEECE AWARD
U.S. FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE
“For their unflagging, rationally conceived efforts to protect our natural resources. Refusing to yield to the pressures generated by reasons, practicality, common sense, or even the odds against victory, they have designated this main runway and taxi area of Lindbergh Field as a ‘proposed critical habitat of this California Least Tern.’ By this totally impractical action the service has not only made themselves look foolish but has taken a significant step toward undermining serious efforts to guard and improve the quality of our environment. We suggest that this service visit the site and discuss the matter at length with the Tern in residence. Don’t be upset fellows if you can’t find any. We understand that they moved out years ago to make way for a larger, more aggressive species of bird.”

8. ANNUAL MISSION VALLEY AWARD
“To the San Diego Museum of Architecture otherwise known as the 50 acres of office and restaurant buildings lying to the southeast of the Interstate 8 and 163 interchange. It is suggested that a toll gate be installed at the “sell your own car parking lot and sculpture garden” and that admission be charged to see this sampling of every building cliché currently available. Due to the popularity of this location, it is recommended that the toll gate be closed from 4-6 pm on Friday evening.”

9. ANNUAL PACER AND CLASSIC CAT GOOD TASTE AWARD
TO THE BODY SHOP BILLBOARD
“This design, apparently the work of a male chauvinistic pig, emphasizes aspects of female anatomy that cause motorists to lose control. Why patronize the adult bookstores when you can see this for free?”