Found Hotel San Diego

When JKA first visited the 1906 Warrick and 1928 New Plaza hotels in San Diego’s historic Gas Lamp District, they observed a combined 186-room, historically listed, but partially abandoned, worn-out, non-code-compliant and dangerous high-rise residential facility.

Found, is a new national hospitality brand. Their rooms, common spaces, and programming allow for flexible use by one or more independent travelers. In San Diego, JKA is working on their second “Found” project, and undertaken to introduce Found’s “shared experience” concept within the framework of a complete seismic, building system, and historic renovation.

The project features new fire stairs, seismic upgrades, sprinklering, and introduction of a second elevator shaft within an existing light shaft. Revised floor layouts provide bathrooms for all rooms and result in a 156-key boutique hotel facility. The ground floor features reception and work areas, a restaurant, coffee bar, guest kitchen, and guest laundry, all complemented by a basement “speakeasy”. This latter space occupies an abandoned 1930’s lounge.

Working closely with the City and utilizing the Department of the Interior’s Secretary of the Interior’s Standards, JKA is overseeing rehabilitation of the historic street-facing facades. Repair of historic windows complements an approach which conserves character-defin- ing features from three different eras; the original 1906 six-story building, the 1928 historic roof signs, and the late 1940’s Moderne storefronts.

When completed in 2022, the hotel will be both a reminder of San Diego’s historic Downtown and a comfortable and social jumping-off point to explore this City’s modern landmarks.