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From Abandoned Warehouse to Thriving Creative Mixed-Use Hub — How We Doubled Property Value in Under a Year

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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.

 

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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.

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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.

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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.​

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LOGAN HEIGHTS ARTS DISTRICT
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Results
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  • 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.

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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.

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Our Roles
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  • 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.

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Final Thoughts
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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.

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✔ Revenue grew 380% in one year
✔ 50+ local businesses found a home in the space
✔ 1835 became a model for creative-led revitalization

 

Have an overlooked space with untapped potential? Let’s talk.

📧 hello@mosaicadvisors.co​

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