Family-Owned Builder Supply Firm Already Expands New Leesburg, FL Operation by another 10,000 Square Feet

 LEESBURG, FL -- Blackton, Inc., the family-owned homebuilding materials supplier that opened a 15,000 square foot Leesburg location just one year ago, has already added another 10,000 square feet to the facility at 105 Park Center St.

 Michael “Micky” Blackton, chairman and CEO of the Orlando-based firm that is one of Florida’s largest and most active suppliers of roofing and flooring to homebuilders, said he established the third location in the heart of Leesburg to better serve new and longtime clients, who build in Alachua, Lake, Marion, and Sumter counties, with a better turnaround time.

 Supply chain issues, prompting more inventory and need for more spacious warehouse and staging area were the principal reasons for the expansion of the relatively new facility.

Upon opening last year, Blackton moved roofing and flooring supply operations for The Villages and other loyal customers to Leesburg.

The location alone, which is supported by a staff of 20, has allowed for Blackton’s reach into the Gainesville area as well as west into Citrus County .

“It not only has led to more contracts on new construction with strong, long-time clients like D.R. Horton and Maronda, but also opened doors to new relationships with re-roofing firms in and around the area,” Blackton said, adding “Our Leesburg team has done a phenomenal job,” Blackton said.

The company is headquartered just north of downtown Orlando with a retail location in southwest Orlando. The family-owned business has been supplying the home building industry from Jacksonville to Tampa since it was founded more than six decades ago.

CONTACTS:

Michael “Micky” Blackton, Chairman, Blackton Inc.

407-898-2661 Micky@Blacktoninc.com

 

Beth Payan, Larry Vershel Communications

407-644-4142 or 407-461-3781 Beth@LarryVershel.com

 

 

Always an Icon, Now an Oasis -- The Shops at Sportsmen's Lodge Set for Rolling Opening This Summer

Renderings above and below
of The Shops at Sportsmen’s Lodge
in Studio City, CA

 STUDIO CITY, CA – Hollywood loves a good sequel, a reinvention of the original that’s even more compelling.  Which is exactly what makes the much-anticipated opening of The Shops at Sportsmen’s Lodge in Studio City so exciting. 

  The rolling opening begins this summer and kicks off with true star power – the debut of anchor tenant Erewhon, the L.A.-based, celebrity-favorite market and café known for its extensive selection of organic, healthy, pure, nutrient-rich foods. 

 John Usdan

This will be Erewhon’s seventh area location and its first in the San Fernando Valley.  

Other notable “above the title” tenants set to open at The Shops at Sportsmen’s Lodge this summer include Civil Coffee, Free People Movement, Madison Reed, Myodetox, Roberta’s Pizza, SALT Optics, Tocaya, Tuesday’s Sweet Shoppe, Ushi Ushi, Van Leeuwen, and Vuori. 

  More than a dozen additional tenants (to be announced) plan to open at the center by year’s end.

Rob Jernigan

To attract top retailers in the shopping, dining and wellness categories to The Shops at Sportsmen’s Lodge, an all-star cast of developers and designers transformed an iconic site steeped in silver screen lore, rewriting it for a new, modern audience. 

 Located where Ventura Boulevard and Coldwater Canyon meet in the heart of the Valley, they’ve created a welcoming oasis of low-key luxury that will draw studio executives and foodies, wellness-seekers and community-builders, and fashionistas and families, alike.

 “Dating back as early as the 1800s and rising to prominence in the 1940s during Hollywood’s Golden Era, Sportsmen’s Lodge was the social center of the Valley,” said John Usdan, Chief Executive Officer of property owner Midwood Investment & Development. 

 “With upscale dining and shopping, Mid-century modern architecture and California-friendly landscaping that honor the site, and bespoke amenities and programming, The Shops at Sportsmen’s Lodge will breathe new life into this beloved site.”

 Midwood tapped renowned architectural firm Gensler and design studio OLIN for the 95,000 square-foot, The Shops at Sportsmen’s Lodge redevelopment project, which replaces the former meeting and convention space formerly on the property. 

