You're driving through Torrance, maybe heading toward the Del Amo Fashion Center or grabbing a coffee on Sepulveda, and you see it. A sign for Monterey Park.
Wait, what?
Most people immediately think of the City of Monterey Park over in the San Gabriel Valley. You know, the one famous for incredible dim sum and its history as America's first "suburban Chinatown." But if you’re standing in the South Bay, you haven't teleported thirty miles northeast. You’re likely looking at the Monterey Business Park or the specific industrial-commercial pocket nestled right in the heart of Torrance.
It's a weird quirk of local naming.
People get confused constantly. Honestly, if you try to GPS "Monterey Park" while sitting in a Torrance office building, Google might try to send you on a 45-minute trek up the 710 freeway. Don't do that.
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The Monterey Park in Torrance isn't a city. It's a strategic, high-value business hub. It basically defines the "industrial chic" transition of the South Bay from old-school manufacturing to modern flex spaces and corporate headquarters.
The Geography of the Mix-Up
Let's clear the air. The actual City of Monterey Park is roughly 7 miles east of Downtown Los Angeles. It’s a massive residential and cultural powerhouse.
The Monterey Business Park in Torrance is located near the intersection of Monterey Street and Plaza Del Amo. We’re talking about the 90503 zip code. This area is bounded roughly by Madrona Avenue to the west and Crenshaw Boulevard to the east.
It’s central. It’s convenient. And it’s nothing like the hills of the SGV.
This Torrance pocket sits right on the edge of the Madrona Marsh Preserve. It’s a funny contrast. On one side of the street, you have one of the last remaining vernal marshes in Southern California. On the other, you have millions of square feet of concrete, loading docks, and tech offices.
Why This Specific Hub Actually Matters
Why do businesses flock here? It isn't for the name.
Historically, Torrance was the "Company Town" for giants like US Steel and Honda. But in the 1980s and 90s, the city realized it couldn't just rely on giant smoke-stack industries. They needed "flex" space.
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Monterey Business Park was the answer to that.
If you look at the real estate data from firms like LoopNet or CoStar, this area is consistently at low vacancy. Why? Because the buildings are versatile. You’ve got spaces at 2730 Monterey St or 2771 Plaza Del Amo that mix 50% office with 50% warehouse.
That’s the "sweet spot" for modern companies.
Think about it:
- Tech hardware firms need a desk for the engineers and a bay for the prototypes.
- E-commerce boutiques need a showroom and a place to box up orders.
- Medical suppliers need climate-controlled storage near the massive Providence Little Company of Mary hospital nearby.
Basically, if you’re a business that actually makes or moves things but you still want a nice lobby for clients, this is where you go.
The 1980s "Park Del Amo" Legacy
You can't talk about Monterey Street and the surrounding "park" without mentioning the Park Del Amo project. Back in 1981, developers went to the City of Torrance with a wild plan. They wanted to build 2,500 residential units and high-rise offices right in this area.
It was a battle.
Environmentalists fought hard because of the Madrona Marsh. Ultimately, the project was scaled back. The city ended up with about 1,400 units and a bunch of office space, but more importantly, the marsh was saved.
The Monterey Park area in Torrance today is the result of that compromise. It’s a mix of medium-density condos, professional office suites, and light industrial bays. It feels "balanced," which, coincidentally, is the official motto of Torrance.
What’s Actually Over There?
If you’re heading to Monterey Street for a meeting or a pickup, here’s the vibe. It’s clean. The landscaping is actually pretty decent for an industrial zone.
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You’ll find companies like Robinson Helicopter just a stone's throw away at the airport, and many of their subcontractors or satellite offices end up in the flex spaces around Monterey St.
Real Talk on Logistics:
The traffic can be a nightmare. You’ve got the Del Amo mall traffic merging with the industrial shift workers. If you’re trying to turn left onto Madrona during rush hour, just... don't. Go around.
The rental rates here usually hover around $20 to $25 per square foot per year. That’s premium for industrial but a steal for "office" space with high ceilings and roll-up doors.
Hidden Gems Nearby
Because this is a business hub, the lunch scene is underrated. You aren't getting the Monterey Park (SGV) soup dumplings, but you are close to:
- Old Downtown Torrance: Five minutes away. Great breweries like Strand Brewing Co. (though locations shift, the vibe remains).
- Mitsuwa Marketplace: Just south on Western. If you want a lunch break that feels like a trip to Tokyo, this is it.
- The Marsh: Seriously, take 10 minutes and walk the trail at Madrona Marsh. It’s right there. It’s weirdly quiet and beautiful.
Actionable Takeaways for Locals and Businesses
If you are looking at real estate or planning a visit to the "other" Monterey Park, keep these nuances in mind:
- Check the Zip Code: If it isn't 90503, you’re looking at the wrong Monterey Park.
- Flex is King: For small business owners, the "flex" spaces on Monterey St are some of the most functional layouts in the South Bay. Look for units with at least 100-200 amps of power if you’re running equipment.
- Parking is Tight: Most of these business parks (like the one at 2720 Monterey St) use unassigned parking. If you’re hosting a big client meeting, tell them to arrive early.
- Environmental Zoning: If you’re a business that handles chemicals or heavy noise, check the proximity to the residential condos nearby. Torrance is strict about "quality of life" complaints.
Stop thinking of it as a typo on a map. The Monterey Park area in Torrance is its own animal—a functional, high-density engine that keeps the South Bay economy humming while the "other" Monterey Park handles the dim sum.
To get started with a site visit, check the local industrial listings specifically for "Monterey Business Park" or contact the Torrance Office of Economic Development for zoning maps. Looking at the current vacancy rates on Plaza Del Amo is usually the best way to gauge the health of the local commercial market.