Wednesday, June 9, 2010

CB Richard Ellis Markets Prime Sun Key Apartment Community in Winter Park, FL

ORLANDO, FL--CB Richard Ellis is pleased to present Sun Key, a 596-unit multi-housing investment opportunity with a highly desirable Winter Park address. (The listing price is still to be determined.)


Completely rehabbed in 2008, this infill community benefits from more than $11 million in capital upgrades over the last five years. The property is currently 94% occupied, and presents new ownership with the opportunity to acquire a fully renovated project well below replacement cost and newer “A” product.

 This extremely desirable entry point is likely to allow investors to enjoy tremendous returns through sound property management and further market improvement going forward.

The extensive recent rehab at Sun Key provides a distinct advantage over competitors in the submarket. Interior upgrades within the last two years in every unit include:

 new stainless steel appliances with flat surface stoves, new faux wood and Berber flooring, new washer/dryers, faux granite countertops, new deep basin kitchen sinks, new light fixtures, new ceiling fans, and new kitchen and bathroom cabinetry.

Major exterior and common area improvements were also made, including: new roofs on all buildings; new exterior paint; new signage; new pool pavers and pool furniture; the addition of a state of the art Wi-Fi business center; two fully renovated clubhouses; new architectural lattice work on the stairway windows; and an impressive game room with flat-screen TVs, video game stations, air hockey, foosball, and a pool table.

These significant capital improvements coupled with the asset’s desirable location make Sun Key the rental community to call home in the Winter Park area.

Sun Key and the Orlando market are poised for meaningful improvement. MPF Torto Wheaton’s 2010 Research Report projects that Orlando will add jobs in 2010 and enjoy the 2nd strongest employment growth in the country over the next five years.

That report predicts that the metro area will add 207,000 jobs from 2010 – 2015. During that same time, they forecast that average apartment rents in Orlando will climb from $810 to $965 with occupancy reaching 94.8% by 2012. Those expected gains bode extremely well for owners of infill properties like Sun Key.

Investment Contacts:

Shelton Granade, (top left photo)  Senior Vice President, 407-839-3103, shelton.granade@cbre.com,
Luke Wickham, (middle right photo) Director of Operations, 407-839-3130, luke.wickham@cbre.com

Financing Contact:  Charles Foschini, (lower left photo) Vice Chairman, 305.381.6424, charles.foschini@cbre.com

Grubb & Ellis Represents Door Systems in Lease Renewal of 63,000 SF in Itasca, IL

 ROSEMONT, Ill. (June 7, 2010) – Grubb & Ellis Company (NYSE: GBE), a leading real estate services and investment firm,  represented Door Systems, a division of KONE, in the long-term lease renewal of 63,305 square feet at 751 Expressway Drive in Itasca.

The maker of dock doors and dock equipment has been in the building since 1993.

Matt Mulvihill, executive vice president, Industrial Group, Tom Tunnicliff, executive vice president, Office Group, and Sam Durkin, associate vice president, Industrial Group, facilitated the transaction.

“Door Systems has benefited from the signage visible from I-355, as well as convenient access to all major expressways,” said Mulvihill. “We’re pleased to have helped Door Systems implement its long-term real estate strategy.”

Since 1954, Door Systems has specialized in the assembly, installation and servicing of all makes and types of doors and dock equipment. Rather than follow a “one size fits all” approach to doors, the company tailors the doors to match the specific requirements for each client by offering both custom and standard stock items in the most popular styles and colors.

Anne P. Rahm Joins Grubb & Ellis as Vice President, Corporate Finance

GROSSE POINTE, MI – Grubb & Ellis Company (NYSE: GBE), a leading real estate services and investment firm,  announced that Anne Rahm  (middle left photo) has joined the company as Vice President, Corporate Finance.

A 19-year veteran of the commercial banking and finance sector, Rahm will support the Corporate Finance group in providing capital markets advisory and execution expertise for single-tenant assets on behalf of corporate users, developers and owners.

“Annie brings tremendous banking and corporate credit experience to support the execution of assignments and the service of our clients and capital sources,” said Jeff Shell, executive vice president and director, Corporate Finance. “She has a tremendous understanding of today’s corporate credit and capital markets issues, making her a great addition to our team.”

