Downtown San Diego is currently experiencing a wondrous rebirth. Buildings are being remodeled, new structures are scraping the skies and architects are adding beauty everywhere you turn.

Stroll through the Marina District and take in the magnificence of the newly constructed Renaissance. The two 24-story structural concrete towers are framed by mature trees, shrubs and delicate flowers, which bring a park-like setting into San Diego's urban jungle. Along First Street the setbacks, combined with plazas containing sidewalk retail spaces, trees and water features, help create a pedestrian-oriented corridor from the Convention Center to Horton Plaza.

Renaissance in the Marina District

The attention to detail inside the Renaissance is just as magnificent. The 22-foot high ceilings of the lobbies, coupled with dramatic shelves, give the feeling of wide, open space. Hand-woven rugs and bright furniture with wooden accents complete the serene look, causing Renaissance to radiate the feeling of "home."

Meander through Balboa Park, a historical fixture of the city offering a mixture of museums, concert venue, and a taste of cultures from around the world for decades. Just steps from the serenity of the park you will find San Diego's newest addition of beauty under construction. Park Laurel on the Prado's 14-story twin towers commemorate the classic details of Balboa Park, including elegant arches, medallions and tiled domes.

The luxuriously appointed lobby will greet guests with a graceful open-air atrium reminiscent of the park's beloved Botanical Building. Located in Bankers Hill, Park Laurel on the Prado offers 96 residences and the sophistication of vibrant urban living melded with elegant luxury and the exquisite serenity of San Diego's "crown jewel," Balboa Park.

Lastly, we saunter down to Petco Park. To encourage the city's desire for fun, the San Diego Ballpark Builders are rounding third base on construction of San Diego's newest stadium. Billed as "the world's best ballpark in America's Finest City," Petco Park will be a modern ballpark with an intimate atmosphere and state-of-the-art fan amenities.

You can almost taste the hotdogs as you walk through the stadium, imagining the open-air ballpark with natural grass, 42,000 fan-filled seats, 60 suites alive with excitement and an additional 1,500 fans filling the standing room sections. The ballpark will anchor a larger redevelopment district, featuring hotels, offices, retail and residential components.

San Diego's wondrous rebirth isn't limited to the physical structures decorating the coastline, but also includes the awakening of communities and cultures. America's finest city is quickly becoming more than a metropolis; it's embodying the spirit of an American family, teaching togetherness, tolerance and hope.

By continuing to build and encourage growth within the downtown community, San Diego is not only increasing the economic value, but also bringing neighborhoods together. Roel Construction Co. is proud to be a part of this awakening and looks forward to constructing a future community.

Roel Construction, raising skylines and standards since 1917.

Submitted by Laura Keebler, marketing coordinator for Roel Construction.