CASE STUDY: 1835 Studios
From Abandoned Warehouse to Thriving Creative Mixed-Use Hub — How We Doubled Property Value in Under a Year
PROJECT OVERVIEW
1835 Studios was a neglected industrial building in one of San Diego’s most transient areas. Through creative placemaking and adaptive reuse, we transformed it into a thriving creative hub — attracting entrepreneurs, artists, and local businesses while driving new economic and cultural energy into the area.
THE CHALLENGE
Formerly a run-down pet boarding warehouse, the building was dark, abandoned, and undesirable. When I invited people to tour it, many refused to step inside, and those who did couldn’t imagine staying.
THE TRANSFORMATION
Six months later, we celebrated our grand opening with a vibrant open house market — and the shift was undeniable. The space was alive, packed with local businesses, food vendors, music, and art. The energy was electric, and the crowd wrapped around the block.
1835 Studios had gone from an empty, forgotten warehouse to a thriving 20,000-square-foot creative hub featuring:
>> An art gallery showcasing emerging artists.
>> A coffee shop serving as a central gathering spot for creatives and the local community.
>> Creative office & retail spaces catering to local entrepreneurs, artists and makers.
>> An outdoor climbing gym attracting an active community.
>> A 5,000-square-foot outdoor concert & event space driving foot traffic and nightlife.
RESULTS
>> Revenue skyrocketed 380% – Rents grew from $1.25/sf to over $6.00/sf in under a year.
>> Property value doubled, increasing by 100%+.
>> 50+ local businesses served in three years.
>> Thousands of visitors came to shop, explore, and experience our markets, concerts, and events—transforming an underutilized space into a thriving cultural hub.
HOW WE DID IT
1. Strategic Redevelopment & Space Activation
Rather than defaulting to traditional long-term leases, we curated a dynamic, multi-use environment with 14+ high-value spaces tailored to creatives, entrepreneurs, and cultural tastemakers. By integrating thoughtful design, strategic events, and a brand built around art, culture, and community, we transformed the property from just another building into a sought-after destination.
2. Elevated Revenue Strategies & Experience-Driven Business Growth
>> Maximized value per square foot by creating smaller, premium spaces—allowing for higher rental yields while keeping pricing accessible to creative businesses.
>> Diversified revenue streams with experiential activations, flexible leasing models, and curated pop-ups—ensuring financial resilience beyond traditional rent collection.
>> Transformed underutilized space by converting the back parking lot into a large outdoor communal and event area, serving as both a premium amenity for members and guests and a major new revenue source.
>> Designed for long-term demand, not short-term transactions, creating an ecosystem where tenants thrive, reducing turnover, and increasing overall desirability.
>> Built a self-sustaining community, turning an underperforming property into a must-visit destination that attracts top-tier tenants, engaged customers, and long-term value creation.
MY ROLES
>> Founder & Director of Operations – Led the vision, strategy, and execution, and team development.
>> Strategic Planning & Development – Identified highest and best use for the space.
>> Placemaking & Space Activation – Designed and executed activation strategies.
>> Community Engagement – Secured local partnerships and high-value tenants.
>> Revenue Strategy – Built a sustainable, high-yield business model maximizing space and event monetization.
FINAL THOUGHTS
1835 Studios became more than just a redevelopment — it grew into a creative destination. By rethinking how underutilized spaces could serve the creative economy, we transformed an abandoned warehouse into a thriving cultural hub.
✔ Revenue grew 380% in one year
✔ 50+ local businesses found a home in the space
✔ 1835 became a model for creative-led revitalization
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