Company History
Steaven Jones Development Company, Inc. founded June 1965 by Steaven K. Jones
For the first 25 years, SJDC was an opportunistic development company— finding a piece of land and developing it to its highest and best use. During this period of time, SJDC developed over 100 commercial projects: fast food restaurants, office buildings, shopping centers and automotive care centers, primarily in Southern California. Many of these developments were owned by limited partnerships in which Steaven Jones was the general partner.
In 1990, Lawry Meister joined the firm to help SJDC renovate two office buildings owned by two partnerships affiliated with SJDC in downtown Santa Monica. Steaven Jones and Lawry Meister decided to take advantage of the inherent architectural features of both buildings, including high, beamed ceilings, operable windows, exposed brick walls and abundant natural light. This “creative office space” was quickly leased, and started them in a new direction, renovating older buildings or constructing ground-up creative office projects throughout Los Angeles County.
SJDC continues to manage most of the properties developed by Steaven Jones and Lawry Meister, providing high and consistent returns to its investors. SJDC maintains excellent tenant relations and close attention to cost control, which contributes to the company’s success in retaining tenants and developing and managing successful projects.
In 2015, SJDC celebrated its 50th year in business. See our commemorative video below to learn more about the company and its track record of success:
In 2016, Lawry Meister was named one of LA’s most powerful women in commercial real estate by Bisnow:
Most Powerful Women in Commercial Real Estate in Los Angeles
