Office Park in Seal Beach Straddles Two Counties : Complex Designed to Serve Tenants Who Require Location With Los Angeles, North Orange Access

The two atriums connecting the three office buildings at Bixby Office Park at Old Ranch in Seal Beach could be symbolic of the way the $40-million project bridges two counties.

The 270,000-square-foot complex is pioneering a betwixt-and-between market, straddling the border between Los Angeles and Orange counties, according to Joan Kent, marketing coordinator for Bixby Ranch Co., the developer.

So far, most of the prospective tenants are coming from the immediate area or from Los Angeles County. The Bixby Ranch Co. itself, based in Long Beach, is one of the latter. It plans to move its headquarters to the upscale office park at the San Diego (405) Freeway and Seal Beach Boulevard.

“We’re not attracting tenants from Irvine, Newport Beach and Costa Mesa,” she said. “Tenants who want quick access to Orange County and southern Los Angeles County are our market. Many professionals--accountants and attorneys for example--want a convenient, relatively uncongested area for their offices, and we have the bonus of relatively affordable housing for their employees.”

Floor plans in the complex, designed by Albert C. Martin & Associates, Irvine, can accommodate tenants requiring as little as 1,000 square feet of space or as much as 30,000 square feet, she said.

Bixby Office Park also has two pads for free-standing restaurants that are expected to be built next year, Kent said. The project is near the Old Ranch Country Golf & Tennis Club, a private club.

The large greenhouse-style atriums connect the buildings to create a people-oriented environment where seating is provided for tenants and guests. Like the exterior--which features mature palm trees lining the entry plaza--the atriums also feature extensive landscaping and fountains.

The project was constructed by Peck/Jones, Los Angeles. Coldwell Banker Commercial Brokerage is the leasing agent.