We create lifestyle opportunities where employees flourish, residents live well, and businesses succeed.
Explore our journey and where we are headed.
From humble beginnings and hard work, Henry G. Fenton began his company in 1906.
With a $1,000 project bonus from his former employer, he established himself as an independent contractor and got to work.
During this foundational time the Fenton-Parker Material Corporation worked on major grading contracts in Pacific Beach, Coronado, Escondido, downtown San Diego, La Jolla and La Mesa, establishing a footprint for the future of San Diego.
As business interests evolved, Henry Fenton changed the company name to H. G. Fenton Material Company.
The company began supplying materials to build several historic landmarks including the Lion Clothing Company building, the El Cortez Hotel, and the California Theater building.
In addition, Henry purchased Janal Ranch (which was later sold and developed to become the community of Eastlake) and began farming lima beans and growing his agriculture business.
In 1924, Henry purchased Western Salt Company from his former boss, Elisha Babcock, who was ready to get out of the business.
In an innovative response to the effects of the Great Depression, Henry Fenton used the profits of his salt business to subsidize his materials business and provide capital for real estate investments.
The Company graded San Diego State College (now SDSU) and secured a land deal to exchange property in the city for gravel lands along the Otay River, in the area that is now Otay Valley Regional Park.
In 1936, Henry Fenton’s daughter Emily married Admiral Louis Henry Hunte, who later joined the H.G. Fenton Material Board of Directors.
With the onset of WWII, the demand for both construction materials and salt increased. Company growth continued with contracts to provide construction materials for government defense programs.
Demand for dairy created a boom for another Fenton business: Qualitee Dairy at San Pasqual Ranch — then the largest operating dairy in San Diego.
With the loss of Henry G. Fenton, who passed away in 1951, Louis H. Hunte stepped in to become President/CEO and Chairman of the Board. Future leaders also joined the company, including Louis and Emily’s son Henry F. Hunte, who started as a concrete salesman.
During this era the company provided construction materials for several projects, including the Central University Library at UCSD and the San Diego (Qualcomm) Stadium.
The company also provided concrete for the construction of the now-iconic Coronado Bridge and the Salk Institute for Biological Research.
A focus on the restoration and re-use of land would lead to the future transition from a ranching and industrial operating business into a real estate business.
In 1987, the company made the strategic decision to enter the real estate market.
During this time, the company’s land re-zoning efforts resulted in the creation of Fenton Marketplace, Escala, and Portofino at the company’s former rock and gravel site.
In 1998, the materials and salt companies were sold, and the organization transitioned itself to a real estate company: H.G. Fenton Company.
With the proceeds from these sales, H.G. Fenton Company acquired multiple properties, including Tierrasanta Ridge, Scripps Landing, Seagate, and Solana Highlands.
Continuing Henry G. Fenton’s legacy of learning and embracing change to meet the needs of the community and people, we expanded to serve both commercial and residential customers, with a focus on creating places where people want to be.
By July 2001, H.G. Fenton Company had established itself as one of the region’s largest privately held real estate companies, owning and managing 2.6 million square feet of industrial and office space as well as 1,400 apartment homes.
Driven by a passion to create communities, careers and companies, in 2002 Mike Neal embraced his new role as President and CEO, along with Robert Gottlieb as CFO.
Solterra EcoLuxury Apartments, completed in 2013, became the nation’s first 100% solar energy-powered apartment community, blazing a trail for advancements in sustainable living.
The way we define Employee Experience began to take a new shape, centered on fostering a culture of connection and collaboration.
With new technologies, an eco-friendly commitment and an ongoing focus on our customers and employees, we continue evolving to elevate the apartment living and workplace experiences for our customers.
WELCOME TO OUR STORY
A journey created out of the hearts, minds, and passions of the people involved throughout our 115+ years of history.
Our purpose — creating experiences where employees flourish, residents live well, and businesses succeed — sprouts from the seeds of our history and the values that have served us since our founding.
Everything we design, the places we create, and the locations we influence are all born from the desire and passion to shape experiences for the communities and people who enjoy them.
We create places where people want to be, memories are made, and dreams can come true.
Employee Experience
Our community of employees is centered on fostering a culture of connection and collaboration. This Employee Experience is the heartbeat of what makes H.G. Fenton a place where people want to work.
Our Space
In 2015 we redesigned our corporate office to reflect our evolving employee lifestyle, adding collaborative and flexible workspaces, a fitness center, and outdoor gathering spaces – elements that enrich the work we do together.
Brewery Igniter
To support San Diego’s vibrant craft beer industry, we launched the first Brewery Igniter turnkey brewing facility in 2016. We provided this solution to help small and new brewers to reduce financial risk and quickly start or expand their business.
