Wednesday, August 27, 2014

HFF closes sale of Lakes on Post Oak office building in Houston, TX


Jeffrey Hollinden
HOUSTON, TX – HFF announced it has closed the sale of 3040 Post Oak Boulevard, a 427,486-square-foot, Class A core office building in Houston adjacent to the Galleria.

               HFF marketed the property on behalf of the sellers, a joint venture between an affiliate of Five Mile Capital Partners LLC and Crocker Partners.  MetLife Real Estate Investors purchased the property for an undisclosed amount.

3040 Post Oak Boulevard is located at the intersection of Post Oak Boulevard and Hidalgo in Houston’s Galleria/Uptown District.

 The 22-story building is part of the 1.2 million-square-foot Lakes at Post Oak office complex that includes 3050 Post Oak Boulevard, and also 3000 Post Oak Boulevard plus a 3.86-acre unrestricted development site, which HFF is also marketing for sale.

Dan Miller
 The building features exterior walls of bronze glass and aluminum and has views of the four-acre lake that weaves through the heavily-landscaped complex.  3040 Post Oak Boulevard is a past recipient of The International Office Building of the Year by the Building Owners and Managers Association. 

The property is approximately 80 percent leased to 25 tenants, including Bechtel Corporation, Carriage Services and Wealth Design Group.  

               The HFF investment sales team representing the seller was led by senior managing directors Jeff Hollinden and Dan Miller and director Trent Agnew.

“Lakes on Post Oak has been a very successful project for Five Mile Capital and Crocker Partners due to its location, access and park-like setting within the Galleria submarket,” Hollinden said.

 “The 3040 Post Oak Boulevard building has a great mix of long-term leases and near-term upside potential that will make this an ideal core investment.”


For a complete copy of the company’s news release, please contact:

Kristen M. Murphy
 Associate Director
HFF | One Post Office Square, Suite 3500 | Boston, MA 02109
Main: 617-338-0990 | Direct: 617-848-1572 | Cell: 617-543-4873 | www.hfflp.com

$240 million in financing secured by HFF for One Channel Center in Boston’s Seaport District


Anthony Cutone

BOSTON, MA – HFF announced it has secured permanent financing totaling $240 million for One Channel Center and the Channel Center Garage, a 501,650-square-foot, newly-built office building and 967-space parking garage in Boston’s Seaport District.

               HFF represented the borrower, a venture between affiliates of Ares Management LLC and CV Properties LLC.  The financing was structured as a $190 million first mortgage, and a $50 million mezzanine loan.  HFF also arranged the $170 million construction loan for the property in 2012.

               One Channel Center, designed by the architectural firm of Add Inc. in collaboration with Spalding Tougias Architects, was built with “creative space” in mind, incorporating “cutting edge design” and space planning to optimize collaboration, efficiency and productivity.  Completed in June 2014, the 11-story building is leased in its entirety to State Street Corporation. 


Brett Paulsrud
One Channel Center and the Channel Center Garage are located within the larger Channel Center master-plan area, a 2.1 million-square-foot mixed-use neighborhood combining first class office, luxury residential, and street front retail and restaurants anchored by a series of landscaped parks featuring the 1.7-acre Channel Center Park. 

               The HFF debt placement team representing the borrower was led by managing director Anthony Cutone and senior real estate analyst Brett Paulsrud. 


For a complete copy of the company’s news release, please contact:

Kristen M. Murphy
 Associate Director
HFF | One Post Office Square, Suite 3500 | Boston, MA 02109
Main: 617-338-0990 | Direct: 617-848-1572 | Cell: 617-543-4873 | www.hfflp.com

FrontDoor Communities Teams with Ashton Woods at Lowcountry Community on James Island, Near Charleston, SC

  
Terry Russell

 ATLANTA, GA – FrontDoor Communities announced it is partnering with award-winning national private home builder Ashton Woods Homes at the company’s newest community, Freeman’s Point.

The beautiful master-planned community will feature approximately 130 homes and sits on the banks of Seaside Creek on James Island just minutes from downtown Charleston.