The team worked closely with the city’s Cultural Heritage Commission, maintaining the rustic spirit of the Lodge, the existing natural foliage and tree canopy, and ensuring the design to provide views of the pond, pool and nearby river from throughout the project.

 "The goal was to create a charming and intimate park-like village of shops, eateries and wellness offerings buffered from the bustle of Ventura Boulevard,” said architect Rob Jernigan, co-managing principal of Gensler's Los Angeles office. 

 “While we know the Shops at Sportsmen’s Lodge will attract guests from throughout the region, we intentionally designed the project to appeal to, and fit seamlessly within the fabric of the neighborhood.”

 Creating opportunities for community, connection and convenience also were paramount in the redevelopment plan. 

 Thoughtful tenant curation by Midwood’s leasing team has focused on tenants known for building community through store-level activations, programming, and collaboration with other tenants.

 Celebrating its provenance as a gathering place for generations, the center also will include abundant open-air communal spaces throughout – including the large waterfront “Redwood Deck” – that will encourage guests to relax and reconnect over coffee, food, and conversation. 

Hot Retail Spot: Ventura Boulevard and Coldwater Canyon Avenue

                                                Studio City, CA

These spaces also will provide venues for tenant and center events.

 For convenience, The Shops at Sportsmen’s Lodge will offer abundant parking with available valet services.  Situated at the heart of Studio City, guests also can easily access the center on foot or by bike, including from the LA River trail which connects to the property.

 “At Midwood, we are committed to restoring and revitalizing the fabric of the communities in which we build, and to improving the way people live, work and play through our industry-leading design, planning and execution,” said Usdan. 

Typical Erewhon market

“Developed thoughtfully and intentionally with the needs and desires of the community and our neighbors top-of-mind, The Shops at Sportsmen’s Lodge is a powerful example of our approach.”

   About Midwood Investment & Development

Samuel Lemberg, 84
Passed July 15, 1981
(Photo courtesy Brooklyn Eagle
archives)

Founded in Midwood, Brooklyn by Samuel Lemberg, Midwood Investment & Development has grown and evolved with New York City for over ninety years.

 Today, the company is a sophisticated vertically-integrated investment, development and management platform that owns over 130 properties across the US, and has several million square feet in its development pipeline. 

  At the intersection of architecture, urbanism, technology, and data, Midwood’s mission is to acquire, develop, and manage best-in-class mixed-use commercial and residential properties that improve neighborhoods and enrich lives.

CONTACTS:

Miki Akil / Carrie Freitas

Kitchen Table PR

832.260.4414

miki@kitchentablepr.com

 

 

Beachfront Allegria Hotel in Long Beach, NY purchased by Linchris Capital Partners

156-Key Beachfront Allegria Hotel, 80 West Broadway,
 Sold in Long Beach, NY

 

NEW YORK, NY, May 6, 2021 – JLL Hotels & Hospitality announced today that it has closed the sale and an acquisition financing for the Allegria Hotel, a 156-key luxury, beachfront hotel located in Long Beach, New York.

Martha Nay

JLL represented the seller, Stabilis Capital Management, LP, to complete the sale to the buyer, Linchris Capital Partners, LLC. 

JLL also represented Linchris Capital Partners, LLC to arrange the fixed-rate acquisition loan through the lender. 

KC Patel

 The hotel was offered fully unencumbered of brand and management and, in addition to being the only beachfront hotel between New York City and The Hamptons, boasts one of the only beachfront food and beverage operations in Long Beach.

 Converted to a hotel from a senior-living facility in 2009, the Allegria Hotel features a rooftop pool, fitness center and multiple lounge and food and beverage outlets, including Jack’s on the Rocks Lounge, the 8,800-square-foot Atlantica Restaurant and the L’Onda Bar.

The hotel also serves as one of Long Island’s pre-eminent wedding venues, featuring a 3,182-square-foot grand ballroom with complimentary pre-event space.

Nikhil Chuchra 

 

Located at 80 W. Broadway, the Allegria Hotel is proximate to downtown New York City and is touted as a beach getaway destination.

