525 Olive in Bankers Hill is now officially open, and it’s gorgeous!

The luxury apartment community in Bankers Hill offers panoramic views of Balboa Park, downtown San Diego, and the bay, and is now the highest residence in San Diego, with comparisons being made to the boutique residential buildings that line New York City’s Central Park.

The property was developed by Greystar, a global leader in the investment, development, and management of high-quality rental housing properties, which has several of San Diego’s hottest properties and is in the development of several more.

Greystar Construction Group served as the builder for the project, with architecture by Joseph Wong Design Associates and interior design by the Jules Wilson Design Studio.

At nearly 300,000 square feet, the $100.2 million project was developed by Greystar in conjunction with St. Paul’s Episcopal Cathedral, which occupies 10,000 square feet on 525 Olive’s first floor, 8,500 square feet on the bottom level and use of the underground parking garage.

The highest residential address in San Diego

At 20 stories in its elevated Bankers Hill location, 525 Olive is now the highest residential address in San Diego and offers easy access to the city’s urban playground, Balboa Park.

Residents will also benefit from living in one of San Diego’s most walkable and bikeable neighborhoods, with close proximity to dozens of nearby shops and restaurants, and other vibrant areas such as Downtown, Little Italy, Hillcrest, and Mission Hills.

While 525 Olive is contemporary in style, elements of the building have been carefully designed to complement the neighboring church – a neo-gothic style structure built in 1951 – as well as the nearby park and the surrounding neighborhood. The rooftop, for example, features an accent wall designed by architect Joseph Wong meant to mirror the church’s iconic windows and archways.

A relaxed, urban retreat-like atmosphere

The project’s interior design firm, Jules Wilson Design Studio, included bold modern accents, organic touches, and an understated color palette. Art was selected for the luxury community that is sophisticated and upscale but with an organic look and feel, resulting in a relaxed, urban retreat-like atmosphere.

This theme is carried throughout the building – from the ground floor lobby area to the community’s leasing office, mail area, multiple courtyards, and the outdoor dog run.

A total of 204 residences

525 Olive’s 204 total residences include studio, one-, two-, and three-bedroom floor plans, plus penthouse suites, with homes spanning 533 to 1,625 square feet and designed to condominium standards. The interiors offer floor-to-ceiling glass windows, maximizing the sweeping city and park views.

All homes are outfitted with private patios or balconies and state-of-the-art touches, such as auto shades, WiFi enabled LG thermostats, keyless entry doors and more. Kitchens are equipped with Fisher & Paykel appliances, sturdy quartz countertops and stylish herringbone tile backsplash.

Twelve penthouse residences span the top two floors with upgraded finishes, more expansive floor plans, and unobstructed city views.

525 Olive also provides 18 affordable units including one and two bedrooms and studios – all for occupants at or below 50% of the area median income.

Parking and amenities

The five-level underground parking garage spans 148,000 square feet with 348 parking spaces including 70 spaces dedicated for both cathedral attendees and future residents.

Amenity spaces include the Level 20 SkyClub, a retreat that spans the entire top floor and includes a kitchen and TVs, the Park Lounge social area with bars and the Sun Club with a rooftop swimming pool and lounge.

Other amenities include an indoor/outdoor fitness studio, courtyards with outdoor seating, a dog run and pet spa and “Zoom Rooms” complete with Logitech videoconferencing bars and park and cathedral views.

Residents also have access to concierge services, 24-hour package reception, reservable bikes as well as a 15,000-square-foot community park.

See you there (we hope!)

525 Olive will undoubtedly be one of San Diego’s most sought-after places to live, and apparently word has already gotten out.

According to Raul Tamez, director of development for Greystar, interest in the property has skyrocketed since pre-leasing began in February. “We are now 40% leased at 525 Olive, and frequently hear from residents how much they appreciate the community’s luxury amenities, attention to detail, and the way it feels like it could fit right in among the boutique residential buildings that line New York City’s Central Park.”

Rents start at $2,440 per month. Click here for more information.

See you there, San Diego!