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This article originally appeared on La Jolla Light.

In today’s housing market, consumers are demanding more and better housing at an affordable rate. This has led some developers to begin building micro-units in desirable neighborhoods, and others to initiate urban infill projects that repurpose underutilized land to expand housing options. On the East Coast, New Yorkers are learning to love micro-units even smaller than the city’s famously cramped studios; and while we may not feel the pinch for space as acutely here in California, that doesn’t mean we can’t incorporate equally innovative thinking into our own architectural designs.

Micro-homes in the Big Apple

According to a recent report from the U~T, New York City planners have posed a challenge to local builders: to design comfortable, appealing micro-units ranging in size from 250-370 square feet. The aim is to create affordable options for renters priced out of the city’s standard accommodations – one that other expensive and overcrowded cities including San Francisco, Tokyo and Hong Kong have already explored. To compensate for such miniscule living quarters, some New York designer have proposed elements like rooftop gardens and common lounge areas. And while the need for 300-square foot apartments may not yet be pressing here in Southern California, a similar opportunity to think outside the box – in terms of apartment sizes and locations, amenities and mixed-use facilities – may prove advantageous when it comes blending urban design and affordable San Diego housing.

Local developments boost access to affordable apartments and retail space

Throughout San Diego County, the housing market is highly competitive – a fact that leaves many would-be renters and buyers stuck in a seemingly endless search for attractive properties. One solution to the shortage of available inventory is new building projects; and unlike New York City, San Diego still has plenty of room for urban infill developments that can provide housing while simultaneously revitalizing local economies. Of course, when new apartments go up within established neighborhoods, space may be at a premium. It is in the innovative utilization of that space that an architect’s creativity becomes crucial to the success of any given development.

Here in La Jolla, we at Murfey Construction and Veritas Urban Properties are pleased to be starting work on a new urban infill development called The Point @ Ingraham, a 21-unit property with commercial space on the ground floor and apartments ranging in size from 400 to 940 square feet. By blending residential and commercial space and creating shared amenities (including ample parking and an outdoor space open to the public), our goal is to bring new vibrancy to the Pacific Beach/Crown Point neighborhood while offering affordable, attractive apartment homes and retail spaces to local renters and entrepreneurs.

To learn more about The Point, or to discuss building projects or remodeling ideas with an experienced commercial general contractor in La Jolla, contact us online at www.murfeyconstruction.com or www.veritasurban.com.

This article originally appeared on San Diego Source.

The toils and rewards of smaller infill and mixed-use developments were the topics of a morning meeting of the San Diego/Tijuana Chapter of the Urban Land Institute at the University Club on Tuesday.

“Large-scale urban planning is kind of a dying breed, but maybe that’s a good thing,” said Eric Naslund, Studio E. Architects principal, who moderated the program.

Naslund said residents near a given project shouldn’t be afraid of density.

“A project may become more dense, but graceful,” Naslund said.

Lloyd Russell, an American Institute of Architects designer who heads Lloyd Russell AIA, said after graduating from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo in the late 1990s, he had a choice of going to San Francisco or San Diego to work.

“I had to decide where I was going to be an architect. I felt that San Francisco was done, while San Diego was a blank canvas, and that is kind of inspiring,” Russell said.

Mike Burnett, an architect and developer for Foundation for Form Architecture & Development, said a development along 25th Street in Golden Hill known as “You Are Here” is now in the process of being completed. The mixed-use development replaces a 1960s-era gas station with 22 multifamily residential units, about 5,000 square feet of ground-floor retail, and a small pocket park at the end of a cul-de-sac.

Burnett said while there is nothing particularly special about the former gas station site, the property is close to an Irving Gill home, as well as being an integral part of the 25th Street revitalization effort.

The You Are Here property is across 25th Street from another Foundation for Form development known as mxd 830, a much smaller property that has just two multifamily units with a restaurant on the ground floor.

“That property has a bistro/bar that isn’t even 800 square feet, and yet the street is now active at night,” Burnett said. “We’re looking at getting the business owner a bigger restaurant nearby.”

