Monday, December 9, 2019

Construction for Vegas' Circa Resort & Casino Reaches Halfway Mark; Speeds Toward December 2020 Opening


Derek Stevens
(photo by Casino.org)
Las Vegas, NV – Today, CEO and developer Derek Stevens announced that his highly anticipated integrated gaming resort Circa Resort & Casino has reached the halfway mark in its 22-month construction process. 

On track for a December 2020 opening, the project will be the first ground-up gaming resort in historic Downtown Las Vegas since 1980.

“Reaching this milestone for Circa would not be possible without our incredible partners and construction team,” said Stevens. 


The spectacular 1.25 million-square-foot, 777-room property will stand as the tallest structure north of the Las Vegas Strip

“Today we not only celebrate this exciting moment in Circa’s journey, but those who have helped us bring the project to life. I’m proud to deliver something completely new to the Las Vegas experience and can’t wait to open our doors a year from now for everyone to enjoy it.”

Located on the iconic Fremont Street Experience, Circa will honor the timeless spirit of Las Vegas while leading the charge for a bold new era with game-changing offerings. 

The spectacular 1.25 million-square-foot, 777-room property will stand as the tallest structure north of the Las Vegas Strip.


Las Vegas Strip stretches 4.2 miles through Downtown

Merging old-school Las Vegas hospitality with cutting-edge design and technology, Circa will feature first-class amenities, nonstop entertainment, advanced hotel technology and attentive customer service. Circa’s offerings will include the following:

·         World’s Largest Sportsbook – Operated by Stevens’ sports betting venture Circa Sports, the resort’s centerpiece will deliver the best sports-watching experience in Vegas and beyond. Sports fans can enjoy three levels of action taking place on a 78-million-pixel high-definition screen – the largest sportsbook screen in history – while receiving some of the friendliest sportsbook customer service in town. 







The Vegas Stats and Information Network (VSiN) will have its own on-site studio offering bettors in-depth analysis from a roster of experts including broadcasters, industry professionals and athletes.

·         Rooftop Pool Amphitheater – Capitalizing on the sunny Las Vegas weather, one of Circa’s key features will be an outdoor pool amphitheater. Its six rooftop pools will be operated 365 days a year and boast a massive nearly 14-million-pixel screen playing the day’s most exciting games for those who want to float while watching the G.O.A.T. 

Larger groups can partake in one of the pool’s Super Cabanas, which can host up to 50 guests. The venue also will include its own food & beverage venue and music from DJs and special guests.

·         Garage Mahal – Playfully dubbed “Garage Mahal,” Stevens is constructing one of the most high-tech transportation hubs in the city with a focus on customer experience. 



Las Vegas Strip skyline


Designed to deliver the easiest and most convenient experience for ride-sharing services such as Uber and Lyft, Garage Mahal also will offer valet and self-parking, in addition to long-term parking for loyal Circa customers.

·         Casino & Lobby – Bringing the party to the floor, Circa’s two-story casino will house 1,350 slot machines and 49 table games. A lobby highlight will be a statement piece unlike any other – the return of Las Vegas’ beloved neon kicking cowgirl, Vegas Vickie, who will be a signature feature in Circa’s lobby.



Neon kicking cowgirl Vegas Vickie sign will be a signature feature in Circa Resort's lobby


·         New Food & Beverage Concepts – Circa is poised to become a Las Vegas culinary destination as it welcomes a collection of original restaurants and bar venues. The concepts will be announced throughout 2020.

Along with Circa, Stevens and his brother Greg have played a major role in a renaissance that has taken place in Downtown over the past decade. 
Their investments in properties such as the D Las Vegas, Golden Gate Hotel & Casino and Downtown Las Vegas Events Center have helped morph the region into an entertainment destination, paving the way for Circa’s arrival. 
Stevens has partnered with Steelman Partners to oversee Circa’s architecture and design, McCarthy Building Companies Inc. as its general contractor and TrĂ© Builders as construction manager.

