Tom Gildred is currently on the Board of Directors of the Gildred Companies, a commercial real estate business with a legacy nearly one hundred years in the making. The company has an extensive portfolio of commercial properties spanning more than a million square feet. For three generations, the Gildred family has been instrumental in the growth and expansion of key commercial and recreational properties in San Diego — including one of the downtown district’s most historic buildings, the Copley Symphony Hall (Formerly the Fox Theater), as well as Sharp Hospital and Balboa Park.
History and Evolution
The Gildred Companies was established in 1929. Their first project was the construction and operation of the San Diego Fox Theater Building (now known as Copley Symphony Hall and Symphony Towers). Originally designed as a premier movie house, the building became the property of the San Diego Symphony Orchestra Association in 1984.
The Gildred family had a hand in founding Sharp Hospital; Tom’s grandfather, Philip L. Gildred, donated 12.5 acres of land in Kearney Mesa to help construct Donald N. Sharp Memorial Community Hospital (now known as Sharp Memorial Hospital).
The family has also been heavily involved in the promotion and expansion of a San Diego landmark: Balboa Park. Philip co-founded the House of Pacific Relations’ International Cottages, which opened during the California Pacific International Exposition (of which he acted as managing director). His lineage has continued to uphold leadership positions in Balboa Park institutions, such as the Plaza de Panama and the Museum of Art, aimed at protecting and enhancing the park’s properties.
Current Real Estate Portfolio
The Gildred Companies’ current portfolio includes the following:
- Acacia Business Park
- Balfour Court
- Campus at Copley
- Canyon Vista
- Cerritos Industrial Park
- Kirkham Ridge Business Park
- La Costa Meadows
- Lionspoint
- Midway Industrial Park
- Ocean Point
- Painter Business Park
- Palomar 28
- Palomar 46
- 4619 Viewridge
- 4949 Viewridge
- Walgreens Calimesa
- Warner Fairview Business Park
Projects in Development
Alpine Ridge is a residential project of 33 home sites with stunning views of San Diego’s East County area. Situated on 310 acres, this residential subdivision lies in the foothills of Alpine.
Ocotillo Wells Solar is located in the Borrego Valley on 440 acres. Fully permitted and shovel ready, the 50 megawatt solar project will provide energy sufficient to power 20,000 homes.
Ramona Vines is a project in development encompassing 53 acres in Ramona with views of the San Pasqual Valley and the Ramona Grasslands County Preserve. Situated on rolling hills covered with beautiful vineyards, oak and avocado trees, there is the potential for a commercial winery or exclusive home sites with stellar views.