Russ Murfey, Veritas Urban Properties principal, is the developer of The Point at Ingraham, a 21-unit multifamily project in Pacific Beach that is currently under construction and scheduled for completion by the end of this year.

While at CityMark Development — his previous employer — Murfey oversaw the entitlement and development of more than 1,000 residential units, 60,000 square feet of commercial space, $150 million of financial placement and $500 million in real estate value.

Murfey said he takes pride in making a community better.

“There’s a lot of crap out there that gets built, whereas I get inspired by improving the fabric of a neighborhood,” he said.

Before a project improves a community, it first must be built. Russell said his biggest challenge is not having clarity from the city as to the procedures that must be followed in order to get a project approved.

“The rules are unnecessarily complicated,” said Russell. “Up in Portland (Oregon) I was inspired. It was mostly about incentives and bonuses, rather than what we couldn’t do. Here we have a betting pool on the interpretation of the zoning. It’s a weird process.”

Naslund agreed that the zoning code needs an overhaul.

“It’s definitely a challenge to get through. Unfortunately, most land-use law is written in a reactionary way,” Naslund said.

Burnett said he is frustrated with the appraisal process.

“Sometimes the appraisal guy doesn’t get that this wall moves, and that makes a difference in the appraisal,” Burnett said.

All seem to agree that parking ratios for these small developments are a huge issue.

“It’s really a shame,” said Murfey. “The first thing you do is look at the parking and then you build the project around it.”

Russell said parking is the biggest land-use constraint he faces with his projects.

“Portland had no such parking requirements. In fact they had parking maximums,” Russell said, adding that he did have trouble getting a loan for a project since being told by a lender that he didn’t have enough parking for the development.

When asked what kind of lenders should finance the small infill and mixed-use projects, Murfey cited his lender, Torrey Pines Bank among others.

“A local bank is a good place to start,” Murfey said.

This article originally appeared on La Jolla Light.

We live in an exciting time for innovation; and when it comes to planning a luxury home remodel, this couldn’t be more accurate. According to the Wall Street Journal, exhibitors at the recent International Builders’ Show in Las Vegas rolled out exciting new ideas for home construction and remodeling in the years to come. From materials to fixtures, appliances to cutting-edge technologies, home builders – and homeowners – are on the cusp of a new age.

Top innovations in homebuilding

The Wall Street Journal reports that, with new home construction and home sales statistics on the rise, attendees at the International Builders’ Show exuded an air of optimism moving forward into the New Year. This positive tone helped highlight some of the new priorities among contemporary homeowners, including energy efficiency, multitasking appliances and designer fixtures. Among the highlights:

• Space-age appliances: From a refrigerator that automatically heats water and filters for trace elements to an all-in-one grill, smoker, rotisserie oven and barbecue for the backyard, multitasking appliances took center stage among in-home creations to save both time and space.
• Eco-friendliness and energy efficiency: With sustainability and energy savings alike on the minds of many homeowners, concepts like the EcoSmart “fireplace” – a unit that burns bioethanol for a flameless and effective room-heating blaze – may be the wave of the future. Generators have also grown increasingly popular, leading to the production of smaller, more streamlined units with a reduced carbon footprint.
• Digital dominance: With outlet space in high demand in order to charge today’s growing number of digital devices, one manufacturer is trailblazing an outlet that features one electrical socket and two USB ports for a charger-free plug-in.
• Luxury amenities: Saunas and elevators are both making a comeback as home prices – and with them, homeowner prospects – begin to rise. As for the little things, one can always go for a less-is-more approach with sleek, modern, and now even designer fixtures from the likes of Jason Wu.

Whatever your home remodeling or homebuilding needs, these and other innovations can serve to spark inspiration and inspire a new perspective. Whether you are considering a full-scale remodel, an entirely new home or a simple facelift for one of two rooms in the house, it’s time to think big, think ahead, and put your plans into action.

To learn more about creative new options for home remodeling, or to discuss your project ideas with a custom builder in La Jolla, contact us as Murfey Construction today. Visit us online, at www.murfeyconstruction.com.

This article originally appeared on The San Diego Union Tribune.

