Opportunity
1835 Studios began as a vacant, 20,000-square-foot industrial warehouse in Logan Heights, in one of San Diego’s most transient areas. Formerly a pet boarding facility, the building was dark, run-down, and uninviting. Some prospective occupants were reluctant to enter; others struggled to imagine working there.
The challenge extended beyond improving the building. It needed a new use, a compelling reason for people to come through the doors, and an operating model that could support stronger property income.
Strategy
Reposition the warehouse as a creative mixed-use hub for artists, makers, entrepreneurs, and local businesses.
The concept combined smaller workspaces with retail, food, art, recreation, and events. Rather than treating those uses as separate additions, the strategy brought them together around a clear identity rooted in creativity and community.
That direction guided the property’s layout, tenant mix, brand, programming, and operations.
Execution
Spaces tailored to the businesses they would serve
The warehouse was configured into more than 14 spaces for creative offices, retail, and other uses. Smaller footprints kept individual spaces accessible to local businesses while supporting higher rental income per square foot.
Complementary uses that brought the right mix together
An art gallery showcasing emerging artists, a coffee shop, and an outdoor climbing gym added reasons to visit and spend time at the property. They supported an experience that extended beyond renting a workspace.
The rear parking area became a 5,000-square-foot communal and event space—providing a shared amenity while opening up opportunities for markets, concerts, and private bookings.
Activity connected to the operating model
Flexible leasing, pop-ups, and event bookings expanded how the property could be used and generated income beyond workspace rents.
Local partnerships, exhibitions, and programming introduced visitors to the space and gave participating businesses opportunities to reach new customers, collaborate, and build a stronger presence.
![Chips+Work+Portfolio+[2024]+(22).png](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/170401_ce86c323b1274acda0284ab55d19cb0a~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_481,h_325,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/Chips%2BWork%2BPortfolio%2B%5B2024%5D%2B(22).png)
Results
Within six months, 1835 Studios opened with a market featuring local businesses, food vendors, music, and art. The opening introduced the building’s new purpose and brought people into a property they had previously overlooked.
380%
Revenue growth in the first year
2×
Property value
Rents increased from approximately $1.25 to over $6.00 per square foot. Markets, concerts, and exhibitions brought thousands of visitors to the property, connecting its tenant community with a wider audience.
Project Role
Led the property’s repositioning from concept through launch and operations — developing the business model, establishing its identity, curating the tenant mix, and leading placemaking and programming efforts.
Value Created
The property’s identity and business model reinforced one another. Smaller workspaces served creative businesses, while complementary uses and programming made the building a place to gather. The result was a more productive property with a distinct role in the neighborhood.
Have an overlooked property with untapped potential?
Let’s talk.