Babak Ziai on BrandView and Transforming Underutilized Properties

Building LA

In this episode, I speak with Babak Ziai, the Founder and Managing Principal at BrandView, Inc. His commercial real estate investment management firm focuses on acquiring underutilized properties in exceptional locations and transforming them into high-performing mixed-use developments. Today, we discuss BrandView's investment strategy, their creative approach to optimizing the value of properties, the importance of building community and collaboration among neighboring businesses, and how Babak identifies opportunities in Los Angeles.

BrandView currently manages a portfolio worth $20 million and aims to reach $100 million under management this year. Their investment strategy focuses on creative repositioning and long-term value creation. We dive into some of BrandView's specific projects, such as their mixed use building on Windward Avenue in Venice where they currently rent out vacant commercial office space for marketing and branding agencies.

We also explore the emerging opportunities in Los Angeles, such as the Culver City Arts District and West Adams, while addressing challenges such as nimbyism. We touch on how to revitalize areas such as Hollywood and Downtown LA, and Babak's thoughts on what the city can do to make the market more attractive to retailers. Finally, we discuss Babak's role as an Adjunct Professor in the USC Master of Real Estate Development program.

Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, TuneIn, or on your favorite podcast platform.

Topics Covered:

• Babak’s definition of “exceptional locations” and “invisible value”
• BrandView’s investment strategy
• How BrandView attracts, communicates, and builds relationships with their investors
• The details of BrandView’s Venice property and navigating The Coastal Commission
• Leasing out vacant commercial spaces to marketing and branding agencies
• The experience of teaching at USC’s Master of Real Estate Development program
• Where in LA Babak is focusing his energy and his perspective on emerging areas
• The reality of nimbyism in LA
• What Babak thinks the city can do to make the market more attractive to retailers

Guest Info:

• Connect with Babak on LinkedIn
• Learn more about BrandView on brandviewinc.com

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