HISTORY & EXPERIENCE
Square One’s history and experience highlight our firm commitment to innovation. Our portfolio serves a variety of tenant demographics, is well-diversified to accommodate changes in the real estate and capital markets, and is dedicated to securing the highest quality tenants from any industry. Our commitment to quality not only benefits Square One’s partners, but also our tenants, lenders, and the San Diego community at large.
Our Story
Starting in 1980, Mark Mandell and Michael “Mickey” Cafagna initiated their partnership at Square One Development Corporation. Mark’s father, Jerome Mandell, a co-founder of Chicago’s National Wrecking Company, made a strategic investment to establish Square One Development. Jerome recognized that the combination of Mark’s background as an attorney specializing in commercial real estate and Mickey’s experience as a broker would undoubtedly lead to the success of Square One as a real estate company. Jerome’s investment in Square One was more than financial—he brought a wealth of experience in business, construction, and life to the Square One team. With over 40 years of unwavering dedication, Jerome served as a developer, mentor, and investor, leaving an indelible mark on the company’s success.
One of Square One’s most notable developments is our industrial project, Rancho Vista Business Park (RVBP). At first glance, Mark and Mickey saw the property’s potential as an industrial project. During its interim use as a flower field, Square One was San Diego’s largest flower distributor. However, over the years, Mark and Mickey undertook one of the largest industrial developments carried out by a family company in San Diego County by converting the flower field into a thriving business park. The first building was completed in 1989, and the project was fully completed by 2005. Today the development contains over 900,000 square feet of industrial space.
Square One also has a wealth of knowledge in development and management of office, hotel, retail, and residential properties. Over the years, our portfolio has contained special-purpose properties like airfields, educational facilities, and single-room occupancy projects.
Square One’s history and experience highlights our firm commitment to innovation. Our portfolio serves a variety of tenant demographics, is well-diversified to accommodate changes in the real estate and capital markets and is dedicated to securing the highest quality tenants from any industry. Our commitment to quality not only benefits Square One’s partners, but also our tenants, lenders, and the San Diego community at large.
IN MEMORY OF MICKEY CAFAGNA
Michael ‘Mickey’ Cafagna Memorial
Mickey Cafagna passed away on April 11, 2009, after a long battle with cancer. A dedicated family man and a successful entrepreneur, Mickey approached life with incredible passion, integrity, and perseverance. He valued and enjoyed his relationships with family, friends, co-workers, and fellow citizens. Throughout his career, he directed the acquisition, development, financing, and management of various residential and commercial projects as President of Square One Development Corporation. Deeply involved in local politics, he also served as the Mayor of Poway from 1998 until his passing and was a Member of the Board of Directors of the San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) after serving as its Chair from 2004 through 2006.
Mickey is survived by his wife, two children, and five grandchildren.
IN MEMORY OF JEROME MANDELL
Jerome Mandell Memorial
Jerome “Jerry” Mandell passed away on June 27, 2019. After living in Chicago for most of his life, Jerry and his late wife Paula (married in 1949) spent their last few years enjoying life in San Diego where three of their children, and five of their grandchildren lived. Jerry was a hard worker his entire life and built a demolition company (National Wrecking Co) in Chicago alongside three of his brothers from the ground up. He had extensive knowledge of demolition and construction and was happiest while wearing his hard hat out on a job site. Jerry was a man dedicated to his work and his family, and he was also active in the Jewish community of Chicago.
Jerry is survived by his four children, eight grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren.
