Barratt American, the U.S. subsidiary of the United Kingdom's largest home-building firm, has launched its new Barratt Urban Development division, to be headed by Michael D. Pattinson, president of Barratt American, and headquartered in Carlsbad.

Barratt Urban Development currently has two urban renewal projects under way: the 138-unit Seahaus La Jolla, perched on a prime ocean-view site in the Bird Rock neighborhood of La Jolla; and Metrome, a 184-unit condominium project in downtown San Diego's East Village near the site of the new ballpark.

The interest list for Seahaus La Jolla is now forming and currently consists of more than 700 people, according to Cynthia Monaco, sales and marketing director of Barratt Urban Development. Valued at $120 million, Seahaus La Jolla is a joint venture between Barratt Urban Development and CLB Partners.

The project will include 13 buildings with 37 floor plans, ranging in size from approximately 700 square feet to 2,200 square feet. Two-story town homes, large flats, luxury single-level ocean-view condominiums, row homes and loft studios will be offered in five distinct product lines. A 5,700-square-foot retail center, a community meeting center, recreational amenities and subterranean parking are also part of the plans.

Prices of residences at Seahaus La Jolla are expected to range from the low $400,000s to more than $1 million. The community will showcase Classic 20th Century Coastal architecture and is anticipated to be completed by fall 2004.

Lead architects on the job are Mark W. Steele and Jennifer Moss de Ayala of M.W. Steele Group Inc. Presales are expected to begin in the fall.

"The 718 people on our interest list provide evidence of the strong demand for high-quality urban living in La Jolla," Monaco said. "With the variety of floor plans and price ranges we will be offering, Seahaus will present a realistic option for just about anyone who wants to live on the coast in La Jolla."

Metrome, a 184-unit condominium project in downtown San Diego, will begin construction in early January with completion slated for spring 2005.

Metrome, recently unanimously approved by Centre City Development Corp., is expected to play a large role in the improvement and regeneration of the new ballpark district. Located one block from San Diego's rising ballpark, Petco Park, and across the street from the proposed new main library, Metrome by Barratt and BCG International will comprise one-half city block. It will front J Street between 11th Avenue and Park Boulevard, formerly 12th Avenue.

Designed by Salerno/Livingston Architects in conjunction with Robert Bell, the eight-story urban warehouse-style concrete-and-glass mid-rise building will offer 22 different floor plans. Condominiums will range from studios to two-bedroom, two-bath units with a home office -- sized from approximately 650 square feet to 1,450 square feet. Prices are expected to range approximately from $250,000 to $490,000.

Amenities will include a fitness center, a central lounge, courtyard, storage units and underground parking. Trolley stops are located less than one block away.

Demolition of the abandoned San Diego Rescue Mission Men's Center on the future site of Metrome will begin in early January. Completion of the new community and initial move-ins are tentatively planned for spring of 2005. Presales will begin this fall from an offsite sales center at a location to be announced this summer.

"It is great to see a builder providing condominiums downtown for a wider segment of the population," said Dale Royal, senior project manager at CCDC. "It is extremely rare to have new condominiums priced under $300,000 in the downtown area and we hope other builders will soon follow suit."

Barratt Developments PLC, headed by Group Chief Executive David Pretty of London, has been at the forefront of Britain's urban renaissance for more than 30 years.

"Long before urban renewal became fashionable, we started work on the rejuvenation of our towns and cities, transforming derelict sites and recycling redundant buildings to create vibrant new communities that enhance the environment and provide much needed housing where people want to live," Pretty said recently on a visit to San Diego. "Seahaus La Jolla and Metrome will both be able to pursue the urban infill regeneration long encouraged by your local government."

Simms is president of Julia Simms Public Relations.

Related Link

Seahaus La Jolla: www.seahaus.co