The Weekly Take from CBRE California Dreamin’: Converting an office park into a lively town center
Jan 12, 2026
In this engaging discussion, Alex Marin, CEO of Sunset Development Company and third-generation leader, shares insights on the dramatic transformation of Bishop Ranch from a standard office park to a vibrant mixed-use community. He highlights the increasing appeal of amenity-rich spaces and flexible leasing options. Alex discusses the benefits of converting obsolete offices into residential units and strategies for creating a lively city center filled with diverse housing and retail options, all while emphasizing the importance of adapting to modern tenant needs.
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From Farmland To Premier Business Park
- Alex Marin recounts Bishop Ranch's evolution from farmland to a premier suburban business park since 1978.
- He describes how office types shifted from back-office cubes to high-end, front-office workplaces over decades.
Prebuilt Spaces Reduce Leasing Friction
- Delivering prebuilt, high-quality spec spaces reduces tenant friction and speeds occupancy.
- Shorter leases and capped design costs attract modern corporate users and lower CFO resistance.
Demolish Then Rebuild For Residential Use
- Demolish obsolete suburban offices and replace them with properly planned residential subdivisions when conversion isn't practical.
- Coordinate tenant moves, re-entitlement, and builder partnerships to manage disruption and taxes.