Greg Stevens
Circa Resort & Casino Construction Facts:
·         Date Circa construction broke ground: February 19, 2019 
·         Date first foundation was poured: April 9, 2019
·         Total number of construction workers: 600 daily between Circa and Garage Mahal
·         Construction workers added one floor to Circa every seven days since Oct 3, 2019
·         Approximately 1,900 units of curtain wall glass wrap the tower totaling 175,000 square feet of glass
·         There are more than 56,000 cubic yards of concrete in total with over 25,000 cubic yards placed to date
·         10.75 million pounds of rebar have been installed to date
·         12.2 million pounds of structural steel installed to date
·         The heaviest piece of steel picked to date weighed 118,614 pounds
For more information, please visit CircaLasVegas.com.

The Strip Comes Alive at Night Time

About Circa Resort & Casino


Circa Resort & Casino will deliver an all-new integrated resort concept to the heart of Downtown Las Vegas at the historic 18 Fremont Street site. 

Inspired by the city’s irresistible energy and timeless allure, Circa is building a new legacy that turns up the good times to eleven and burns bright with the original spirit of Vegas. 



Combining the best of Las Vegas service in a modern, state-of-the-art setting, Circa is designed for guests to live large in the now, make the most of life’s fleeting moments and create new memories through an exhilarating, multi-sensory experience. 

The 1.25-million-square-foot, 777-room resort and casino will feature a variety of immersive culinary, entertainment and gaming experiences and unparalleled personalized offerings inspired by old-school Las Vegas hospitality.

 Please visit circalasvegas.com or follow on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram at @circalasvegas to stay up to date with more developments. 

CONTACTS:

Angela Ciciriello
Circa Resort & Casino
Director of Advertising & PR

Natalie Mounier / Kara Rutkin
Kirvin Doak Communications
(702) 737-2100

Ware Malcomb Announces Expansion in Canada


Christina Kolkas

TORONTO, ONTARIO, CANAADA (December 9, 2019) – Ware Malcomb, an award-winning international design firm, today announced the firm has opened a second office in Canada located at 250 University Avenue, Suite 235 in downtown Toronto.

Ware Malcomb’s Vaughan office will continue to operate at 180 Bass Pro Mills Drive #103.

Ware Malcomb first entered the Canadian market in 2007 through an acquisition. Ware Malcomb Principal Frank Di Roma has successfully led the growth and diversification of the firm’s business in Canada since 2010, and will continue in this role overseeing both offices.

Frank Di Roma
In addition, Christina Kolkas, Ware Malcomb Director, Interior Architecture & Design, will be leading the growth, development, operations and studio management of the new Toronto office, as well as continue to lead the Vaughan Interiors Studio. 

“We are very excited to expand Ware Malcomb’s presence in the Canadian market and take advantage of the many synergies and opportunities that will come with having offices in both Toronto and Vaughan,” said Di Roma. “I know Christina will do a great job of leading our new office and expanding our reach in the vibrant downtown Toronto.”

For more information, please visit waremalcomb.com/news and view Ware Malcomb’s Design video at youtube.com/waremalcomb.

CONTACTS:



Rachel Devany
VP Public Relations
KCOMM for Ware Malcomb

Maria Rodgers, Public Relations Manager 949.660.9128, mrodgers@waremalcomb.com

Maureen Bissonnette, Associate Principal, Marketing, 949.660.9128, mbissonnette@waremalcomb.com


Ware Malcomb Vaughan

180 Bass Pro Mills Dr, #103
Vaughan, ON L4K 0G9, Canada
p. 905.760.1221

Ware Malcomb Toronto

250 University Ave, Suite 235
Toronto, ON M5H 3E5, Canada
p. 437.537.5200


Friday, December 6, 2019

RKW Residential Regional Vice President Johnny De La Espriella honored during New York City reception



Johnny De La Espriella

Charlotte, NC and New York, NY (Dec. 6, 2019) — RKW RESIDENTIAL’s impressive entrepreneurial story is garnering national attention.

