Refurbishing Along ‘Tile Mile’

Southern California’s rebounding construction business has fueled sales for about 80 merchants along “Tile Mile” near Anaheim Stadium.

These tile and home furnishings companies, which occupy a gritty stretch near State College Boulevard, posted about $150 million in sales last year to wholesalers and walk-in customers alike.

But many were outgrowing their older digs.

So an Irvine real estate developer, the Barnard Co., purchased a site at State College Boulevard and Winston Road from Pacific Scientific Co. for a 180,000-square-foot showroom and warehouse project called the Mart at State College.

The $11-million project, which broke ground last week, already is 60% leased to large international companies such as Villeroy & Boch, Santa Catalina Distribution and Nima Tile, said Stephen Barnard, company president.

Melinda Fulmer covers real estate for The Times. She can be reached at (714) 966-7832.