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La Jolla is home to restaurants, shops, art galleries, fitness studios, coffee shops and salons — but no specialty market. This will change in 2019, thanks to a partnership between two San Diego-based companies, Murfey Company and Valley Farm Market.

A new family-owned market, featuring high quality, affordable grocery items and prepared foods will open on the corner of La Jolla Boulevard and Nautilus Street in late 2019, fulfilling a decades-long wish of many La Jolla residents.

Murfey Company, a local developer and builder, is in the midst of a multi-million dollar renovation of the 18,330-square-foot property on the corner of La Jolla Boulevard and Nautilus. The former Nautilus Professional Building at 6902 La Jolla Blvd. will be transformed into a mixed-use luxury apartment complex with 15 one- and two-bedroom rentals, all with ocean views, and ground floor retail space.

The 5,000-square-foot retail space in the WindanSea area of La Jolla will be home to the second Valley Farm Market location, established in 1956 in Spring Valley by Felix and Eleanor Marso, and now run by Felix and Eleanor’s grandson, Derek Marso.

“Valley Farm Market is San Diego’s best kept secret,” said La Jolla resident Garett DiLandri, “and as a foodie I’m thrilled that Derek and his family are bringing their market’s traditions to our neighborhood. Great food, great people.”

The market sells organic produce, USDA prime meat in its well-known in-house butcher shop, sustainable seafood, wine and craft beer. It specializes in prepared foods, including a gourmet deli and award-winning barbeque. Marso truly cares about the customer experience, and Valley Farm Market has been an important part of the Spring Valley community for more than 60 years, hosting community events and supporting local charities and youth sports teams.

“This is a family business, and we are here to serve the community,” Marso said about his new La Jolla location.

“I’m going to be a part of the community. I want to be involved in Little League, the schools — whatever the community needs. I truly want to offer a great product for the best value. I feel a leader is one who serves, and I’m looking forward to doing that in La Jolla,” Marso said.

When Felix and Eleanor Marso opened Valley Farm Market in 1956, their four children helped operate the business, sweeping the parking lot, washing vegetables and sorting bottles. Derek, a former Kansas State University defensive end who played in the NFL, is now the third generation to own Valley Farm Market. Marso is a butcher who continued his father’s focus on barbecue with the Valley Farm Market BBQ Shack, which serves barbeque plates and brisket, pulled pork, tri-tip and sides by the pound. In September 2018, Valley Farm BBQ was named “San Diego’s Best BBQ” by iHeart Radio.

Marso’s minority partner in the new store is Shawn Walchef, who also grew up in La Jolla.

Valley Farm Market is not the first partnership between Marso and Walchef. For the last nine years the two friends have hosted annual festivals, organized charity events and produced a weekly podcast.

One of the primary beneficiaries of Marso and Walchef’s fundraising is Organizations in Training, a San Diego-based nonprofit that provides leadership training to youth, parents and families facing extreme adversity. The nonprofit’s chairman, Shane Walton, is a former NFL player who attended The Bishop’s School and is now the school’s assistant director of athletics.

Walchef said he’s looking forward to bringing a community grocery store and quality meat market to La Jolla. More than anything, however, Walchef and Marso are eager to add value to the community.

“[Derek] cares about every guest that walks in his stores in a way that inspires his team to follow his example,” Walchef said.

“Our goal is to create a new space in La Jolla that makes shoppers feel not only appreciated while they are shopping but even better when they get home and feed their families with our selection,” he said.

The departure of Jonathan’s Market in 2014 left La Jolla without a store offering high-end grocery products. Marso and Walchef’s vision for the new store is a one-stop-shop for high-end butcher items, marinated meats, to-go dishes, rotisserie chicken, fine cheeses, fresh produce and specialty items like their famous poke dishes.

Valley Farm Market’s new location will offer gourmet food and wine along with items you can’t find anywhere else — right in the heart of La Jolla.

— Business Spotlight features commercial enterprises that support La Jolla Light.

This article originally appeared in The La Jolla Light

This article originally appeared in The La Jolla Light

Smart home technology is growing by leaps and bounds. From home video surveillance cameras to thermostats that can be controlled from your cell phone and smart refrigerators that display the family calendar, these technology forward IoT devices are here to stay.

This article originally appeared in The La Jolla Light

The concept of the office break room has evolved from a space to grab a cup of coffee or microwave lunch to a place to socialize, relax and even work.

This article originally appeared in The La Jolla Light

A new mixed-use, three-story project with 81 luxury apartment rental units will debut soon on a formerly vacant swath of land adjacent to San Diego Community College District’s West Campus.

Preleasing is already underway for The Californian at 3233 Kemper St. at the corner of Kenyon Street, now in the final stages of construction.

The new development has two commercial spaces as well as an affordable housing component of seven units providing low-income individuals and families the opportunity to rent.