 Rahm joined Grubb & Ellis from Community Central Bank, where she was a commercial lending officer responsible for managing a commercial loan portfolio with approximately $20 million in exposure.

Previously, she served in commercial loan officer roles with the Northern Trust Company, Michigan National Bank, First Union National Bank and Riggs National Bank. She was also co-founder and principal/treasurer of Rahm Building Company, a private real estate investment and development firm.

Rahm is a licensed real estate salesperson in the state of Michigan. She received her bachelor’s degree from Miami University.

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


Grubb & Ellis Issues Statement Regarding Registration Rights Filing

SANTA ANA, CA – Grubb & Ellis Company (NYSE: GBE), a leading real estate services and investment firm, has  filed a registration statement on Form S-3 with the Securities and Exchange Commission relating solely to shares of common stock owned by the company’s Chairman, C. Michael Kojaian, (lower right photo)  and entities affiliated with Mr. Kojaian.

The registration was effected pursuant to a registration rights agreement entered into with the Kojaian Parties on April 28, 2006.

“This shelf registration relates to a long-standing registration rights agreement,” said C. Michael Kojaian, the company’s chairman. “As stated in last week’s filing, the Kojaian Parties have no specific plan or current intention to sell any shares of common stock. I have a long history with the company, and my confidence in Grubb & Ellis’ leadership and long-term growth strategy has never been stronger.”

The registration statement relating to these securities has been filed, but has yet to become effective.
This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state.

 Contact: Janice McDill, Phone: 312.698.6707, Email: janice.mcdill@grubb-ellis.com


Phoenix Office of Grubb & Ellis  Expands with Addition of Office/Medical Condo Team

PHOENIX, AZ) – Grubb & Ellis Company (NYSE: GBE), a leading real estate services and investment firm, has expanded its Phoenix office with the addition of the three-person office and medical condo leasing and sales team of Sheila Bale (lower left photo), Colleen McPherson (lower right photo)  and Ryan O’Connor (bottom left photo)  

Since opening in a temporary location in April, the Grubb & Ellis Phoenix office has grown to include 12 professionals.

Bale joins Grubb & Ellis as vice president, Office Group, from Prudential CRES Commercial Real Estate, where she served seven years as a vice president specializing in the sales and leasing of office space in the greater Phoenix area.



With more than 10 years of commercial real estate experience, McPherson, vice president, joins Grubb & Ellis from The Plaza Companies, a medical office development and brokerage firm. Prior to that, she spent six years at CB Richard Ellis as vice president, leading the firm’s local medical leasing and office condo sales team.

O’Connor began his career in commercial real estate with Prudential CRES Commercial Real Estate in 2008, where he teamed with Bale and was involved in transactions valued in excess of $6.4 million. He holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Arizona and is a member of NAIOP’s local Young Leaders committee as well as the Urban Land Institute’s local Young Leaders Group.

Contact: Julia McCartney, Phone: 714.975.2230, Email: julia.mccartney@grubb-ellis.com

HFF closes largest retail REO property in Southern California for $94.5M


IRVINE, CA -The Orange County and Los Angeles offices of HFF (Holliday Fenoglio Fowler, L.P.) announced that the sale of The Shoppes at Chino Hills (above centered photo) , a 388,000-square-foot, trophy lifestyle center located in Chino Hills, California, closed on May 28th.

The HFF investment sales team was led by senior managing director Ryan Gallagher (middle left photo) and directors Kelly Rohfeld (middle right photo) , Bryan Ley and John Crump, who marketed the property on behalf of the sellers, a bank consortium group led by Bank of America.

A private Southern California-based investment group purchased the property on a free and clear basis for $94.5 million.
The Shoppes at Chino Hills was originally developed by Opus West in 2008.

A bank consortium group took the property over when Opus West went bankrupt in 2009. Located at 13800-13920 Village Center Drive in Chino Hills,

The Shoppes at Chino Hills is part of a larger master-planned project that includes the Chino Hills Civic Center, (middle left photo)  Chino Hills City Hall, Chino Hills Police Station and the public library.