 Located on Long Island’s south shore, the hotel is situated directly on the Long Beach boardwalk, within walking distance of 3.5 miles of beautiful white sand.

 Amidst the pandemic, there has been increased travel to drive-to leisure destinations, according to JLL’s 2021 Hotel Investment Outlook.

 Greg Labine 

The Allegria Hotel was the beneficiary of a secular shift where New Yorkers who were unwilling to travel by air, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, frequented Long Beach and other beach destinations.

The JLL Hotels & Hospitality team representing the seller was led by Senior Managing Director Jeffrey Davis, Executive Vice President KC Patel, Associate Nikhil Chuchra and Analyst Desmund Delaney.

Financing was led by Managing Director Greg Labine and Senior Director Martha Nay.

 “Investor demand for drive-to destinations in high-density markets continues to grow as evidenced by the sale of the Allegria Hotel,” said Patel.

Desmund Delaney

“Located within a 50-mile radius of more than 18 million people, the asset is positioned for growth in a post-pandemic environment.”

JLL’s Hotels & Hospitality Group has completed more transactions than any other hotels and hospitality real estate advisor over the last five years, totaling $83 billion worldwide.

 The group’s 350-strong global team in over 20 countries also closed more than 7,350 advisory, valuation and asset management assignments.

Our hotel valuation, brokerage, asset management and consultancy services have helped more hotel investors, owners and operators achieve high returns on their assets than any other real estate advisor in the world.

Jeffrey Davis

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

The firm's in-depth local market and global investor knowledge delivers the best-in-class solutions for clients — whether investment sales 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 our newsroom.

Contact:

Natalie Passarelli
PR, Americas

JLL

M +1 224 477 7307

JLL.com

 

Alliant National Announces the Promotion of Donna More as Vice President and Senior Underwriting Counsel - Florida

 Donna More

 

Longmont, CO, May 6, 2021 – Alliant National Title Insurance Company, a unique title insurance underwriter that partners with independent agents to improve their competitive position, announces the promotion of Donna More, Senior Underwriting Counsel, to the position of Vice President - Florida. More is a highly skilled and knowledgeable attorney who has been practicing law since 1985 and is licensed in the states of Florida, New Jersey and Pennsylvania. During her career, she has worked on the agency side of the industry, as well as in private practice. More is certified in real estate by the Florida Bar, and is active in several committees in the Florida Bar Real Property and Probate Law Section.She is also a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED)-accredited professional, having received the certification from the U.S. Green Building Council. Margaret Cook In her new role with Alliant National, More will continue providing leadership within Alliant National’s Florida underwriting department and supporting the organization’s overall operations within the region.   “Donna is an incredibly knowledgeable, deeply experienced and exceptionally responsive underwriter,” said Margaret Cook, EVP, General Counsel and Chief Legal Officer of Alliant National.  “She is wickedly smart, conscientious, humble and kind. Donna is a valuable part of our legal team and our Florida operations, and she has earned this well-deserved recognition for her contributions to our agents’ and the company’s success.”

 

Contact: Cathie Beck 303.241.0805 cathie@capitalcitypr.com alliantnational.com

 

Next Wave Enters Oregon Market and Expands Footprint with Two Multifamily Acquisitions Totaling $48.6 Million

Serrano North and South, a 300-unit multifamily community
in Spokane, WA

 

 Tualatin, OR and Spokane, WA  – Next Wave Investors, LLC (“Next Wave”) a private equity firm focused on value-add multifamily investments, has acquired two multifamily properties in the Pacific Northwest: Serrano North and South, a 300-unit multifamily community in Spokane, Washington for $34.4 million and River Lofts, a 74-unit multifamily property in Tualatin, Oregon for $14.2 million.

 “The opportunity to enter the Oregon market and expand our footprint in Washington is well-timed with our ongoing investment strategy, through which we continue to identify value-add properties situated in markets poised for rapid growth and expansion,” says Jordan Fisher, Principal at Next Wave.

