Tuesday, November 23, 2010

Hendricks & Partners and The Oakley Group Negotiate Sale of Large Birmingham Ala. Apartment portfolio for $32,100,000

ORLANDO - Hendricks & Partners, one of the nation’s largest multifamily advisory and research firms and The Oakley Group co-listed and negotiated the sale of the Highland Multi-Family Portfolio of apartment properties in Birmingham for $32,100,000.

Cole Whitaker, who heads the Southeast region for Hendricks & Partners in Orlando, said Abbey Residential, LLC of Birmingham acquired the portfolio, which includes 1,782 apartment units, and ranks among the largest unit sales in Birmingham history.

The portfolio includes three apartment communities, Highland Peak, with 585 apartments at 114 Aspen Circle in Homewood, Highland View with 644 units located at 700 Aspen Drive in Birmingham and Highland Bluff with 553 apartment units at 200 Robert Jemison Drive in Birmingham

“The Highland Multi-family Portfolio sale points to the strength of the Birmingham market,” Whitaker said. “Market response to this offering was exceptionally strong, and all of us are pleased that the properties were acquired by a Birmingham company,” he said.

“We are very appreciative of the support Hendricks & Partners and The Oakley Group provided in achieving the 30-day due diligence period and contract parameters to close this transaction in 60 days, said J. Frank Barefield, Jr., president of Abbey Residential, LLC. “That is a very difficult task for 1,782 distressed units,” he added.

“Abbey Residential was the perfect fit for this deal,” said David Oakley. “They did exactly what they said they would do throughout the entire process—there were no retrades and no extensions. That goes a long way in our industry and demonstrates the high standards of Abbey Residential,” Oakley explained.

Whitaker headed the Hendricks & Partners team that negotiated the sale along with associate partner Hal Warren of Orlando, and Associates John Clayton, Aaron Hargrove and Tim McKay who work out of Hendricks & Partners south central office. Hendricks & Partners and The Oakley Group represented the seller REDUS Alabama Commercial, LLC (Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.) of Atlanta, Charlotte and Los Angeles.
* * *

For more information, contact: Cole Whitaker, Managing Partner, Hendricks & Partners 407-256-9594; David Oakley, The Oakley Group, Inc. 205-918-0785; Hal Warren, Associate Partner, Hendricks & Partners 407- 256-9594; Larry Vershel or Beth Payan, Larry Vershel Communications 407-644-4142

About Abbey Residential, LLC: Abbey Residential, LLC a privately held multifamily property owner headquartered in Birmingham, Ala., owns 8,000 units in Texas, Alabama, Georgia, Florida and South Carolina valued at over a half billion dollars. Abbey has been in business for over 26 years and is active in acquiring existing properties to be repositioned as well as the construction of new multifamily properties.

About Hendricks & Partners: Hendricks & Partners is the nation’s largest multifamily advisory and research firm. Since its inception, the firm has delivered the industry’s finest marketing and research platform by focusing exclusively on multifamily owners, multifamily properties, and the nation’s apartment markets. This focus allows the firm to create the most efficient apartments-only marketplace, as well as recruit expert advisors, research professionals and support staff to ensure that every innovation, from new marketing techniques to the collection of market data, achieves maximum value for apartment owners, investors, lenders and servicers.

About the Oakley Group:The Oakley Group, Inc. is a commercial real estate firm with a primary focus on multi-family brokerage and management services based in Birmingham, Alabama. With our unsurpassed local market knowledge and relationship network, The Oakley Group strives to provide quality service to both institutional and private investors. Our approach is simple; offer a realistic assessment of property value, provide quality management services to both residents and owners, and work through every detail with honesty and integrity. Because our primary focus is on multi-family we have the capability to deliver brokerage services seamlessly and efficiently by individualizing each client’s goals and objectives.

Marketplace Advisors, Inc. Negotiates Lease at Shoppes at Aloma Walk for Y.Y. Gourmet Group, LLC, d/b/a Miyako Japanese Restaurant

ORLANDO - Marketplace Advisors, Inc. recently negotiated a new long-term lease agreement for 2,400 square feet of restaurant space at the Shoppes at Aloma Walk, a Publix-anchored retail center located on Aloma Ave. at S.R. 417 in Seminole County.

David Marks, president of Marketplace Advisors, Inc., negotiated the lease agreement representing the landlord, Aloma Walk Commercial Venture, LLC.