Both FrontDoor and Ashton Woods are established homebuilders in the Lowcountry with multiple communities and neighborhoods across Charleston. Freeman’s Point, which broke ground last fall, is FrontDoor’s third community in the Charleston area.

“Partnering with Ashton Woods aligns with FrontDoor’s mission to deliver better homes through quality design,” said Terry Russell, CEO of FrontDoor Communities.

Ryan Lewis
 “Ashton Woods is one of the most well-respected homebuilders in the country, and we’re confident the partnership at Freeman’s Point will produce an exceptional community that enhances the lives of its residents.”

Ashton Woods is one of the nation’s largest private homebuilding companies and was recently recognized as the Most Trusted Homebuilder in America for the second year in a row. 

The company is known for building homes with award-winning designs that inspire and offer homebuyers a high level of personalization options.

“Freeman’s Point is a stunning property and will provide residents with unmatched water views and an opportunity to vacation at home,” said Ryan Lewis, Division President for the Carolinas at Ashton Woods. “This was a tremendous opportunity for us to team up with FrontDoor Communities and provide buyers with homes of unmatched quality and craftsmanship all with their own personalized touch.”

For more information on Freeman’s Point, visit http://www.FreemansPoint.com.

For a complete copy of the company’s news release, please contact:


M.C. Rhodes •The Wilbert Group
1720 Peachtree St., Suite 350 • Atlanta, Ga. 30309
O: 404-343-0274  • M: 678-983-5867

Tuesday, August 26, 2014

HFF closes $56.5 million sale of 4-property Bergen County, NJ multi-housing portfolio


Jose Cruz
FLORHAM PARK, NJ – HFF announced it has closed the $56.5 million sale of a four-property multi-housing portfolio totaling 276 units in the suburbs of Westwood and River Vale in Bergen County, New Jersey.

                HFF marketed the portfolio on behalf of the seller, Hartz Mountain Industries, Inc.  Kushner Companies purchased the unencumbered properties for $56.5 million.

                The fully-stabilized portfolio includes one- and two-bedroom units averaging 798 square feet.  Individual property details are listed below:

Coventry Square, 20-46 Charles Street; Westwood, New Jersey, 103Units
 Stanford Place, 500 Center Avenue; Westwood, New Jersey, 71 Units
 The Madison, 99 Madison Avenue; Westwood, New Jersey, 56 Units
 Village on the Green, 229 Collignon Way; River Vale, New Jersey, 46 Units

Andrew Scandalios
                The HFF investment sales team representing the seller was led by senior managing directors Jose Cruz and Andrew Scandalios, managing directors Kevin O’Hearn and Jeffrey Julien and associate director Michael Oliver. 

According to Cruz, “This sale provided an opportunity to acquire a multi-housing portfolio in northern Bergen County, New Jersey, which is a rare occurrence.  As a result, the buyer pool aggressively chased the asset and the process produced more than 12 bidders.”

                “The Westwood and River Vale properties were among the first residential communities that we acquired when we decided to add multi-housing into our portfolio,” said Emanuel Stern, COO and president for Hartz Mountain Industries.  “We’ve been really happy with these properties and we know Kushner will be as well.”

Headquartered in Secaucus, New Jersey, Hartz Mountain Industries, Inc. owns and manages one of the largest privately held commercial real estate portfolios in the United States, comprised of approximately 200 properties and totaling more than 38 million square feet in the northern New Jersey/New York area as well as Chicago, Seattle and Austin, Texas. 

Kevin O'Hearn
 Hartz began its residential portfolio in 2010 with the acquisition of a four-property apartment portfolio in North Jersey, which has since grown to more than 3,500 units in New Jersey, New York, Chicago, Seattle and, most recently, Austin, Texas. 

Hartz employs a comprehensive approach to real estate for leasing, management, finance, acquisition, architecture, construction, development, planning, and marketing, design and property management that allows the company to remain at the forefront of commercial, industrial, retail and hotel development.

In the past few years, Hartz has led the “green” way through a comprehensive program to reduce waste and energy use, while increasing clean energy production via investments in solar energy.  

Hartz has been recognized by Solar Energy Industry Association (SEIA) and the Vote Solar Initiative as top 20 commercial solar power users in the U.S.; and New Jersey Business and Industry Association (NJBIA) gave Hartz the “Environmental Quality Award”.

