Tuesday, January 27, 2009

Home Price Declines Continue as the S&P/Case-Shiller Home Prices Indices Set New Record Annual Declines


NEW YORK, NY, Jan. 27, 2009 – Data through November 2008, released today by Standard & Poor’s for its S&P/Case-Shiller1 Home Price Indices, the leading measure of U.S. home prices, shows continued broad based declines in the prices of existing single family homes across the United States, with 11 of the 20 metro areas showing record rates of annual decline, and 14 reporting declines in excess of 10% versus November 2007.

The (top left) chart depicts the annual returns of the 10-City Composite and the 20-City Composite Home Price Indices.

Following the lead of the 11 metro areas described above, the 10-City Composite matched last month’s record decline of 19.1% and the 20-City Composites set a new record, down 18.2%.
"The freefall in residential real estate continued through November 2008," says David M. Blitzer, (top right photo) Chairman of the Index Committee at Standard & Poor’s.

"Since August 2006, the 10-City and 20-City Composites have declined every month – a total of 28 consecutive months. Every region was down in excess of 1% for the November/October period, with eight of the regions recording record monthly declines.

Phoenix and Las Vegas were the worst performers for the month at -3.4% and -3.3%, respectively, and also have the lowest returns over the one-year period, returning -32.9% and -31.6% respectively. Overall, more than half of the metro areas had record annual declines."

The (middle right) chart above shows the index levels for the 10-City Composite and 20-City Composite Home Price Indices.

It is another illustration of the magnitude of the decline in home prices over the past two years.

As of November 2008, average home prices are at similar levels to what they were in the first quarter of 2004. From their peak in mid-2006, the 10-City Composite is down 26.6% and the 20-City Composite is down 25.1%.

Monthly data also continues to show a housing market in decline. All 20 metro areas, and the two composites, posted their third consecutive monthly decline.

In addition, eight of the MSAs posted their largest monthly decline on record – Atlanta, Boston, Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas, New York, Portland and Seattle.

Although in decline over the past few years, some of these regions have out-performed on a relative basis, when compared to the national average. It is clear, however, that the decline in home prices is affecting all regions regardless of geography or employment opportunities.

Dallas and Denver faired the best in November, in terms of relative year-over-year returns. While in negative territory, their declines remained in low single digits of -3.3% and -4.3%, respectively.

It should be noted, Charlotte reported its third consecutive largest monthly decline on record, down 1.9%. Denver and Cleveland were the best reporting markets for the month returning -1.1% and -1.2%, respectively. On a relatively positive note, eight of the 20 metro areas recorded better annual returns compared to last month.

The (bottom left) table below summarizes the results for November 2008.
These indices are generated and published under agreements between Standard & Poor’s and Fiserv, Inc.
For more informatio, contact:
David Blitzer, Chairman of the Index Committee,
Standard & Poor’s, 212 438 3907, david_blitzer@standardandpoors.com

David Guarino, Communications, Standard & Poor’s, 1 212 438 1471,
dave_guarino@standardandpoors.com

New Construction Down but Office, Industrial Vacancy Still Expected to Rise

SANTA ANA, CA, Jan.27, 2009--Bob Bach, (top right photo) senior vice president and chief economist, Grubb & Ellis Co., says in his regular report today, "the disciplined addition of new space over the past several years should help the commercial real estate industry deal with the recession.

"As a percentage of the existing inventory, neither the office nor industrial construction pipelines reached their previous peaks leading up to the recessions in 2001 and 1990-91.
"Nevertheless, new space deliveries in 2009 and 2010 will cause leasing market fundamentals to soften even before negative absorption is factored into the equation.
The 80 million square feet of office space under construction will push the office vacancy rate from 14.8 percent at year-end 2008 to 16.5 percent.

For industrial space, the 72 million square feet under way will push the industrial vacancy rate from 8.8 percent at year-end 2008 to 9.3 percent.

Tenant downsizings are expected to generate significant negative absorption, which will raise vacancy rates above these levels before a market recovery can begin.

For more information or to speak with Bob Bach, please contact Janice McDill at 312.698.6707.

Monday, January 26, 2009

Orlando Multifamily Vacancy Creeps Higher but Long-Term Prospects Remain Healthy

ORLANDO, FL – Projected job losses in Orlando will contribute to an increase in vacancy and virtually flatten rent growth, but some positive trends will emerge throughout 2009, according to the 2009 National Apartment Report by Marcus & Millichap, the nation’s largest real estate investment services firm.

“Investment activity is expected to remain slow in the early part of 2009,” says Bryn Merrey, regional manager of Marcus & Millichap’s Orlando office.