The 87% leased property was designed by Altoon + Porter architects and is anchored by XXI Forever, H&M, Trader Joes, Banana Republic, Victoria's Secret and Barnes & Noble.

“The Shoppes at Chino Hills is a trophy asset that was highly sought after.

"As the economy recovers, the center should be well-positioned to capitalize on the affluent surrounding demographics and continue to serve as a ‘best in class’ lifestyle center in the region,” said Gallagher.

Contacts:

Ryan Gallagher, Ca. Lic. # 01269918, HFF Senior Managing Director, (949) 253-8800, rgallagher@hfflp.com
Kristen Murphy, HFF Associate Director, Marketing, (713) 852-3500, krmurphy@hfflp.com


HFF arranges $26.5M construction loan for downtown Oakland, CA multi-housing project

LOS ANGELES, CA – The Los Angeles and San Francisco offices of HFF (Holliday Fenoglio Fowler, L.P.)  have arranged a $26.5 million construction loan for City Walk, a 264-unit, transit-oriented multi-housing project in Oakland, California.

The HFF deal team of Paul Brindley (middle right photo) , Kevin Redford (middle left photo) , Todd Sugimoto (lower right photo underneath Paul Brindley photo) , Mark Sixour (lower left photo underneath Kevin Redford photo)  and Wally Reid worked exclusively on behalf of the borrower, Wood Partners, to secure construction-permanent financing through a life insurance company.

The deal was structured with a recourse burn-off at stabilization and no prepay penalty providing maximum flexibility for the borrower.

Wood Partners acquired the project 60% complete and will use the loan proceeds to finish the construction and facilitate the lease-up of the Class A property.

Due for completion in 2011, City Walk will feature a mix of studio, one-, two- and three-bedroom units.

 The property is located in the heart of City Center in downtown Oakland and is two blocks from the 12th Street Bay Area Rapid Transit Station, providing easy access to downtown San Francisco as well as other parts of the Bay Area via public transportation.

 City Walk sits across the street from the Federal Buildings and is close to the Central Business District.

“The City Walk project is anticipated to achieve very compelling returns as Wood Partners acquired it at such an attractive basis,” said Redford.

Wood Partners is a national multifamily real estate company that acquires, develops, constructs and manages high density and mixed-use communities.

Contacts:
Paul  Brindley, HFF Senior Managing Director, (310) 407-2100, pbrindley@hfflp.com
Kevin Redford, HFF Director, (415) 276-6300, kredford@hfflp.com
Kristen Murphy,  HFF Associate Director, Marketing,  (713) 852-3500, krmurphy@hfflp.com

HFF arranges $18M  financing for manufactured housing community in San Diego, CA

SAN DIEGO, CA – The San Diego office of HFF (Holliday Fenoglio Fowler, L.P.) has arranged $18 million in financing for The Highlands, a 306-home-site manufactured housing community in Santee (San Diego), California.

HFF senior managing director Tim Wright (lower left photo) and associate directors Zach Koucos and Zack Holderman (lower right photo)  worked exclusively on behalf of the borrower, The Highlands Mobile Home Community Association, to secure the 10-year, fixed-rate loan through Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company.

 The loan proceeds enabled the borrower to purchase the fee simple interest in the property and recapitalize existing debt. The Highlands Mobile Home Community Association is a California non-profit mutual benefit corporation comprised of the community’s residents.

The Highlands is located at 7467 Mission Gorge Road in close proximity to State Route 52 in the City of Santee just east of San Diego. The property has 306 home sites and is an age-restricted (55+) community. Amenities at The Highlands include a clubhouse, two pools, and a shuffleboard pavilion.

“We were pleased to have a number of lenders compete for the financing of The Highlands in a challenging capital marketplace,” said Koucos.

