Saturday, January 21, 2012

Rhodes+Brito Architects Earns One Year Continuing Services Contract from Seminole, FL County Schools



ORLANDO, FL --- Rhodes+Brito Architects based in Orlando was recently awarded a continuing services contract from Seminole County Schools.

Ruffin Rhodes (top right photo), co-founder and partner at the architectural firm said the one year contract, which starts in November, covers small projects valued at $2 million or less, and it can be renewed for an additional year.

Rhodes+Brito Architects is a full-service architectural firm that opened its offices in downtown Orlando in 1996 to specialize in design of public facilities, including schools, airports and courthouses.


Firm  Awarded Continuing Service Contract by City of Ocoee to Handle “Key” Architectural Projects

ORLANDO, Fla., --- Rhodes+Brito Architects based in Orlando was recently awarded a continuing services contract to handle architectural projects for the City of Ocoee for construction projects not to exceed $2 million, Ruffin Rhodes, co-founder and partner of the firm reported.

For more information, contact:

Ruffin Rhodes, Rhodes+Brito Architects, 407-648-7288 x103 ruffin@rbarchitects.com
Maximiano Brito, Rhodes+Brito Architects, 407-648-7288 max@rbarchitects.com
Larry Vershel or Beth Payan, Larry Vershel Communications 407-644-4142 (fax: 4410)



First Green Bank in Mount Dora, FL to showcase newest technology for environmental efficiency


 



MOUNT DORA, FL – First Green Bank’s newest headquarters facility (top centered photo)in Mount Dora, which will host its official “Grand Green Opening” on Saturday, Feb 4 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., is a marvel of modern environmental engineering that’s as much a museum of science and technology as a working bank.

Kenneth LaRoe (middle right photo) chairman and chief executive officer of First Green Bank, said he plans to host tours of the bank facility to show off the building’s environmental features, including a unique “living wall” system that helps reduce CO2 and VOC.

“This is the way of the future,” LaRoe said, “and we are very proud to unveil this technology here in Lake County.”

A rooftop solar panel system will generate 17 percent of the total operating energy the building will need, LaRoe said. New LEED parking lights utilize only 20 percent of the typical energy requirements to generate 14,000 lumens — more than enough light to keep the area secure without adding to “ambient light pollution” that blacks out stars and confuses nocturnal wildlife.

Inside, specially designed fluorescent lighting and automated lighting controls reduce energy usage by almost 40 percent.

Ninety percent of the bank’s workers have windows to capitalize on daylight and reduce indoor electrical consumption.

And not just any windows! Engineers designed special green screens, efficient glazing and exterior shades to block infrared heat and decrease energy demand for interior cooling.

Building materials were selected for their environmental qualities. Structured steel studs that reinforce walls were made from 100 percent recycled steel. The plaster finish was made from natural American clay that is non-toxic and environmentally benign. The cedar wood canopy above the drive-through tellers is made from 100 percent locally reclaimed wood. And pine trees removed to make way for the building were used for building construction and interior décor.
 
“There’s a lot of Lake County in this building,” LaRoe said.

The building’s “butterfly roof” was designed to collect rain water for use in irrigating the Florida native landscaping, and roofing vegetation and reflective material further reduce the building’s energy needs.

The air-conditioning system funnels more than 80,000 gallons of condensate annually to a special cistern so it can be reused to flush toilets and irrigate indoor plants. Altogether, First Green Bank’s water usage is almost 80 percent more efficient than comparably sized buildings in Florida.

Only the second commercial building in Florida to claim the U.S. Green Building Council’s prized LEED standard, First Green Bank was designed to stand out as a local landmark.

“We are a local community bank with a global mission and we are proud of our Lake County heritage,” LaRoe said.

For more information about this press release, contact:  

 Kenneth E. LaRoe, CEO and Chairman, First GREEN Bank, 352-483-9100, ken@firstgreenbank.com
Paul Rountree, President, First GREEN Bank, 352-483-9100, paul@firstgreenbank.com
Larry Vershel or Beth Payan, Larry Vershel Communications 407-644-4142 or 407-461-3780, lvershelco@aol.com   

NAI Realvest Orlando’s Michael Heidrich Brokers Two Leases in Central Florida


Performance Group Takes 1,991 SF of Office Space at 1015 Maitland Center Commons Blvd.

MAITLAND, Fla. --- NAI Realvest negotiated a new lease agreement for 1,991 square feet of office space in suite 104 at 1015 Maitland Center Commons Blvd.

 Michael Heidrich (top right photo), a principal in the firm, brokered the transaction representing the Maitland-based landlord, 1015 Maitland Center Commons, LLC and the tenant, Internet Performance Group, LLC.


A & B Stucco Expands Lease at Goldenrod CommerCenter in Orlando

MAITLAND, FL --- NAI Realvest negotiated a new lease agreement for 2,206 square feet of industrial space at Suite 250 Goldenrod CommerCenter (lower left photo), 1468 N. Goldenrod Rd. in Orlando.

