The transformation of 1835 Studios began with a dilapidated pet boarding warehouse, just half a block from Father Joe’s in one of San Diego’s most transient areas. The space was dark, abandoned, and seemingly unredeemable. When I invited people to visit and share in the vision, many wouldn’t step inside, and those who did couldn’t imagine staying for more than a few minutes. It was hard not to feel the weight of their skepticism.

But six months later, everything changed. At our open house market, the building was alive—buzzing with local businesses, food vendors, music, and art. The crowd was so large it spilled outside, forming a line that wrapped around the block. The energy was electric, and in that moment, we knew we had created something special.

1835 Studios, a 20,000-square-foot mixed-use creative hub, became a leading destination for San Diego’s arts community. With retail, creative office space, an art gallery, an outdoor climbing gym, and a 5,000-square-foot outdoor concert and event space, it redefined what was possible in a once-overlooked part of town.

I spearheaded the project from concept through redevelopment and operations, leading the strategy, building the team, and shaping both the space and brand. What began as an unlikely experiment became a vibrant, community-driven destination—proof that bold ideas and unwavering persistence can turn even the most unlikely spaces into thriving hubs of creativity and connection.