Jordan Fisher

 Next Wave was an early value-add investor in Las Vegas, Phoenix, and Salt Lake City multifamily after the Great Recession. The firm benefited from strong value creation as population and job growth soared in these markets, says Fisher.

 “There is an opportunity to enhance property value in the Pacific Northwest as fundamentals in both Oregon and Washington strengthen,” Fisher continues.

 “Overarching trends in the region include rising rental demand based on increasing in-migration from California residents and a ‘flight to suburbia’ that ignited during 2020.

 "This momentum, coupled with the new economic recovery and subsequent job growth, make these acquisitions well-positioned to benefit from strong future demand and stability, while giving us an opportunity to leverage economies of scale in the region and further streamline operational efficiencies.”

 David Sloan, Principal at Next Wave adds: “Both properties were acquired in off-market transactions through previous broker relationships, which speaks to our positive track record and strength of reputation in the industry.

 

 David Sloan

"These are vintage 1974, 1981, and 1984 properties, giving our team a tremendous opportunity to implement our improvement and renovation strategies and enhance quality of life for our residents at each of these properties.

 300-Unit Serrano North and South in Spokane, WA

 Next Wave has acquired Serrano North and South Apartments, a 300-unit garden style community at 121 East Wedgewood Avenue in Spokane, Washington. for $34.4 million.

 

“Spokane offers an excellent quality of life with top medical facilities, award-winning education, plentiful access to outdoor recreation activities and beautiful scenery that attracts residents from both out of state and the Seattle metro in search of a more affordable cost of living,” says Fisher.

  “Spokane’s annual population has exceeded the average rate of the United States for the past several years, and forecasts continued growth substantially above the national average.”

The asset is located less than four miles from Gonzaga University, Washington State University, and downtown Spokane, and near Spokane International Airport, Franklin Park, NorthTown Mall and popular ski destination, Mount Spokane.

 Serrano North and South offers a mix of studio, one-, two-, and three-bedroom units with fully equipped kitchens, large closets, private balconies and patios.

 On-site amenities include a swimming pool with sundeck, laundry facilities, clubhouse, detached garages and carports.

 Next Wave plans to reposition the property by renovating all 300 units with modern upgrades including: stainless steel appliances, lighting fixtures, plumbing fixtures, vinyl plank flooring in common areas, new carpet in bedrooms, resurfacing countertops, new cabinets and hardware, among other items.

 The firm will also implement improvements to the amenity areas and exterior to enhance curb appeal with new paint, roof maintenance, asphalt resurfacing, deck repairs and upgrades to the pool area and landscaping.

 

River Lofts, a 74-unit multifamily community at 18540 SW Boones Ferry Road in Tualatin, OR

 74-Unit River Lofts in Tualatin, OR

 Next Wave has also acquired River Lofts, a 74-unit multifamily community at 18540 SW Boones Ferry Road in Tualatin, Oregon, a southwestern suburb of the Portland metropolitan area, for $14.2 million.

 “River Lofts is the perfect setting for residents who enjoy a more quiet and rural community with easy access to the city,” explains Sloan.

  “Home to some of the best places to work in Oregon, Tualatin offers easy access to downtown Portland through the nearby MAX light rail, I-5 and TriMet’s public transit system.

  "Locally, the property is surrounded by retailers including the open-air Bridgeport Village shopping center.    There are also several scenic attractions nearby including the Tualatin River, Oswego Lake, and Tualatin’s River Greenway Trail.”

 The seller previously renovated eight units, leaving 66 units to be upgraded by Next Wave. Next Wave will renovate these units to a consistent premium finish-level.

 The property features a mix of one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments with spacious floorplans that average 976 square feet, fully equipped kitchens and private balconies or patios, and select units offering views of the Tualatin River.