Construction is under way on a 21-unit apartment project, The Point @ Ingraham, that will also include 2,266 square feet of commercial space.

The developer is Veritas Urban Properties, run by brothers Russell and Scott Murfey.

The Murfeys bought the site at Ingraham Street and La Playa Avenue for $1.2 million from investors who owned the former Union 76 gas station property.

Russell Murfey said the units will range from a 400-square-foot studio to 1,600-square-foot two-bedroom units. Rents are expected to range up to $2,400 when the project opens at the end of the year.

What makes the project unusual is that the Murfeys’ designer, Stephen Dalton Architects of Solana Beach, was able to include commercial space on the ground floor — something most small- and mid-sized apartment builders rarely tackle because of the financing challenge. Lenders typically shy away from mixed-use developments. Also planned is some open space that can be shared by renters, retailers and the public.

“Retailers like it because it will have patio space,” Murfey said. “The public likes it because in the area they can sit down and relax and hang out. It looks a little more enjoyable.”

He said the location offers a certain “vibrancy” that ought to appeal to a workout facility or a “local food joint.”

In parking-challenged Crown Point and Pacific Beach, the project includes 45 parking spaces and room for bicycles.

The Murfeys plan to build and hold the project as an investment and follow up with a second project in Point Loma. Murfey Construction is the contractor and Cassidy Turley, the leasing agent.

Rental and leasing information is available online at thepointliving.com and at (858) 356-2284.

This article originally appeared on San Diego Community Newspaper Group.

After languishing on the market for the last two years, the old Union 76 gas station property at Ingraham Street and La Playa Avenue in Crown Point is under development. Rising from the site is The Point at Ingraham, a high-end, urban-design, mixed-use project.

At three stories, the apartments and commercial space that will add up to 35,000 square feet will house 21 apartments and 2,266 square feet of retail space, possibly with a café and drycleaners. The lot, which measures 22,500 square feet, will include 45 parking spaces behind the building, plus room for bicycles inside and out.

Brothers Russell and Scott Murfey, native San Diegans who live in Pacific Beach and who have an office kitty corner to the project, are the developers under their Veritas Urban Properties through Murfey Construction. The Murfeys bought the property from Loma La Jolla LLC for $1.2 million.

The Point will include nine two-bedroom apartments, 11 one-bedrooms and one studio. The Murfeys haven’t firmed up any deals for the commercial space, but they said there has been “quite a bit of interest.” The goal is to be finished with the project by the end of this year.

“I believe Pacific Beach needs higher-quality apartment buildings,” said Russell Murfey. “We’re excited to bring this product to the market because it’s different from anything out there.”

He said the current trend in Pacific Beach is for young people to come and enjoy the benefits of the beach for awhile and then leave, because there are not enough high-quality rentals.

“We believe there’s room for hard-working people who want to stay in PB,” said Russell Murfey.

He sees his renters as Generation Y, who are out of school with well-paying first or second jobs, maybe with children, looking for good, entry-level housing.

The brothers, who have built other mixed-use products around San Diego, currently are also building a 4,000-square-foot home on the water in La Jolla Shores.

Murfey said The Point apartment rates will be competitive with nearby complexes, including Avalon at Mission Bay next door, and the new apartments will include such luxury aspects like hard-surface countertops and European cabinetry and 18-foot ceilings in the commercial space.

Murfey said neighbors have been enthusiastic.

Joe Splendorio, bar manager at Rocky’s Crown Pub, kitty corner to the project, said he believes the project will help business “if there’s no retail.” He’s also a bit worried about parking.

Sal Yacoub, owner of the VP Racing gas station across the street, also sees advantages.

“It’s going to be better than it is now,” he said.

But he, too, worries about parking for the new businesses and traffic from the new project’ exits, even though he concedes many customers will be walking anyway. Being a businessman, Yacoub said he’s negotiating on renting a space in the complex for a food court.

Murfey said neighbors shouldn’t worry about parking issues.

“There are plenty of parking spaces; one per bedroom, three for guests and 13 for commercial,” he said. “That’s more than required by city code. We pulled the retail back from the corner with an outdoor patio and a seat-wall as a public amenity for social gatherings.”

