No pigeons, rats, broken windows

A longtime antique and collectibles store at 815 University Avenue in Hillcrest closed down sometime back. The code enforcement section of the City of San Diego posted a Notice of Abatement (Vacant and Unsecured Structure) on the building on March 27, and also sent a copy to the owner.

The building owner is listed in the Abatement Notice as 819 University Acquisitions, LP, located at 6540 Lusk Boulevard, Suite C228. Studio 819 Residential Hotel is just east of the empty structure.

The City previously added an “abatement of abandoned properties” ordinance in October 2012. This ordinance was passed to deal with long-empty properties like Pernicano's in Hillcrest. That property has been empty more than 25 years, and requires constant cleanup. An empty North Park eyesore is at 3020 University Avenue.

It's not clear if the 815 University property is for sale or lease, as there's no real estate sign in front. Owners of both vacant (for sale/lease) and abandoned (long vacant, but not listed for sale/lease like Pernicano's) must maintain their properties: removing graffiti, trash and weeds; repairing or boarding up broken windows; and securing the building against trespassers. They must also not allow pigeons, rats and other vermin to live in the building, or on the property.

The 815 University store has a “KONY 2012” mural on the side of the building; it's now covered up with graffiti (which is specifically a code violation). One such tag reads: “FUCK BAR CULTURE.” A graffiti sign reads: “EYE DONT WANT TO GROW UP.”

The store was a longtime fixture in Hillcrest. It is just east of another now-empty antique store. That old building is reportedly a historic site.