The company’s organic growth into a multifamily industry leader was noted by Multi-Housing News, which honored RKW with two Excellence Awards during an Oct. 3 reception in New York City.

The publication’s annual Excellence Awards recognizes the multifamily industry’s top projects, companies, transactions and individuals. RKW received a Gold Award in the Property Management Company (Rising Star) category.

Marcie Williams

 Regional Vice President Johnny De La Espriella earned a Silver Award in the individual Rising Star category.

“We are grateful to the panel of industry leaders who selected our company and Johnny for these prestigious awards,” said RKW President Marcie Williams.

 “Having the opportunity to celebrate the accomplishments of our incredible team in New York City was something we will never forget. It also motivates us to continue carrying out RKW’s People First Philosophy every day.”

RKW, which along with sister company KW Property Management & Consulting boasts nearly 100,000 units under management across seven states, has reached national prominence in just five years of operation.

De La Espriella has played a pivotal role in RKW’s growth throughout Florida since joining the company in spring 2018. He was instrumental in securing numerous high-profile leasing and management assignments, including LeFrak and Turnberry’s transformative Shoreline at SolĂ© Mia in North Miami and Monarc at Met3 in downtown Miami.

“I am so appreciative of Marcie and RKW for giving me the opportunity to work alongside such dedicated professionals,” said De La Espriella. “As we recognize the company’s accomplishments over the last five years, it is exciting to think about the new heights RKW can reach in our next chapter.”


 CONTACT:

Eric Kalis
Vice President
 BoardroomPR
O 954-370-8999
C 305-794-5123
Bank of America Plaza | 1776 N Pine Island Road

Thursday, December 5, 2019

JLL arranges $33.25 million refinancing for Orange County, CA hotel


164-Room Hampton Inn & Suites Irvine-Orange County Airport, Irvine, CA


SAN DIEGO, CA – JLL announcedit has arranged a $33.25 million refinancing for the Hampton Inn & Suites Irvine-Orange County Airport, a 164-room, limited-service hotel in Irvine, California, less than a mile from the John Wayne Airport, Orange County.

JLL worked on behalf of the borrower, Orange County-based S3 Hotel Group, to place the 10-year, fixed-rate loan with a CMBS lender.

Hampton Inn & Suites Irvine-Orange County Airport is at 2192 Dupont Drive in the heart of Orange County within steps from the John Wayne Airport, which serves more than 10 million passengers yearly and is a strong generator of both business and leisure demand for the submarket. 

Olga Walsh
The hotel is proximate to several area demand drivers and popular entertainment venues, including Disneyland; University of California, Irvine; the Honda Center, home to the Anaheim Ducks NHL team; Angel Stadium of Anaheim, home of the Los Angeles Angels MLB team; and 23.7 million square feet of office space in the Airport Area Office market. 
Completed in March of 2018, Hampton Inn & Suites Irvine-Orange County Airport features a fitness room, pool, business center, meeting space, complimentary breakfast, lounge and snack shop.

The JLL Capital Markets team representing the seller was led by senior managing director Scott Hall and Director Olga Walsh.

Scott Hall 

“The Hampton Inn & Suites Irvine-Orange County Airport is able to capture diverse guest segments due to its strategic location in the heart of one of the nation’s most populous and affluent regions,” Walsh said. 

“We were able to conduct an expedient marketing campaign that resulted in 10 competitive loan quotes from top-tier CMBS lenders and specialty balance sheet lenders, validating the abundance of liquidity in the debt capital markets.”

For more news, videos and research resources on JLL, please visit the firm’s U.S. media center Web page: U.S. newsroom.