Contacts:

Timothy D. Wright, HFF Senior Managing Director, (858) 812-2341, twright@hfflp.com
Zachary E. Koucos, HFF Associate Director, (858) 812-2341, zkoucos@hfflp.com
Kristen M. Murphy, HFF Associate Director, Marketing, (713) 852-3500, krmurphy@hfflp.com

Tuesday, June 8, 2010

Sperry Van Ness Announces Online Auction Capability for All Sperry Van Ness Advisors


IRVINE, CA– Sperry Van Ness Accelerated Marketing, the auction team of Sperry Van Ness, has signed a strategic partnership agreement with AuctionPoint, Inc., an innovative online commercial property auction platform, to power all of its online auctions.

As part of the partnership, the Sperry Van Ness nationwide platform of nearly 900 Advisors will be able to present their clients with an online auction solution for the first time.

“Sperry Van Ness is committed to offering our clients the most advanced strategic solutions available,” said Kevin Maggiacomo, (top right photo)  president and CEO of Sperry Van Ness. “Online auctions are revolutionizing the commercial real estate industry, and we want to help our clients participate in this new and highly effective way of doing business.”

“The marketing of assets combining a ‘date certain sale timeframe’ with the efficiency and reach of the Internet is rapidly gaining popularity with buyers and sellers,” said Jerry Anderson, (middle left photo)  CCIM, executive managing director of Sperry Van Ness Florida.

 “The AuctionPoint technology platform enables sellers to take advantage of lower overhead costs than those associated with traditional auctions, the global reach of the Internet, and the ability to sell commercial properties quickly and at true market value.

Buyers are afforded a transparent, 360-degree view of the property and all due diligence materials, and the ability to bid on the property with the click of their mouse.”

Sperry Van Ness will now be able to provide clients with property-specific online auction websites, complete with property details, pictures and extensive due diligence materials.

 Interested buyers simply go to the auction website to review the materials, register and then bid online on auction day. The website also includes the property owner’s Purchase & Sale Agreement, providing for a completely transparent process for bidders.

“We look forward to working with Sperry Van Ness and its team of real estate auction professionals,” said Joe Tang, (lower right photo) co-founder and CEO of AuctionPoint. “The combination of Sperry Van Ness’ deep expertise in auctions and the sophisticated AuctionPoint technology platform represents a tremendous value proposition for commercial property owners.”

Contact: David Ebeling, Ebeling Communications, 949.278.7851, david@ebelingcomm.com

RECI Reports More Positive News on the Realty Capital Front


CHICAGO, IL - Jeanne Peck, (top right photo)  executive director of The Real Estate Capital Institute in Chicago,  reports more positive news on the realty capital front as recovery from the current downturn is recapitalized by funds which were raised prior to commercial mortgage product being more widely available.

Funding demand is readily available for freshly originated capital underwritten to currently more stringent standards.

In particular, many non-investment grade credit funds desire new commercial mortgage exposure as secondary market spreads have rallied.

How does revived realty capital market translate to property-level funding kinetics?

* New Benchmarks - The Debt Yield (in-place NOI divided by total debt) has now emerged as a popular underwriting index. This index provides a quick gauge of the debt payment cushion, similar to the debt coverage ratio.

For example, 9.5% to 10% was common yield in during the market peak (2007-2008); now the index falls within the 11-12% for most types of permanent loans.

* Favorite Fives - The number five seems to be the most favorite digit for tweaking deals. Funding sources use the number five in many different underwriting scenarios including: 5% more leverage (70% vs. 65% LTV), 5% less debt coverage (120% vs. 125%), 5 years more in amortization (25 years vs. 20 years) and 5% more occupancy in improving markets (90% vs. 85%).

* Floors - In select cases, lenders reduce [or even eliminate] floors and rate protection for floating rate loans on shorter-term debt (e.g., 5 years or less). Rate protection can be waived for lower leverage loans, generally 50% or less. Simultaneously, rate floors are dropping to 3.5% to 4%, as funding sources favor quality over more realty risk.

* Thinking Outside the Box - New Market Tax Credits, Private Placement Offerings (e.g., CIS-Sanctioned EB-5 Foreign Nationals Program), Recovery Act funds and other non-conventional funding vehicles are gaining attention, especially for new construction projects requiring substantial subsidies and equity capital.

Such funds can be used for more challenging assets including senior housing, retail and mixed-use as well as lodging properties. Available on a select basis and in very focused areas, these programs are highly technical and therefore require substantial consulting expertise for processing.


