Tuesday, August 18, 2009

Centex Homes Adds Three New Floor Plans Priced From Under $150,000 at Popular Emerson Park in Apopka

Centex Homes Adds Three New Floor Plans Priced From Under $150,000 at Popular Emerson Park in Apopka

ORLANDO, Fla. - Centex Homes has introduced three new single-family floor plans at Emerson Park, located off Ocoee-Apopka Rd. near State Rds. 429 and 414 in Apopka.

Carol-Ann Barody, Director of Operational Marketing for Centex Homes in Florida, said all three new floor plans offer an optional bedroom over the garage.

The new floor plans include:
•The Bradbury, with four bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths, and 2,352 square feet of living space priced from $191.990;
•The Thoreau, with three bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths and 2,522 square feet priced from $193,990; and
•The Whitman, with three bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths and 2,755 square feet of living space priced from $204,990.

Visit www.Centex.com.

For more information, contact:
Carol-Ann Barody, Director of Operational Marketing Centex Homes-Florida, Carol-Ann.Barody@Centex.com
Larry Vershel or Beth Payan, Larry Vershel Communications, Inc. 407-644-4142

About Centex Homes:
Dallas-based Centex (NYSE: CTX), founded in 1950, is one of the nation's leading home building companies. Its leading brands include Centex Homes, Fox & Jacobs Homes and CityHomes. In addition to its home building operations, Centex also offers mortgage and title services. Centex has ranked among the top three builders on FORTUNE magazine's list of "America's Most Admired Companies" for 10 straight years and is a leader in quality and customer satisfaction.

Rhodes+Brito awarded Contract to Remodel Common Spaces in Office Building at Cape Canaveral Port Authority

Rhodes+Brito awarded Contract to Remodel Common Spaces in Office Building at Cape Canaveral Port Authority

ORLANDO, Fla. - Rhodes+Brito Architects of Orlando was recently awarded a contract to design the remodeling of second floor common areas in the office building at the Cape Canaveral Port Authority.

Ruffin Rhodes, co-founder and partner at Rhodes+Brito Architects, said the work will include restrooms, egress corridor, lobby and HVAC upgrade.

Design work will get under way within the next 30 days at the 70,000 square foot Port Authority office building, Rhodes said, and construction is expected to start before the end of this year.

For more information contact:
Ruffin Rhodes, Rhodes+Brito Architects, 407-648-7288 ruffin@rbarchitects.com
Maximiano Brito, Rhodes+Brito Architects, 407-648-7288 max@rbarchitects.com
Larry Vershel, Larry Vershel Communications Inc. 407-644-4142 (fax: 4410)

About Rhodes+Brito:
Rhodes+Brito Architects, which opened in Orlando in 1996, currently employs a staff of 17, including seven registered architects. The firm served as lead architect for the Florida A&M University College of Law facility in downtown Orlando.

Cuhaci & Peterson Architects Awarded Contract to Design Medical Office Building at Viera in Brevard County

Cuhaci & Peterson Architects Awarded Contract to Design Medical Office Building at Viera in Brevard County

ORLANDO, Fla. - Cuhaci & Peterson Architects LLC, based in Orlando’s Baldwin Park, was recently awarded a contract to design an 8,000 square foot medical office building located in Viera in Brevard County.

Lonnie Peterson, chairman of Cuhaci & Peterson Architects LLC, said RLW Capital Group is developing the facility at N. Wickham Rd. and Stadium Pkwy.

For more information, contact:
Lonnie Peterson, Chairman Cuhaci & Peterson Architects, LLC, 407-661-9100
Jed Downs, President Cuhaci & Peterson Architects, LLC, 407-661-9100
Larry Vershel or Beth Payan, Larry Vershel Communications, 407-644-4142

ABD Development Company to Introduce New Affordably-Priced Luxury Homes at Heritage Green at Providence in Polk County

ABD Development Company to Introduce New Affordably-Priced Luxury Homes at Heritage Green at Providence in Polk County

ORLANDO, Fla. - ABD Development plans to introduce new affordably-priced luxury homes at Heritage Green at Providence Golf & Country Club community south of Orlando on U.S. 17-92 in the Loughman-Davenport area of Polk County.

