Flexible workplace will double to 54,000 square feet as partners anticipate growing demand
SAN DIEGO, Sept. 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Industrious, the world’s leading workplace experience company, in partnership with GANMI, announced today the expansion of Industrious Core Columbia, located at 401 W A St, San Diego, CA 92101. The expansion will add approximately 27,000 square feet, doubling the Industrious footprint at Core Columbia to approximately 54,000 square feet. Members will have access to the expanded space beginning in June 2027.
The expansion responds to growing demand for premium flexible and coworking space in San Diego, particularly among startups and growing companies in defense, artificial intelligence, life sciences and medical devices — sectors where San Diego has developed a strong technology and innovation ecosystem.
Industrious at Core Columbia places members in the heart of downtown San Diego. Surrounded by destinations including Little Italy, the Embarcadero and the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego, the workspace provides convenient access to the city’s business district, waterfront, arts and cultural institutions, and more than 160 restaurants and 20 coffee shops within half a mile.
Members can also expect growing convenience in the surrounding neighborhood. Four new luxury high-rise multifamily buildings are set to deliver within a half-mile radius of the building, while a Whole Foods is expected to open two blocks away, reflecting the continued momentum in Downtown San Diego.
For commuting members, the Santa Fe Depot is just steps away, with a Discover bike station four blocks from the building and convenient access to I-5 and Highways 163 and 94. An on-site parking garage and secure bike lockers provide additional flexibility.
“This location has been quite successful and has shown high sustained occupancy, so it only made sense to expand at the Core Columbia location. It offers the best of downtown San Diego, combining exceptional transit access and a dynamic mix of business, culture, and dining,” said Christos Livanos, Real Estate Growth Manager at Industrious. “As companies continue to prioritize flexibility and employee experience, we’re excited to build on our existing presence in this neighborhood with a hospitality-driven workspace designed to help members do their best work.”
The Core Columbia expansion adds approximately 27,000 square feet, bringing Industrious’ total footprint at the property to approximately 54,000 square feet. The expanded space will feature 305 office seats and 50 access seats and will deliver Industrious’ signature hospitality-driven experience, combining best-in-class design, premium amenities and convenience. Industrious also operates Industrious UTC at 4727 Executive Drive, giving members access to flexible workplace options in two important San Diego business districts.
Building a Hub for San Diego Innovation and Japan-U.S. Collaboration
“We’re thrilled to continue our partnership with Industrious at Core Columbia and further enhance the workplace experience at the property,” said Eric Gan, Founder of GANMI. “We believe demand for high-quality flexible and coworking space in San Diego will continue to grow, particularly from startups and emerging companies in defense, artificial intelligence, life sciences and medical devices. Industrious’ premium, hospitality-driven approach is an excellent fit for this next generation of companies.”
GANMI also expects increasing investment and business activity between Japan and San Diego. “With the $550 billion investment commitment between Japan and the United States, we believe San Diego’s technology startups are well positioned to benefit from increasing investment and collaboration,” Gan said. “San Diego has exceptional strengths in defense, AI, life sciences, medical devices and other advanced technologies. We expect stronger ties between Japanese and San Diego government leaders, investors and leading companies, and we want Core Columbia to become a place where these relationships can develop.” During a September trade mission to Japan with San Diego’s Mayor, a U.S. Congressman and 50 business leaders, Gan met with Japanese corporate leaders, investors and startup founders, many of whom expressed interest in expanding business ties with San Diego, particularly in defense, AI, life sciences and medical devices. For Japanese companies and startups considering a first U.S. presence, flexible workspace offers a low-commitment foothold, and GANMI sees this engagement as an early signal of demand the expanded Industrious space at Core Columbia is positioned to capture.
Bringing AI Technology Directly to the Workplace
Technology is a growing part of the workplace experience. MCWHK, a technology arm of GANMI, plans to offer advanced AI tools and services for tenants and members at Core Columbia.
“We plan to introduce leading-edge AI technology, including Project Token, to our building tenants to help them use AI more effectively and improve their overall workplace experience,” said Winston Gan, Chief Technology and Investment Officer of MCWHK. “Our goal is to make advanced AI practical and accessible in the workplace — helping companies and their employees become more productive, collaborate more effectively and discover new ways to work.”
AI technology can create a differentiated experience for both existing and new members.
Bringing Japanese Culture and Community to Core Columbia
As part of its strategy to create a stronger community within the building, GANMI also plans to host the first “Japan Omatsuri” at Core Columbia on September 24, 2026.
The Japanese festival will bring together building tenants, Industrious members, local businesses, technology companies, and members of the San Diego and Japanese communities. GANMI expects the event to be the beginning of a broader program of cultural, technology and business events at the property.
“These events are part of our broader strategy to create more than just office space,” Gan added. “Together with Industrious, we want to create an outstanding workplace experience for our existing tenants while making Core Columbia an attractive destination for new companies moving to or expanding in San Diego. We want to combine innovation, international collaboration and Japanese hospitality to create a unique community in the heart of downtown.” Rather than signing a traditional lease, Industrious utilizes a partnership model that positions Industrious and the landlord on the same side of the table, rewarding both parties for strong performance. Industrious’ global network includes more than 250 flexible workspaces across 80+ cities, providing productive and engaging workplaces for individuals and companies of all sizes and stages.
ABOUT INDUSTRIOUS
Industrious is the world’s leading workplace experience company. We make workplaces welcoming, empowering and delightful, and create enriching experiences for individuals and teams of all sizes. Our flexible offerings include dedicated offices, turnkey private suites, and on-demand access to coworking and meeting spaces. Landlords and occupiers partner with Industrious to activate whole buildings, streamline operations and elevate amenities. Acquired by CBRE Group, Inc. (NYSE: CBRE) in 2025 and founded in 2012, Industrious now operates more than 250 locations across 80+ cities globally, including many of the world’s most iconic properties. For more information, visit industriousoffice.com.
ABOUT GANMI
GANMI is a San Diego-based investment and real estate company focused on creating and investing in innovative businesses and real estate projects. GANMI seeks to combine real estate, technology and hospitality to create differentiated experiences for tenants and communities. With strong relationships in both the United States and Japan, GANMI is focused on supporting greater business, investment and technology collaboration between San Diego and Japan, particularly in areas including artificial intelligence, defense, life sciences, medical devices and other advanced technologies.
At Core Columbia, GANMI is working with partners including Industrious to transform the property into a destination where businesses, entrepreneurs, investors and technology leaders can work, collaborate and build connections between San Diego, Japan and the broader global innovation community.
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SOURCE GANMI
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