The new tenant is Y.Y. Gourmet Group, LLC, d/b/a Miyako Japanese Restaurant. GBA Realty, LLC associate Paul Kiang participated in the transaction representing the tenant.
* * *

For more information, contact: David Marks, Marketplace Advisors, Inc., 407-599-0007, dmarks@cfl.rr.com; Larry Vershel or Beth Payan, LV Communications, 407-644-4142

NAI Realvest Negotiates $300,980 Sale Price for 4-Acre Development Site in Poinciana Office & Industrial Park in Osceola County

MAITLAND – NAI Realvest completed the $300,980 sale of an industrial development site at Poinciana Office and Industrial Park on Poinciana Blvd. and U.S. Hwy.17-92 in Poinciana, Osceola County.

NAI Realvest Principals Robert Blackwell, SIOR and Michael Heidrich negotiated the transaction representing the seller Avatar Properties, Inc. of Coral Gables.

Williams Properties, an Orlando-based developer, bought the site designated as four acres of Tract N and plans to use the property for an office warehouse development.
* * *

For more information, contact: Robert Blackwell SIOR or Michael Heidrich, Principals at NAI Realvest, 407-875-9989; rblackwell@realvest.com, mheidrich@realvest.com; Patrick Mahoney, President NAI Realvest , 407-875-9989 pmahoney@realvest.com; Beth Payan, Larry Vershel Communications, Inc. 407-644-4142 lvershelco@aol.com

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.

Monday, November 22, 2010

Ashton Woods Homes starts presales of two story condominiums with resort style amenities at Lake Burden in Windermere, Construction to start by Dec. 1

ORLANDO - Ashton Woods Homes will start presales in December of two story luxury condominiums with resort style amenities at Lake Burden, located off SR 535 in Windermere.

Michael Roche, vice president of sales and marketing at Ashton Woods Homes in the Orlando region, said the home builder will build 36 three bedroom condominiums at Lake Burden that range in size from 1,390 square feet of living space to 1,573 square feet.

Ashton Woods’ condominiums at Lake Burden feature two-and-a-half baths and are priced from the $130s.

Roche said construction of the first 36 planned luxury condominiums will start Dec. 1.

Ashton Woods Homes is a subsidiary of the Great Gulf Group of Companies, a North American real estate conglomerate headquartered in Toronto, and currently has communities under development in Austin, Houston, Dallas, Atlanta, Raleigh, Phoenix, Tampa, Denver and Orlando. * * *

For more information, contact: Michael Roche, VP Sales & Marketing Ashton Woods Homes-Orlando 407-647-3700; John Reny, President, Ashton Woods Homes-Orlando 407-647-3700; Larry Vershel or Beth Payan, Larry Vershel Communications, 407-644-4142

NAI Realvest Negotiates Industrial Lease Renewal for 9,375sf at Carter CommerCenter in Winter Garden

Maitland – NAI Realvest recently negotiated a renewal agreement for 9,375 square feet of industrial space at 890 and 902 Carter Rd., suites 190-200 in the Carter CommerCenter in Winter Garden.

Michael Heidrich, a principal at NAI Realvest, brokered the transaction on behalf of the landlord COP-Carter, LLC of Maitland and the tenant, Precision Contracting Services, Inc. of Winter Garden.

About NAI Realvest: NAI Realvest in Orlando, 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.
* * *

For more information contact: Michael Heidrich, Principal NAI Realvest 407-875-9989 Mheidrich@realvest.com; Patrick Mahoney, President NAI Realvest, 407-875-9989 Pmahoney@realvest.com; Beth Payan or Larry Vershel, Larry Vershel Communications, 407-644-4142 Lvershelco@aol.com

Mattamy Homes Sees Big Opportunity from New Developers of Millbridge in Waxhaw

CHARLOTTE - Mattamy Homes U.S. Group, the U.S. division of Canada’s largest home builder, sees big things ahead at Millbridge, the 902 acre Waxhaw community that is one of the largest in the Charlotte region.

Atlanta-based Landeavor, LLC, and Chicago-based Walton Street Capital, LLC, formed a joint venture recently to acquire the community, which opened in 2007 and features a 9,800 square foot community clubhouse with fitness center and movie theater, a junior Olympic racing pool, a family fun pool and the region’s only airnasium, along with nature trails and a children’s playground.

“Millbridge ranks as one of the most desirable communities in the entire region,” said Bill Kiselick, division president of Mattamy Homes in the Charlotte region.

“This acquisition infuses a new energy here that is palpable. We’re all excited about it, and about what it means to the future of Millbridge,” Kiselick said.

