Rives Mansion is up for sale — again

Photo by Alex Dominguez

DOWNEY — The sad saga surrounding Downey’s most historic property has followed it into 2020, with the Rives Mansion having once again been listed for sale.

The mansion was listed in early December by Hudson Partners Investment Brokerage for what was described as an “aggressive” $2.9 million.

This comes after a rocky year for the property in 2019, in which plans to refurbish and convert the site into office space were given the thumbs up, including the approval a controversial 1,200 square foot retail café building that was to be developed in front of the mansion.  

Despite significant pushback from residents, owners Arturo Concha and Erika De La Teja were able to persuade both Downey’s Planning Commission and City Council to approve the café but with over 100 separate conditions.

Property records show the mansion was purchased in 2017 for $1.25 million.

According to Jay Martinez of Hudson Partners, the mansion has been listed as “ready-to-issue,” which would likely mean that whoever purchased the property would pursue plans in accordance with what is currently permitted, including the retail café.

Martinez listed medical and executive type offices as among the viable options for the property.

Still, residents should not anticipate anything in the immediate future.

According to Martinez, the mansion has garnered sporadic interest since being listed, and he estimates that it could be anywhere from four to six months before any sale is finalized.