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A few things from the field this week.
Laguna Beach Is Small. But It’s Not One Market.
It’s five.
Each of Laguna’s commercial districts has its own character, customer base, and economics. What works on one block doesn’t necessarily work a mile away, and those differences matter whether you own property here, run a business, or are just curious about how our town works.
I’ve wanted to lay that out in one place, so I built a website called Laguna Beach, Explained. It takes a closer look at the real estate, the businesses, and the dynamics that make each district what it is.
Explore Laguna Beach, Explained
Two Downtown Buildings, Each With a Story
Downtown is one of those five markets, and we are offering two of its more distinctive small buildings for sale.
326 Forest Avenue was built in 1916. For nearly 50 years it has been home to Ken’s Jewelry (no personal relation), a family-owned business, and it’s being offered for the first time in decades. The building has about 1,575 square feet across three levels, just off the Forest Avenue promenade and next to the Peppertree parking lot. It’s offered at $3,500,000.
312 Ocean Avenue is a restored vintage cottage adapted for commercial use, with exposed wood-beam ceilings, arched windows, a private courtyard, and a separate rear studio. It has roughly 1,000 square feet and is offered at $3,000,000.
These properties offer something increasingly difficult to find downtown: the opportunity to own a freestanding building with its own identity. For a business owner, gallery, brand, or investor, that’s worth considering.
I’m working on both with Elyse Roberts. If someone comes to mind, I’d welcome the introduction.
One Data Point: A Loan That Closed
Commercial activity remains subdued, and financing is a big part of the reason.
Here’s the other side of that. Last week, I helped a client close a $1.99 million refinance on a mixed-use property in North Laguna, working in partnership with Knightsbridge Realty Capital. Farmers & Merchants Bank of Long Beach provided the financing.
I’ve known the principals at Knightsbridge for years, and we occasionally collaborate on capital assignments. It’s a relationship I value.
It’s one transaction, not a trend. But it’s a reminder that capital is available for the right property and the right borrower, especially when experienced advisors and lenders who understand the market work together.
Telling the Story
One thing I’ve discovered lately is how much I enjoy telling the stories behind the market—not just the buildings and transactions, but the people, businesses, and ideas that give a place its character.
If you’re working on something interesting and could use a fresh perspective on how to tell your story and get it out into the world, I’d enjoy that conversation, too.
Thanks, as always, for reading. If any of this sparks a question or a thought, I always enjoy hearing from you.