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Welcome to the on-line headquarters of Levin Menzies & Associates.  Located in the San Francisco Bay Area, Levin Menzies & Associates (LMA) is a diversified real estate investment and development firm dedicated to creating value from untapped potential.  To learn more about who we are and what we do, please explore the links to the left.

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COMPANY

At LMA, we attribute our decades of success to the meticulous attention we have paid to building relationships based on integrity and trust.

Our team, comprised of experienced and credentialed real estate professionals, concentrates its efforts on value-added projects of all kinds, residential and commercial.

Established in 1985, LMA is currently acquiring properties and cultivating contacts to help grow our portfolio of premier projects across the Western United States.

History

Marvin Levin and Paul Menzies served as principals in the well-known real estate syndication firm of Consolidated Capital (ConCap).

In 1985 after ConCap was sold, Marvin Levin and Paul Menzies formed Levin Menzies & Associates (LMA).  Historically, either by prescience or sheer luck, or perhaps a combination of both, LMA has been fortunate enough to synchronize its investment focus with fluctuations in the real estate marketplace.  In the early years, during the rapid expansion of California’s communities, LMA specialized in land subdivision, joint venture development financing and acquisition of “value add” opportunities.  During the economic downturn of the early 1990s, LMA was active in the acquisition and turnaround of non-performing properties, and the purchase of portfolios of non-performing loans.  In the mid to late 1990s, as the hi-tech boom gathered steam, LMA concentrated on office development.  Currently, in response to a market demand for housing, LMA is actively involved in urban in-fill condominium development while continuing to search for opportunities to acquire existing properties and add value by remodel, re-tenanting and repositioning. 

The LMA Difference

What sets us apart?

As a result, LMA has assembled an extensive portfolio of successful projects which range across the broad spectrum of the real estate industry. From condominium developments to high-rise office buildings to land subdivision, LMA sinks its collective teeth into all kinds of projects which bring with them the opportunity to increase the value of under-performing real estate assets.

It is this uniquely flexible corporate structure that has allowed the principals at LMA to prosper in real estate booms and busts during more than thirty continuous years in an unquestionably volatile industry.

The Team
LMA employs an experienced and credentialed team of specialists in the areas of acquisitions, asset management, construction, project management, finance and analysis.  While each team member has extensive training and proven expertise in his or her particular speciality, no associate is limited to performing one narrow job function.  Instead, an LMA team member will often “parent” a project from inception to completion – identifying the potential acquisition, planning improvement or development strategies, negotiating approvals and entitlements, overseeing project management, and marketing the finished asset.

The capacity to “take ownership” of a project requires a combination of imagination, education, native intelligence, and the courage to embark upon tasks outside of one’s “comfort zone.”  LMA is proud to have assembled a team of individuals who each possess this rare skill set, and who are additionally blessed with integrity and a sense of humor – necessities in an industry often marked by unrelenting professional and psychological challenges.

Principals

Marvin Levin
Marvin Levin has been a significant presence on the California and national real estate scene for over 40 years. He began his career in homebuilding, land subdivision and development. In the late 1960s, he co-founded the real estate syndication firm Consolidated Capital (ConCap), which was headquartered in Emeryville, California.

As the real estate and business strategist for ConCap, Marvin was instrumental in its growth into one of the most successful real estate syndication firms in the country. Under his direction, the company acquired, developed and managed over $2.5 billion of real estate nationwide in 23 large, publicly traded limited partnerships and REITs.

Marvin is a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of the University of California, Berkeley. He received a law degree from Berkeley’s Boalt Hall, and has been a member of the California State Bar since 1956. Additionally, he received an MBA from Pepperdine University and a Ph.D. from Golden Gate University.

Paul Menzies
Paul Menzies’ career in real estate began in 1971, with an emphasis on single-family development and condominium conversion. In 1981, he joined ConCap as Vice President in charge of joint venture finance programs. Paul was responsible for the initiation, funding, and management of substantial joint venture portfolios in three real estate investment trusts. The activity of those trusts was strongly focused on construction and development projects. As a result, Paul has had long and varied experience in the design, financial underwriting, construction, management and marketing of both commercial and residential development projects.

Paul attended the London School of Economics, is a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of the University of California, Berkeley, and received an MBA from U.C. Berkeley with an emphasis in Real Estate and Finance.