David Kohn, president of ABD Development Company, said four of the custom home builder’s most popular luxury homes have been redesigned to reduce costs, including new one-story designs available at Heritage Green at Providence, the master-planned 2,200 acre luxury community ABD is developing.

The new affordably-priced luxury homes include:
•The multiple award-winning Courtyard luxury home, with 2,680 square feet of living space in four bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths with its own private courtyard and two-car garage;
•The Manchester, with 3,510 square feet in five bedrooms, four baths and a bonus room, including a two-car garage;
•The Wyndham V, with four bedrooms and three baths in 2,480 square feet, plus a two-car garage, which is now being offered by ABD in a one-story version;
•The Portofino, a new one-story design available at Heritage Green at Providence, with four bedrooms, three baths and 2,870 square feet of living space, and a two-car garage.

All four new luxury homes, priced from the mid $300s, offer an optional three-car garage, Kohn said.

For more information, contact
David Kohn, President, ABD Development Company 407-370-6400
Sofi Coffey, Marketing Manager, ABD Development Company 407-370-6400
Larry Vershel or Beth Payan, Larry Vershel Communications 407-644-4142

BioTraits, Inc. Appoints Chief Financial Officer in Face of More Than $1 Million in Upcoming Contracts

BioTraits, Inc. Appoints Chief Financial Officer in Face of More Than $1 Million in Upcoming Contracts

ORLANDO, Fla. - BioTraits, Inc., the biometric technology company that provides customized biometric software and turnkey security/IT solutions for a wide range of clients, has appointed Patrick J. Jannotti chief financial officer.

Peter Wengert, founder and chief executive officer of BioTraits, Inc., said Jannotti has a masters degree in Business Administration from the University of Central Florida and more than 15 years of experience in software and information technology. Most recently, Jannotti was senior financial director for Tech Grant Management Consultants and director of strategic alliances for SunGard/HTE.

Wengert said BioTraits anticipates significant growth through the end of this year.
“Currently, we have contracts valued at more than $1 million in process and needed to expand our management team to handle the growth we are experiencing. Patrick will fill the critical role of overseeing all of our financial strategies and activities,” Wengert said.

BioTraits Inc. is a University of Central Florida Business Incubation Program client at the Incubator in Research Park.

For more information about this release contact:
Peter A. Wengert, CEO BioTraits, Inc. 3267 Progress Drive, Suite 103, Orlando, FL 32826; 866-815-0888 or peter@biotraits.com

Carol Ann Dykes, Site Manager, UCF Business Incubation Program, 407-882-0211, cdykes@mail.ucf.edu

Thomas O’Neal, Executive Director, UCF Incubation Program, 407 882-1120, oneal@mail.ucf.edu

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

About BioTraits:
Founded in March 2003, BioTraits, Inc. is a biometric company providing solutions for biometric identification and verification products through its development of a suite of workforce management products and distribution of biometric access control products. For more information, visit www.biotraits.com.

About the UCF Business Incubation Program:
Since its founding in 1999, the UCF Business Incubation Program has helped more than 100 emerging companies (including nearly 70 current clients) create over $500 million in annual revenue and more than 1600 new jobs with an average salary of $59,000. With five facilities across the Greater Orlando community, the Incubation Program is a collaboration in economic development between the University of Central Florida, Orange County, the City of Orlando, Seminole County, the City of Winter Springs, Lake County, the City of Leesburg and the Florida High Tech Corridor Council. For more information, please visit www.incubator.ucf.edu.

Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty Appointed Exclusive Sales and Marketing Agent For $1.4 Million Harmony Luxury Home

Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty Appointed Exclusive Sales and Marketing Agent For $1.4 Million Harmony Luxury Home

-- Seller financing, 20 percent down and lease-purchase option

ORLANDO, Fla. - Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty has been appointed exclusive sales and marketing agent for an exclusive 5,400 square foot luxury home at Harmony near Orlando – a bedroom community for the new Lake Nona Medical City underway in Southeast Orlando.

Roger Soderstrom, founder and owner of Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty, said the unique home comes with some unique propositions, including owner financing with 20 percent down and 6.5 percent for five years, or a lease-purchase option.

Soderstrom said the USGBC LEED “Green” Certified luxury home offers four bedroom suites, five-and-a-half baths, five fireplaces, a private elevator, a courtyard swimming pool and cascading waterfall, billiard room, game room, and private breakfast lanai.

For Property Details: (http://www.stirlingsir.com/index.php?action=listingview&listingID=710035)

Soderstrom said Jody Connor with Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty’s (www.stirlingsir.com) Downtown World Center has listed the estate home for sale with an asking price of $1,387,500.
Harmony is a unique environment with a town square and art sculptures throughout.

The master-planned community features the only Johnny Miller signature designed golf course in Central Florida, with 70 percent of the land area set aside for conservation, more than 900 acres of private lakes and miles of natural and urban trails, a private lakefront camping area, its own aquatics center, and a Town Tavern that delivers to private homes.

To View Virtual: (http://tours.tourfactory.com/tours/tour.asp?t=536177)

Soderstrom said the luxury home sale price was recently reduced by more than $550,000.

“This is a unique luxury home in a unique community that’s just minutes from southeast Orlando’s Medical City and technology corridor,” Soderstrom said.

For more information please contact:
Jody Connor, Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty Downtown World Center 407.242.3424
Roger Soderstrom, Owner/Founder, Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty 407.588.1260, http://www.StirlingSIR.com
Larry Vershel or Beth Payan, Larry Vershel Communications, 407.644.4142

About Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty:
Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty is affiliated with Sotheby’s International Realty, the largest luxury real estate brand in the world. Stirling Sotheby’s exclusive services include luxury residential, new homes, commercial, property management, in addition to supporting builders, developers, lenders, and asset managers. The company operates five performance centers which serve all of Central Florida.

Grubb & Ellis|Commercial Florida negotiates new long-term lease of 5,730 square feet of office space in Orlando

Grubb & EllisCommercial Florida negotiates new long-term lease of 5,730 square feet of office space in Orlando

ORLANDO, Fla. - Grubb & EllisCommercial Florida recently negotiated a new long-term lease agreement for 5,730 square feet of office space at 8009 S. Orange Ave. in Orlando.

Jay Dixon, vice president and associate Jerry Thornbury in the Office Group at Grubb & EllisCommercial Florida, negotiated the transaction representing the landlord Bear Head Lake Holdings, LLC of Orlando.

The new tenant, Orlando-based Cornerstone Hospice, was represented by Dave Kowalchuk of Colliers Arnold.

About Grubb & EllisCommercial Florida:
Grubb & EllisCommercial Florida is an affiliated commercial real estate services firm specializing in the leasing and sale of office, industrial, retail, land and investment properties. Currently Grubb & EllisCommercial Florida has 40 brokers divided among its Orlando, Melbourne and Tampa offices to serve the entire mid-Florida marketplace.

About Grubb & Ellis:
Named to The Global Outsourcing 100™ in 2009 by the International Association of Outsourcing Professionals™, Grubb & Ellis Company (NYSE: GBE) is one of the largest and most respected commercial real estate services and investment companies in the world. Our 6,000 professionals in more than 130 company-owned and affiliate offices draw from a unique platform of real estate services, practice groups and investment products to deliver comprehensive, integrated solutions to real estate owners, tenants and investors. The firm’s transaction, management, consulting and investment services are supported by highly regarded proprietary market research and extensive local expertise. Through its investment subsidiaries, the company is a leading sponsor of real estate investment programs that provide individuals and institutions the opportunity to invest in a broad range of real estate investment vehicles, including public non-traded real estate investment trusts (REITs), tenant-in-common (TIC) investments suitable for tax-deferred 1031 exchanges, mutual funds and other real estate investment funds. For more information, visit www.grubb-ellis.com.