“We’re pretty close to being done,” said Jesse Lyons, director of operations & marketing for developer Murfey Co. “It’s going to be sometime in September. We’re hoping to have people move in in October.”

Lyons said 20 of the 81 rentals, which are a mix of studios and one- and two-bedroom units, have already been pre-leased. Size of apartment units goes from about 600 to 3,000 square feet.

The Californian was chosen as the name for the project said Lyons because it reflects the California “vibe.”

“It will be an access-controlled community,” said Lyons of the property,

The Murfey Company, in partnership with Bishop and Company, is developing the property, which is on a 99-year ground lease. Murfey Company is the general contractor.

Lyons said the project has been four years in the making. He added its proximity to the beach coupled with ample parking onsite made it an attractive site to develop.

“There are a grand total of 104 parking units,” he said adding the goal is to have 50 percent of the project pre-leased by the time it opens.

Lyons characterized the project as “urban infill housing” with a density bonus for its affordable housing component. “The amenity package offers a swimming pool and a hot tub, and also features and fire pit and an outdoor barbecue,” he said. “It is a pet-friendly community with a pocket park and is energy-efficient.”

The development has elevators and wifi access.

“This will be a real nice place for people to live and relax when they are away from work,” said Lyons.

Reach out to The Californian at info@liveatthecalifornian.com.

Read more: San Diego Community News Group – New luxury apartment building The Californian to open in Midway

 

This article originally appeared in The La Jolla Light

Construction projects are fluid – any number of issues can arise. Cost overruns. Delays in a product’s delivery. Miscommunication.

This article originally appeared in The La Jolla Light

Any successful construction project requires a road map, or a schedule with a plan, for it to be delivered on time and on budget. For some projects a detailed preconstruction plan is the best way to provide owners with a formal approach that includes preliminary planning and engineering to define the project, identify potential problems and analyze the costs.

Preconstruction services are offered before the construction phase begins. During the preconstruction phase, clients learn what will be needed to create a functional and financially viable project. The preconstruction phase often helps an owner determine if the project is viable.

When owners become involved early in the process, they have an opportunity to understand the project at a more comprehensive level. Most importantly, the owner has a defined basis to make an informed decision by eliminating many of the unknowns, reducing risk and identifying potential cost savings.

Scope

The first step in the preconstruction process is defining the project’s scope. In this phase there are numerous questions to consider such as: Is the project described clearly? Do all stakeholders agree? Assessments during this stage address the existing conditions of the space and determine needs for the project, which leads to an initial schematic design. This preliminary layout helps owners visualize the spaces and ensures there is sufficient space for all equipment, furnishings and any required access.

At minimum, the scope gives the owners a step-by-step process outlining the project goals and determining how those timeline benchmarks are met.

Budget and costs

The budget is created from the schematic design and the engineering assessment. A clear budget offers direction for the project. A key component of the preconstruction budget is to make sure the costs are fair and accurate.

A reasonable and realistic budget helps guide various elements from the type of subcontractors to hire to the types of materials to purchase. This early budget is based on comparable spaces and estimates, so it is fluid in nature. Depending on the agreement, a bid document can be an out-growth of this budget. Additionally, this step assists lenders and banks with the financing pieces of the project.

Schedule

Creating an accurate schedule is vital to ensuring how construction is completed on time and on budget. The preliminary schedule serves as a guide to identify lead times and the sequence of construction. The plan can estimate the number of days to complete each task and it can give a rough idea of completion times.

Once developed, a project timeline ensures the assigned deadlines hold consultants accountable, too. The end result is that milestone tasks are met, or at least that is the goal. If you want to have a more detailed plan, consider a cost loaded schedule that connects your budget and timeline.

Preconstruction services offer a level of assurance and education to clients. The expense of initiating preconstruction services will save money and time in the long run, because the costs and project schedule are determined upfront. Also, owners generally find that the number of changes, unexpected costs, and variations of schedule during the project are greatly reduced.

If you are interested in learning more about Murfey Company, a leader in construction and real estate development, please visit www.murfeycompany.com.

This article originally appeared in The La Jolla Light

To ensure the Bird Rock Community Fourth of July parade remains part of the Murfey Family Legacy, the Murfey (Construction) Company will continue to coordinate and sponsor this local slice of American pie.

This year’s theme — “Tomorrowland: A Race thru Space” — has its eyes on the future. Registration and float entry is set for 9:15 a.m. Wednesday, July 4, 2018 at Beaumont Avenue and Camino de la Costa in La Jolla , with a shotgun parade start at 10 a.m.

“Show up early! Domo Arigoto Mr. Roboto,” said Scott Murfey.

“For decades, the La Jolla community has gathered alongside neighbors, family and friends on the Fourth of July to enjoy the Bird Rock Parade down Beaumont Street,” he said. “With hundreds of bikes and small floats flooding the streets, this quintessential small town celebration has spanned generations for La Jollans.”

Now in its 39th year, “family” is once again at the heart of the parade with Murfey brothers Scott and Russ working behind the scenes to coordinate the activities.

