Blair Besten, founder of the Besten Group, was inspired to pursue development after purchasing and rehabilitating her own residential properties in Glassell Park and Highland Park.During the beginning of the Downtown renaissance, she worked with KOR Realty Group in project management on two high-rise developments, the Santa Fe Lofts and the Eastern Columbia Building. During construction, she also assisted with several small business build outs, from concept to completion, such as J & J Sandwich Shop and Art Murmur Gallery. She also initiated the first Gallery Row contract, whereby a developer subsidized rent for a year while the gallery began their build out and business.

She most recently assisted the Amerland Group, an affordable housing developer, with the Alexandria and Rosslyn Lofts. It was with the Amerland Group that she furthered her experience in community development, and nurtured relationships with City Hall and the Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety. She also assisted the Company of Angels theater group with obtaining a $25,000 grant for the build out of their space at the Alexandria.

With her love of not only beautiful, historic buildings, but community, she continues her commitment to Downtown as long as time and projects keep her busy there. Currently, she sits on the Board of the Historic Downtown Business Improvement District, a group of stakeholders with projects between Skid Row and the Financial District, an area which has seen rapid growth over the past eight years. She is also the Co-Chair for the Community-Police Advisory Board in LAPD’s Central Division, and works in close partnership with the Commanding officers.

Blair utilizes her relationships and experience to assist with permitting, entitlements, CUP/ABC, and she also tackles complex construction issues such as modifications and variances. Her focus is toward project completion, no matter the magnitude of the challenges. She welcomes all areas: high-rise, single family home, bar, restaurant, or retail store. She is very grateful for the opportunity to have worked with so many creative people on some unique and exciting projects, and looks forward to facilitating more development in Los Angeles and beyond.