The Real Estate Capital Institute's advisory board member Aaron Gruen  (lower left photo) suggests "Many economic indicators are improving or stabilizing indicating the worst of The Great Recession is slowly moving behind us.

"However, while the capital markets are showing improvement and signs of increasing stability and recovery, asset-level performance improvement is spotty and inconsistent. Heightened volatility and uncertainty continues to reign."

He adds, "Targeted risk analysis is especially important today, given that uncertainty and ongoing shifts in demographics, consumer behavior and variability in economic and fiscal performance between and within regions that can be expected."

The Real Estate Capital Institute(r) is a volunteer-based research organization that tracks realty rates data for debt and equity yields. The Institute posts daily and historical benchmark rates including treasuries, bank prime and LIBOR. Furthermore, call the Real Estate Capital RateLine at 7RE-CAPITAL (773-227-4825) for hourly rate updates.

Contact:  Jeanne Peck, Executive Director, Toll Free 800-994-RECI (7324)
mailto:director@reci.com,%20www.reci.com

Monday, June 7, 2010

HFF to market for sale a portfolio of Courtyard by Marriott hotels in the Caribbean and Central America


MIAMI, FL – The Miami office of HFF (Holliday Fenoglio Fowler, L.P.) announced today that it has been exclusively retained to market for sale a portfolio of Courtyard by Marriott hotels in San José (bottom right photo) , Costa Rica; Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic; and Port of Spain, Trinidad.

HFF senior managing directors Dan Carlo (top right photo) and Dan Peek (top left photo) , along with senior hospitality analyst Max Comess will market the properties on behalf of the ownership group.

 HFF’s Hotel Group is planning to launch a global marketing campaign in conjunction with the NYU International Hospitality Industry Investment Conference in New York City the week of June 7th.

The portfolio represents a unique opportunity to acquire three well-established hotels in key international markets.

Purpose-built as Courtyard Hotels from 2002-2004, the properties have been institutionally maintained and recently renovated.

All have seen significant capital enhancements in such areas as room renovations and lobby conversions to the new Courtyard prototype. In two of the three markets, the respective Courtyard hotel functions as the “de facto” Marriott hotel, meaning it is the only property in the region wearing the Marriott marquee. Marriott International operates all three hotels.

“The operating performance of these hotels is impressive, as evidenced by their collective RevPAR performance that is 50 percent higher than the brand-wide average for the over 850 Courtyard Hotels,” said Carlo.

“Moreover, they offer a new owner tangible upside from such future initiatives as the expansion of guest rooms and function space.”

“This portfolio presents investors with a unique opportunity to enter or further establish their presence in high-growth Latin American and Caribbean markets through the acquisition of a high quality, strong performing collection of Marriott branded hotels,” added Peek.

Contacts:
Daniel Carlo, HFF Senior Managing Director, (305) 448-1333dcarlo@hfflp.com
 Daniel C. Peek, HFF Senior Managing Director, (305) 448-1333dpeek@hfflp.com
Kristen M. Murphy, HFF Associate Director, Marketing, (713) 852-3500 krmurphy@hfflp.com


HFF secures $40M refinancing for Solana Beach Towne Centre in California

SAN DIEGO, CA – The San Diego office of HFF (Holliday Fenoglio Fowler, L.P.) announced today that it has secured a $40 million refinancing for Solana Beach Towne Centre (mioddle right photo) , an approximate 250,000-square-foot, Class “A” retail community shopping center in Solana Beach, California.

Working exclusively on behalf of American Assets, Inc., HFF senior managing director Tim Wright (lower left photo) associate directors Zack Holderman and Rob Hinckley placed the 10-year, sub 6% fixed-rate loan with Deutsche Bank Mortgage Capital, LLC. Loan proceeds are retiring an existing CMBS loan.

Solana Beach Towne Centre is located at the southwest corner of Lomas Santa Fe Drive and Interstate 5 in the coastal North County San Diego city of Solana Beach. Renovated in 2006, the property has 12 Mediterranean-style buildings situated on a 23-acre multi-district site.

