Case Studies

Client Objective

Following several years of unsuccessful entitlement efforts, Ownership determined that redevelopment was no longer economically feasible. Charles Dunn Company was engaged to reposition the property as a long-term income-producing investment by reducing operating expenses, maximizing cash flow, and preserving future redevelopment flexibility.

Our Solution

Rather than simply managing the property, Charles Dunn conducted a comprehensive operational, financial, and utility audit to identify opportunities that had gone undetected for years. We evaluated municipal assessments, utility billing, vendor contracts, and building operations to eliminate unnecessary expenses, recover prior overcharges, and establish a more efficient, lower-cost operating platform that improved long-term investment performance.

Key Initiatives

• Performed a comprehensive audit of utility accounts and municipal sanitation assessments
• Corrected inaccurate utility meter classifications and billing errors
• Identified and coordinated the repair of a concealed underground water leak
• Rebid service contracts and aligned vendor scopes of work with the property’s actual operating needs
• Negotiated corrective actions with the City of San Mateo to eliminate unnecessary costs

Investment Impact

Charles Dunn transformed a property facing an uncertain future into a stronger long-term investment by identifying operational inefficiencies that had gone unnoticed for years. Through detailed financial analysis, utility audits, vendor negotiations, and disciplined cost management, we recovered prior overcharges, reduced recurring operating expenses, and established a more competitive cost structure. The result was stronger cash flow, higher Net Operating Income, improved tenant competitiveness, and enhanced long-term asset value—while preserving Ownership’s flexibility to pursue future redevelopment opportunities.