Monday, March 10, 2014

Naval Hospital at Camp Pendleton Earns Two AGC Alliant Build America Awards for construction and partneringNa

  
Naval Hospital at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Nevada

LAS VEGAS, NV -- The Naval Hospital at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton received two Alliant Build America awards from the Associated General Contractors of America, including Best New Building Project and the Marvin M. Black Excellence in Partnering award. 

A joint venture of Clark Construction Group - California, LP, and McCarthy Building Companies, Inc., delivered the design-build project six months ahead of schedule and more than $100 million below the Navy's original budget.  HDR Architecture and HKS, Inc., led the design team.

Situated on a 70-acre site near the south entrance to Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, the hospital provides emergency, primary, intensive, and specialty care. The facility has 96 outpatient procedure rooms, 205 exam rooms, ancillary departments, support spaces and 54 patient rooms accommodating up to 60 beds for non-ambulatory patients who require stays in excess of 24 hours.

In addition to leading the project's design and construction efforts, Clark/McCarthy took on responsibility for planning, procuring, and installing all medical equipment, furniture, and artwork, in addition to training hospital staff.

This was the first time the Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) Southwest had relied on this contracting method. 

  In collaboration with NAVFAC and Navy Medicine, Clark/McCarthy developed a medical equipment package to select more than 20,000 pieces of equipment and coordinate the building infrastructure.

For a complete copy of the company’s news release, please contact:
             
Bonnie Kutch,
McCarthy San Diego Media Representative
Kutch & Company    
Phone: (619) 299-1010


Eric Fulton,
Corporate Communications                       
Clark Construction Group LLC

Phone: (301) 272-8437

Cousins Properties Announces Public Offering of 8.7 Million Shares of Common Stock


ATLANTA, GA -- Cousins Properties Incorporated (the "Company") (NYSE: CUZ) announced it has commenced an underwritten public offering of 8.7 million shares of its common stock.

The Company intends to use the net proceeds of the offering to redeem in full the Company's outstanding 7.50% Series B Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock.

 Any remaining proceeds will be used for general corporate purposes, including the acquisition and development of office properties, other opportunistic investments and the repayment of debt.

Wells Fargo Securities will serve as the underwriter of the offering.

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

Cousins Properties Incorporated
Marli Quesinberry, 404-407-1898
Director of Investor Relations and Corporate Communications


John Geisen Joins Colliers South Florida's West Palm Beach Office

  
John Geisen
WEST PALM BEACH, FL -- Colliers International South Florida is pleased to announce that John Geisen has joined the company as Executive Vice President based out of the Colliers International Palm Beach office at 224 Datura Street in West Palm Beach.

 Geisen is a past president of both the South Florida and Florida statewide chapters of the National Association of Industrial and Office Properties (NAIOP), and served on NAIOP's national board.

"John is a respected leader and deal maker," says Stephen Nostrand, CEO of Colliers International South Florida.

 "His depth of knowledge and the relationships that he has nurtured say so much about his reputation. When John and I worked together at Flagler, he was my mentor and now we have the incredible opportunity to have him as part of our growing Palm Beach, Martin and St. Lucie county business.

“We sincerely welcome one of the giants in our business." 

Previously, Geisen was president of the brokerage division of Flagler Development Group, responsible for the leasing and management of 23 million square feet of office, industrial and retail space throughout Florida.

Stephen Nostrand
Previously he was Senior Vice President/Senior Managing Director with CBRE. During his 20 years with that firm, he expanded their offices in Palm Beach, Broward, and Miami-Dade counties and was responsible for overseeing activities in the tri-county market.

"Colliers has all the right ingredients, from its national and international platform, as well as its entrepreneurial spirit; an international company with a strong local presence," says Geisen.

"I've watched as Colliers has grown from an excellent network to an international powerhouse. 

"While the firm's growth has been incredible, there are still tremendous opportunities in the northern South Florida markets that I look forward to capitalizing on."

A member of the Business Development Board of Palm Beach County, Geisen is also active with the Broward Alliance and the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC). He is a past president of the Executive Association of Palm Beach County.
  