Murfey described himself and his brother as locals who want to do the right thing.

“PB has a lot of room to grow into an incredible beach area that’s not just for college kids,” he said “… We’re part of the community and want to be cohesive with Crown Point and Pacific Beach, including our neighbors.”

This article originally appeared on La Jolla Light.

In many parts of the country, home repairs and remodeling activities are relegated to the warmer spring and summer months. But here in La Jolla, home remodel projects can take place at any time of year. As we move into the New Year, many folks will be planning enhancements to their homes – either to improve resale value, or simply to improve their own quality of life. In both cases, so-called curb appeal renovations can be a great place to start. From simple touches like fresh paint and new hardware to signature upgrades for the yard and garden, a talented contractor can take any home and give it a fresh, appealing look.

According to a recent Fox News report, curb appeal is crucial when it comes to making a first impression – on potential buyers, but also on guests and visitors to your home. The average person forms a first impression within seven to ten seconds; and that means, no matter how beautiful your home is on the inside, it’s the little things on the exterior – the landscaping, driveway, façade, front door, window boxes, shutters – that count. Of course, exterior enhancements can also be a great way to customize your home to fit your lifestyle. Thanks to our sunny year-round weather, many homeowners enjoy outdoor living, making upgrades like barbeques, outdoor fireplaces, spas or light fixtures an ideal way to expand living space and create a private getaway right in your own backyard.

For those considering selling their homes in 2013, the key to curb appeal is simple: repair, refresh, refine. Make a checklist and run through the areas of your home’s exterior likely to come under initial scrutiny. Is the yard neatly trimmed and edged? Do you have some degree of landscaping, and is it in good condition? Are the driveway and front walk in good repair? And of course, look at the façade of the house and consider whether or not new paint is in order, or if fresh trim, shutters or window boxes might give your home a “facelift.” Painting the door and replacing the hardware can work wonders, and a bright color that really pops can add character and interest to an otherwise neutral exterior.

Of course, if you’re looking to settle into your home as opposed to selling it, then these curb appeal renovations can lean a little more heavily towards your own personal taste – and also, towards your practical needs. Perhaps its time to make less glamorous repairs to gutters and downspouts; or perhaps you’ve decided to finally spring for that new barbeque and patio remodel you’ve always wanted. Consider the backyard an extension of your home, and put the same care and attention to detail into your plans as you would for any other room in the house. From fireplaces and spas to bars and televisions, the sky’s the limit. Get started by brainstorming your ideas with an experienced custom builder, and get ready to start living your best life in your home.

For more information about custom remodels in La Jolla, or to discuss any type of home improvement project with a La Jolla general contractor, contact us at Murfey Construction today. For details, visit www.murfeyconstruction.com

This article originally appeared on La Jolla Light.

With a new year on it’s way, now is the perfect time to get inspired ideas for healthier, happier, more vibrant living. Bring serenity and beauty into your life by taking time to relax from the pressures of daily life – and consider incorporating that same serenity into your home through custom bathroom remodel designs. Turn the master bath into a sanctuary, a retreat from the world distinguished with health-boosting amenities, streamlined appliances, open spaces, cozy accents and elements from nature. From little luxuries like towel warmers and heated toilet seats for the winter months to architectural innovations like steam rooms, European frameless showers and radiant heated floors, today’s bathroom remodeling trends are all about optimal aesthetics, added comfort and a refreshing escape from the mundane.

Full-scale remodeling: transform your space for a spa-like experience

 

Think of the health benefits we reap every time we get away for a much-deserved vacation: the slower pace of life, soothing sounds of running water, sunshine, warmth, spas and saunas…all wrapped up with the trappings of a elegant resort. Now imagine bringing that same elegance, relaxation, light and warmth into your own master bathroom. With help from a talented and experienced contractor, you can create the ideal environment – one in which heat radiates from the floors for an all-around cozy feeling, while multiple windows and frameless glass showers create a sense of openness and make room for multiple shower valves. Add a specialty stand-alone bathtub for a sophisticated touch, or a steam room for ultimate relaxation and health after a long day at work. No matter which fixtures you choose, you can create a customized spa feel to suite your needs and tastes – and enjoy a mini-vacation any time you choose.