 Michael Heidrich, a principal in the firm, brokered the transaction representing the Maitland-based landlord, COP-Goldenrod, LLC and the tenant, A & B Stucco, Inc. of Orlando.

 A & B Stucco, Inc., who already occupies suites 240 and 255 with 8,824 square feet increased its occupancy by another 25 percent and now leases a total of 11,030 square feet at Goldenrod CommerCenter (middle left photo).   

For more information, contact:

Michael Heidrich, Principal, NAI Realvest 407-875-9989 mheidrich@realvest.com
Patrick Mahoney, President, NAI Realvest 407-875-9989 pmahoney@realvest.com
Beth Payan, Larry Vershel Communications, 407-644-4142 lvershelco@aol.com  


40-Year Industry Veteran Al Schwacke Rejoins Grubb & Ellis in Philadelphia



 PHILADELPHIA, PA – Grubb & Ellis Company today announced that Alfred W. Schwacke (top right photo), a 40-year industry veteran, has rejoined Grubb & Ellis as senior vice president in the company’s Philadelphia office.

Schwacke will focus on serving his existing client base and institutional investment sales.

 “With more than four decades of experience in the Philadelphia area, Al has really seen it all. From leasing to sales to development and beyond, he brings a unique and valued perspective to client engagements,” said Wayne Fisher (middle left photo), executive vice president, director, of Grubb & Ellis’ Philadelphia office. “He will help us continue to build our local market presence and we are thrilled to welcome Al back to Grubb & Ellis.”

Schwacke opened the Philadelphia office of Oliver Realty in 1980 which was acquired by Grubb & Ellis in 1986.

During his tenure, he grew Grubb & Ellis into a major regional firm with multiple service lines, including transaction management, property management, architectural services and construction management.

He was instrumental in establishing relationships with institutional owners such as Prudential and Teachers Insurance and corporate tenants including Towers Perrin, Colonial Penn Life Insurance, PSFS and Campbell Soup.

 In 1996, Schwacke opened the real estate division of Legg Mason, which was later acquired by Northmarq Advisors. Serving as executive vice president, his responsibilities included the development of corporate service accounts and oversight of client relationships. He also focused on brokerage of investment and industrial properties and portfolios, and provided consulting expertise to developers and owners.


Contacts:        
Monica Sparreo                                    Matthew Wright
312.698.6709                                        215.246.2725


Chicago Walgreens Trades for $13 Million

  

 CHICAGO, IL– Marcus & Millichap Real Estate Investment Services, the nation’s largest real estate investment services firm, has brokered the sale of a 16,047-square foot Walgreens drugstore (top left photo) in Chicago. The sales price of $13 million represents $810 per square foot.

Sean Sharko (middle right photo) and Austin Weisenbeck (middle left photo), senior associates in Marcus & Millichap’s Oak Brook office, represented the seller, Clark Street Development LLC, an affiliate of Mega Realty.

Sharko and Weisenbeck also represented the buyer, an overseas-based private capital investor. Loukas Kozonis provided general counsel services for Clark Street Development.

“Single-tenant net-leased assets continue to trade briskly in Chicago,” says Sharko. “This property is a very infill, difficult-to-replace piece of real estate.”

“Walgreens signed an absolute-net, 75-year lease with zero landlord responsibilities,” adds Weisenbeck. “The building was renovated from the ground up.”

The property is located on Chicago’s North Side in the historic Andersonville neighborhood at 5440 North Clark St. Jewel-Osco, Chicago’s No. 1 grocer, is across the street.

Other retailers in the area include 7-Eleven, Fifth-Third Bank, Chase Bank, Subway and McDonald’s. The location is bordered by three streets: Catalpa Avenue, Clark Street and Ashland Avenue.

Walgreens Co. is one of the fastest-growing retailers in the United States and is a leader in the chain drugstore industry in sales and profits.

Contact: Stacey Corso Public Relations Manager, (925) 953-1716

Stan Johnson Co. Completes Sale of Five My Dentist Properties in Oklahoma for $7.5 Million



Tulsa, OK –Stan Johnson Company, one of the nation’s premier net lease brokerage firms, has completed the portfolio sale of five dental clinics, 100% leased to My Dentist, located in Oklahoma  for a combined price of $7.5 million.

Jeff Matulis, Toby Scrivner, and Karen Vinsko of Stan Johnson Company represented the seller, a developer based in Oklahoma City, and the buyer, an institutional REIT out of New York.

The portfolio of properties was sold free and clear of debt.  All properties are situated within excellent retail trade areas in markets throughout Oklahoma.The properties featured new 15-year triple net leases with attractive annual rent increases.

Contact:      
David Ebeli
Ebeling Communications
(949) 278-7851