2100 Kettner — San Diego, California

At 2100 Kettner in San Diego, DPA Fine selected local and global artists to enhance the development with an eye-catching art program. The art can be enjoyed by both railroad passengers and flights landing at San Diego International Airport. Celebrating Little Italy’s cultural tapestry, the project showcases whimsical murals by BumblebeeLovesYou, depicting a charming scene of a skateboarding boy enjoying a slice of pizza. London’s Ben Eine created site-specific typography murals, "HEY" and the neon sign "CIAO," which pay homage to the Southern California neighborhood’s Italian heritage. Artist Paul Wackers created a six-story painting on the exterior stairway, helping to alleviate the close proximity of the residential building across the street while offering neighbors a colorful sightline. These artworks beautifully merge contemporary creativity with Little Italy’s rich cultural heritage, celebrating its role as a culinary hub since the 1920s. The art contributes to the neighborhood’s urban fabric, honoring its enduring legacy while enhancing charm and vitality.

Following the installation of the initial art programming, DPA was tasked with creating a rooftop amenity that included an indoor conference space, as well as an outdoor bar and lounge. Collaborating closely with the developer, Kilroy Realty, and D360, DPA took the lead in setting the creative direction, overseeing branding, signage, and the overall aesthetic vision for the project.