The Epoch Times Establishes Strong West Coast Presence with New Lease in Irvine

In a significant move reflecting its commitment to growth in Southern California, The Epoch Times has signed a new lease agreement covering 26,680 square feet at the Market Place Center located at 330 Commerce Drive, Irvine. This strategic decision transforms its previous sublease arrangement into a direct lease, thereby solidifying its Southern California headquarters and production studio. According to Colliers’ Q1 2026 Orange County Office Report, this transaction marks a new commitment in the bustling Airport/Irvine submarket, further attracting attention to the area’s real estate dynamics.

The Epoch Times initially entered the Irvine office space in 2023, leasing from RealPage, a property-management software company. The new lease aligns with the existing 26,680-square-foot footprint the newspaper occupied, indicating a seamless transition to a direct relationship with the landlord, Irvine Company. This move not only extends The Epoch Times’ presence in the area but also signifies the company’s long-term vision for its West Coast operations, as it establishes a hub that accommodates both print production and digital media needs.

In recent years, The Epoch Times has aggressively expanded its operations in Orange County. Starting with its inaugural office at Irvine’s Jamboree Center in August 2020, the company has strategically relocated several times. The latest move to Market Place Center boasts a space more than four times larger than its previous locations and approximately fifteen times the size of its original 1,800-square-foot office. General Manager Siyamak Khorrami recently celebrated this milestone with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, emphasizing the importance of the new facility in supporting the company’s website and social media initiatives.

Market Place Center offers more than just an expansive office space; it also boasts convenient amenities. Located in proximity to the freeway and featuring surface parking, an onsite café, and easy access to The Market Place—a 1.6-million-square-foot retail center with over 120 shops and restaurants—the location is perfectly suited for modern business needs. Notably, the campus also houses the corporate headquarters of security-services giant Allied Universal, enhancing the area’s profile as a sought-after business destination.

The recent lease aligns with a broader trend observed by Colliers regarding direct leasing activity in the Airport submarket. During Q1 2026, this submarket recorded a remarkable 829,295 square feet of leasing activity, with The Epoch Times’ deal contributing to nearly all of the county’s net absorption. The drop in sublease availability, from 2.9% to 1.7%, indicates a tightening market and underscores the strength of the demand for Class A office spaces in the area, which saw an average asking rent of $3.28 per square foot—a notable year-over-year increase.

Furthermore, this direct lease arrangement benefits both The Epoch Times and the Irvine Company, providing a stable foundation for ongoing operations. As sublease agreements stage a period of decline, there’s a growing tendency for landlords to transition existing tenants into direct deals, reflecting a shift in the market that supports long-term relationships. This trend situates The Epoch Times favorably within the evolving real estate landscape of Orange County, underscoring its commitment to maintaining a robust foothold in Southern California for years to come.

In conclusion, The Epoch Times’ establishment of a direct lease at Market Place Center is a significant strategic decision that highlights its commitment to Southern California. As the newspaper continues to expand and consolidate its operations under one roof, it positions itself to thrive in a competitive media landscape, harnessing the advantages of its newly secured infrastructure. With strong growth potential and an ideal location, The Epoch Times is well-equipped to navigate the evolving demands of both print and digital publishing in the region.