For a complete copy of the company’s news release, please contact:

Crystal Proenza
Vice President of Marketing and Culture
Colliers International South Florida
Commercial Real Estate Services
Tel: 305 476 7138

Industry Leader Donna Abood Partners with the Town of Cutler Bay, FL to Market and Lease Cutler Bay Town Center


Cutler Bay Town Center, Cutler Bay, FL

Donna Abood
MIAMI, FL - Donna Abood, Founding Partner and Chairman of Colliers International South Florida, has been retained by the Town of Cutler Bay to market and lease the 75,000-square-foot Class B office building it owns at 10720 Caribbean Boulevard in Cutler Bay, Florida.

 During her 30-year career, Abood has represented well over 50 million square feet of office buildings on behalf of local and institutional ownerships and is one of the most highly trusted and recognized leaders in South Florida's commercial real estate industry.

 Ericka Witkowski and Teresa Jarp, Office Leasing Consultants at Colliers International South Florida, are working alongside Abood to bring quality tenants to the asset.
  
"The growth taking place in the Town of Cutler Bay is one of South Florida's greatest secrets," says Abood.

"Quality retail and housing developments are well underway, creating more of a need for quality office space to support the growing local marketplace.

“Additionally, based on recent changes in legislation, educational facilities are now permitted at this property.

Ericka Witkowski
“ As a result of this change and the location of the building directly on Florida's Turnpike, we are speaking with possible higher education facility users."

Available spaces at Cutler Bay Town Center range from approximately 600 square feet to more than 18,000 contiguous square feet.

  
Cutler Bay Town Center is currently undergoing renovations which include a recently installed new back-up emergency generator and new elevator cabs scheduled to be completed in the coming months.

In addition, tenants enjoy 24-hour security with the Town of Cutler Bay's Police Department located on-site, 24-hour air conditioning without incurring overtime HVAC fees, electric car charging outlets and an ample lit parking lot.

Cutler Bay Town Center is centrally located within walking distance to Southland Mall, South Miami-Dade Cultural Arts Center and within close proximity to various area amenities including hotels, banking and retail.

The Town's building and zoning, administrative and other departments are located on-site, making the location ideal for professional service industries and training/educational facilities.

Teresa Jarp

The building offers direct access to US 1, Florida's Turnpike Northbound and Southbound ramps and the South Miami-Dade Busway.

For more information, please contact Donna Abood, Ericka Witkowski and Teresa Jarp at 305-446-0011.

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

Crystal Proenza
Vice President of Marketing and Culture
Colliers International South Florida
Commercial Real Estate Services
Tel: 305 476 7138

Castlewood Townhome Apartments Sale in Coral Springs, FL Arranged by Marcus & Millichap


Castlewood Townhome Apartments, 11550 NW 39th Street, Coral Springs, FL

Evan P. Kristol
CORAL SPRINGS, FL – Marcus & Millichap Real Estate Investment Services, the nation’s largest real estate investment services firm, has announced the sale of Castlewood Townhome Apartments, a 24-unit apartment property located in Coral Springs, FL. The asset sold for $2,450,000.

Senior Vice President Investments Evan P. Kristol in Marcus & Millichap’s Ft. Lauderdale office, had the exclusive listing to market the property on behalf of the seller, a limited liability company from Washington, DC.  The buyer, a limited liability company from Coral Springs, FL was also secured and represented by Kristol.

“This was an opportunity for an investor to acquire a well-located multifamily asset with outstanding curb appeal, an oversized unit mix and excellent future potential.

“As the ‘for sale’ condominium market continues to recover, Castlewood will make an excellent candidate for conversion to condominiums due to its unique unit mix of all two- and three-bedroom floor plans,” says Kristol.

Castlewood Townhome Apartments is a garden-style apartment community that consists of 24 apartments in three two-story buildings surrounding a swimming pool and sundeck.

 More than 50 percent of the two and three bedroom/two bathroom apartments are townhome style and offer an extra half-bathroom. 

Additionally, one-half of all townhome units feature a private direct access garage and semi-private landscaped entry with front patio.

Castlewood Townhome Apartments is located at 11550 NW 39th Street in Coral Springs, FL.

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

Ryan Nee
Regional Manager, Ft. Lauderdale
(954) 245-3400


Marcus & Millichap Brokers $3.68 Million Sale of 60-unit Biscayne Gardens Apartments in Miami, FL


Biscayne Gardens Apartments, 15390 NE 6th Avenue, Miami, FL

Evan P. Kristol
MIAMI, FL – Marcus & Millichap Real Estate Investment Services, the nation’s largest real estate investment services firm, has announced the sale of Biscayne Gardens Apartments, a 60-unit apartment property located in Miami, FL. The asset sold for $3,684,000.