Relationships

Adept at outsourcing non-critical functions and blessed with a well-earned reputation for fair dealing, throughout the years LMA has established long-term business relationships with investors, financial institutions, property managers, brokers, contractors, architects, designers, engineers and environmental consultants.  Whether we are drafting a tenant lease or seeking entitlements from a government agency, we treat everyone we encounter with courtesy and respect.  Although we embrace a “do unto others” philosophy primarily because it is the proper thing to do, we admit we are also motivated in some measure by what Adam Smith, the father of modern economic theory, called “enlightened self-interest”.

WHAT WE DO

At LMA, we:

Acquisitions

LMA is attracted to commercial, retail and multi-family residential properties to which we can add substantial value in one to five years. We also acquire land or vacant properties for urban in-fill development.

LMA is happy to consider from all sources attractively priced premium properties. It is our team’s mission, however, to actively seek “diamonds in the rough”, properties experiencing:

ATTENTION BROKERS: LMA wants to be the Statue of Liberty for troubled assets: Give us your tired buildings, your poor-performing properties, your huddled old buildings yearning to be lofts. Our preferred price range for acquisitions is $5 to $25 million, but we will consider smaller and larger opportunities with recognizable profit potential.

Although we are not limited by geographical boundaries, unless an opportunity is unequivocally compelling in its potential, we prefer to concentrate our resources on properties within a two-hour plane ride from the San Francisco Bay Area. If you have something you know we should see, please e-mail Bob Kagan or Jeanne Devenport.

Asset Management
After we purchase an existing property, the team focuses its efforts on asset management with an eye toward value enhancement. LMA analyzes the marketplace, discovers original solutions and implements inspired problem-solving strategies to turn newly acquired projects into immaculate, profitable and saleable assets.

Some of our successful property turnarounds have involved:

Development
Working cooperatively with local agencies and communities, we develop functional and marketable commercial, multi-family residential, and mixed-use designs that complement and enhance existing neighborhoods. The development team pays particular attention to architecture and value engineering to deliver attractive and competitive products to the marketplace. LMA comfortably navigates the complex entitlement process, builds the project to exacting standards on time and on budget, and aggressively markets the finished product for maximum return.

PROJECT PORTFOLIO

At LMA, we’re tremendously proud of our expansive collection of diverse projects.

This online portfolio spans the last 5 years and reflects some of our most recent success stories throughout the Western U.S. and beyond.

Residential
Office/Industrial
Retail

Residential

In our opinion, no moment in a real estate professional’s business life beats the thrill of handing a homebuyer the keys to his or her new home.  Click on the links to the left to learn about the 717 opportunities LMA will have to hand over keys in the coming months.  

5800 Third Street

Name: 5800 Third Street
Location 5800 Third Street, San Francisco
Description 343 condominiums and approximately 13,000 square feet of retail space
Size: 5.75 acres
Status: IN DEVELOPMENT

LMA is acquiring the former Coca-Cola bottling plant at 5800 Third Street for redevelopment as a mixed-use project.  We are please and proud to be joint venturing this project with Lennar Communities. Ideally located for smart growth, transit-oriented development, 5800 Third Street will be across the street from a new light rail station. The vision for the project, which is currently in the early stages of development, includes about 343 condominiums (with a high percentage of family-friendly 3-bedroom units) and approximately 13,000 square feet of retail space. Condominiums will have varied elevations arranged in an extensively landscaped, village-like atmosphere. For more information, contact Bob Kagan

1401 Park Avenue, Emeryville

Project: 1401 Park Avenue
Location: 1401 Park Avenue, Emeryville, California
Description: 43 for-sale condominium and 11 live/work units with secure parking on the first and second floors and 1100 square feet of retail space
Size: 100,000 total square feet
Status: IN DEVELOPMENT

In 2000, the City of Emeryville approved LMA’s office building design for this key site located within blocks of the new Emeryville City Hall and the Pixar Campus, at the heart of Emeryville’s most successful redevelopment efforts. However, before construction could begin, market conditions underwent a radical shift and building new office space no longer made economic sense. LMA’s trademark flexibility enabled the firm to respond to the changing demands of the marketplace by redesigning the project as residential condominiums. LMA solicited community feedback during the design process; as a result the plans include a significant number of family-friendly 2- and 3- bedroom homes. For more information, contact Paul Menzies.


Rolling Oaks, Red Bluff

Project: Rolling Oaks
Location: Along Happy Valley Trail, just West of I-5 in Red Bluff, California
Description: Fifty-three 3 to 10-acre residential lots.
Size: Over 300 total acres
Status: SOLD OUT

Located at the gateway to Shasta, these home sites are ready for construction of primary residences or vacation and retirement homes. LMA recognized potential in these picturesque lots, which are ideal for horse owners and within easy access to countless outdoor recreation opportunities. After the events of September 11, many city dwellers experienced a “nesting” impulse and a desire for a more down-to-earth lifestyle. The subsequent interest in Rolling Oaks has resulted in a complete sellout.


