Lightner Property Group is an investment firm dedicated to providing ownership and development opportunities to individuals through investment vehicles such as limited partnerships, limited liability companies and other strategic ownership options. This allows our investors and clients to diversify their real estate holdings and investments based upon their individual risk tolerance. The company also provides fee-based asset, property management and development consulting services to individuals on a select basis. 

Lightner Property Group is based in San Francisco, south of Market Street in an area known as multimedia gulch. Generally our real estate investments have focused on the Bay Area. However, we have developed property as far away as Modesto California. As the company has matured, and working from distances has become more feasible, the company has continued to expand its opportunity options beyond the Bay Area. We expect to announce purchase and development opportunities outside of California within the next 24 months. 

LPG is currently located at 612 Howard Street, in the heart of Multi-Media Gulch, a property co-owned by the Lightner's and other individuals. The building was renovated by LPG in the late 1990's. The company relocated there in 1999. The property is a prime example of the firm's development strategy.  

The History of LPG

The Lightner’s met in late May of 1980. Within weeks, their future together was cemented. After traveling that summer, they began their legal careers in different law firms. However, within a short period of time, it was clear that their paths were not to be those of traditional lawyers. By 1983 both had left their traditional legal positions and were working in real estate companies. 

Lightner Property Group was started in 1984 when Bill and Merrie Lightner recognized that their goals were best served by working together by combining their talents. Within months of beginning the company (then operating under another name), they took control of their first asset, 1635 Gough Street, a 30-unit apartment building in lower Pacific Heights, San Francisco. 

The apartment building had been purchased in 1983 by the syndication firm for whom Bill had previously worked. That firm had allowed the property to slip into foreclosure, by failing to make a payment due. When the Lightner's learned of the precarious position of the property, they sprang into action and organized the investors. The result of that initial organizational meeting was to remove the prior General Partner as general partner, place Bill Lightner in that position, and turn over the management of the asset to Bill and Merrie Lightner. 

Bill and Merrie Lightner immediately began to work on the most serious problem before them - the pending foreclosure. To protect the investment of the limited partner's, the Partnership was taken into bankruptcy protection. In the end, all of the money owed to the seller, plus all interest and penalties, was paid to the seller and the Partnership was able to emerge from bankruptcy protection.

Subsequent to that transaction, Lightner Property Group began the process of purchasing well-located residential apartment buildings, renovating them over time, and increasing their value through strategic management of the asset. Because of the high quality of those early investments, many of the properties are still owned today.

The Lightner's soon recognized that their management skills could be transported into real estate development. The result was their entrance into development through the building of 84 single family homes in Modesto; then town homes in Palo Alto, San Mateo and today in Oakland.

In 1997 the firm was hired to locate a headquarters for The Horn Group, a public relations firm specializing in the high-tech industry. 612 Howard Street, a mostly vacant “warehouse” style building in the south of Market area of San Francisco was located after months of diligent looking. Under the guidance and direction of Lightner Property Group the building was dramatically changed and improved. It is now the headquarters of The Horn Group, as well as numerous other companies. 

In 1999 the firm embarked on yet another strategic move out of San Francisco to the East Bay. The goal - to find developable land to bank for the future. The result of this period was the acquisition of a large parcel of land in an area known as Dogtown in Oakland. That property is currently held by its owner as a long-term investment. The majority of the firm’s development efforts are now focused in this area.

Lightner Property Group has meaningful experience and a proven track record in land development, property recycling through change of use, new construction and the renovation of both residential and commercial properties. It has experience in partnership formation, joint-ventures, strategic alliances, and fee development work. Whatever your real estate goals, it is likely we can assist you in meeting them. Call us today at 415.267.2900 or toll-free at 1-800-956-4005.

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Lightner Property Group is a San Francisco based asset, property management and development firm specializing in in-fill development, urban housing and commercial property investments. The company provides real estate management, consulting, brokerage and development services. Lightner Property Group, its clients and affiliates offer Equal Housing and Employment Opportunities.