 The property is 97% leased to tenants including Henry’s Marketplace, CVS Pharmacy, Marshalls, Staples, Panera Bread and Starbucks.

“Solana Beach Towne Center is located in a preeminent retail market with high barriers to entry, proximity to high-end housing and exposure to an average traffic count of 233,600 cars per day,” said Wright.

American Assets, Inc. (AAI) is a full-service real estate company specializing in the investment, development and management of retail, office and multi-family real estate throughout the United States.

Since its founding in 1967, AAI has been steadfast in its approach to acquiring and developing premiere assets in some of the nation's most desirable markets including San Diego, San Francisco, Monterey and Waikiki.

Contacts:
Timothy D. Wright, HFF Senior Managing Director, (858) 552-7690, twright@hfflp.com
Kristen M. Murphy, HFF Associate Director, Marketing, (713) 852-3500, krmurphy@hfflp.com



HFF closes $40.5M sale of Class A office asset in Malden, MA

BOSTON, MA – The Boston office of HFF (Holliday Fenoglio Fowler, L.P.) today announced that it has closed the sale of 75 Pleasant Street, a 125,521-square-foot, Class A office building leased in its entirety to Massachusetts Department of Education on a long-term basis in Malden, Massachusetts.

HFF’s Coleman Benedict (lower left photo) exclusively represented the seller, a joint venture of Kennedy Associates and Corcoran Jennison, and procured the buyer in the $40.5 million transaction.

The property was completed in 2008 and is located at 75 Pleasant Street in Malden Center, north of Boston’s Financial District.

 The asset was built with energy efficient systems and is a smart growth development that is within walking distance of a major public transportation station.

“In today’s environment, investors are very focused on stability of cash flow and quality of product and 75 Pleasant Street satisfies both of those qualifiers,” said Benedict.

“This is a great execution for Kennedy, who invested in the development of the asset on behalf of one of the firm’s corporate pension fund clients.”

Contacts:

Coleman J. Benedict, HFF Managing Director, (617) 338-0990, cbenedict@hfflp.com
Kristen M. Murphy, HFF Associate Director, Marketing,  (713) 852-3500,  krmurphy@hfflp.com


HFF Miami hires Paul Hsu as associate director for the firm’s hotel group

MIAMI, FL – HFF (Holliday Fenoglio Fowler, L.P.) announced today that it has hired Paul Hsu as an associate director for the hotel group in its Miami office.

Mr. Hsu will focus on the solicitation and execution of hotel transactions across the United States, with a particular focus on the southeastern region. He has more than six years of experience in the hospitality and commercial real estate industry and most recently served as a principal at Champ-East Hospitality Advisors, Inc.

 In this role, Mr. Hsu served as a consultant for owners and lenders on hotel and resort assets. Prior to forming Champ-East, he was a senior associate at The Plasencia Group, Inc, working on hotel transactions from the firm’s headquarters in Tampa, Florida.

Contacts:
Daniel C. Peek, HFF Senior Managing Director, (305) 448-1333, dpeek@hfflp.com
Kristen M. Murphy, HFF Associate Director, Marketing, (713) 852-3500, krmurphy@hfflp.com

HEI Hotels & Resorts Acquires Le Méridien Dallas North in Texas


NORWALK, CT, June 7, 2010—HEI Hotels & Resorts, a rapidly growing hotel ownership and operating company, today announced that it has acquired the 258-room Le Méridien Dallas North (top left photo)  in Texas for an undisclosed amount.

The property becomes HEI’s 36th owned hotel, fourth hotel acquisition of 2010, and their fourth hotel under Starwood’s growing Le Méridien brand.

“This is a first-class hotel with a prime location in the foremost business center of Dallas and aligns perfectly with our portfolio of upper-upscale and luxury properties in leading US markets,” said Steve Mendell, (middle right photo) HEI’s president – acquisitions and development. “This is the fourth acquisition of HEI Hospitality Fund III, and we continue to seek out assets that leverage the experience of our acquisitions team and our investment resources.”

Nestled in the heart of Dallas’ famous Galleria area, Le Méridien Dallas North is just steps away from a wide variety of shopping, dining and entertainment options and only a 20 minute ride from the Dallas/Ft. Worth airport.