Piazza della famiglia
In 2018, in partnership with the Little Italy Association, we transformed a city block into a public piazza at the heart of Little Italy to serve the community and all its visitors.
The European-style Piazza della Famiglia features a food hall and a variety of restaurants, and hosts farmer’s markets, concerts and cultural events. The Piazza is complemented by Vici Luxury Rentals and Amo Apartments on either side, providing spectacular living experiences in the center of the action.
Austin
In 2018 we brought our customer-centered brand of service to the residents of Austin, Texas, providing Live Well experiences in some of the best locations in the city.
TRU Bankers Hill
In 2020, H.G. Fenton Company began the redevelopment of a former medical clinic – our first endeavor to rehabilitate an existing building into a residential space. The result is TRU Bankers Hill, a unique urban lifestyle opportunity steps from iconic Balboa Park.
COMING SOON: AMP30 NORTH PARK
This mixed-use residential and retail space creates exciting new urban lifestyle opportunities for the community of North Park. Amp30’s apartment 192 homes and 10 live/work lofts reflect the distinct cultural vibe of the neighborhood and serve as a vibrant interaction place for residents to form a community.
COMING SOON: CARLSBAD
This residential project at the Ponto beachfront will transform a former self-storage facility and junkyard into a residential community of 86 luxury homes, most with 3 or 4 bedrooms. It will include a mix of two-story triplexes, three-story rowhomes, and three-story townhomes.
Residents will enjoy an elevated lifestyle that combines the convenience of rental living with features traditionally reserved for single family homeownership: private backyards, attached garages, and select homes with rooftop decks and ocean views.
COMING SOON: SOLANA BEACH
The revitalization of the former Solana Highlands Apartments is an opportunity for us to serve Solana Beach responsibly by offering families and individuals the quality of home they desire in a community they love.
The former 198-unit apartment community will be replaced with 260 craftsman-style apartment homes, including 32 senior affordable homes reserved for those that qualify. For more information about this project, visit revitalizingsh.com
LOOKING AHEAD
As we move forward, we are committed to living our values, improving the way we do business, and deepening our long-standing relationship with the community – continuing to create places where people want to be.
We are proud to have been a part of San Diego’s rich history for over 115 years, and we look forward to the exciting journey to come in the next 100 years!
From humble beginnings and hard work, Henry G. Fenton began his company in 1906.
With a $1,000 project bonus from his former employer, he established himself as an independent contractor and got to work.
During this foundational time the Fenton-Parker Material Corporation worked on major grading contracts in Pacific Beach, Coronado, Escondido, downtown San Diego, La Jolla and La Mesa, establishing a footprint for the future of San Diego.
As business interests evolved, Henry Fenton changed the company name to H. G. Fenton Material Company.
The company began supplying materials to build several historic landmarks including the Lion Clothing Company building, the El Cortez Hotel, and the California Theater building.
In addition, Henry purchased Janal Ranch (which was later sold and developed to become the community of Eastlake) and began farming lima beans and growing his agriculture business.
In 1924, Henry purchased Western Salt Company from his former boss, Elisha Babcock, who was ready to get out of the business.
In an innovative response to the effects of the Great Depression, Henry Fenton used the profits of his salt business to subsidize his materials business and provide capital for real estate investments.
The Company graded San Diego State College (now SDSU) and secured a land deal to exchange property in the city for gravel lands along the Otay River, in the area that is now Otay Valley Regional Park.
In 1936, Henry Fenton’s daughter Emily married Admiral Louis Henry Hunte, who later joined the H.G. Fenton Material Board of Directors.
With the onset of WWII, the demand for both construction materials and salt increased. Company growth continued with contracts to provide construction materials for government defense programs.
Demand for dairy created a boom for another Fenton business: Qualitee Dairy at San Pasqual Ranch — then the largest operating dairy in San Diego.
With the loss of Henry G. Fenton, who passed away in 1951, Louis H. Hunte stepped in to become President/CEO and Chairman of the Board. Future leaders also joined the company, including Louis and Emily’s son Henry F. Hunte, who started as a concrete salesman.
During this era the company provided construction materials for several projects, including the Central University Library at UCSD and the San Diego (Qualcomm) Stadium.
The company also provided concrete for the construction of the now-iconic Coronado Bridge and the Salk Institute for Biological Research.
A focus on the restoration and re-use of land would lead to the future transition from a ranching and industrial operating business into a real estate business.
In 1987, the company made the strategic decision to enter the real estate market.
