From owner Todd Ferrari and Chef Nick Brune, Lot 8 will be a new 4,200 square-foot urban open-air event space akin to downtown's Quartyard in the East Village. Located directly off Interstate 8 in Hotel Circle, the aptly named project was first conceptualized several years ago but didn’t officially break ground until this past February in the once-vacant parking lot adjacent to the Atwood Hotel, formerly the Mission Valley Travelodge and the historic Albie’s Beef Inn and Adam’s Steak ‘N Eggs duo.
Set to open to the public in mid-May, Lot 8 will bring a minimalist, sustainable outdoor venue to the centrally situated locale providing an attractive option for corporate events and wedding planners alike. The concept is the brainchild of Chef Brune, a veteran event producer (formerly of Hillcrest’s Local Habit) whose company Eco Caters will provide the culinary component for the space through a bounty of seasonal menus sourced from local farms and pastures and Ferrari (owner of Downtown’s Quad AleHouse, Urban Boutique Hotel and Atwood Hotel) who brings years of hospitality experience to Lot 8, in collaboration with John Carey (owner of Platinum Party Rentals). With decades of combined related acumen, Brune and Ferrari set out to create a turnkey operation tailored to accommodate parties of all sizes (up to 300) and a range of events from more traditional weddings and corporate events to innovative programming including art installations, local maker pop-ups, cocktail parties and musically fueled dining experiences such as Chef Brune’s own SoundBite roving dinner series.
The flexible space will remain intentionally open, providing a blank canvas for event planners to cater to the specific whims and visions of each particular client. Upon entering the high-walled sanctuary, guests will be transported to a serene setting with unmarred palm tree views epitomizing the sought-after Southern California lifestyle. To complement the open-air functionality, specific eye-catching elements will infuse a sense of urban kitsch into the space from an upcycled horse trailer repurposed as a bar to a shipping container that will serve as the property’s on-site kitchen. Rounding out the built-in design components, lush greenery will provide warmth to the project in the form of vertical gardens making way to an expansive living succulent wall.
While private event clients may find the contemporary urban design and turnkey approach to event planning with all-inclusive offerings including direct access to food, beverage and furnishings all under one umbrella attractive, Brune and Ferrari expect that corporate event planners will be particularly drawn to the space’s audio-visual capabilities and convenient access to San Diego’s most popular beaches, burgs and local attractions. Other favorable amenities include Lot 8’s truly customizable design, close proximity to nearby hotel accommodations and ample on-site parking.