Also known for its bustling business district, the Galleria is home to many recognizable blue chip corporations, such as Nordstrom’s corporate headquarters and the offices of FedEx/Kinko’s, Highland Capital Management, ABC Broadcasting/Disney and Coca Cola.

The hotel concluded a complete renovation in 2009, modernizing each of their oversized 450-plus square foot guestrooms with a 42” HDTV, iPod docking station and Jack Pack, providing guests with the ability to view one’s laptop screen from the TV.

 All rooms also feature wireless and hardwire internet access and laptop-sized safes with electricity, as well as the new Le Méridien signature beds and full-size sofas and sitting area. Hotel amenities include the upscale Le Méridien restaurant and atrium bar; approximately 3,500 square feet of meeting space for groups ranging in size from five to 300; 24-hour business center; indoor heated pool; Jacuzzi; and fitness center.

“Our knowledge of both the brand and the region made this a particularly attractive deal for us,” said Anthony Rutledge, (lower left photo)  HEI’s chief financial officer.

“As our fourth Le Meridien, we are uniquely positioned to maximize this hotel’s performance through our industry-leading management team’s deep understanding and experience with the brand.”

Media Contacta:

Jess Petitt, HEI Hotels & Resorts, 203-849-2228, jpetitt@heihotels.com
Jerry Daly or Chris Daly, DalyGray Public Relations, jerry@dalygray.com, chris@dalygray.com

Starwood Capital and Hersha Hospitality Management Announce Partnership to Build Premier Hotel Management Company


PHILADELPHIA, PA and GREENWICH, CT,  June 7, 2010 – Starwood Capital Group and Hersha Hospitality Management (“HHM”) announced today that they have entered into an agreement that will provide Hersha the resources to expand its highly successful platform across the United States.

 The transaction brings together two of the best known names in the real estate and hotel sectors.

 Starwood Capital is one of the world’s leading investment firms focused on real estate, having invested more than $24 billion in assets since its inception, while the privately held HHM is a leading third-party hotel management company operating more than 70 hotels in major metropolitan markets.

Under the terms of the agreement, Starwood Capital has purchased a 49.9% stake in HHM, for an undisclosed amount.

The new partnership will seek to capitalize on the ongoing industry recovery by aggressively pursuing select-service and full-service hotel management opportunities on a national scale.

 In addition, the venture will also target strategic investments in turnaround and opportunistic select-service hotels throughout the country and full-service hotels in select suburban markets.

“We are very pleased to be partnering with HHM,” said Barry Sternlicht, (top right photo) Chairman and CEO of Starwood Capital.

“Over the years, we have built a close relationship with Hersha’s leadership team and admire its best-in-class operating capabilities and ability to create value for the properties it manages. Starwood Capital will contribute capital, deal flow and enterprise-building resources to help leverage HHM’s operating expertise across the country and across a broader spectrum of investments.”

“Partnering HHM with Starwood Capital allows us to leverage the considerable strengths of both organizations,” Naveen Kakarla, (middle left photo) President and Chief Executive Officer of HHM said.

“Barry Sternlicht and Starwood Capital Group have demonstrated keen judgment, innovative vision, and an unparalleled access to capital across several real estate cycles. HHM, I believe, has struck the fine balance between building a high quality multi-brand platform that is both scalable and process-oriented, while preserving a hands-on, entrepreneurial approach to managing hotels and projects.”

HHM currently operates more than 70 hotels in metropolitan regions in Boston, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Philadelphia and Washington, D.C.

Media Contacts:
Tom Johnson, Abernathy MacGregor Group, (212) 371-5999
Jerry Daly or Chris Daly, Daly Gray Public Relations, jerry@dalygray.com, chris@dalygray.com

Interstate Hotels & Resorts Promotes Sean McCurdy to Vice President-Strategic Accounts & Global Sales


ARLINGTON, Va., June 7, 2010—Interstate Hotels & Resorts, the United States’ largest independent hotel management company, today announced that Sean McCurdy (top right photo) has been promoted to vice president, strategic accounts and global sales.

 He previously served as Interstate’s global director of worldwide sales.

