Despite a grinding economy, construction began earlier this month on Harbor Point, a rather different two-story commercial building in Point Loma. Harbor Point is slated to open at 5555 N. Harbor Drive in August. “It’s built around the harbor, so they’re trying to fit it into that type of construction and the general architecture. It’s going to be pretty unique,” said Carl Haines, executive manager at project contractor Johnson & Jennings. Haines said the Harbor Point project cost $7 million, including the 24,000-square-foot building itself and construction costs. The building will be mixed-use, with nine offices on the top floor and three retail suites on the ground floor. “Although we’re in the midst of a challenging environment for real estate and development, we felt there was strong but unfulfilled demand among smaller tenants for a well-located office and retail building in Point Loma,” said Doug Arthur of Sentre Partners, who is handling the leasing and marketing for the building. When completed, Harbor Point will have such amenities as covered parking, free wireless Internet and men’s and women’s showers. It will also feature an art wall with a local twist. “We’re very excited about our Point Loma-themed art wall along the main exterior building stairway, which the local community will help to create and will capture the essence of what makes Point Loma a great community,” Arthur said. “Definitely a ‘must see’ if you’re a Point Loma resident.” Arthur said there is considerable interest in Harbor Point and the project is currently being discussed with one possible restaurant and several possible office tenants. As the discussion process is still early, Arthur was unable to provide names of prospective tenants. “The building should be a great fit for local individuals who want to stay close to home and the water,” Arthur said. “We envision tenants who can ride their bike to work in the morning or take a run around the bay at lunch — all while enjoying bay views and fresh air during the course of everyday business.”