For a complete copy of the company’s news release, please contact:

Olivia Hennessey
Public Relations Coordinator
HFF | 9 Greenway Plaza, Suite 700 | Houston, TX 77046

Ike Behar Opens First Charlotte, NC Store at Phillips Place


Alan Behar

 CHARLOTTE, NC — Ike Behar, a high-end menswear retailer, has opened its first store in Charlotte at Phillips Place.

 The store is the company’s fourth U.S. boutique, and it offers Ike Behar’s complete line of dress shirts, suits, ties, sports wear and accessories.

 “We chose Phillips Place because we believe it is the best place for us to reach the Ike Behar man,” said Alan Behar of Ike Behar.

“During the past few years, we have begun to expand our product line beyond shirts and ties, striving to create a complete lifestyle brand for the modern gentleman. With its collection of fine shops and some of the best dining in Charlotte, we knew our store had to be at Phillips Place.”

Philips Place, Charlotte, NC
The 133,059-square-foot Phillips Place, a pioneer in the lifestyle center concept that is leased and managed by Lincoln Harris, includes high-end national retail tenants such as Brooks Brothers and Dean & Deluca, the Post Park at Phillips Place apartment community and a Hampton Inn & Suites.

 “We are thrilled that Ike Behar chose Phillips Place for its first location in Charlotte,” said Johnny Harris, president of Lincoln Harris. “Phillips Place will continue to attract the best high-end retailers because of our fantastic tenant mix and desirable location.”
  
For a complete copy of the company’s news release, please contact:

Stephen Ursery
The Wilbert Group
404-549-7150 (O) 404-405-2354 (C)

NAI Realvest Closes Sale of 22+ Acres of Lakeland, FL Industrial Land for $1.26 Million


Christie Alexander
LAKELAND, FL --- NAI Realvest recently closed the sale of 22.22 acres of industrial land located at 3150 County Line Rd. in Lakeland for $1,260,000.00.    
 NAI Realvest broker associate Drew Saphos, CCIM, chairman George Livingston, principal Christie Alexander, and associate Paul Vera, CCIM negotiated the sale representing the seller, Ozark Automotive Distributors, Inc. c/a O’Reilly Auto Parts based in Springfield, Mo. 

Gateway Business Park, LLC, c/a The Ruthvens, Inc., a Lakeland-based development firm, purchased the property and was represented in the transaction by David Bunch of Hauger-Bunch, Inc.  

According to Saphos, The Ruthvens intend to develop the site for speculative industrial product, similar to their Ruthven Business Park on Gateway Boulevard to the northeast.




For a complete copy of the company’s news release, please contact:

Beth Payan, Larry Vershel Communications, 407-644-4142 lvershelco@aol.com

   

Marcus & Millichap Brokers Two-Hotel Portfolio Sale in North Texas


Chris Gomes

DENTON, TX, Aug. 26, 2014 – Marcus & Millichap (NYSE: MMI), a leading commercial real estate investment services firm with offices throughout the United States and Canada, today announced the sale of two hospitality properties in Denton, Texas.

They are the 88-room La Quinta Inn & Suites and the 92-room Holiday Inn Express & Suites.

            Chris Gomes, vice president investments in Marcus & Millichap’s Dallas office, and Allan Miller, vice president investments in the firm’s San Antonio office, represented the seller, a Dallas-based company. The buyer is private high net-worth individual also based in Dallas.

            “The hotel market in Denton, and in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex in general, have been experiencing tremendous growth in revenue per available room,” says Gomes. “Both of these assets have demonstrated increased revenue trends.”

Allan Miller
            The La Quinta Inn & Suites is located at 4465 Interstate 35. It is accessible from Interstate 35 and University Drive/U.S. Highway 380. Built in 2010, the four-story, interior corridor hotel features a mix of single- and double-bed rooms, a breakfast area, an indoor swimming pool with hot tub, two guest elevators and an exercise room.

            Built in 2010 at 4485 North Interstate 35, the Holiday Inn Express & Suites is an interior corridor mid-scale hotel with visibility and accessibility along Interstate 35.

