Dow Capital Arranges Sale of 312 E First Street in Los Angeles, California
Nonprofit Self-Help Ventures Fund acquires six-story office building in the heart of Little Tokyo
Dow Capital announces the firm has arranged the acquisition of 312 E First Street, a 34,320-square-foot office building in Los Angeles, California. The asset was acquired by Self-Help Ventures Fund, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) loan fund, for $9.62 million. Dow Capital Associate Broker Sammy Lyon facilitated the transaction on behalf of the buyer.
“This building posed a unique opportunity to establish a hub for community partnerships, affordable housing and impact investments in the region,” said Lyon. “The transaction signals a trend toward community ownership in historic core neighborhoods in LA.”
The acquisition will serve as a headquarters for Self-Help’s growing southern California staff. As it has recently done in Chicago and Oakland, Self-Help plans to leverage its physical presence to create a community and nonprofit hub, with the intention to lease out additional space to other nonprofit and mission-aligned organizations.
Located in the heart of Little Tokyo, the six-story building features modern creative office build-outs with abundant natural light, exposed concrete, and glass accents. Self-Help Ventures Fund, part of a family of nonprofit organizations with a collective mission to create and protect economic opportunity for all, will occupy roughly one floor of the building.
Built in 1991, 312 E First Street includes a mix of ground-floor retail, private suites, conference rooms, and open bullpen areas, catering to tenants seeking flexible and collaborative work environments. Its prime location in Downtown Los Angeles places it near cultural landmarks, dining, and entertainment in the highly walkable core of the Historic District of Little Tokyo. The property is just steps from the Metro Little Tokyo/Arts District Station, Japanese American National Museum, The Geffen Contemporary at MOCA, Go For Broke Plaza and First Street North, a mixed-use development developed by community-based nonprofit Little Tokyo Service Center (LTSC).
Widely considered a leader in its field, Self-Help Ventures Fund has a demonstrated track record of scaling innovative ideas that help empower underserved communities. Self-Help plans to expand their footprint in Los Angeles with the newest addition of the LA Hub.
About Sammy Lyon
Sammy Lyon is a Los Angeles-based real estate broker, REALTOR®, and Associate Broker with Dow Capital, with over 8 years of experience and more than $104 million in closed sales volume across 100+ transactions. Sammy’s team of dedicated real estate professionals serve clients throughout California, from commercial and residential sales to property management. In addition to real estate, Sammy has a background in project management and holds certifications in Construction Project Management, Short Sale & Foreclosure Resource (SFR), and Property Management Certification (PMC). Sammy has been featured on HGTV’s House Hunters and in Newsweek, Yahoo Finance, and U.S. News & World Report, and commits 5% of gross income to racial and social justice. To learn more, visit lyonideas.com or follow @lyonideas.
About Dow Capital
Dow Capital is a full-service real estate firm dedicated to delivering exceptional residential and commercial real estate services to our select group of clients. Our expertise, market insight, and commitment to excellence set us apart in helping individuals, investors, and businesses achieve their real estate goals. To learn more, visit dowcapital.com