Evan P. Kristol, a Senior Vice President Investments, and Felipe J. Echarte, a Vice President Investments, in Marcus & Millichap’s Ft. Lauderdale office, had the exclusive listing to market the property on behalf of the seller, a limited liability company from Boynton Beach, FL. 

The buyer, a private investor from Coral Gables, FL, was also secured and represented by Kristol and Echarte.

“This was an opportunity for an established, local investor to acquire a well-maintained building with an attractive unit mix at a favorable interest rate,” says Echarte.

“Through strong management, the buyer can increase cash flow with the potential for long term appreciation.

Felipe J. Echarte
“The North Miami/North Miami Beach submarkets have experienced a tremendous recovery over the last two years. The vacancy rates have improved from 15 percent to less than 5 percent today and rental rates continue to increase.”

The Biscayne Garden Apartments is a 60-unit apartment building located in Unincorporated Miami-Dade County between North Miami and North Miami Beach.

The property consists of 21 one-bedroom/one-bathroom units and 39 two-bedroom/ one and a half bathroom units. The building has undergone many recent capital improvements including renovations to some of the units, elevators and parking lot.

Biscayne Gardens Apartments is located at 15390 NE 6th Avenue in Miami, FL.
  
For a complete copy of the company’s news release, please contact:

Ryan Nee
Regional Manager, Ft. Lauderdale
(954) 245-3400


Marcus & Millichap Arranges Sale of 11,113-SF CVS Pharmacy in Miami, FL for $4.15 Million

  



MIAMI, FL – Marcus & Millichap Real Estate Investment Services, the nation’s largest real estate investment services firm, has announced the sale of an 11,113 square-foot CVS Pharmacy located on SW 8th Street in Miami, FL. The asset sold for $4,152,000.

Drew A. Kristol
Kirk D. Olson and Drew A. Kristol, Vice President Investments in Marcus & Millichap’s Miami office, had the exclusive listing to market the property on behalf of the seller, a limited liability company located in Coral Gables, FL.

 The buyer, a private investor from Miami, was secured and represented by Paul D. Nudelman, a Senior Associate in Marcus & Millichap’s Miami office. 

“This was a rare opportunity for an investor to purchase an absolute-net leased CVS Pharmacy backed by a corporate guaranteed lease in the very dense West Miami submarket.

“The store benefits from its location on the corner of busy SW 8th Street where it has operated for more than 25 years and has reported historically high sales,” says Kristol.

CVS Pharmacy is located at 6320 SW 8th Street in Miami, FL. 

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

Kirk A. Felici
First Vice President/Regional Manager, Miami
(786) 522-7000


Sunday, March 9, 2014

The Buccini/Pollin Group Promotes Darren R. Anzelone and Brandon S. Flury to Support Expansion Plans


Darren R. Anzelone
             WASHINGTON, DC —Officials of The Buccini/Pollin Group, a privately-held, full-service real estate acquisition, development and management company, announced it has promoted Darren R. Anzelone to co-chief investment officer and Brandon S. Flury to vice-president as the company continues its aggressive growth plans into 2014.

            “During his decade tenure here, Darren has been responsible for oversight of transactions totaling in excess of $2 billion, including the acquisition, development, and redevelopment of sixteen hotels,” said Dave Pollin, co-founder.

 “Brandon has enjoyed similar success at BPG, helping execute financing of transactions totaling more than $725 million.  These promotions are an acknowledgement of those achievements, and also demonstrate our commitment to actively, and strategically expanding our hotel portfolio.”

            The company will open three new hotels during the second quarter of 2014: Homewood Suites Manhattan/New York, Westin Wilmington Riverfront, and Hampton Inn & Suites Christiana (Newark, DE)
.  
The company also has two hotels under construction that will open in 2015:  the 310-unit (number) Embassy Suites Manhattan/New York and the 168-room Hampton Inn & Suites Washington, DC Capitol Hill/Ballpark District. 

In addition, the company is preparing to announce two additional hotel projects, one in the DC Metro area and another in downtown Portland, Oregon.  BPG plans to continue to grow its portfolio through acquisitions in 2014 and expects to add five new properties by year end.

Brandon S. Flury
            A seasoned hospitality veteran, Anzelone joined BPG in 2004.  In his new role, he will continue to be responsible for overseeing the development, acquisition and financing of new hotel investments throughout the United States, as well as being actively involved in the asset management of existing investments. 

