AT THE TOP OF SAN DIEGO BUSINESS

Step off the elevators and through the 34th floor entrance of the University Club Atop Symphony Towers and you are greeted by the smell of Starbucks coffee and unparalleled views of downtown San Diego, Coronado island, the Pacific Ocean, Mexico, and more. But that’s literally the elegant window dressing of this club that gets down to business quickly.

“Meet me at the club” is a familiar phrase throughout the greater San Diego region because of the club’s growing reputation as the place to do business among downtowners, small-business owners, condo-based entrepreneurs, area professionals, Sorrento Valley high-tech and pharmaceutical execs, and road warriors. Just like the cranes dotting the downtown horizon, the club reflects the ever-changing San Diego business community.

Board of Governors’ chairman Douglas Wilson of the Douglas Wilson Companies can attest to the many changes. In fact, his development company is responsible for much of the changing skyline, including the club’s home “atop the Symphony Towers,” a 1.2 million-square-foot, premier mixed-used project built around the historic symphony hall that the community wanted to preserve.

“It was a complicated project and is now considered a downtown landmark,” Wilson says. “We always intended to have a club, which gives a unique perspective on a world-class downtown and a world-class harbor.”

At the same time the Symphony Towers complex was under development — almost a dozen years ago, members of the 106-year-old University Club wanted to preserve the “clubby” atmosphere that has its roots in what was initially known as the “College Graduate Club.” Early club meetings were highlighted by the reading — aloud — of the evening newspaper. The move to Symphony Towers was “win-win.” The club is going through another renaissance along with the changing profile of the San Diego business community.

“It’s important to always be fresh,” Wilson says, pointing out the many business-related  services, amenities, and programs now available at the club. Here, time and convenience are keys for members.

After all, once business is complete, there is plenty to explore in San Diego and along the Southern California coast. The club is walking distance from San Diego’s trendy Gaslamp Quarter Historic District, home to a variety of nightlife and eateries. Shopping is nearby at Westfield Shoppingtown Horton Plaza, an open-air architecture wonder that features more than 140 specialty shops and major retail anchors. And if you’re as short on time as we are on space and must pick just one tourist destination, then it must be Balboa Park, home to many museums, cultural attractions, and, of course, the famed San Diego Zoo. For complete visitors information, visit www.sdcvb.org.

The University Club Atop Symphony Towers
Location: 750 B Street, 34th floor, San Diego.
Chairman, Board of Governors: Douglas Wilson, Douglas Wilson Company.
Manager: Jim MacDonough.
Membership director: Denice Bay.
Amenities: Just 10 minutes from the San Diego Airport, the club has private dining rooms, a wood-paneled library, an elegant main dining room, and comfortable lounge. Open Monday-Friday for breakfast and lunch, with dinner served Wednesday-Saturday. Reservations required. Closed Sunday.
Web site: www.uc-sandiego.com.