It’s been nearly a quarter of a century since there was a “Toy Building” for the industry. The last of the toy companies moved out of 200 Fifth in 2000, and while it’s not like we’ve been “wandering in the wilderness,” but it’s a cause for celebration that there will be a new Toy Building in Los Angeles.
On December 9, the Toy Association signed the lease at 101 Continental Avenue in El Segundo, and plans are underway to build out real west coast home for the industry.
In a letter to the board and the advisory committee, Greg Ahearn, president and CEO of the Association wrote, “I am excited to announce that this past Monday, we signed the lease for 4 floors of space (approx. 100k sq/ft) at 101 Continental Blvd. Additionally, we have city approval for the floor plan for one of the floors which moves us quickly into the next 2 phases of this project, build out and marketing/sales of the suites. This is going to be an incredible space where the global toy industry will connect/network for many years to come.”
Initial plans show an airy, exciting and very contemporary place for showrooms of various sizes and plenty of opportunities for interacting with members of the industry–what some are calling the “casual collisions” at a trade event that often result in conversations, connections…and deals.
Conversations with companies of all sizes in September indicated that the LA Preview was a positive and largely successful experience, and the new building builds on that momentum, adding convenience, stability, and an ongoing presence on the west coast for toy companies.
The space is currently undergoing renovation to meet designs approved by the Association board, and occupancy is slated for August 1, 2025.
For more information and to reserve your space, contact Kim Carcone mailto:KCarcone@toyassociation.org.