Mattamy Homes builds new single-family homes priced from $189,900 at Millbridge with three bedrooms and two or two-and-a-half baths. Eight floor plans are available that range in size from 1,811 square feet of living space to 2,639 square feet.* * *

For more information, please contact: Marie Lorimer, Marketing Manager Mattamy Homes-Charlotte 704-375-9373; marie.lorimer@mattamycorp.com; Bill Kiselick, Division President Mattamy Homes-Charlotte 704-375-9373 Bill.Kiselick@mattamyhomes.com; Larry Vershel or Beth Payan, Larry Vershel Communications 407-644-4142

About Mattamy Homes U.S. Group: Mattamy Homes U.S. Group, www.mattamyhomes.com expanded into the U.S. in 2003 and is headquartered in Winter Park, Fla. with divisions in Charlotte, Jacksonville, Orlando, Minneapolis and Phoenix. The homebuilder, the largest and most active in Canada with annual revenues exceeding $1.3 billion was ranked among the highest of all homebuilders in the greater Toronto and Ottawa areas in a nationwide customer satisfaction survey conducted by J.D. Power Associates.

Heritage Green at Providence opens three ready-to-move-in luxury homes by ABD Development with discounted pricing

Davenport – ABD Development Company, which is developing the award winning Providence Golf & Country Club community located off U.S. 17-92 in Davenport in Polk County, recently completed three ready-to-move-in luxury homes with discounted pricing at Heritage Green at Providence.

David Kohn, president of ABD Development Company said the new four, five and six bedroom luxury homes are priced from the mid-$400s.

The new luxury homes range in size from 3,500 square feet of living space to 5,000 square feet, Kohn said.

Providence ranks as one of Central Florida’s most award winning home communities.
* * *

For more information, contact: David Kohn, President ABD Development Company 863-420-2100; Alene Raskin, Marketing Manager ABD Development Company 863-420-2100; Larry Vershel, Beth Payan, Larry Vershel Communications 407-644-4142

Friday, November 19, 2010

UCF Business Incubation Program Names New Site Manager for Business Incubator Program in Kissimmee

ORLANDO - The University of Central Florida Business Incubation Program has appointed Rafael Caamano site manager at the UCF Business Incubator in Kissimmee.

Gordon Hogan, director of operations for the UCF Business Incubation Program, said Caamano joined the UCF Business Incubation Program three years ago.

Caamano has more than three years of experience in business incubation management as program coordinator at the UCF Business Incubator in Winter Springs, Hogan said. He also serves currently as interim point of contact at the Business Incubator in Sanford.

Camaano holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management from Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico and an Incubator Management Certification from the National Business Incubation Association (NBIA).

Dr. Tom O’Neal, founder and executive director of the UCF Business Incubation Program said Caamano has made a valuable addition to the program’s executive staff.

“Rafael Caamano is one of the new generation of economic development specialists whose experience is focused on new jobs and new opportunities,” Dr. O’Neal said.

UCF, Osceola County and Kissimmee city officials recently opened the UCF Business Incubator in the City Centre Business Building on East Monument Avenue in Kissimmee. The 8,000 square foot facility has offices and administrative space to accommodate 20 startup enterprises selected to join the UCF Business Incubation program, Hogan said.
* * *

For more information contact: Gordon Hogan, Director of Operations, UCF Business Incubation Program, 407-882-1577, ghogan@mail.ucf.edu; Rafael Caamano, Site Manager Kissimmee UCF Business Incubation Program, 407-408-4297 rcaamano@mail.ucf.edu; Dr. Tom O’Neal, Executive Director, UCF Business 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 the UCF Business Incubation Program: Since its founding in 1999, the UCF Business Incubation Program has helped more than 140 emerging companies (including 90 current clients) create over $800 million in annual revenue and more than 1,600 new jobs with an average salary of $59,000. With eight 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, The City of Sanford, Lake County, the City of Leesburg, Osceola County, the City of Kissimmee, City of St. Cloud and the Florida High Tech Corridor Council. For more information, please visit www.incubator.ucf.edu.

NAI Realvest Negotiates Long Term Lease of 11,400sf Industrial Building in Atlas Commerce Park in South Orlando

MAITLAND – NAI Realvest recently negotiated a new eight-year lease agreement for an 11,400 square foot freestanding industrial building on 7.191± acres located at 11176 Boggy Creek Rd. in the Atlas Commerce Park off Tradeport Drive by Orlando International Airport in south Orlando.

Robert Blackwell, SIOR principal at the firm and associates Sean DuPree CCIM, and Jim Murr, CCIM took the assignment from Michael Stanzel and Michael Denton of NAI Robert Lynn in Dallas and negotiated the transaction representing Dayton Superior Corporation. The Miamisburg, Ohio-based tenant manufactures products used in concrete construction.

The landlord is Paul R. Straubinger, LLC c/o Straubcos, LLC of Orlando.