“Despite the effects of weakening economic growth, investors are optimistic about the area’s long-term prospects and more robust apartment fundamentals in the quarters ahead.”

Following are some of the most significant aspects of the Orlando Apartment Research Report:

· Led by reductions in the professional and business services and financial activities sectors, total employment in Orlando will fall by 10,600 workers this year, a 1 percent decrease. In 2008, employers cut 15,800 jobs.

· In 2009, developers are slated to complete 2,200 apartments, down from 2,700 units last year. Multi-family permit issuance is expected to decline from about 6,000 units in 2008 to 4,000 units this year as construction pipelines are adjusted.

· The average vacancy rate is projected to increase 120 basis points in 2009 to 10.7 percent. Last year, a rise in completions resulted in a 240 basis point vacancy spike.

· Asking rents are expected to advance 0.3 percent this year to $883 per month. Effective rents are forecast to drop 1.6 percent to $805 per month as owners offer greater concessions to attract renters.

· Due to the recent slowdown in transaction velocity, buyers may be able to negotiate favorable terms in the early part of 2009. This trend will be most evident in sales of fractured condo conversions across the metro area and in deals involving recently built properties with low occupancy, especially near major employers in southern Orange County.

Also included in the report is the firm’s annual National Apartment Index (NAI), a snapshot analysis that ranks 43 apartment markets based on a series of 12-month forward-looking supply and demand indicators.

Orlando moves down six places this year to No. 32. San Francisco retained the top position in this year’s NAI, supported by the strongest effective rent growth in the ranking.

San Diego climbed six places to No. 2, due to the lowest vacancy rate of the markets covered. Washington, D.C. moved up six places to No. 3. Los Angeles checked in at No. 4, and Seattle moved up three places to claim No. 5. Two Midwestern markets, Minneapolis-St. Paul and Milwaukee, posted the most significant upward moves in the index.

For a copy of Marcus & Millichap’s National Apartment Report and the complete NAI rankings, visit http://www.marcusmillichap.com/.

Press Contact: Stacey CorsoCommunications Department(925) 953-1716

SchenkelShultz Designs $65M High School in Palm Bay, FL

PALM BAY, FL – SchenkelShultz Architecture, Orlando, designed Brevard Public Schools’ innovative new $64.7 million, 321,666-square-foot Heritage High School, an impressive facility now under way by W.G. Mills, Inc., Bradenton, at 2351 Malabar Road in Palm Bay, FL.

Slated for completion in August 2009, the ten-building campus features three two-story classroom buildings, a secure central courtyard, and also includes an 869-seat auditorium, a gymnasium and a cafeteria.

Designed for 2,242 students, the school’s administrative offices are located at the front of the school to allow clear lines of sight for security.

In addition to a media center with a closed-circuit television studio, the school’s classrooms will be equipped with digital projectors, laptop computers for teachers, DVD/VCR players and amplifiers to improve instruction.

In addition, the new state-of-the-art facility will include 14 science laboratories as well as art labs with kilns and classrooms for 2-D and 3-D art. The gymnasium and cafeteria can also serve as a hurricane shelter capable of withstanding Category 5 winds.

Contact: Kenneth H. Cristol, 407-774-2515.

Tri-City Electrical Completes Work at Estates at Rockledge in Rockledge, FL



ORLANDO, FL – The Multi-Family and Residential division of Tri-City Electrical Contractors, Inc. completed $1.3 million of work at the new 252-unit Estates at Rockledge apartments in Rockledge, in Brevard County, FL, under its contract with Bainbridge Construction, Rockledge, FL.

Florida’s leader in electrical contracting, communications and service, Tri-City reported 2007 revenues totaling $160 million. With over 1,200 employees statewide, the Altamonte Springs-based electrical contractor and service provider also operates divisional offices in Fort Myers, Ocala/Gainesville and Tampa, as well as satellite offices in Santa Rosa Beach and Sarasota.

Contact: Kenneth H. Cristol, 407-774-2515.

The Georgian Terrace Hotel in Atlanta Begins $11 Million-Plus Renovation

ATLANTA, GA, Jan. 26, 2009—Officials of The Georgian Terrace Hotel, (top right photo) Atlanta’s iconic hotel, announced today that the midtown property has commenced an $11 million-plus renovation to upgrade guestrooms and carry out a significant makeover of much of the public and social spaces, including a complete transformation of its existing restaurant and bar.

The hotel expects that the renovated restaurant and bar will become one of Atlanta’s top dining attractions.

The luxury, all-suite hotel is owned by a real estate fund managed by San Francisco-based Fremont Realty Capital, with day-to-day management provided by Virginia-based Crescent Hotels & Resorts.

