As part of its ongoing strategy to position itself as an advisor in reconfiguring workspaces for the future labor force, L.A.-based CBRE Group Inc. has leased space at a former restaurant in the Warner Center in Woodland Hills. The commercial real estate brokerage has taken over the former Kate Mantilini restaurant at 5921 Owensmouth Ave. and will convert the 10,000-square-foot space into an open floor plan design with unassigned workspaces, much like its Glendale and downtown L.A. locations. Inside, the site will feature floor-to-ceiling windows. Outside, 1,500 square feet will be configured as additional working space for about 50 employees expected to operate from the location. “By implementing these types of forward-thinking offices, we set an example for workplace evolution in our industry and beyond,” said Lewis Horne, president of the greater Los Angeles and Orange County division. Some employees will be relocated to Woodland Hills from CBRE’s Camarillo location, which is about to close. CBRE said it expects to open the office around the end of the first quarter. “Woodland Hills has transformed into (being) the heart of the San Fernando Valley with a unique live-work-play environment and therefore is an important strategic location for CBRE,” said David Josker, managing director of CBRE’s Los Angeles North region, in a statement. Josker will be overseeing the office. The former Kate Mantilini restaurant opened in 2003 and closed in 2014, shortly after a Beverly Hills location also closed.
