The Journey of Industrial Renovation at 795 H Street

795 H Street underwent a complete repositioning, transforming the largest manufacturing/warehouse space near downtown San Diego. Dempsey Construction collaborated with Wohl Property Group to create a white box space for an existing building used for manufacturing and office purposes. This project presented a series of complex challenges. “Without as-built plans to assist us, we constantly discovered new challenges as we ‘unpeeled the onion,’” said Emil Wohl, Principal at Wohl Property Group.

Maintaining Schedule and Budget

The 200,000 SF facility was completed in two phases:

• Phase 1: White-boxing the existing building, including the removal of all interior mezzanines, replacement of the existing roof structure, addition of 32 skylights, hazardous materials abatement, and more.
• Phase 2: New interior paint, flooring, exterior windows, improved fire suppression system, new electrical systems, all new hardscaping and landscaping, and replacement of several roll-up doors.

“The team provided regular updates on progress, allowing for early identification of any issues that could impact the timeline or costs. This proactive communication enabled quick decision-making and minimized disruptions. Every team member knew their role and ensured it was performed well and on time. They avoided delays and additional costs by addressing issues promptly and effectively,” said Emil.

Anticipating and Solving Problems

Renovating a functionally obsolete industrial building from the 1950s is no small feat. Dempsey was instrumental in navigating challenges. “Dempsey was always one step ahead. Their team anticipated issues they had experienced on other projects and advised ownership accordingly. If we encountered an unexpected condition or delay, Dempsey quickly devised an alternative path to keep the project moving and on schedule,” said Emil. “When unseasonal rainfall caused our schedule to slip, Dempsey reprioritized several critical job phases to keep the job moving forward.”

What Sets Dempsey Apart

For Wohl Property Group, partnering with Dempsey Construction has been a standout experience compared to other general contractors. “Dempsey’s distinct culture prioritizes communication, creative problem-solving, and personal responsibility,” Emil noted.

“Dempsey relentlessly focuses on value engineering and optimizing workflow efficiencies. From estimating to close-out, the team worked diligently to find cost-effective solutions without compromising quality, ensuring that the project remained within budget,” Emil emphasized.