The University of North Texas and Texas Woman’s University are nearby, as are a Federal Emergency Management Agency office and businesses such as Peterbilt, Sally Beauty Supply, Acme Brick Co., Tetra Pak and Fastenal.
  

For a complete copy of the company’s news release, please contact:

Gina Relva
Public Relations Manager
(925) 953-1716

Brickell Development in Downtown Miami, FL Hits Market for $35 Million


Alex D. Zylberglait
MIAMI, FL – Marcus & Millichap (NYSE: MMI), a leading commercial real estate investment services firm with offices throughout the United States and Canada, announced it has obtained the exclusive listing for an approximate half-acre of land improved with a 45,000-square foot office building located in the Brickell submarket of Miami, Fla.

The asset is listed for $35,000,000. Alex D. Zylberglait, a first vice president investments in Marcus & Millichap’s Miami office, has the exclusive listing to market the property on behalf of the seller, a Miami-based private investor.

“The opportunity to acquire 90 SW 8th Street will allow an investor to take control of an approximate half-acre of land in the epicenter of the city’s booming financial district. 

"With the large-scale CityCentre project to be completed in 2015, thousands of jobs will be brought to the area, creating an urban environment that will further energize the area as a destination where people live, work and play,” says Zylberglait. 


Brickell City Centre, Miami, FL
Brickell CityCentre, a $1.05-billion urban shopping and mixed-use development project, is located across from the property.  

It will include a department store, luxury shops, restaurants, a hotel, office towers and condominiums, as well as an 80-story tower. 

The site is also located less than a block away from Mary Brickell Village which offers an eclectic mix of upscale dining, shopping and entertainment options.

90 SW 8th Street is developed with a three-story, 45,000 square foot commercial office building built in 1971. Interested investors can contact Alex Zylberglait at 786-522-7056.

For a complete copy of the company’s news release, please contact:

Gina Relva
Public Relations Manager
(925) 953-1716

Lincoln Property Company Southeast Promotes George Gwaltney and Kelsey Mandus to the Leasing Associate Level


Kelsey Mandus
ATLANTA, GA (Aug. 26, 2014) – Lincoln Property Company Southeast (Lincoln) has named George Gwaltney and Kelsey Mandus leasing associates. The two are in the firm’s Atlanta office.

 Gwaltney, who graduated from the University of Alabama with a bachelor’s degree in finance with a specialization in real estate, was an intern at Lincoln this summer, where he assisted in the leasing of over 50,000 square feet of flex industrial space in Stone Mountain, Georgia.

 Mandus has worked at Lincoln for a year assisting the agency leasing teams and has two years of prior sales and leasing experience with Signature Management.

 Gwaltney and Mandus will join the office leasing team co-led by Michael Howell and Hunter Henritze, both vice presidents with the firm.

 “Both George and Kelsey have remarkable work ethics, and they have quickly impressed both us and our clients with their intelligence and their willingness to do whatever it takes to assist our agency leasing teams,” said Tony Bartlett, a senior vice president for Lincoln who oversees the firm’s Atlanta office.

George Gwaltney
 “As the commercial real estate markets in metro Atlanta continue to recover, it’s vital that we add bright and ambitious personnel like George and Kelsey.”


For a complete copy of the company’s news release, please contact:



Stephen Ursery
The Wilbert Group
404-549-7150 (O)
 404-405-2354 (C)

MHA Brokers Two North Carolina Apartment Community Sales Totaling $19.79 Million


Marc Robinson
CHARLOTTE, NC — Multi Housing Advisors (MHA) has brokered the $11.4 million sale of Brannon Park, a 299-unit apartment community in Greensboro, North Carolina, and the $8.39 million sale of The Brittany, a 214-unit community in Burlington, North Carolina.

Marc Robinson, Jordan McCarley, and Watson Bryant of MHA’s Charlotte office represented the sellers in both transactions.

 “The Triad region continues to attract investment capital with its stable economic base and growing population,” Robinson said.

 Blue Valley Apartments, Inc., an affiliate of Ocwen Financial, sold The Brittany, located at 706 Huffman Mill Road, to Harvest Investments, a Connecticut-based investment partnership.
  