Contact:
Grubb & EllisCommercial Florida,315 E. Robinson St. Suite 555,Orlando, FL 32801,www.commercialfl.com
Jay Dixon, 407-481-5832,jdixon@commercialfl.com
Jerry Thornbury 407-481-5385,jthornbury@commercialfl.com
Jeff Sweeney, 407-481-5387,jsweeney@commercialfl.com
Larry Vershel 407-644-4142

ICI Homes Unveils Major New Incentive Offer with 3,000 Prizes, Grand Prize Worth up to $100,000

ICI Homes Unveils Major New Incentive Offer with 3,000 Prizes, Grand Prize Worth up to $100,000

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. - ICI Homes, which ranks as one of the nation’s largest privately-owned home builders, has pulled out all the stops with its latest home buyer incentive---a scratch-off promotion with more than 3,000 prizes.

Rosemary Messina, vice president of sales and marketing for ICI Homes, said everyone who registers at any ICI Homes community in the state will win either a seven-day/six-night vacation getaway, a weekend getaway, a super cool beach chair or a gift from the ICI Homes treasure chest.

Major scratch-off prizes range from a $5,000 landscaping package to up to $100,000 off the price of a new home in any of the ICI Homes communities located in the Volusia-Flagler, Jacksonville, Tampa and Orlando areas.

Messina said the ICI Homes $100,000 Scratch-Off runs through Oct. 31 and anyone over the age of 18 who registers is eligible to win.

After a model home tour is completed, participants will receive their scratch-off ticket, Messina said.

For more information, please contact:
Lisa A. Egle, Marketing Manager ICI Homes-Daytona Beach, 386-236-4273
Larry Vershel or Beth Payan, Larry Vershel Communications, 407-644-4142

About ICI Homes:
ICI Homes is ranked as one of the largest privately owned homebuilders in the US. The 30-year-old firm builds new homes and develops communities and resort facilities in the Volusia-Flagler region as well as Northeast Florida, Orlando and Tampa.

Lennar has three Ready-To-Move-In Single-Family Homes Available Priced From $130s with top model upgrades at Celery Estates in Sanford

Lennar has three Ready-To-Move-In Single-Family Homes Available Priced From $130s with top model upgrades at Celery Estates in Sanford

SANFORD, Fla. - Lennar has only three ready-to-move-in single-family homes available for sale priced from the $130s with top model upgrades at Celery Estates on Bella Rosa Circle off Celery Ave. in Sanford.

David Parker, vice president of sales and marketing for Lennar’s Central Florida Division, said three and four-bedroom homes at Celery Estates range in size from 1,350 square feet of living space to 1,854 square feet.

All three new homes available now for sale and move-in are two-story designs, Parker said. Some of the top model upgrades include clean steel appliances, wood floors, granite countertops and crown molding.

Currently, Lennar builds new single-family homes and town homes in 18 communities in the Orlando area, including Orange, Osceola, Polk, Lake, Seminole and Brevard Counties.

Visit http://www.lennar.com/.

For more information contact:
David Parker, VP Sales & Marketing, Lennar-Central Florida 877 205-1102
Mark Metheny, Lennar Division President-Central Florida, 877 205-1102
Larry Vershel or Beth Payan, Larry Vershel Communications, 407-644-4142, lvershelco@aol.com

Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty Promotes Joyce Marsh to Senior Business Development Consultant–Unique Properties


Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty Promotes Joyce Marsh to Senior Business Development Consultant–Unique Properties

ORLANDO, Fla. - Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty has promoted Joyce Marsh to Senior Business Development Consultant–Unique Properties for the firm’s elite “Workout Team.”

