In 1977, Sides, who had worked as a runner at United Western Recorders in the late 1960s, purchased enough equipment from Bill Putnam's company UREI to completely fill the garage space for just $6,000, attracting the attention of Putnam.
Ocean Way Studios continued operations in the building at 6050 Sunset Boulevard until 2013, when it was sold to Hudson Pacific Properties.
In 2001, Sides and Belz sold the studios to Belmont University for use by the Mike Curb College of Entertainment & Music Business (CEMB).
The university continues to operate the commercial studios, while also utilizing them as hands-on classrooms to teach audio engineering.
Belmont University maintains license of the Ocean Way name and Sides remains a consultant.