201 El Camino Real, Menlo Park

LAAA Team and Levin Johnston of Marcus & Millichap are proud to announce the successful closing of 201 El Camino Real & 612 Cambridge Avenue in Menlo Park, California. Originally brought to market on March 8, 2024, the transaction required patience, persistence, and disciplined execution as the marketing process extended over many months in a challenging capital markets environment. Ultimately, the property closed at $5,600,000, with our team working closely alongside ownership to navigate shifting buyer sentiment, underwriting resets, and financing constraints to achieve a successful outcome.

The Asset

The property consists of a three parcel assemblage totaling 23,160 square feet of land (0.53 acres), improved with a 5,880-square-foot retail building, a 2,624 square foot fourplex, and a separate parking lot. This rare value add or long term redevelopment opportunity positions the asset as both a yield play and a strategic land banking opportunity in one of the Bay Area’s most coveted locations.

Situated just blocks from Downtown Menlo Park and in close proximity to Stanford University, Stanford Shopping Center, and some of the world’s most influential technology employers, the investment reflects long-term conviction in a supply constrained, high-income submarket. In a relatively short span, market dislocation transformed what was once a peak cycle acquisition into a compelling opportunity to acquire well-located real estate at a fundamentally recalibrated basis.

The Outcome

Originally acquired in August 2022 for $11,380,000 during the height of Silicon Valley’s valuation cycle, when cap rates were compressed and debt was historically inexpensive the asset re entered the market less than 2 years later as an REO amid rising interest rates and tightened construction financing. After an extended marketing timeline that began in March 2024, the property ultimately closed at $5,600,000, representing a nearly $5.8 million discount and an approximate 51% basis reset. The buyer executed an all-cash purchase with a 21 day escrow, providing certainty of execution for the seller while capitalizing on a significant basis adjustment.

If you are actively tracking distressed or lender owned opportunities, we welcome the opportunity to connect. Please reach out to the LAAA Team to discuss current and upcoming REO opportunities across our markets.