“The Fourth of July parade is a great opportunity to connect with old friends and neighbors,” said Russ Murfey. “For us, there is the obvious personal connection to the parade, but more importantly, is what it means to the community as a whole.”

Started in 1980 by the brothers’ parents, Barbara and Buddy Murfey working with other Bird Rock parents, the parade initially consisted of just a few families, but has steadily grown ever since.

A new large trophy for “best float” was donated by last year’s winner (and lifelong parade participants), the Oliver Family.

As said Josh Oliver explained: “Since its inception in 1980, we have been fortunate to be part of the Fourth of July Parade. This event has become a creative bonding experience for all participants. Every year, our family looks forward to collaborating on the float and jointly seeing it through to fruition. This is what makes the parade so family-oriented. Therefore, we donated the first prize trophy to acknowledge the prevailing family’s creativity and community spirit.”

There will be additional trophies awarded for other outstanding floats and parade participants, and the winning float also has the opportunity to select next year’s parade theme.

For 2018, in addition to the parade, there will be plenty of food and activities, carnival games and photo booths at the end of the parade route in the Methodist Church parking lot, 6063 La Jolla Blvd.

As always, there is no entrance fee, however, donations are appreciated as they are the backbone of funding for this celebration.

Despite moving full steam ahead, volunteers and donations are still needed. Those interested in supporting the Bird Rock Fourth of July Parade may make a donation online at gofundme.com/2018birdrockparade

— For more information or to purchase T-shirts, contact Russ Murfey at (858) 459-6865 or russ@murfeycompany.com

• Editor’s Note: As a reminder, there will NOT be Independence Day fireworks at La Jolla Cove this year on Wednesday, July 4, 2018.

This article originally appeared in The La Jolla Light

The former Nautilus Professional Building at 6902 La Jolla Blvd. — which was built in 1964 and has traditionally housed dental and other medical offices — will reopen in early 2019 as a mixed-use luxury apartment complex with 15 one- and two-bedroom rentals, all with ocean views, and street-level retail space.

The 18,330-square-foot property — also known as 470 Nautilus St. — was sold last November by Lsref4 Dual LLC, a privately held Dallas, Texas company, to a San Diego concern called Hillcrest Veritas L.P. for $9.15 million along with the adjacent commercial building at 6980 La Jolla Blvd.

Hillcrest Veritas, the Light has learned, is the real-estate investment subsidiary of the Murfey Company, the contractor that began the building’s multimillion-dollar renovation in April.

“We specialize in development, investment and construction,” said president Russ Murfey, who co-owns the company with his brother, Scott. “We build, own and operate multi-home properties.”

Murfey, who grew up with his brother in Bird Rock, described the former Nautilus Professional Building as “a blight for well over 20 years.”“I’ve probably driven by this building a couple hundred thousand times,” he said. “The previous owners essentially did nothing. Just making a positive visual impact in the neighborhood and creating a new vibe in the area I think is important.”

Murfey said that parking spaces for the new residential tenants would be in the back. “I don’t know the exact count right now, but more than one space per unit,” he said.

Former office tenants whose leases were not renewed include dentists Drs. Tiffany Phi and Gerald Miyamoto, who relocated their joint practice to Carlsbad, and Dr. Nick Pavlov, who relocated his to Vista.

The Light couldn’t reach them for their opinion about the conversion. However, it did reach another former tenant who described herself as “very happy” about it.

“I think it’s great for the community,” said Sara Sas, who operated the Holistic Traditions acupuncture clinic out of the Nautilus Professional Building from 2002-2010. Sas, a WindanSea resident, said she moved her business to her current location (7759 Herschel Ave., Suite B) because the Nautilus Professional Building was “disgusting” and because “rats and trash were piling up.”

“Honestly, years ago, I had a gentleman say, ‘Oh, you’re in the building that needs to be torn down,’” Sas added.

Murfey said that 6980 La Jolla Blvd., which has housed the Liquor Box for years, will get some “sprucing up, but not a heavy renovation,” and a representative for the Liquor Box confirmed that the local institution would remain there for the foreseeable future. (That building was built in 1970 with 6,758 square feet of space and, according to Murfey, was “always owned” together with its next-door neighbor.)

Ground-floor retail space at the former Nautilus Professional Building — previously occupied by retail tenants including Elegance Nails & Spa and La Jolla Cleaners — will return to “retail or some sort of commercial use,” Murfey said, adding that its 5,000 square feet can go either to one big store or several small ones.

“Our goal is to find a cool, creative, neighborhood-serving use that people are going to be proud of and something they can frequent as part of the community,” Murfey said, adding that Flocke & Avoyer Commercial Real Estate is currently seeking takers.

Murfey said he has no name for the renovated building yet, but is thinking of “something centered on Nautilus or the local beach community.” He said he’s open to suggestions.

 

This article originally appeared in The La Jolla Light