Location: San Diego, California
Developer: Jonathan Segal
Designer: Jonathan Segal
Site Size: 0.37 acres

Mr. Robinson is a 7 story mixed use development on the previous site of a blighted auto repair shop along what is slowly becoming an important transit hub in San Diego. Located at the entry to Hillcrest and North park on Park Blvd, the building introduces a new mixed use concept with a contemporary design to the neighborhood. The project includes 4,790 sq. ft. of office space, 3,700 sq. ft. of retail space, 2,000 sq. ft. of open space with landscaping, and 36 multi-family units. The estimated total cost of the project is $8 million.

Office suites, affordable housing, and market rate residential intermingle on every floor, only differentiated by the spatial design within each suite. At the base of the building, commercial restaurant space spills out onto plazas and patios and a cantilevered outdoor deck pushes out beyond the glazing of the building in order to provide residents and visitors a full experience of the Southern California outdoors. The entire street corner is devoted to outdoor space, maximizing street activity and adding to the appeal of the neighborhood.

The form of Mr. Robinson is a cube defined by a continuous roof line and four corners. At the southeast corner, a 70 ft. defining wall completes the cube in the exterior plaza. Despite the simplistic general form, the openness of the structure and segmented floors create light wells which allow natural light to fill interior spaces. The expansive glazing of the building brightens the outdoor spaces at night as well. To embrace the temperate climate, Mr. Robinson utilizes natural light and ventilation in all common areas including hallways and the underground garage in order to reduce consumption through passive means.