Lee began investing in properties after the
1992 Los Angeles riots. He acquired the
California Mart from investor
Judah Hertz for US$135 million in 2004-2005. His company, Jamison Properties, has a portfolio valued at $3 billion in 2008 and includes Banco Popular Center, MCI Center and Macy's Plaza in downtown LA. Much of his portfolio is concentrated in properties on
Wilshire Boulevard. In 2013, Jamison sold the former Macy's Plaza multi-use complex for $241 million to
The Ratkovich Company. On Feb. 23, 2018, at a meeting with Los Angeles City Council President
Herb Wesson and a community advocacy group that had campaigned against his project at 3700 Wilshire Boulevard, Dr. Lee reportedly said he would use his
AR-15 rifle to shoot people who step on his land. Dr. David Lee later apologized for his remarks. Following the Los Angeles City Council’s vote to make 3700 Wilshire Boulevard a Historic-Cultural Monument, preserving the building and the park, Jamison Properties agreed to preserve the disputed open space. Garrett Lee, president of Jamison Properties and Dr. Lee’s son, said the company respected the city’s decision and would preserve the open space. He said the company was proud to be a part of Koreatown and wanted to work with the community “for the betterment of our neighborhood.” ==Philanthropy==