“Over the past few years, The Georgian Terrace Hotel has suffered an identity crisis of sorts, with various announced plans to convert it to other uses or to upgrade the hotel,” said Matthew Reidy, (bottom left photo) senior managing director of Fremont Realty Capital.

“It is a classic building with incredible hotel potential. We looked at every possible scenario and concluded that the property was built to be a grand hotel, so why try to change its heritage?

"The fact that we are investing some $11 million in the middle of a recession speaks to our commitment to this landmark hotel and our confidence in mid-town Atlanta.

"The Georgian Terrace Hotel has a rich history of celebrity, southern style and hospitality, and the planned refurbishment will be a renaissance for the hotel, preserving its charm and grand spaces while updating the restaurant and room experience to give our guests a contemporary and state-of-the-art experience.”

CONTACTS;

Julie Tullbane, Daly Gray Public Relations, T 703-435-6293, F 703-435-6297, julie@dalygray.com

Chris Daly or Jerry Daly, (703) 435-6293 chris@dalygray.com

Interstate Hotels & Resorts to Manage Luxury Condo Hotel Resort in Costa Rica

ARLINGTON, VA., Jan. 26, 2009—Interstate Hotels & Resorts (NYSE: IHR), a leading hotel real estate investor and the nation’s largest independent management company, today announced that it has entered into a long-term contract to manage a to-be-developed, world-class luxury condo hotel resort and beach club in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica. (top right photo)

The project by Space Source Inc., owner and developer, is called Jade Condo Hotel Residences and Beach Club and will consist of 190 condo hotel residences coupled with 50 villas for sale.

Construction is expected to begin this spring with a projected 2010 opening.

The project will be managed by Interstate’s Latin American affiliate, IHR de Mexico, and marks the company’s entrĂ©e into the vibrant Costa Rican market.

“The expansion of our international portfolio continues to be an important priority for us,” said Thomas F. Hewitt, (top left photo) Interstate’s chief executive officer.

“With the formation of our Mexico-based management platform, we established a solid foundation for expanding our presence in Mexico and Latin America, regions where we see significant opportunities for growth. Space Source is a dynamic and innovative owner/developer, and we look forward to building on our relationship with them.”

Contacts:
Bruce Riggins, Chief Financial Officer, (703) 387-3344
Julie Tullbane, Daly Gray Public Relations, T 703-435-6293, F 703-435-6297, julie@dalygray.com

CB Richard Ellis Orlando Procures Two Lease Renewals and Expansion Totaling 15,272 SF at SunTech Commerce Center

ORLANDO, FL, Jan, 26, 2009 – The Orlando office of CB Richard Ellis is pleased to announce that Nan McCormick, (bottom left photo) Senior Vice President, completed three transactions as the exclusive leasing agent for Suntech Commerce Center (top right photo) in Lake Mary, Florida.
A lease renewal on 3,310 sq. ft. was completed with Central Florida Realty Investors who were represented by Fern Burr of Mortgage Professionals of Central Florida, Inc.

The second lease consisting of 3,774 sq. ft. was completed with The Perfect Wedding Guide. Both leases are located at 55 Skyline Drive.

An expansion of 8,188 sq. ft. was secured by XOS Technologies, Inc. at 59 Skyline Drive.
For further information, please contact www.cbre.com/nan.mccormick

SunTech Commerce Center is a six-building office/flex, light industrial development on Skyline Drive with frontage on Interstate 4 in Lake Mary, Florida. The properties are owned and managed by Butters Real Estate Fund III.

Contact: Angelique Greven, 407.839.3158, angelique.greven@cbre.com

Sunday, January 25, 2009

Lack of New Construction Bright Spot in Multifamily Market, says Hendricks & Partners' Cole Whitaker

ORLANDO, FL- The downturn in new construction in Central Florida has a bright spot---there are fewer rental apartment communities underway which ultimately should help a softening rental market.

That’s the word from Cole Whitaker, (top right photo) Florida partner at Hendricks & Partners, one of the nation’s largest private capital networks of advisors and systems.

“The rate of population growth has slowed and more people are rooming together or moving back home with their parents to save money. These factors along with the tough job market are creating increased concessions in the rental market, said Whitaker.”

“Construction of new multi-family properties has slowed due to the lack of construction financing coupled with more expensive equity available for multi-family investments.” he said. “This present day drop in new construction will help rental property owners in the long run.”

Hendricks & Partners currently offices in more than 40 U.S. cities, primarily in western states and plans to open 25 offices in the eastern seaboard region, including offices in Miami, Atlanta, Jacksonville and the Carolinas.

