Noah’s Ark in Pacific Beach

Sure, we know that things are changing in North Pacific Beach. Every time a house is sold it is torn down (except for one small wall so it can be called a “remodel” instead of new construction) and replaced with a larger home. Most new houses being built are two stories, with a deck on top.

But the duplex going up on Wilbur Street, one block from the beach, might be too much for the current neighborhood. It reminds me of Noah’s Ark. It appears to be about 300 cubits by 50 cubits by 30 cubits. The square footage is about 5200. It covers the view for blocks around. The neighbors across the street, Al and Bob, have lived in their same home since the 1940s. Al pointed out that “Technically, it is perfectly legal for them to build that house. But it completely ruins the houses on both sides of it.” Bob noted “the house next door, closer to the ocean will be the next one to go. And that house will then block the view from this house.”

Al and Bob, who own several lots in this neighborhood, have promised not to build McMansions on their lots. “We like it just the way it is now, and want to keep it that way as long as we can.”