“BPG is well positioned to take advantage of the current real estate cycle,” said Anzelone.  “Assuming nothing drastically unplanned occurs, all metrics point towards the hospitality industry enjoying robust growth for the next two to five years.  We will be a very active player during this time.”

            Previously, Anzelone was with Fremont Realty Capital, LP, a New York City-based real estate private equity fund and an affiliate of Fremont group, the private investment arm of the Bechtel family. 

Anzelone currently serves on the Board of the Tewaaraton Foundation (Heisman trophy of collegiate lacrosse), as well as the Board of Bethesda Lacrosse Association, a not-for-profit youth lacrosse organization serving 2,000 boys and girls.

 He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics from the US Naval Academy, where he was a member of the Navy Lacrosse Team, and an MBA from The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. 

David B. Polllin
            In his role as vice president, Flury will be responsible for the acquisition, structuring, and financing of new hotel investments, as well as the refinancing and ongoing capitalization of assets currently owned by the company.  Since joining BPG in 2007, he has been involved in a full range of underwriting, financing, due diligence, structuring, closing, and development activities on numerous high-profile hospitality projects.

“Hotels are a prime asset class right now,” noted Flury.  “Debt and equity are returning to the market for the right projects.  We will take advantage of the renewed interest in the hotel sector as we continue to expand our portfolio.”

Prior to joining BPG in 2007, Flury was a consultant for the global security group at Booz Allen Hamilton.  While there, he provided direct, on-site client service for the Department of Homeland Security.   Flury holds Bachelor of Arts degrees in International Relations and Chinese from the College of William & Mary.

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

Chris Daly, media
(703) 435-6293


Meridian Capital Group Arranges $10 Million in Permanent Financing for the Cazabella Apartments Located in Gainesville, FL


Cazabella Apartments, Gainesville, FL
New York, NY – Meridian Capital Group, LLC, a leading national commercial real estate finance and advisory firm, negotiated a $10 million mortgage to refinance the Cazabella Apartments multifamily property located in Gainesville, FL.

 The seven-year, non-recourse loan provided by a savings bank, features a fixed-rate of 4.13%. The 75% loan-to-value mortgage was rate-locked at application.

This transaction was negotiated by Meridian Managing Director, Michael Brown, and Directors, Noam Kaminetzky and Daniel Bockstoce, who are all based in the Company’s Boca Raton, FL office. 

 The 146-unit multifamily garden complex totals six acres and is located at 720 SW 34th Street in Gainesville, FL.

“Meridian was able to navigate the complexity of this transaction and structure highly favorable financing to save the client more than $1 million over the loan term as compared with the next best available option,” said Mr. Brown.

“While there was a lot of competition for this transaction, Meridian was able to leverage our unique lender relationships and negotiate superior transaction terms,” added Mr. Kaminetzky.

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

Jonathan M. Stern
Managing Director
Meridian Capital Group, LLC
1 Battery Park Plaza, 26th Floor
New York, NY 10004
Direct: 212.612.0181
Fax: 212.201.5181

NAI Realvest Negotiates New Retail Lease for The Honda Doctor on US 17-92 in Longwood, FL

  
Michael Heidrich

ORLANDO, Fla. – NAI Realvest recently negotiated a new long term lease for 2,500 square feet of retail space at 2350 S. US Hwy. 17-92 in Longwood. 

Michael Heidrich, principal at NAI Realvest, negotiated the transaction representing the local landlord SGS Holdings, LLC and the tenant, The Honda Doctor, based in Orlando.


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   

Hold-Thyssen Closes $525,000 Sale of Restaurant Site on Highway 192 in Kissimmee, FL


Martin Forster
KISSIMMEE, FL --- Hold-Thyssen Real Estate Services recently negotiated the sale of a 0.66 acre restaurant site in Kissimmee at 5011 W. Irlo Bronson Highway (192) for $525,000 or $18.29 per square foot.

 Martin Forster CCIM, of Hold-Thyssen in Winter Park, negotiated the transaction representing the buyer, a restaurant development company.

 “This compact site on the north side of SR 192 just west of SR 535 is an ideal and economical location for a fast food restaurant,” Forster said. 

 The local seller, Poinciana New Township, Inc., was represented in the transaction by Shorecrest Retail Partners.