Icon, San Diego

Project: Icon
Location: J Street between 10th and 11th, East Village, San Diego
Description: 320 for-sale condominiums in four towers with three floors of underground parking, plus 30,000 square feet of retail space
Size: 385,000
Status: IN DEVELOPMENT

LMA has assembled almost an entire city block directly across the street from right field at the San Diego Padres’ new home at Petco Park. The four-building high-rise complex is superbly situated within easy walking distance of the ballpark, the Gaslamp District, the new main City library, public transportation and other urban amenities. The site is tailor-made for LMA-style development, as the new design will preserve and incorporate portions of an existing building (the historic Carnation dairy), and will provide smart-growth urban infill housing. For more information, and to register for the priority interest list, please visit the project website at www.icon-sandiego.com.


Office/Industrial

At LMA, we believe there is always an opportunity for commercial properties to do well, regardless of the prevailing economic climate, provided that we cultivate an intimate knowledge of the market, sub-markets, and micro-markets, and that we approach every challenge with creativity and flexibility.  Explore the links to your left to learn how we apply this unique strategy to the office and industrial properties in our portfolio.

Scripps Hibert Office Plaza, San Diego

Project: Scripps Hibert Office Plaza
Location: 9948 and 9968 Hibert Street, San Diego
Description: Two fully-restored and improved mirror-image 2-story office buildings
Size: 40,000 square feet
Status: 9968 Hibert Street SOLD
9948 Hibert Street SALE PENDING

LMA purchased these twin buildings, located in the prestigious Scripps Ranch office park, as a pair and subsequently updated tenant improvements, replaced the roof, and completed ADA upgrades in the restrooms. LMA then marketed the property as two separate one-building parcels to facilitate sales to owner-users or small commercial real estate firms. The strategy was successful, resulting in the quick disposition of both buildings.

Trolley Industrial, San Diego

Project: Trolley Industrial Center
Location: 1330 30th Street, San Diego
Description: One industrial building on 5.1 acres
Size: 105,000 square feet
Status: NOW LEASING

Trolley Industrial Center came to LMA’s attention through carefully cultivated broker contacts. Market research revealed that the San Diego industrial market has recently outperformed other California commercial markets. This local niche resilience, combined with the unique characteristics of the property, attracted LMA’s interest. Since the Center is within easy walking distance of the Trolley train and bus stations, tenants enjoy access to a robust and diverse workforce. The Center has dock-high roll-up doors, turn-around capacity for semi trucks, and 24-26 foot clear ceiling heights. Unusually high electrical capacity allows for manufacturing in addition to warehousing. Modern tenant improvements, efficient building systems, security features, and a yard round out the Center’s attributes. For leasing information contact Linda Greenberg of Colliers International.

Pacific States Building, San Francisco

Project: Pacific States Building
Location: 445 Bush Street, San Francisco
Description: 9-story office building, originally constructed in 1906
Size: 47,900 square feet
Status SOLD

Constructed for the Pacific States Telephone and Telegraph company to house one of San Francisco’s first telephone switchboard exchanges, this A.A. Cantin design is listed as a Category I historical building (highest historical significance). Shortly after its completion, The Pacific States Building weathered the great earthquake and fire of 1906 with little significant damage. Experts attributed its survival to good workmanship, good construction, and good design. LMA completely rehabilitated the building, installing modern building systems, finishes, and tenant improvements while restoring the traditional architectural elements of the original design.

74 New Montgomery, San Francisco

Project: The Call Building
Location: 74 New Montgomery, San Francisco
Description: 7-story office building, originally constructed in early 1900’s
Size: 109,000 square feet
Status: SOLD

Originally constructed in the early 1900's as the production facility for The Call Bulletin Newspaper Company, this classic building enjoys a corner location with outstanding street frontage just a few blocks from San Francisco’s financial district. LMA utilized its expertise in historic preservation to modernize building systems, make tenant improvements, and upgrade common areas while retaining existing tenants and restoring historic architectural features. During the rehabilitation, LMA renegotiated leases and attracted new tenants, bringing the building to full occupancy with stable tenants.

