"Out with the old, in with the new" certainly wasn't the philosophy behind 1Mission, as the estimated 1920s building incorporates both 20th and 21st century elements. It is 1Mission's timeless architecture infused with an urbane sensibility that drive CLB Partners' sales strategies.

1Mission was most recently recognized by the national Gold Nugget Awards as the grand winner of Best Mixed-Use Project at the Gold Nugget Awards that took place in June at the Pacific Coast Builders Conference in San Francisco. CLB Partners’ Luke Daniels was surprised when 1Mission was announced, as the project manager felt the category included some stiff competition.

"Winning was completely unexpected... but it was [1Mission's] ability to stay true to the [mixed-use] category that contributed to the win," said Daniels. He added that the company will use the recent win to leverage the development's marketing outreach, as they have continually done with past awards. "We've called attention to every award that we've won [so] it won't be any different with this national award," said Daniels.

1Mission is no stranger to industry accolades. The project has also won the 2008 Orchid Award for Excellence in Architecture and Historic Preservation, as well as the 2008 Smart Growth Award from the Urban Land Institute.

What sets 1Mission apart from its competition is its versatility to blend contemporary and old school details through its façade. According to Daniels, buildings that utilize this technique are rare in the San Diego area. "[1Mission] falls in line with the fabric of [its] existing community and doesn't try to make a statement," said Daniels.

The project first came about in 2003 and it was the attractive capital and positive feedback, rents and cash flow that motivated CLB Partners to further pursue the idea.

What's significant about 1Mission's location is that it's at the precise center of San Diego's downtown, Mission Valley, Old Town and Balboa Park.

It is specifically situated in Mission Hills, a historic block that overlooks San Diego Bay and often features homes carefully preserved and restored from the early 20th century. 1Mission adds a modern spin to that ideal while embracing its momentous past, as the project completed the neighborhood’s landmark renovation.

"The location offers tremendous barriers to entry and incorporates a strong sense of place," said Daniels. "We target buyers from across the board -- everyone from young professionals to empty-nesters to everyone in between."

The approximately $50 million development features 13 townhomes on the first and second floors, and 48 singlestory residences on the third, fourth and fifth floors. The outdoor living space was carefully designed around a walking paseo to create what Daniels calls a "secret urban garden." CLB Partners took note of people taking walks around the area and decided to create a mini village to bring people inside the block with its lush landscape.

1Mission's retail units are about 75 percent leased and 19 residential units have been sold thus far out of the total 61 homes. Daniels expects to have the building closed out by 2011. As for CLB Partners' plans for the rest of the year, Daniels says they plan to wrap up efforts with 1Mission, work on other assets in their portfolio and then reload after that. In regards to the most challenging aspect about working on 1Mission, Daniels adds that it was the ability to "preserve building a project through the crash of 2008 and being able to bring that project on time and on budget."

Cielestia Calbay is the assistant editor at Builder and Developer magazine and may be contacted at ccalbay@penpubinc.com.