 Contacts:

Micaela Fehrenbach / Jenn Quader

Brower Group

(949) 438 6262

mfehrenbach@brower-group.com 

 www.nextwaveinvestors.com

Entrepreneur Accelerator Reaches Key Milestone for Women of Color

NEW YORK, NY -- With the aim of ending poverty through entrepreneurship, the Millionaire Mastermind Academy Pioneer Program reached its first key milestone in its entrepreneur accelerator program for women of color.  The fastest-growing entrepreneurship program for Minority women in the country, the Millionaire Mastermind Academy Pioneer Program is now focusing on helping women craft successful business plans after documenting their goals, mission, vision, values and business models.     The entrepreneurship program prepares women for sustainable success with college-level business training, mentorship, access to resources and an inclusive business growth environment. Seed funding grants of up to $5,000 are issued to select participants at the end of each program. “We have been able to share our program virtually and provide vital economic empowerment to women business owners across the country this year,” said founder Dr. Velma Trayham. “We are incredibly proud of the work and our participants, who are creating a more inclusive business world that create job opportunities and fosters opportunity for all.” The pandemic has been particularly hard on women, millions of whom have been forced to drop out of the workforce to manage childcare and elder care, and their workforce participation has dropped to just 57 percent, according to the National Women’s Law Center.  Senior Pastor Jamal Bryant With more than 40 percent of Black-owned businesses not expected to survive the pandemic, the statistics are even more dire for African-American women.  Companies participating in the 2020-’21 cohort include:   ·      AE Equity Group ·      Aems Publishing ·      Amand Tech ·      CJM Ventures ·      iCare Technology Geeks ·      DEE Results ·      Fine Companions and Sitters ·      Yahly’s Wax & Wellness Spa ·      Glam Scrubwear ·      Hollywood Athletic Club ·      Crushing Chemo Chic ·      Joppa Enterprise ·      Oh So Clean Atlanta ·      Party N Style ·      Scholars at Work ATL ·      Seniors Seeking Six Figures ·      Whitsett Maxie Creative Group ·      Gifts of Grace Ministries     The entrepreneurship accelerator curriculum was developed by Trayham, an award-winning entrepreneur and economic empowerment specialist as well as the CEO of ThinkZILLA Consulting Group, which helps businesses innovate and grow through diversity, and community engagement programming.  Through partnerships with Country Financial, New Birth Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Senior Pastor Jamal Bryant, and CEO of American Landmark Joe Lubeck, the program offers technical assistance and scholarships to help more women out of poverty. “We can combat poverty with education and entrepreneurship while supporting local economies and women alike,” Trayham added. “As we accelerate minority business ownership in the United States, we also spark the change that is so needed right now.”  Joe Lubeck The Millionaire Mastermind Academy Pioneer Program will expand to more cities in 2021 and 2022 with the help of corporate sponsors, donations and private investments. Applications for the next program cohort will be available soon.

About the Millionaire Mastermind Academy

 

The Millionaire Mastermind Academy is a 501(c)3 nonprofit whose mission is to educate and support the growth of women-owned business enterprises, thereby strengthening the economic impact in their community. We have mentored more than 5,000 women through our programs.

CONTACT:

888-509-1145 

Info@millionairemastermindacademy.org 

Studio Other and Elkus Manfredi Architects Create Smooth Sailing to Support a Flexible and Adaptive Workspace

 Elizabeth Lowrey

 

SANTA FE SPRINGS, CA – Studio Other (formerly Tangram Studio), a creator of custom solutions for commercial interior environments and workspaces, has announced the release of Smooth Sailing, a new product  created in collaboration with Elkus Manfredi Architects.

 Smooth Sailing is designed to support a flexible and adaptive workspace, with extensive options for use.

 Studio Other engineered Smooth Sailing while Elkus Manfredi Architects provided complete product design informed by expertise in workplace strategy. 

 “As office space becomes a tool for success rather than a status symbol, the furniture should be responsive to reconfiguration and technology integration without disruption," said Elizabeth Lowrey, Principal and Director of Interior Architecture for Elkus Manfredi Architects.

 “The ability to move the monitors from the individual seat to the collaboration table with the touch of a finger means no downtime adjusting to different tasks in one office."

 CONTACT:

 Rachel Devany

KCOMM

949-443-9300

rachel@kcomm.com

www.studioother.com

 www.elkus-manfredi.com