Jones Lang LaSalle Americas, Inc. ("JLL") is a real estate broker licensed with the California Department of Real Estate, license #01223413.                                         

Contact:

  Scott Hall, 
JLL Senior Managing Director
Calif. License #: 01917029
Phone:  +1 858 552 7690

 Kimberly Steele 
JLL Digital Content/PR Specialist
Phone: +1 713 852-3420

RCC Associates Selected as General Contractor for Punch Bowl Social Wynwood, Miami, FL


Robyn Raphael-Dynan

Miami, FL, Dec. 5, 2019 — RCC Associates, the premier South Florida-based general contractor specializing in restaurant and hospitality construction, announced today that it has been selected as the general contractor for Punch Bowl Social, the award-winning “eatertainment” concept,  that is coming to the Wynwood Arts District of Miami, FL.

“We are thrilled to have been selected as the general contractor for this highly anticipated venue,” said Robyn Raphael-Dynan, Vice President of Operations for RCC Associates.

 “We’re excited to be part of the team launching this innovative concept in Miami and to help showcase the dynamic atmosphere that Punch Bowl Social is known for.”

The 23,000-square-foot space, which is on the ground floor level of the Wynwood Garage, will offer “the great energy and entertainment” that people come to Wynwood for, all under one roof. 

Founded by CEO Robert Thompson, Punch Bowl Social is an experiential lifestyle brand for the millennial and Gen Z generations, pairing scratch-made dishes and craft beverages with social gaming in a design-forward environment.  

Punch Bowl Social Miami will feature an expansion selection of social games and activities, paired with a made-from-scratch menu including dishes such as a Superfood Grain Bowl, Shrimp Burger with Old Bay Mayo, Crab Cheese Rangoon Dip and Cocoa Dusted Carnitas Tacos. 

Robert Thompson

The craft beverage program features signature punches, a robust and creative nonalcoholic cocktail menu, fresh juices and local craft beers. 

As general contractor, the RCC team is responsible for the project management, coordination, construction progress documentation and all construction and work-site management of the build-out, including delivering the project on schedule and within budget.

Construction is currently underway, and the venue is slated to open in early 2020.


CONTACTS:

Nicole Lewis
Vice President of Public Relations
Kip Hunter Marketing
888 E. Las Olas Blvd., Suite 500
Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33301
Phone: 954-765-1329
Cell: 305-803-9177
Fax: 954-524-3047

www.rccassociates.com or call (954) 429-3700.


JLL arranges $36 million financing for Atlanta-area apartments


Kristian Lichtenfels
DENVER, CO – JLL announced it has arranged $36 million in acquisition financing for The Reserve at Ridgewood, a 269-unit, garden-style apartment community in the Atlanta suburb of Sandy Springs, Georgia.

JLL worked on behalf of the borrower, Resolute Real Estate, to place the 12-year, fixed-rate loan with three years of interest-only payments with a correspondent lender.

The Reserve at Ridgewood consists of one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments ranging from 854 to 1,530 square feet. All homes feature stainless steel appliances, full-size washers and dryers, screened-in patios and balconies and wood burning fireplaces. 

Eric Tupler 
Community amenities include a resort-style pool, expansive sundeck with cabanas, tennis court, playgrounds and a 24-hour fitness center that extends into an outdoor fitness area. 

The Reserve at Ridgewood is located at 7100 Roswell Road approximately 15 minutes north of downtown Atlanta near the shoreline of the Chattahoochee River. 

The suburban location positions residents near major employers, including the recently opened Mercedes-Benz USA Headquarters, as well as dining, retail and outdoor recreation amenities. The property is 94% occupied.

The JLL Capital Markets team representing the borrower was led by Senior Director Kristian Lichtenfels, Senior Managing Director Eric Tupler and Director Ware Shipman.

JLL Capital Markets is a full-service global provider of capital solutions for real estate investors and occupiers. 

Ware Shipman
The firm's in-depth local market and global investor knowledge delivers the best-in-class solutions for clients — whether investment advisory, debt placement, equity placement or a recapitalization. 

The firm has more than 3,700 Capital Markets specialists worldwide with offices in nearly 50 countries.

