Reckers adds that the nine-acre site never really went on the market. "Coincidentally, the day Larry Meyers' heirs put it up for sale, Rick Klein called me," he says. "The sellers did not want a faceless corporate developer coming in and bulldozing two-blocks of Modesto's rich history into oblivion."

Klein Investment president Rick Klein says property, with its 100-foot water tower, has been a visible landmark for truckers and motorists approaching Modesto on Highway 99 and remains a "prime" location due to its proximity to three major arterials--highways 99 and 132, and Interstate 5. The seven warehouse buildings were "over-designed and built by craftsmen of that era to last a lifetime," he adds.

With little to no reinvestment in the property over the last several years, however, Klein says "the deferred maintenance took its toll" and the buildings and acreage now look "tired." Klein's planned refurbishment and beautification program will include full repainting of all exterior buildings in bright colors, extensive landscaping of the entire site, attractive security fencing, grade level ramps for truck access, new signage and a new entry inspired by Modesto's famed steel arch entrance leading from highway 99 into Downtown Modesto.

Klein adds that the water tower will remain and be repainted to preserve the legacy of Tillie Lewis. Lewis, Modesto's first internationally-known businesswoman, introduced and popularized the pomodora or roma tomato in the U.S. In 1951, she was named National Businesswoman of the Year, becoming the first Californian to win the title.

"We're going to take this huge, old ugly duckling and give it new life, fill those massive buildings with interesting people and companies, brighten and liven it up, make it fun so people will smile when they drive by," says Klein. "We're a gateway to the city and want to mirror the same excitement we're seeing all over Modesto today."