During this time, the company’s land re-zoning efforts resulted in the creation of Fenton Marketplace, Escala, and Portofino at the company’s former rock and gravel site.
In 1998, the materials and salt companies were sold, and the organization transitioned itself to a real estate company: H.G. Fenton Company.
With the proceeds from these sales, H.G. Fenton Company acquired multiple properties, including Tierrasanta Ridge, Scripps Landing, Seagate, and Solana Highlands.
Continuing Henry G. Fenton’s legacy of learning and embracing change to meet the needs of the community and people, we expanded to serve both commercial and residential customers, with a focus on creating places where people want to be.
By July 2001, H.G. Fenton Company had established itself as one of the region’s largest privately held real estate companies, owning and managing 2.6 million square feet of industrial and office space as well as 1,400 apartment homes.
Driven by a passion to create communities, careers and companies, in 2002 Mike Neal embraced his new role as President and CEO, along with Robert Gottlieb as CFO.
Solterra EcoLuxury Apartments, completed in 2013, became the nation’s first 100% solar energy-powered apartment community, blazing a trail for advancements in sustainable living.
The way we define Employee Experience began to take a new shape, centered on fostering a culture of connection and collaboration.
With new technologies, an eco-friendly commitment and an ongoing focus on our customers and employees, we continue evolving to elevate the apartment living and workplace experiences for our customers.
WELCOME TO OUR STORY
A journey created out of the hearts, minds, and passions of the people involved throughout our 115+ years of history.
Our purpose — creating experiences where employees flourish, residents live well, and businesses succeed — sprouts from the seeds of our history and the values that have served us since our founding.
Everything we design, the places we create, and the locations we influence are all born from the desire and passion to shape experiences for the communities and people who enjoy them.
We create places where people want to be, memories are made, and dreams can come true.
Employee Experience
Our community of employees is centered on fostering a culture of connection and collaboration. This Employee Experience is the heartbeat of what makes H.G. Fenton a place where people want to work.
Our Space
In 2015 we redesigned our corporate office to reflect our evolving employee lifestyle, adding collaborative and flexible workspaces, a fitness center, and outdoor gathering spaces – elements that enrich the work we do together.
Brewery Igniter
To support San Diego’s vibrant craft beer industry, we launched the first Brewery Igniter turnkey brewing facility in 2016. We provided this solution to help small and new brewers to reduce financial risk and quickly start or expand their business.
Piazza della famiglia
In 2018, in partnership with the Little Italy Association, we transformed a city block into a public piazza at the heart of Little Italy to serve the community and all its visitors.
The European-style Piazza della Famiglia features a food hall and a variety of restaurants, and hosts farmer’s markets, concerts and cultural events. The Piazza is complemented by Vici Luxury Rentals and Amo Apartments on either side, providing spectacular living experiences in the center of the action.
Austin
In 2018 we brought our customer-centered brand of service to the residents of Austin, Texas, providing Live Well experiences in some of the best locations in the city.
TRU Bankers Hill
In 2020, H.G. Fenton Company began the redevelopment of a former medical clinic – our first endeavor to rehabilitate an existing building into a residential space. The result is TRU Bankers Hill, a unique urban lifestyle opportunity steps from iconic Balboa Park.
COMING SOON: AMP30 NORTH PARK
This mixed-use residential and retail space creates exciting new urban lifestyle opportunities for the community of North Park. Amp30’s apartment 192 homes and 10 live/work lofts reflect the distinct cultural vibe of the neighborhood and serve as a vibrant interaction place for residents to form a community.
COMING SOON: CARLSBAD
This residential project at the Ponto beachfront will transform a former self-storage facility and junkyard into a residential community of 86 luxury homes, most with 3 or 4 bedrooms. It will include a mix of two-story triplexes, three-story rowhomes, and three-story townhomes.
Residents will enjoy an elevated lifestyle that combines the convenience of rental living with features traditionally reserved for single family homeownership: private backyards, attached garages, and select homes with rooftop decks and ocean views.
COMING SOON: SOLANA BEACH
The revitalization of the former Solana Highlands Apartments is an opportunity for us to serve Solana Beach responsibly by offering families and individuals the quality of home they desire in a community they love.
The former 198-unit apartment community will be replaced with 260 craftsman-style apartment homes, including 32 senior affordable homes reserved for those that qualify. For more information about this project, visit revitalizingsh.com
LOOKING AHEAD
As we move forward, we are committed to living our values, improving the way we do business, and deepening our long-standing relationship with the community – continuing to create places where people want to be.
We are proud to have been a part of San Diego’s rich history for over 115 years, and we look forward to the exciting journey to come in the next 100 years!