190 Ninth, San Francisco

Project: 190 Ninth Street
Location: 190 Ninth Street, San Francisco
Description: 3-story office building
Size: 42,300 square feet
Status: SOLD

190 Ninth Street was originally constructed in 1929 of a poured-in-place concrete frame with concrete exterior walls and concrete floors. The desirable corner location at Ninth and Howard offers terrific exposure at the heart of the City’s hi-tech revolution. LMA completely rehabilitated the building, including a full seismic upgrade with new steel beams and columns. Interior finishes like the steel-and-wire lobby staircase, state-of-the-art security systems, a climate controlled server room, and tech-friendly tenant improvements helped LMA attract a major international tenant, assuring the project's economic stability until the sale of the building.

945 Bryant, San Francisco

Project: 945 Bryant
Location: 945 Bryant, San Francisco
Description: 3-story warehouse conversion to office/light industrial building
Size: 39,000 square feet
Status: SOLD

945 Bryant Street, located on Bryant between 7th and 8th Streets, is near the South of Market district, one of San Francisco's most vibrant mixed-use neighborhoods. The acquisition of buildings at 945 Bryant and the adjacent 840 Brannan allowed for redevelopment with LMA’s trademark flexibility: the properties could be combined as a commercial campus or leased and/or sold separately for a variety of uses. At 945 Bryant, LMA refurbished the two-story warehouse structure into flex space with state-of-the-art systems, including the addition of a third floor and full seismic upgrades.

American Tower, Shreveport, Louisiana

Project: American Tower
Location: 401 Market Street, Shreveport, LA
Description: 16-story office tower with its adjacent parking garage
Size: 220,000 square feet
Status: SOLD

Located in the heart of Shreveport central business district, American Tower is a highly visible feature of the city’s skyline. Working from the opposite coast, LMA launched a concerted public relations outreach program and established consistent communications with the City of Shreveport. This enabled LMA to sway public opinion and obtain the permitting and zoning to redevelop the building. During the redevelopment, LMA addressed life and safety issues, re-glazed of the entire building and upgraded building systems. In addition to established business firms, the Tower’s tenants include a prestigious social club and one of the area’s finest restaurants.

Montgomery Field, San Diego

Name: Montgomery Field Business Park
Location Gibbs Drive and Aero Drive, San Diego
Description Two 1-story and one 2-story office buildings, and one 1-story retail building
Size 185,000 total square feet
Status NOW LEASING


Originally developed as the business center of the Montgomery Field Airport, LMA acquired this asset in a state of almost disastrous disrepair and almost completely vacant. With cooperation from the City of San Diego, LMA began a complete renovation. LMA updated tenant improvements and building systems, and aggressively re-leased the vacant space. Following the successful renovation, LMA signed stable, high-end tenants such as the University of California San Diego, San Diego County Sheriff's Department and District Attorney's office, the FAA, and the National Leukemia Society. For office leasing, contact Richard Gonor of BRE Brokerage Company. For retail leasing, contact Kathy Lucci of Meissner Jacquet Management Services.

Retail

The retail real estate sector shows remarkable resilience.  Merchants will always need a place to sell stuff, and customers will always need a place to shop.  Click on the links to the left to find out how LMA has been able to fulfill these needs.

840 Brannan, San Francisco

Project: 840 Brannan
Location: 840 Brannan, San Francisco
Description: 3-story new construction of flexible commercial space
Size: 45,300 square feet
Status: REI is OPEN FOR BUSINESS on the 1st and 2nd floors
3rd Floor Tenant improvements under construction


Located within the Showplace Square District of the South of Market area, this building is essentially new construction (with a small part of the building representing a remodel of an existing structure). Built to the highest quality standards, LMA’s improvements allowed for tremendous flexibility of use in light of the tough leasing climate. The strategy has paid off: the 1st and 2nd floors at 840 Brannan have been leased to specialty outdoor gear giant REI for their first and only San Francisco store, and the third floor has been leased to a group of manufacturing jewelers. For more information contact Paul Menzies.

Reed Avenue, Sacramento

Project: Riverpointe Plaza
Location: Just off I-80 at Reed Avenue and Stillwater Road
Description: Six parcels of land zoned for retail development
Size: 8+ acres
Five parcels SOLD

Status: One parcel under OPTION

With excellent off-ramp access from I-80 at Reed Avenue, Riverpointe Plaza enjoys outstanding exposure and traffic, perfect for retail enterprises. Five of the 6 parcels have been sold and stores constructed, and the Plaza is already a bustling restaurant center. Storefronts include a filling station, Jack-in-the-Box, Starbucks, Panda Express, Quizno’s and TCBY, and Extended Stay America is under construction.  For more information contact Marvin Levin

CONTACT LMA

Levin Menzies & Associates
1981 North Broadway, Suite 415
Walnut Creek, CA 94596
Ph: 925.937.4111
Fx: 925.937.4173