 Hold-Thyssen provides commercial property brokerage, leasing and management services to institutional and private investor clients nationwide.  The 40-year old firm’s current management portfolio includes more that 100 commercial properties throughout the United States.

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   

Two Homewood, AL Assets Closed by Hendricks-Berkadia for $11,675,000


David Oakley

BIRMINGHAM, AL--- Hendricks-Berkadia, one of the nation’s largest and most active multifamily investment banking and research companies, recently negotiated the sale of Knoll Crest, a 150-unit apartment community, and the adjacent Olympia Village, a 127-unit apartment community, both located in Homewood, Ala. for a combined $11.675 million.

David Oakley, partner in Hendricks-Berkadia Alabama office negotiated the sale of Olympia Village and Knoll Crest representing the seller, Knoll Crest Partners, LLC/Olympia Partners, LLC, an Alabama limited liability company, based in Birmingham.

Olympia Village, built in 1976, has a total of 121,002 square feet of rentable living space with one-, two-, three- and four-bedroom apartments. Knoll Crest, built in 1975, has a total of 145,334 square feet of rentable living space with one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments.

The buyer was Knoll Crest Holding Company, LLC/Olympia Partners LLC, based in New Jersey.  Both properties have existing Fannie Mae loans that were assumed at closing by the Buyer.  The approximate balance on the loan for Knoll Crest was $5,629,517 at an interest rate of 4.31 percent.  The approximate balance on the loan for Olympia Village was $4,230,303 at a 6.18 percent interest rate. 


The buyer plans to complete light interior renovations and amenity upgrades to both properties.

The contiguous properties in Homewood are located within a half mile of the Magic City Five Portfolio, which Hendricks-Berkadia recently transacted consisting of five properties totaling 2,244 units that sold for $105,900,000 in the fourth quarter of 2013.

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   

Cuhaci & Peterson Architects to design second East Coast Wings & Grill in Orlando, FL

  
ORLANDO, Fla. --- Cuhaci & Peterson Architects, Engineers, Planners based in Orlando’s Baldwin Park, recently was awarded a contract to design a second East Coast Wings & Grill facility.  

The new restaurant will be located at Orange Ave. and Pineloch. 

Cuhaci and Peterson also designed the first Florida franchise of East Coast Wings and Grill located on Alafaya Trail in east Orlando. 

Lonnie Peterson, chairman at Cuhaci & Peterson Architects, said the restaurant will offer 4,100 square feet of space and seat approximately 150 which includes the patio.

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   

NAI Global Ranked Among Top Five Commercial Real Estate Brands in the 13th Annual Lipsey Survey

  
Patrick Mahoney
ORLANDO, FL – NAI Global, the world’s largest, most powerful network of owner-operated commercial real estate firms, earned a top five spot in the 2014 Lipsey Survey of Top 25 Commercial Real Estate Brands.

The survey was conducted among 100,000 commercial real estate professionals using a combination of ballot voting, phone interviews and focus groups to identify the top global brands.

NAI Global is the only commercial real estate network represented in the top five. NAI Realvest in Orlando is a Member of NAI Global.

“We are proud that the strength of the NAI Global network is reflected in the results of this year’s Lipsey survey,” said Patrick Mahoney, president of NAI Realvest. “Our ranking proves local ownership combined with global reach is important to commercial real estate professionals.”

The survey is conducted by The Lipsey Company, a leading training and consulting firm specializing in the commercial real estate industry to equip organizations and their practitioners with the skills necessary to succeed in today's competitive environment. The 2014 survey results can be found http://www.lipseyco.com.

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   

Patrick Mahoney, 407-875-9989, pmahoney@realvest.com

                       

Cuhaci & Peterson Architects to remodel GFS Facility in Miami, FL


Lonnie Peterson

 ORLANDO, FL--- Cuhaci & Peterson Architects Engineers Planners were awarded a design contract to remodel the Gordon Food Services (GFS) Marketplace on SW 8th Street and 22nd Ave. in the Little Havana area of Miami.

Lonnie Peterson, chairman at Cuhaci & Peterson Architects, said the remodeling project will include 14,500 square feet.

Peterson added that Cuhaci & Peterson recently designed remodel of GFS facilities in Orlando at Bennett and Colonial Drive with 16,000 square feet and one on US Highway 92 in Daytona with 13,600 square feet of interior remodeled space.

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