Small tweaks and finishing touches: elevate your style with color and texture

 

Whether you go for a full-scale remodel or a simple design spruce, there are plenty of ways to add custom style to your space. Homeowners looking for a distinctive textures and materials might consider concrete or marble countertops, teak or tile flooring and wall tile crafted from reclaimed glass or even subway tiles – a chic trend that lends the perfect backdrop for vintage fixtures. Add a furniture-inspired touch to bathroom walls with framed mirrors, or take advantage of the comfort-driven innovations with heated toilet seats and tankless water heaters. Finally, play with color: determine whether your personal spa bathroom looks best in white and chrome, earth tones and neutrals or shocks of bright color.

To learn more about bathroom remodeling ideas, or to discuss your plans with an experienced contractor, get in touch with us here at Murfey Construction today. Our construction company in La Jolla specializes in all stages of residential remodeling, from interior design consulting to full project execution. Learn more online, at www.murfeyconstruction.com.

This article originally appeared on La Jolla Light.

Financial analysts have high hopes for the home improvement industry moving into 2013, according to a recent report from the Wall Street Journal. Notable growth in remodeling and construction spending over the last few months has led to the anticipation of still greater profits moving into the New Year. In addition, the National Association of Home Builders released a report in late October showing a five-point increase in the third quarter Remodeling Market Index – evidence of rising demand among consumers for remodeling and construction jobs.

These latest figures come after a report released earlier last month from Harvard’s Joint Center for Housing Studies suggesting the potential for double-digit home improvement spending increases over the first half of 2013. Based on the center’s LIRA (Leading Indicator of Remodeling Activity) projections, homeowners are expected to boost spending for an annual rate increase from $115.1 billion to $134.2 billion. The LIRA data is derived from analysis of combined indicators including “housing starts, pending home sales, residential remodeling employment figures” and other consumer trends – and spells good news for those in the home construction and remodeling industry.

But what do these numbers mean for homeowners?

Stay current and spruce up your space with home improvements for the New Year

Rising consumer interest in home remodeling and construction projects carries a number of possible implications for homeowners. For some, remodeling is an alternative to move-up real estate purchases; for others, it is a means of preparing a current home for sale. But on both ends of the spectrum, increased home improvement spending signals rising optimism among homeowners nationwide – optimism that stands to benefit the economy, reinvigorate the home building industry and add value to local real estate markets.

Whether you fall into the settled homeowner category or plan to make 2013 the year you finally spring for a new home, now is the perfect time to start planning your remodeling agenda. Seize the opportunity to finish a quick spruce-up job before the holidays, or start preparing now for bigger jobs that can be completed without interruption after the New Year.

From bathrooms and kitchens to add-ons, backyards and technological upgrades, Murfey Construction is the ideal choice for home remodeling in La Jolla. We offer a range of services customized to suit your needs, all while providing exceptional quality, experience and customer service to San Diego homeowners. To learn more, or to schedule a consultation to discuss your next remodeling project, contact us online today. Visit www.murfeyconstruction.com.

This article originally appeared on La Jolla Light.

Last month, we discussed the many ways in which San Diego homeowners can combine custom goods and services for a successful kitchen remodel. Now, the latest remodeling trends suggest that 2012 may be a big year for luxury remodeling projects across the board. From new kitchens to full-scale renovations, homeowners polled in the Fall 2012 Remodeling Sentiment Report from RemodelOrMove.com indicated an interest in more expensive products and projects of significantly greater scope than in years past. As the housing market continues to improve, buoyed by stronger stock market numbers and historically low interest rates, homeowners appear ready to tackle long-deferred home improvements. And while high-quality products are always a smart investment, it is important to remember that an experienced contractor is every homeowner’s best insurance for a successful remodeling experience.