Marsh has held key positions in the firm for nearly three years and was most recently a managing director for Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty, said Roger Soderstrom, founder and owner of the firm.

Marsh, who attended New York School of Interior Design and Rutgers University, has more than 20 years of experience working with major developers, builders, designers and architects focusing on distinctive properties and the upper-tier luxury home market.

“Joyce Marsh is a highly respected senior advisor who has played a major role in turning around several projects and repositioning exceptional properties for sale,” Soderstrom said.

Marsh’s immediate focus will be to work with developers, homeowners and lenders to reposition distressed development projects as well as unique properties and luxury homes throughout Florida, Soderstrom added.

“I plan to take advantage of the opportunities within Sotheby’s International Realty’s http://www.stirlingsir.com/ rapidly expanding global market by developing new market strategies to reach more international investors,” Marsh said.

Marsh holds professional designations as a Certified Luxury Homes Specialist (CLHMS); Seniors Real Estate Specialist (SRES); Certified International Properties Designee (CIPS) and Certified Short Sale Professional (CSP). She is a licensed interior designer with specialized training in model home merchandising and home staging.

For more information, contact:
Roger Soderstrom, Owner/Founder, Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty 407.588.1260; http://www.stirlingsir.com/
Larry Vershel or Beth Payan, Larry Vershel Communications, 407.644.4142

About Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty:
Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty is affiliated with Sotheby’s International Realty, the largest luxury real estate brand in the world. Stirling Sotheby’s exclusive services include luxury residential, new homes, commercial, and property management, in addition to supporting builders, developers, lenders, and asset managers. The company operates five performance centers which serve all of Central Florida.

Orlando-Based Plainvue Software Launches Video Games to Teach Kids Complex Math, Science Concepts

Orlando-Based Plainvue Software Launches Video Games to Teach Kids Complex Math, Science Concepts

ORLANDO, Fla. - Plainvue Software, Inc. has launched the first in a series of video games that turn complex math concepts into learning adventures for young students.

Plainvue’s Order of the Abacus™ game series --- Chainshooter™, Fortune’s Prime™ and Fraction's Kitchen™ --- is designed to appeal to “Digital Kids” with engaging plots and compelling characters.

Daniel Roy, founder and chief executive officer of Plainvue Software, Inc., said the company will eventually launch a wide range of math and science-based video games that target advanced elementary and middle school students.

“We brought together some of Orlando's best teachers and game developers to incorporate current research in teaching with cutting-edge video game development,” Roy said.

“Our games supplement, amplify and encourage traditional classroom learning skills and bridge the home-to-classroom divide, reinforcing key math and science concepts that are critical for success in high school and beyond,” Roy said.

Fortune's Prime, one of the first games to be released, targets students in grades six through eight, Roy said.

“Fortune's Prime is a solitaire game played with a standard deck of cards. It’s based on an algorithm developed by an ancient Greek mathematician to identify prime numbers,” Roy explained.

A prime number is a natural number with only two divisors: itself and 1 (2, 3, 5, 7, 11, 13, 17, etc.). Prime numbers are an essential concept in simplifying fractions, finding common denominators and developing computer programs.

In Fortune’s Prime, numbered cards are turned over, one row at a time, to build a tower. Players increase their score as they identify prime numbers and add the numbers in each row. Points are deducted---and cards are removed from the tower---when prime numbers are overlooked.

Roy said the games meet both national and state math standards. Further information about the games is available at www.OrderOfTheAbacus.com.

Chainshooter™ and Fortune’s Prime™ will be available soon on the Apple iTunes Store for the iPhone and iPod Touch devices.

“As students master the games, they master the fundamental math concepts they will need to compete in the future,” Roy said.

Plainvue is a client of the University of Central Florida Business Incubation Program based in the Central Florida Research Park.

