MBK Rental Living Transforms 100-Year-Old Timber School into New Residential Community in Thousand Oaks 

Irvine, Calif., (September 14 , 2026) –  The Sanctuary at Thousand Oaks, a new multifamily community in Newbury Park developed in partnership with Prime Life Technologies Corp, is now leasing and open for tours. The Sanctuary marks MBK Rental Living’s third community delivered in 2026, following Las Brisas in Santa Maria and Vintage Farms in Murrieta. 

Set on the historic grounds of the Timber School, originally constructed in 1924 and recognized as the oldest existing school and public building in the Conejo Valley, the development brings renewed purpose to a significant community site. 

“New communities are too often designed around trends that fade quickly,” said Ken McCarren, President of MBK Rental Living. “The Sanctuary takes a different approach – one that is shaped by history, designed with intention, and built to remain relevant over time. When you have the opportunity to work with a site that has been a part of the community for more than 100 years, the responsibility is not just to preserve it—but to ensure it continues to have a purpose.” 

Residences include a mix of studio, one-, and two-bedroom apartment homes ranging from 628 to 1,429 square feet. Interiors are thoughtfully designed with an emphasis on natural light, functional layouts, and materials selected for durability and longevity including and quartz countertops, stainless-steel appliances and wood-style flooring. Finishes and color schemes are intentionally refined, creating homes that feel more like a true residence than a typical apartment. Select floorplans also include patios or balconies and kitchen islands. 

Amenities throughout the community are designed to support everyday living. Residents have access to a secluded pool, a 24-hour fitness center, dog wash, several co-working pods and a multipurpose lounge, along with a network of Spanish-style courtyards designed to provide both connection and retreat. Gathering spaces throughout the community include indoor and outdoor lounges and shaded seating areas beneath heritage oak trees, including a kids retreat space. 

Honoring the Past with Renewed Purpose   

The Timber School, long considered a defining civic landmark in Newbury Park, has been carefully preserved and reintroduced as the heart of the community—ensuring its legacy continues as an active and lived experience rather than a preserved artifact. 

Original classrooms have been transformed into the community’s leasing, library, and co-working environments—designed as quiet, functional spaces for focus and everyday use. The former auditorium has been reimagined as a fitness center, maintaining its role as a central gathering space, while the original kitchen has been adapted into a grab-and-go cafe, offering a natural continuation of its historic purpose. 

This approach preserves not only the structure of the building’s original intent, but the intent of the spaces, ensuring the buildings continue to bring people together in meaningful and relevant ways. The newly constructed apartment homes are set behind the historic buildings, creating a layered residential environment that balances heritage and contemporary design. 

Notable preservation and repurposing elements include: 

  • The exterior design of the school structure has been maintained or refurbished including the Spanish roof tiles, windows, exterior stucco and cupola  
  • The site’s legacy is commemorated with a two historical plaques designed by members of the community and historic photography depicting the school’s past throughout the shared spaces 
  • A docent will be onsite throughout the year during various weekends offering residents and visitors the opportunity to learn more about the Timber School’s past and its impact on Newbury Park  

“The most compelling communities are the ones that feel connected to something larger than themselves,” said McCarren. “At The Sanctuary, we were able to develop on a site with a long-standing history in the community, resulting in a place that feels established, intentional, and meaningful from day one.” 

The Sanctuary also incorporates MBK Rental Living’s With Our World sustainability program, integrating energy-efficient systems and environmentally conscious design practices to support long-term performance and resident well-being. 

Located in the Newbury Park neighborhood on the western edge of Thousand Oaks, The Sanctuary enjoys scenic views and nearby access to cafes, restaurants, shopping centers and entertainment venues. Nature lovers will appreciate the extensive network of wilderness trails and community parks, including Dos Vientos Community Park and Wildwood Regional Park. The community is served by the award-winning Conejo Valley Unified School District and offers convenient access to the U.S. 101 Freeway for local outings or commutes in Ventura County and beyond.  

MBK Rental Living is currently leasing apartment communities across California and Colorado, including Vintage Farms in Murrieta, Solana in Duarte and Zia in Anaheim in Southern California; Vida in Morgan Hill, The Haven in Petaluma, and Ona in Natomas in Northern California with their JV partner Hines; Las Brisas in Santa Maria in Central California; and Alexan Peña Station in Denver with Trammel Crow and The Aven in Colorado Springs with Hines.  

The Sanctuary is located at 1872 Newbury Road in Thousand Oaks, California. To inquire about leasing, visit https://www.thesanctuarythousandoaks.com.  

For more information about MBK Rental Living, visit https://www.mbkrentalliving.com. 

About MBK Rental Living 

MBK Rental Living is active in the acquisition and development of apartment communities. The company’s mission is to be the preeminent lifestyle developer focusing on creating communities that deliver value for their residents, partners, and investors. Throughout its more than 30-year history, MBK has earned a reputation for delivering award-winning customer satisfaction in housing that is innovative in design, comfort, sustainability, and craftsmanship, all at an excellent value. MBK Rental Living is a division of MBK Real Estate LLC., the U.S. real estate development arm of Mitsui & Co., Ltd., a global trading and investment company with a diversified business portfolio.

MBK Real Estate’s companies span a wide spectrum of real estate development including apartments, industrial, and their senior housing divisions. With Our World was developed by MBK Rental Living, a leader in developing environmentally and socially responsible communities. MBK is on a mission to make apartment living planet-friendly with its comprehensive program which seamlessly blends conscious design with high performance to provide healthier, more comfortable living environments for our residents. MBK Rental Living is headquartered in Irvine, California. Corporate offices are located at 4 Park Plaza Suite 1700, Irvine, CA 92614; or visit their website at www.MBKRentalLiving.com. 

About Prime Life Technologies  

Prime Life Technologies (“PLT”) is a Tokyo-based holding company comprised of five homebuilding-related companies. Established by Panasonic and Toyota in 2020, PLT advances future-oriented urban development through the fusion of life and technology. With 168 affiliated companies, approximately 20,000 employees, and annual revenue of 1,106 billion JPY ($7.01 billion USD), PLT operates across six countries: the United States, Australia, Finland, Taiwan, Malaysia, and Indonesia. Through their commitment to innovation and long-term sustainability, PLT seeks to create lasting value and enhance quality of life for future generations. 

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