Recent coverage of the Fall 2012 Remodeling Sentiment Report indicates a number of highlights from the survey, with homeowners’ apparent preference for more luxurious home products leading the way among this year’s “noteworthy” trends. Evidence of this consumer shift appears in a variety of sectors, including the number of homeowners who claim to be using “expensive” products (at its highest rate since 2008), projected costs for remodeling ventures (coming in at an average estimate of $100,000), the scale of these ventures (encompassing an average of at least three rooms) and the number of respondents planning to hire a contractor (coming to 73%, the highest rate since 2006).

Other factors indicating the consumer shift toward luxury remodeling projects include a focus on kitchen remodeling — considered by most to be an inessential project as compared to necessary bathroom remodels or additions – and also a simple increase in the number of wealthy homeowners planning home improvements in the coming months. Considered together, these factors suggest that, for some homeowners, a high-end remodel may serve as an alternative to purchasing a new home. For those who love their current home or neighborhood, but still want to add a personal touch or additional space to the property, remodeling is an ideal choice. All it takes is some smart planning and the help of an experienced contractor to offer advice and assistance transforming a homeowner’s vision into reality.

At Murfey Construction, we pride ourselves on providing top quality construction and contracting services to help our San Diego clients create the homes of their dreams. From basic consulting to design/plan work to full-scale execution and construction, our experienced team is your one-stop source for remodeling projects of every size and scope. To find out more about top trending home products and services, or to discuss a project with our team, get in touch today: visit www.murfeyconstruction.com.

This article originally appeared on La Jolla Light.

With fall in the air and the kids back in school, now is the ideal time to begin planning your 2013 kitchen remodel. Kitchen design trends can range from elegant to artistic to downright space-age: but above all, a good remodel should be about functional space planning and organization combined with the styles and textures that express your individual aesthetic. With so many ideas and options to choose from, redesigning the kitchen may seem overwhelming. Here are some tips and suggestions to help you get started – and to give you an idea of how to prioritize for a kitchen that is at once beautiful, comfortable, functional and built to last.

First, determine the major appliances you want in your new kitchen, and use these as the basis for the rest of your design plans. Ranges, cook tops and ovens come in all different shapes, sizes and brands, and can be sourced from a wide variety of different countries, many of which have a signature style all their own. If you are considering a splurge on anything in your kitchen, make it the stove: as something you use every day, the stove should be top-quality and designed to suit your ideal specifications. From there, look into other appliances – everything from built-in dishwashers, refrigerators and freezers to wine coolers, warming drawers, fridge and freezer draws and espresso makers for a unique touch. Adding wood cabinetry panels to your refrigerator, freezer, and dishwasher can help larger appliances fit in with custom woodwork if you choose custom cabinetry, while any number of options for the sink – single bowl, double bowl, stainless steel, porcelain, copper, farm style – can compliment these choices and tie the whole space together.

Next, consider organizational touches to suit your lifestyle. Today’s modern pullout Lazy Susans provide much more accessibility to tight corners, while appliance garages are a clever solution for storing small appliances out of sight. Pullout shelving is a smart idea for the pantry, making it easier to access stored goods and maximize storage in tight spaces.

Finally, have fun with aesthetics. Wood, granite and marble countertops can be blended together for a beautiful custom look. For example, consider a neat butcher block for the island and a stunning marble or soapstone countertop for contrast. European hoods provide a distinctive look above the stove, while an exotic backsplash below is the perfect vehicle for expressing your creativity and adding a visual centerpiece to the space. Top it off with versatile pendant lighting for added flair, and consider LED under-cabinet lighting for a lifetime of cool temperature lit workspace.

If you’re working with a limited budget, keep in mind that it is easy to re-skin existing cabinet boxes for an updated look, and to find good deals on wooden countertops at popular retailers like Ikea. And whatever your price range, remember to maintain a triangle between the refrigerator, sink and range for good feng shui.

Make your vision a reality with help from the experts at Murfey Construction

Grab some home design magazines and create a binder of looks and styles you like. And once you get the design figured out, put your vision to work with help from an experienced builder and get the job done! For more information about San Diego kitchen remodeling resources, contact us at Murfey Construction today. Visit www.murfeyconstruction.com.