For more information, contact:
Daniel Roy, CEO, Plainvue Software, Inc., 407-277-2973, droy@plainvuesoftware.com
Carol Ann Dykes, Site Manager, UCF Business Incubation Program, 407-882-0211, cdykes@mail.ucf.edu
Larry Vershel or Beth Payan, Larry Vershel Communications, 407-644-4142 or LvershelCo@aol.com

About the UCF Incubation Program:
Since its founding in 1999, the UCF Business Incubation Program has helped more than 100 emerging companies (including nearly 70 current clients) create over $500 million in annual revenue and more than 1,600 new jobs with an average salary of $59,000. With five facilities across the Greater Orlando community, the Incubation Program is a collaboration in economic development between the University of Central Florida, Orange County, the City of Orlando, Seminole County, the City of Winter Springs, Lake County, the City of Leesburg and the Florida High Tech Corridor Council. For more information, please visit www.incubator.ucf.edu.

Park Plaza Gardens Named “Best Special Occasions Restaurant” in Central Florida by My City Eats & Entertainment

Park Plaza Gardens Named “Best Special Occasions Restaurant” in Central Florida by My City Eats & Entertainment


WINTER PARK, Fla. - Park Plaza Gardens fine dining restaurant, bar and sidewalk café in downtown Winter Park was recently voted Central Florida’s “Best Special Occasion Restaurant” by the readers of My City Eats and Entertainment magazine.


Ron Diaz, general manager at Park Plaza Gardens Restaurant & Café, said the award cites Park Plaza Gardens’ facilities for anniversaries, wedding receptions and family gatherings.


Ron Schwartz, principal of Park Plaza Gardens in downtown Winter Park, left, receives award for "Best Special Occasion Restaurant" from MyCityEats & Entertainment's Publisher, Andrew Christo. Photo courtesy of My City Eats & Entertainment.


“We put a huge effort into special occasions because they celebrate the most important family events,” said Diaz. “We are delighted with the recognition,” he said.


My City Eats and Entertainment is Central Florida’s number one source for dining and entertainment. Park Plaza was voted best by readers over several other Central Florida establishments, including Samba Room and Vines Grille & Wine Bar.


For more information, contact:

Ron Schwartz, Principal, Park Plaza Gardens 407-645-2475

Ron Diaz, General Manager, Park Plaza Gardens 407-645-2475

Larry Vershel, Larry Vershel Communications, 407-644-4142

NAI Realvest negotiates Two new Lease Agreements for Chinese Restaurants in St. Cloud, Jacksonville

NAI Realvest negotiates Two new Lease Agreements for Chinese Restaurants in St. Cloud, Jacksonville

ORLANDO, Fla. - NAI Realvest recently negotiated two new long-term lease agreements for Chinese restaurants in St. Cloud and Jacksonville.

Paul P. Partyka, principal and managing partner at NAI Realvest, negotiated both lease agreements.

King Buffet, Inc. plans to open a 10,500 square foot restaurant at 4551 13th St. in St. Cloud, Partyka said, as soon as extensive renovations are completed.

Chinese Buffet, Inc. plans to open a restaurant with 10,800 square feet of space on Regency Square Blvd. North in Jacksonville.

For more information, contact:
Paul P. Partyka, Managing Partner/Principal NAI Realvest, 407-875-9989, ppartyka@realvest.com

Patrick Mahoney, President, NAI Realvest, 407-875-9989; pmahoney@realvest.com

Beth Payan or Larry Vershel, Larry Vershel Communications 407-644-4142

About NAI Realvest:
NAI Realvest, covering all of Central Florida, is a fully integrated commercial real estate operating company specializing in brokerage, development, investment, leasing and management, consulting and research services in the U.S. and worldwide. NAI Global is an international commercial real estate network with over 325 offices spanning the globe. Since 1978, clients have built businesses on the power of NAI Global’s expanding network. Extensive services include multi-site acquisitions and dispositions, sublease, tenant representation, lease administration and audit, investment services, due diligence and related consulting and advisory services. To learn more, visit www.NAIRealvest.com.