Project Spotlight: Safe Harbor Sunroad

Safe Harbor Sunroad is the second harbor club renovation by McCullough, following the successful transformation of Cabrillo Isle on Harbor Island. Recognizing the potential of their recently acquired yacht clubs in the San Diego region, Safe Harbor Marinas once again partnered with McCullough for this next project. McCullough forged a strong relationship with the Port of San Diego, collaborating closely with the ownership team and Port staff to secure Board and California Coastal Commission approval for the renovation.

Located on Harbor Island, Safe Harbor Sunroad is a uniquely shaped, mid-century modern building that houses marina and yacht services. With its central position on the site, the building offers panoramic views of the Coronado naval base and Downtown San Diego. McCullough was tasked with modernizing the surrounding landscape to better meet the marina's needs while preserving the site’s mid-century charm.

The Port and Coastal Commission have clear directives to ensure public access along the waterfront and to enhance water run-off quality in all new developments. McCullough’s deep understanding of these requirements, coupled with close collaboration with Port staff, ensured the timely completion of this project. Renovations to the front area of Safe Harbor Sunroad included a new decomposed granite plaza for dining and events, ornamental planting areas, new boat display staging areas, and a new monument sign—all designed to break up and minimize the under-utilized grass lawn while maintaining unobstructed views of the water.

Around the building’s north side, a new decomposed granite lounge space with a double-sided see-through fireplace was added to the concrete paseo, which separates the building from the enclosed amenity pool area. A hot tub and thoughtfully selected plant palette were also integrated to complement the mid-century architecture, refreshing the space frequented by marina members and guests.

The amenity pool area, originally a large concrete deck lacking privacy, was transformed into a cozy, relaxing space through the addition of raised planters and a six-foot raised wooden deck for dining and lounging, featuring sustainable Kebony wood made from Monterey pine. This new lounge deck, complete with firepits, new barbecues, and a bar top table overlooking the marina, epitomizes the careful blend of functionality and aesthetic appeal that McCullough brings to every project.

Today, both yacht clubs—Cabrillo Isle and Sunroad—stand as significant improvements, enhancing San Diego’s bayfront real estate both environmentally and aesthetically.