Uncommon Developers, a real estate company with a strong footprint in Los Angeles, is reshaping the local landscape by focusing on job creation, social connections, and vibrant community experiences within its multifamily and mixed-use developments.
Key Takeaways
- Focus on job creation and community growth
- Vertically integrated approach from acquisition to management
- Notable project: The 24 in Chatsworth, emphasizing outdoor and shared spaces
- Company resilience amid regulatory and market challenges
Building Communities, Not Just Buildings
According to co-founder Ryan Hekmat, Uncommon Developers aims to do more than build structures; their mission is to enhance local communities in both economic and social dimensions. Through their hands-on involvement at every development stage—ranging from property acquisition to long-term management—they foster environments where opportunities can thrive and quality of life is elevated.
Hekmat will discuss this approach in more detail at the upcoming "Development: Block by Block, Project by Project" panel at Connect CRE Los Angeles 2026, where real estate leaders meet to shape the region’s future.
The 24: A Case Study in Community-Oriented Design
An exemplary project under the Uncommon Developers banner is The 24, situated on the former Los Angeles Times printing site in Chatsworth. This expansive 24-acre campus dedicates nearly five acres to outdoor living amenities, such as:
- Dog parks
- A community garden
- Multiple pools
- Sports courts (basketball and pickleball)
- A citrus grove
- Outdoor movie theater
- Spacious green communal lawns
These spaces support daily interactions among families and neighbors, helping to foster a sense of belonging. The company is also working on launching an on-site preschool, further enriching the "live, work, play, and grow" philosophy that sets this development apart.
Spaces for Work and Connection
In addition to leisure amenities, The 24 is designed with modern work-life integration in mind. Residents benefit from dedicated work lounges, conference rooms, and reservable spaces for events—all crafted to boost productivity while enhancing social connection among those who call the community home.
Navigating Regulatory Challenges
Hekmat acknowledges that building in Los Angeles comes with hurdles, notably shifting fee schedules and regulatory red tape. He argues that while government initiatives aim to speed up approvals, inconsistent costs—especially changes in impact and school fees—can destabilize projects. For Uncommon Developers, transparency and stability in these factors remain vital to successful long-term planning.
Adapting to Market Volatility
Despite the challenges posed by regulatory uncertainties and market turbulence, Uncommon Developers views this turmoil as an opportunity. Their vertically integrated model and use of modular construction allow for flexibility and cost control, enabling them to take advantage of opportunities that might stymie less nimble competitors.
Looking Ahead
As industry leaders come together at forums like Connect Los Angeles, Uncommon Developers’ innovative approach offers a blueprint for creating more resilient, connected, and lively communities—one project at a time.