Jordan McCarley
 The community, built in 1973, includes a playground, swimming pool, tennis and basketball courts, a dog park, laundry facility, and fitness and business centers.

 San Diego-based Pacifica Cos. purchased Brannon Park, located at 3822 Mizell Road, from VTT Management, a Boston-based private investment firm. 

The property, built in 1984, includes a playground, swimming pool, fitness and business centers, and basketball and tennis courts.



For a complete copy of the company’s news release, please contact:



Stephen Ursery
The Wilbert Group
404-549-7150 (O)
 404-405-2354 (C)

Sheraton Bali Kuta Resort in Bali, Indonesia Announces Celebrity Chef Rinrin Marinka to Joint Market Brunch Celebration at Feast


Chef Rinrin Marinka
BALI, INDONESIA, Aug. 26, 2014 – Sheraton Bali Kuta Resort has announced that popular cooking show Host and Judge, Rinrin Marinka will be the special guest chef as the hotel celebrates the first anniversary of its Sunday Market Brunch.

Themed “Sip, Savor and Shop,” the weekly brunch event is Kuta’s only market brunch featuring a great spread prepared by the resort’s culinary team at Feast restaurant – revolutionizing Bali brunches a year ago by including market shopping at the brunch, now all guests start off with free groceries included in the brunch!

Chef Marinka will join the celebration by presenting some of her own creations whilst also sharing her passion with guests on Sunday, August 31.

 “A year ago we refreshed the traditional brunch with an open-air market of delicious fare, handmade crafts and services from local farmers, artisans and vendors,” explained Dario Orsini, General Manager of Sheraton Bali Kuta Resort.

Dario Orsini
 “We are thrilled to refresh our Market Brunch by including fresh bread, fruits and vegetables to go, plus dishes from Chef Marinka – created exclusively for Sheraton Bali Kuta Resort.  

"We are excited to welcome her to the resort to share in our special anniversary celebration along with our guests.”

For a complete copy of the company’s news release, please contact:

Hwee Peng Yeo
Vice President, Asia Markets
Glodow Nead Communications
San Francisco • New York • Singapore • Shanghai
Level 21, Centennial Tower, 3 Temasek Avenue • Singapore 039190
1700 Montgomery Street, Suite 203 • San Francisco, CA • 94111
Asia: 65.9768.6087  US:415.394.6500 • E: hweepeng@glodownead.com

Monday, August 25, 2014

Related Midwest’s OneEleven luxury apartments in Chicago’s Loop Surpasses 50 Percent Leased Milestone Six Weeks After Opening Its Doors


OneEleven apartments
 111 West Wacker Drive
Chicago, IL

CHICAGO, IL – Related Midwest today announced that OneEleven, its 60-story ultra-luxury apartment tower at 111 West Wacker Drive, has surpassed the 50 percent leased milestone six weeks after welcoming its first residents.

Located at Clark Street and Wacker Drive, on the edge of the city’s central business district, OneEleven features 504 apartments and 30,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor amenity space, offering residents a sophisticated living experience along the famed Chicago River.

“As OneEleven’s swift leasing pace indicates, Chicago renters have a strong desire to live in the Loop, which has emerged as one of the nation’s fastest-growing urban cores,” said Curt Bailey, president of Related Midwest.

“By partnering with two of the country’s preeminent stars in architecture and design, we were able to deliver an eye-catching building that has been well-received by those looking for upscale rentals in the heart of the city.”

For a complete copy of the company’s news release, please contact:



Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty Appointed Exclusive Marketing Agents for Historic Property in Downtown Mount Dora, FL


Janice Clary
MOUNT DORA, Fla. --- Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty has been named exclusive marketing agents for the Grandview Bed and Breakfast, also known as the historic William Watt House Circa 1906 in downtown Mount Dora. 

Janice Clary, Central Florida lakefront marketing specialist at Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty, is representing the property and serves as principal contact.

“William Watt owned many acres of citrus and invented corrugated cardboard as a packaging medium for his oranges.  The William Watt House has only been home to four owners in the past 108 years,” said Roger Soderstrom, founder and owner of Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty.

