Katherine McComic & Patrick Stelmach: Building a New Sacramento

What’s really happening in Sacramento right now? In this episode, Bruce Bean sits down with Katherine McComic and Patrick Stelmach to explore the surprising transformation of Sacramento into a creative, fast-evolving hub for commercial real estate and urban development.

From repurposed warehouses to vibrant mixed-use projects, this conversation dives into how a new generation of professionals is reshaping the city—and why Sacramento may be one of the most exciting markets to watch.

Katherine McComic, a real estate attorney with a passion for urban environments, and Patrick Stelmach, a land broker specializing in infill development, bring a unique dual perspective—legal and brokerage—on how deals actually get done.

They share how they each entered the industry through unconventional paths, and how their collaboration helps move projects from idea to reality.

The discussion highlights standout projects like the transformation of a former warehouse into a thriving concert venue, showing how creative redevelopment can energize entire neighborhoods. They also explore innovative strategies like “covered land plays,” where properties are acquired with interim uses before future redevelopment.

A key theme throughout the episode is creativity in today’s market. Despite higher interest rates and broader economic pressures, Sacramento continues to see inventive deals and adaptive reuse projects.

Katherine emphasizes the city’s welcoming and youthful energy, noting how easy it is for motivated individuals to get involved and make an impact. Patrick adds that this momentum is extending beyond downtown, with suburban areas beginning to adopt more walkable, mixed-use “third places” that bring communities together.

Looking ahead, both guests predict that Sacramento will continue to grow into a destination city with its own identity—offering the amenities and experiences typically associated with larger markets like San Francisco, but with its own unique flavor.

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