 In his new position, McCurdy will be responsible for developing and expanding the company’s corporate sales initiatives and expanding relationships with key global accounts. He will report to George Brennan, Interstate’s executive vice president, sales and marketing.

McCurdy joined Interstate in 2003 as director of global travel industry sales for the company’s corporate housing division. Earlier in his career, he served as vice president of sales for Travel Inventory Marketing Alliance, senior director of worldwide sales for Choice Hotels International and has held executive positions for several of the nation’s top car rental and hotel brands.

“Sean brings more than two decades of industry experience and a proven track record in corporate sales and marketing,” Brennan said.

“He has been instrumental in securing for Interstate Hotels & Resorts preferred annual contracts with major corporate accounts over the past decade. Sean possesses the kind of relationship-building sales skills that deliver beneficial relationships to our corporate customers, a significant advantage for Interstate-managed hotels. This promotion affirms his continuing record of achievement.”

 For more information about Interstate Hotels & Resorts, visit the company’s Web site: www.ihrco.com.

Contact:

Jerry Daly,Media SVP; Carol McCune, Daly Gray, (703) 435-6293, jerry@dalygray.com
Carrie McIntyre, Treasurer, Interstate Hotels & Resorts, (703) 387-3320, carrie.mcintyre@ihrco.com

Sunday, June 6, 2010

Grubb & Ellis Commercial Florida Appoints John Stoner Vice President of Retail Services in Tampa, FL


TAMPA - Grubb & Ellis Commercial Florida has  appointed John Stoner vice president of its Retail Services Group in Tampa.

Jeff Sweeney, SIOR, president of Grubb & Ellis Commercial Florida, said Stoner has more than 10 years of experience in retail property leasing and sales. In 2009 Stoner was recognized by Florida Gulfcoast Commercial Assn. of Real Estate (FGCAR) as one of its top three retail brokers.

Stoner formerly served as an associate with Ross Realty in the Tampa Bay area.

CONTACTS:
Jeffrey Sweeney, SIOR President 407-481-5387;
Larry Vershel Communications 407-644-4142

Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty Named Marketing Agent for Restored Century-Old Mansion on Lake Carlton in Mount Dora, FL


MOUNT DORA, FL - Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty has been named exclusive sales and marketing agents for a unique century-old Mount Dora mansion, circa 1926, which includes 10.89 acres with nearly 1,000 feet of water frontage on Lake Carlton, part of the Harris Chain of Lakes.

Roger Soderstrom, founder and owner at Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty, said Janice McGeough, certified luxury home marketing specialist at the firm, is representing the property.

The four-bedroom, four-bath, 6,111 square foot luxury home has been completely restored with a state-of-the-art kitchen, a lavish private wine cellar, a grand master suite that overlooks the lake and an elaborate boat house with upstairs apartment.

The captivating Mount Dora estate is a luxurious masterpiece with all of the modern amenities available but it retains the charm of the early 20th century.
Horses are allowed, McGeough said, and new owners may possibly subdivide the property, which is zoned RCE.

The landscape is ample and the lake provides for helicopter and seaplane landing and take-off practically at your doorstep.

“This very private, very majestic property is a rare find,” McGeough said.

Contacts:
Janice McGeough, Stirling Sotheby's International Realty, 352-217-0465; jmcgeough@stirlingsir.com;
Roger Soderstrom, Founder/Owner, Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty 407-581-7890; rsoderstrom@stirlingSIR.com;
Larry Vershel or Beth Payan, Larry Vershel Communications, 407-644-4142; lvershelco@aol.com

Grubb & Ellis Declares Preferred Stock Dividend


SANTA ANA, CA– Grubb & Ellis Company (NYSE: GBE), a leading real estate services and investment firm, announced  that its board of directors has declared a dividend of $3.00 per share on the company’s 12% Cumulative Participating Perpetual Convertible Preferred Stock to stockholders of record as of June 18, 2010. The dividend is for the quarterly period from April 1, 2010 and is payable on June 30, 2010.

Contact: Janice McDill, Phone: 312.698.6707, Email: janice.mcdill@grubb-ellis.com