For more information, please contact:

Cole Whitaker, Partner, Hendricks & Partners, 407-256-9594
Larry Vershel, Larry Vershel Communications 407-644-4142

Fitch Comments on the Stuyvesant Town/Peter Cooper Village Loan


NEW YORK, NY-- Fitch Ratings has reviewed updated financials, including a 2009 budget and the year-end 2008 rent roll, for the Stuyvesant Town/Peter Cooper Village loan. (centered photo below)

Although the property's performance remains consistent, the cash flow generated from the property continues to require significant reserves to cover debt service obligations.

As of Jan. 15, 2009, the General Reserve balance has been completely depleted and the Debt Service Reserve balance has decreased to $127.7 million from $400 million at issuance.

(Tishman Speyer principals are Jerry Speyer (top left photo), chairman and Co- CEO; Rob Speyer (bottom right photo), president and Co-CEO; and Robert V. Tishman, founding chairman, middle right photo)



Property cash flow is notexpected improve from 2008 based on the borrowers restated budget for 2009.

As a result, according to Fitch's calculations and the 2009 budget, the borrower has approximately six months of reserves remaining to cover the trust portion of the total debt on the property.

Should the loan default, Fitch expects the servicer to advance debt service on the trust portion.

The securitized balance of the Stuyvesant Town/Peter Cooper Village Loanconsists of five pari passu pieces of a $3 billion A-Note.

There is an additional $1.5 billion of mezzanine debt outside the trust.

Fitch rates four of the five notes, ranging from $202.3 million to $1.5 billion.

Fitch reviewed the transactions on October 29, 2008 and lowered the shadow rating of the Stuyvesant Town/Peter Cooper Village loan to below investment grade as a result of slower than anticipated conversion of rent stabilized units to market.

Peter Cooper Village and Stuyvesant Town is a multifamily property comprising 56 multi-story buildings with a total of 11,227 residential apartments in Manhattan, NY.

In addition to the residential component, the complex contains approximately 100,000 square feet of retail space,20,000 sf of professional office space, and six parking garages with 2,260 licensed spaces.

The borrower, Tishman Speyer Properties, LP, and BlackrockRealty acquired the property with the intent to convert rent-stabilized units to market rents as tenants vacated the property, resulting in increased rental revenue.

Fitch continues to closely monitor property leasing efforts and the balanceof reserves.

Contacts:

Sue Ann Butera, +1-212-908-0713 or Adam Fox, +1-212-908-0869, NewYork.

Media Relations:
Sandro Scenga, Senior Director, Corporate Communications, Fitch Ratings, +1-212-908-0278

LAKEWOOD RANCH, FL— Thomas D. Wood and Company, a Strategic Alliance Mortgage LLC member, secured financing in the amount of $1,650,000 for the CVS Pharmacy in Weatherford, Texas.

Brad Cox, (top right photo) CCIM, CPM, Company Vice President, financed the loan through Thomas D. Wood and Company’s correspondent relationship with StanCorp Mortgage Investors at a permanent fixed-rate of 7.25%.

The fully-amortizing loan has a term of 20 years and a loan-to-value of 52%. The 13,208 square-foot single-tenant retail store was built in 1998, and is located at 407 S. Main Street, Weatherford, Texas.

For further information, please contact:
Brad Cox, CCIM, CPM, (941) 907-8112, bcox@tdwood.com
Jessica Gurtowski, (407) 937-0470, jgurtowski@tdwood.com

Entrust Administrative Services Opens Chicago Office

LAKE MARY, FL - Entrust Administrative Services, the Lake Mary-based firm that provides IRA administrative services to over 2,000 account holders of self-directed IRA funds in Florida, recently opened a Chicago office at 300 S. Wacker Drive (top right photo) to serve Illinois investors.

Glen Mather, president of Entrust Administrative Services, Inc., said the firm will also open a South Florida office later this year.

“With the current economic cycle, assets have been devalued nationwide and the traditional banking model offers little relief,” said Mather.
“Current market cycles are driving investors to alternative investments such as private equity, debt instruments and distressed real estate – all of which can be held in an IRA.”


“Today, owners of self-directed IRA funds have substantial opportunities to grow their assets by investing wisely in undervalued assets with growth potential,” he said. “Ironically, in a depressed financial services market, we have to expand in order to meet this demand,” Mather said.

CONTACTS:
Glen Mather, President Entrust Administrative Services, Inc. 407-367-3472 gmather@entrustfl.com;

Larry Vershel, Larry Vershel Communications, 407-644-4142, Lvershelco@aol.com

Saturday, January 24, 2009

Shaw Mechanical Services wins contract for Seminole County, FL school

ORLANDO, FL-- Shaw Mechanical Services LLC has secured a $1.8 million contract with Mark Construction Company for mechanical contracting services for additions and renovations to Sterling Park Elementary School on Eagle Circle in Casselberry, Fla.