 The property, which is listed for $795,000, includes a main house with three bedrooms and four baths, and a two-bedroom, two-bath Windmill Cottage featuring a 1930s windmill that extends 60 feet in the air, a novelty of this lovely cottage.
The property also has a detached Carriage House which features a Garden Suite with one-bedroom and one-bath, and a 720 square foot apartment/owner’s suite with private entry above the two-car garage.

 The interior of the main house showcases the original French doors, Tudor style windows, two decorative fireplaces and beautiful built in bookcases, echoed by the original heart-pine flooring, a beauty only antique wood can offer.

Grandview Bed and Breakfast, Mount Dora, FL
There is a formal living room, two dining rooms, three bedrooms, each with their own baths, a laundry room, office and a finely crafted  kitchen which has been newly remodeled with historic cabinetry, marble and stainless counter tops and upgraded stainless steel appliances.

 The property is  located just two blocks from the heart of historic downtown Mount Dora with its trendy attractions such as antique stores, art galleries, day spas, restaurants, City Park and marina. 

Situated on just under an acre with tropical landscaping, oversized saltwater pool, white vinyl fencing and multiple rocking chair porches, the stately residence presents an impressive setting for grand scale entertaining, Soderstrom said.

For a complete copy of the company’s news release, please contact:
  
Larry Vershel or Beth Payan, Larry Vershel Communications Inc. 407-644-4142 Lvershelco@aol.com

Berger Commercial Realty Hires Three New Employees

  

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL – Regional, full-service commercial real estate firm Berger Commercial Realty announced it has added three new employees to its staff.

Wendy Collins
Roxana Collins

Roxana Collins joins the firm as a broker associate. Her responsibilities include the leasing and sales of office, retail and investment properties in the Southeast. She is a member of the International Council of Shopping Centers, the Florida Real Estate Board, the National Association of Professional Women and the Building Owners and Managers Association, which has certified her as a real property administrator. 
  
Wendy Collins

Diana Mancipe
A licensed Florida community association manager, Wendy Collins has been hired as a property manager. She will be responsible for managing office, retail, industrial and investment properties in the tri-county area, including budgeting, tenant relations, vendor management, lease administration, insurance compliance, preventative maintenance, property value enhancement and portfolio growth. 

Diana Mancipe

Diana Mancipe joins Berger Commercial Realty as a property manager. She will be managing the day-to-day operations of 1.7 million square-feet of warehouse space at 12 properties throughout Miami-Dade County. The properties are part of a 4.7 million square-foot industrial portfolio owned by Pennsylvania-based Seagis Property Group and managed by Berger Commercial Realty. 


Roxana Collins

For a complete copy of the company’s news release, please contact:



 Marielle Sologuren
Pierson Grant Public Relations
(954) 776-1999, ext. 226


WNC provides $6.4 million in LIHTC equity to develop The Aspens, a 47-unit community in Central California

                                                                             
Michael Gaber

 TULARE, CA – WNC, a national investor in real estate and community development initiatives, announced the completion of The Aspens, a 47-unit affordable housing community in the Central California town of Tulare. 

WNC provided $6.4 million in low-income housing tax credit (LIHTC) equity to fund the project. The property was developed by Kaweah Management Company and The Pacific Companies.

 An open house celebrating the project’s completion, attended by Congressman Devin Nunes, was held on Aug. 20.

Located at 1500 – 1673 Aspen Ave., The Aspens is comprised of two- and three-bedroom units, equipped with washer and dryer connections.

On-site amenities include a swimming pool, clubhouse with community room, children’s playground, picnic area, computer lab, central laundry room and on-site management. The property is available to families earning between 30 percent and 60 percent of the area’s median income.

“We are pleased to deliver The Aspens, a high quality, yet affordable housing option to the families of Tulare that are most in need,” said WNC Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Michael Gaber.

“This property offers quality accommodations with many in-house and on-site amenities, and we couldn’t be happier to work with our development partners, including the Pacific Companies, the City of Tulare, the Housing Authority of Tulare County, and Rabobank to increase the nation’s supply of low-income housing.”

For a complete copy of the company’s news release, please contact:

Julie Leber
Spotlight Marketing Communications
949.427.5172, ext. 703