New 3-story Office Building Breaks Ground, Most Offices Sold

A  in the north end of the  center, which broke ground Thursday morning, is already 90 percent sold, according to developer Peichin Lee of CGM Development.

"That's unbelievable!" DeStefano said in reaction to the announcement. "It shows what a strong market there is in Diamond Bar."

The three-story "Diamond Star" office building will contain 30 office condo units that will be home to new medical practices and other professional services.

"We have doctors, a CPA, law offices, engineering," Lee said, "a variety of businesses."

The 36,142 square foot project is slated for completed in September of this year.

"We are blessed that with this economy we can still do a new project," Lee said. "Buyers are lacking confidence, but we can make it happen."

Lee said work on the project began last January and she has since guided through each stage of development, down to the interior design.

For the north end of the shopping center, which DeStefano said has historically been weaker, city officials and local business owners are hoping the addition will bring in more money for neighboring restaurants and businesses.

"This adds a destination to the north end of the center," DeStefano said, "and it will allow for a synergy between the employees, businesses, and customers that will improve business relationships for the center."

Anita Chao, owner of the nearby restaurant and cafe , said she wants the project to be completed as soon as possible.

"The more neighbors, the more foot traffic," Chao said.

Mayor Pro Tem Ling-Ling Chang said that residential neighbors of the new development were supportive through the city's approval of the project.

"I saw lots of support from the residents," Chang said, "and it shows that there is a desire for new businesses here."

DeStefano said that vacancy rates for larger commercial properties are up — space normally sought by regional or national businesses — but that the occupancy rate of the Diamond Star office shows a demand from smaller businesses.