For more news, videos and research resources on JLL, please visit the firm’s U.S. media center Web page: U.S. newsroom.


Contact: 

Olivia Hennessey
 JLL Public Relations Specialist 
Phone: +1 713 852 3403




NAI Realvest’s Veronica Malolos Earns Prestigious CCIM Designation



Veronica Malolos
KISSIMMEE, FL and ORLANDO, FL -- Veronica Malolos, Osceola County broker at NAI Realvest, has been awarded the Certified Commercial Investment Member (CCIM) designation from the CCIM Institute recognizing her as an expert in the disciplines of commercial and investment real estate.      
Malolos completed all of the requirements including the Institute’s comprehensive studies and testing, and demonstrated a vast portfolio of experience.  CCIMs must be proficient in the areas of investment analysis, market analysis, user decision analysis and financial analysis for commercial real estate.   
Patrick Mahoney, President and CEO of NAI Realvest said in addition to this achievement Malolos is an established leader in Osceola County and serves as Chairwoman of the County’s Planning Board.  
Patrick Mahoney
She has more than 15 years of experience in commercial real estate focusing on tenant representation, brokerage, investment, development, sales and leasing.  
Among the more than 150,000 commercial real estate professionals in the United States , only an estimated 6 percent hold the CCIM designation.    
 CCIM members are responsible for an approximate US$400 billion annually of real estate transactions globally. CCIM Institute is a commercial affiliate of the National Association of Realtors and is headquartered in Chicago .

CONTACTS:
Veronica Malolos, CCIM, CRB, CIPS, MiCP  Osceola County Broker, NAI Realvest 407-875-9989 or vmalolos@realvest.com

Patrick Mahoney, President / CEO, NAI Realvest, 
407-875-9989 or pmahoney@realvest.com
Beth Payan, Larry Vershel Communications Inc.
 407-644-4142 or 407-461-3781 Lvershelco@aol.com   


JLL closes sale of Seattle-area retail center


Covington Esplanade, a 187,388-square-foot shopping center in the suburban Seattle community of Covington, WA

SEATTLE, WA – JLL announced  it has closed the sale of Covington Esplanade, a 187,388-square-foot, daily needs-focused neighborhood shopping center in the suburban Seattle community of Covington, Washington.

JLL marketed the property on behalf of the seller. Weingarten Realty Investors purchased the asset.

Anchored by Home Depot, the 97.7%-leased Covington Esplanade is also home to Red Robin, NorthWest Family Dental Care IHOP, Bank of America, Verizon, Starbucks and more. 

Nick Kassab
The property was completed in 2008 and comprises seven separate parcels with uniform facades.

 The center is situated on 15.34 acres at 27027 SE 185th Avenue in Covington, a community equidistant between Seattle and Tacoma downtowns. 

Covington Esplanade is just off Highway 18, a major thoroughfare connecting south King County with Interstate 90, and has frontage along Highway, exposing the center to a combined traffic count of 65,000 vehicles per day.

 It is in a rapidly growing trade area and is visible to more than 66,000 vehicles per day. Additionally, more than 50,800 residents earning an average annual income of $112,359 live within a three-mile radius of the property.

The JLL Retail Capital Markets team that represented the seller included Senior Director Nick Kassab and Managing Director Bryan Ley.

“We are pleased to announce the sale of Covington Esplanade,” Kassab said. “Opportunities to acquire large, top-performing retail assets in the Seattle MSA are rare. We want to congratulate both the buyer and seller on this successful transaction.”   

Bryan Ley
According to a recent JLL Retail Outlook report, second-quarter 2019 net absorption in U.S. shopping centers (i.e., community, neighborhood and strip centers) remained positive at 1.9 million square feet, with the majority coming from neighborhood center demand. 

For more news, videos and research resources on JLL, please visit the firm’s U.S. media center Web page: U.S. newsroom.


Contact: 

Kimberly Steele
JLL Digital Content/PR Specialist
Phone: +1 713 852 3420