Shaw Mechanical’s scope of services includes purchasing, installation, equipment start-up and commissioning of two air-cooled chillers, primary and secondary pumping, nine central station AHU’s and 75 fan terminal boxes.

The campus will remain occupied during the 18-month construction schedule that calls for the construction of two new, two-story, 85,000-square-foot classroom buildings and the renovation of an existing building. Completion is scheduled for December 2009.

The Seminole County Public Schools project is being built by general contractor, Mark Construction Company of Longwood, Fla. Architecture is provided by SchenkelShultz Architects, Orlando, Fla. Matern Professional Engineering Inc. of Maitland, Fla., is providing mechanical engineering.
.
Shaw Mechanical Services LLC is a Central Florida-based provider of mechanical contracting and service to building owners, property managers, facility managers, plant engineers, general contractors and consumers.

Comprehensive services provided by Shaw Mechanical include retrofits, renovations, preventative maintenance, commissioning and installation of heating, ventilating and air conditioning systems, process piping, automatic temperature controls and custom climate applications for existing structures and new construction.

Founded in 2001 by David L. Shaw, the privately-held company employs a staff of seventy from its headquarters in Orlando, Fla. Please visit http://www.shawmechanical.com/ for additional information.

Shaw Mechanical Services hires new project manager

ORLANDO, FL — Shaw Mechanical Services LLC appointed Lawrence A. Williamson senior project manager. Williamson has 26 years of experience in mechanical contracting management for commercial, industrial and institutional projects throughout Central Florida.

He is an active member of the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers and Associated Builders & Contractors.

Contact: Elaine Ingra, PR WORKS!, PH: 407 384-1344,
elainei@pr-works.com, www.pr-works.com

Cousins Properties Declares First Quarter Common and Preferred Stock Dividends

ATLANTA -- Cousins Properties Incorporated (NYSE: CUZ) announces its Board of Directors has declared a regular quarterly cash dividend of $0.25 per share, or $1.00 per share on an annualized basis, payable February 23, 2009, to common stockholders of record as of February 9, 2009.

The Board of Directors declared a regular quarterly cash dividend on its Series A Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock. The dividend of $0.484375 per share, or $1.9375 on an annualized basis, is payable February 16, 2009, to Series A preferred stockholders of record on February 2, 2009.

The Board of Directors has also declared a regular quarterly cash dividend on its Series B Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock. The dividend of $0.46875 per share, or $1.875 on an annualized basis, is payable February 16, 2009, to Series B preferred stockholders of record on February 2, 2009.

Contact:
Cameron Golden, 404-407-1984, Director of Investor Relations and Corporate Communications, camerongolden@cousinsproperties.com

Grubb & Ellis Represents Shorewood Properties in Completion of Elgin, IL Industrial Development

ROSEMONT,IL– Grubb & Ellis Company (NYSE: GBE), a leading real estate services and investment firm, represented Shorewood Properties in the successful completion of its four-building, 160,000-square-foot industrial development on Scottsdale Court, (site map top left) located off of Tollgate Road near the I-90/US-31 interchange in Elgin.


Bruce Granger, (top right photo) senior vice president, Industrial Group, secured interest from Northgate Technology Inc. in a 34,000-square-foot build-to-suit facility, which is expected to be completed this year.


Northgate, a growing medical technology manufacturing company, is currently located in 14,500 square feet of space at 600 Church Road in Elgin.

“We’re pleased to have completed the park considering the current market,” said Jim Origer, owner of Shorewood Properties. “Additionally, the fact that the tenant is staying in the vicinity makes it a great win for Elgin.”

Granger added, “With its superior transportation access, Elgin is a great user market. We’re proud to have been involved in the development’s leasing and disposition activities.”

Shorewood acquired the 17 acres of land off of Tollgate Road from Flender Corp., now part of Siemens Energy and Automation, Inc., in early 2000.

The investor then built Scottsdale Court to enhance access to the four-building park, which includes 50,000- and 38,000-square-foot multi-tenant buildings, a 38,000-square-foot single-tenant building and the 34,000-square-foot facility to be occupied by Northgate Technology.


Other users in the development include Owens Corning, Park Supply, ID Graphics, MPR Precision Molding Specialists and Argos Technologies, Inc.

Contact: Erin Mays, Phone: 312.698.6735. Email: erin.mays@grubb-ellis.com