Drew Principe

Santal is a newly delivered luxury mixed-use development in Thousand Oaks and one of the first projects to fully embody the SP20 zoning vision. With 142 high-end residential units above 11,000 square feet of ground-floor retail, the project was designed to introduce a modern, walkable lifestyle experience to the area.

As construction progressed, it became clear that the retail component had the potential to reshape the local tenant landscape and establish Santal as a long-term neighborhood destination.

Prior to Drew’s involvement, the retail had been marketed for nearly a year by another brokerage using pre-delivery renderings. Despite the quality of the project, leasing activity was limited and momentum remained slow as delivery approached.

Ownership needed a strategy that went beyond traditional marketing, one that clearly articulated the vision, generated early credibility, and attracted best-in-class operators aligned with the long-term success of the project.

Drew began with on-site construction walkthroughs to fully understand the spaces as they were being built, allowing him to market the project based on real-world layouts rather than conceptual plans.

Early momentum followed quickly:

• GoFish Sushi signed a 2,998 SF, 10-year lease at full asking, becoming the first retail commitment.

• JOI Café expanded into the project with a 1,559 SF, 10-year lease, introducing a boutique coffee and health-focused concept.

With initial traction established, Drew helped refine the project’s narrative, control marketing direction, and leverage Westcord’s internal broker network to increase exposure and deal flow.

A major turning point came with the securing of BASTA, a premier full-service Italian restaurant, which signed a 4,245 SF, 10-year lease at full asking and immediately positioned Santal as a dining destination.

With only one suite remaining, Drew was awarded the exclusive listing and completed the final lease-up:

• Club Lagree Pilates leased the remaining 1,019 SF for a 10-year term, bringing the project to full occupancy.

100% leased at full asking rates

• Four experience-driven tenants curated to align with the project’s vision

• Established Santal as a vibrant neighborhood destination

• Positioned the project as an early success story of the SP20 zoning initiative

Santal’s success was driven by proactive leasing, hands-on execution, and a clear narrative strategy, transforming vacant retail into a fully leased community hub that will serve Thousand Oaks for years to come.