Real estate news: Artz Building in Old Town Tustin sells for $3.5 million

February 28, 2026 - 05:45

The iconic Artz Building, a cornerstone of Old Town Tustin for half a century, has changed hands in a $3.5 million transaction. The property was owned by the same family for fifty years and was most famously the longtime home of the beloved Rutabegorz restaurant, which permanently closed its doors last year.

The single-story, 5,000-square-foot commercial building sits on a prime 10,000-square-foot lot. Its sale highlights the continued investor interest and value in Orange County's historic downtown districts. The property's central location and character-rich architecture are seen as major assets for future development or new tenancy.

Local residents have expressed nostalgia for the Rutabegorz era, remembering the building as a community hub for salads, sandwiches, and casual gatherings. The sale marks the end of a significant chapter for the downtown area. The new ownership has not yet publicly announced specific plans for the vacant site, leaving the community to speculate on what business or concept may next occupy this prominent piece of Tustin history. The transaction underscores the ongoing evolution of the city's historic core while preserving its tangible link to the past.