Melrose Avenue Gets in on LA's Owner-User Office Activity

As Los Angeles sees strong demand from owner-occupier users, the Melrose strip is back in the spotlight.

Audio-Technica has acquired an 8,966-square-foot, two-story creative office building at 5735 Melrose Ave. in Hollywood, California, in a deal transacted by JLL.

JLL Senior Vice President Ben Silver, along with Joe Anderson and Kevin Coats of the CRE brokerage, represented Audio-Technica in the acquisition.

The seller, BLT Enterprises, was represented by Silver and Will Poulsen, JLL senior director of capital markets.

"In today's market, many businesses view ownership not just as an operational decision, but as a strategic asset — providing stability, the opportunity to build equity over time, and potential tax advantages associated with owning physical real estate," Silver told GlobeSt.com.

"Owner-users are increasingly focused on creating lasting value through ownership while securing facilities that support their long-term business objectives."

Audio-Technica will use the space for its new Los Angeles headquarters and product showroom.

This is the first office acquisition on Melrose Ave this year.

Last Major Melrose Adjacent Deal Took Place In 2025

Only one office-related transaction on or directly tied to the Melrose strip in Hollywood appeared in 2025, taking place within the Hollywood submarket. In April 2025, Newmark arranged the $105 million sale of 1601 Vine Street, a Class A office building located just north of Melrose Boulevard in Hollywood.

The 115,589-square-foot building, fully leased and anchored by Skims Body, Inc., was purchased by Kingsbarn Realty Capital from Snyder Vine, LLC. The property, delivered in 2017 and renovated in 2024, sits along the Hollywood Walk of Fame and is considered one of the area's premier creative office assets.

Although not located directly there, it is part of the Hollywood office market that includes Melrose-adjacent inventory and is the only documented Hollywood office sale in 2025 with proximity relevant to the corridor.

Audio-Technica's new asset is located in the Hollywood Media District, offering direct access to Los Angeles' entertainment hub supporting feature film, television and online content creators.

The property also benefits from bordering Larchmont Village, known for its upscale boutique shopping and acclaimed dining. The building features an expansive lobby, studio, meeting rooms, production rooms, open kitchen and outdoor patio.