Jordon Studios
301 E. Redwood Ave., Fort Bragg, CA 95437 — From Fort Bragg’s old post office to 35 years of dance at Second Story Studios, Jordon Studios and today’s redwood-covered Forrester Building, this corner has served the community in many ways.
Last updated: September 29, 2026
Overview
The building at 301 E. Redwood Avenue has been a post office, dance studio and creative workspace, along with professional offices and other small businesses.
Today, it is known as the Forrester Building and is distinguished by “Sunlit Redwood Forest,” a mural by Ryan Grossman.
Location
The building occupies a prominent corner on East Redwood Avenue, a few blocks east of Fort Bragg’s central downtown district.
Its size has allowed different portions of the property to accommodate commercial, professional, artistic and residential uses over the years.
History
One of the building’s earliest well-remembered uses was as Fort Bragg’s post office, before postal operations moved to the current facility on Franklin Street.
Residents remember coming here regularly to collect their mail. One still remembered the family’s post-office box number — #26 — while another recalled falling from the step as a small child and breaking an arm.
A community recollection also places a Co-Op store in another portion of the property during the post-office era.
The upstairs later became home to Second Story Studios, which operated here from 1985 until 2020. During its 35-year run, generations of Mendocino Coast residents came here for dance lessons, rehearsals and classes. The studio closed during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Jordon Studios became another long-running creative use of the property, with community recollections placing it here for about 18 years.
Other remembered occupants include a lawyer’s office and a hair salon, while portions of the property have also been used for residential or short-term lodging.
In October 2019, artists Randy Tuell and Cynthia Sumner purchased the property, now known as the Forrester Building, with plans to create a place where artists could work, live and gather.
In early 2022, Art Scene Studios opened in street-level space at 309 E. Redwood Avenue, continuing the property’s connection with the arts.
The Building Today
Today, one of the building’s defining features is “Sunlit Redwood Forest,” created by artist Ryan Grossman.
The mural wraps the exterior in towering redwoods and filtered sunlight, giving the building a strong visual connection to the forests surrounding Fort Bragg.
The property continues to support creative, commercial and residential uses.
Community Memories
The comments show how many different parts of local life have passed through this building — from checking a post-office box and climbing the stairs for dance lessons to visiting offices, getting a haircut or working in a studio.
Today, the redwood mural has become another part of the building’s identity and a favorite piece of public art for many residents.
Why It Matters
301 E. Redwood Avenue has repeatedly adapted while remaining part of everyday community life.
Its history connects postal service, dance, professional services, studios, residential uses and public art in one longtime East Redwood Avenue property.
Each new use has added another layer without erasing the ones residents still remember.
Sources & Original Research
This article blends verifiable historical records with personal recollections shared by longtime Fort Bragg residents. Much of this information comes from community memory and is not available in any published source.
This article combines published information with community recollections from the original Buildings and Businesses in Fort Bragg discussion.
Sources include the Fort Bragg Alleyway Art Project information for “Sunlit Redwood Forest”; Real Estate Magazine, June 2020; information concerning the Forrester Building and Art Scene Studios; the original Buildings and Businesses in Fort Bragg post; and community recollections concerning the old post office, Co-Op store, Second Story Studios, Jordon Studios and other uses of the property.
Community memories that have not been independently documented are presented as recollections rather than established facts.
Original research and community history compiled for Buildings and Businesses in Fort Bragg, California — with History.