For more information, contact: Robert Blackwell, SIOR of Sean DuPree, CCIM, NAI Realvest 407-875-9989; or rblackwell@realvest.com; sdupree@realvest.com; Patrick Mahoney, President, NAI Realvest 407-875-9989 pmahoney@realvest.com; Beth Payan, Larry Vershel Communications, 407-644-4142, lvershelco@aol.com

About NAI Realvest: NAI Realvest in Orlando, 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.

Marketplace Advisors, Inc. negotiates the sale of a nine-acre Poinciana site for $1.9 million, rental apartment community planned

ORLANDO - Marketplace Advisors, Inc. of Orlando recently negotiated the sale of a nine-acre Poinciana parcel for $1,900,000.

David Marks, president of Marketplace Advisors, Inc., negotiated the sale representing buyer Fountains at San Remo Court, LTD.

The seller was Avatar Properties, Inc.

Marks said the buyer plans to build The Fountains at San Remo Court, a rental apartment
community, with construction to start shortly.

For more information, contact:
David Marks, Marketplace Advisors, Inc., 407-599-0007, dmarks@cfl.rr.com; Larry Vershel or Beth Payan, LV Communications, 407-644-4142

Avalon Park Group names Rich Browning vice president

ORLANDO - Avalon Park Group, which is developing Avalon Park in east Orlando, has appointed Rich Browning vice president.

Eric Marks, senior vice president at Avalon Park Group, said Browning has more than five years of experience, including management positions at NAI Realvest in Maitland and BB&T Bank. Browning is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin at Madison’s MBA program.

For more information contact:
Stephanie Hodson, Marketing Director, Avalon Park Group, 407-658-6565; Beat Kahli, Owner/Founder, Avalon Park Group, 407-658-6565; Larry Vershel or Beth Payan, Larry Vershel Communications, 407-644-4142

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

Grubb & Ellis|Commercial Florida Negotiates Long Term Leases totaling 21,493 square feet at Two Orlando Office Buildings

ORLANDO - Grubb & EllisCommercial Florida, associated with 130 Grubb & Ellis offices worldwide, recently negotiated two long-term office leases for a total of 21,493 square feet in Orlando. Anne Deason Spencer vice president of the Office Services Group at Grubb & EllisCommercial Florida, negotiated both transactions representing the local tenants.

The Devereaux Foundation, who provides services to children with health or developmental disabilites, has renewed its lease of 17,549 square feet at Citadel I, 5850 TG Lee Blvd. in southeast Orlando. Penn-Florida Realty Corp. is the Orlando-based landlord for the 26-year old, 150,000 square foot building, which is currently 86 percent leased.

Spencer also represented Currency Exchange International, in a new lease agreement for 3,944 square feet at Millenia Park One, 4901 Vineland Rd. in southwest Orlando. The tenant provides its services to retail or hospitality related companies who have international trade or clientele. The landlord for the 10-year-old, 157,000 square foot building is MIL Owner, LLC and was represented in the transaction by Emily Zinaich of Morrison Commercial Real Estate.
* * *

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 45 brokers divided among its Orlando, Tampa and Melbourne offices to serve the entire mid-Florida marketplace

About Grubb & Ellis Company: Grubb & Ellis Company (NYSE: GBE) is one of the largest and most respected commercial real estate services and investment companies in the world. Our 6,500 professionals in more than 100 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), mutual funds and other real estate investment funds. For more information, visit www.grubb-ellis.com.

CONTACTS: Anne Spencer, 407-481-5411, aspencer@commercialfl.com; Jeff Sweeney, 407-481-5387, jsweeney@commercialfl.com; Larry Vershel 407-644-4142

American Soda Blast Company to Blast its Way into the Hearts of Car Enthusiasts at Annual Turkey Run Car Show in Daytona Beach

APOPKA - For classic car enthusiasts, the annual Thanksgiving weekend Turkey Run Nov. 25-28 at Daytona International Speedway is a dream come true---hundreds of acres devoted to showcasing museum-quality classic cars that date from the turn of the century to recent times.

For car owners, the annual Turkey Run is a huge outdoor market for hard-to-get parts, accessories and services. And that’s where American Soda Blast Company plans to shine---literally.

“We’ve established a Turkey Run exhibit that’s going to catch everyone’s eye,” said Michael Young, founder and president of the company.

American Soda Blast technology cleans and strips old paint, and blemishes from car bodies using pressurized sodium bicarbonate.

The process replaces traditional sanding and sand blasting that scores, gouges or warps sheet metal surfaces. The kinder, gentler stripping process is especially important for cars that may be worth hundreds of thousands of dollars, Young said.

The biodegradable blast material is a food grade product and won’t harm the underlying metal.
“Sodium bicarbonate is one of the most common compounds found in nature, and does not heat up the metal during blasting like sand will.” Young said.

Scientists used the soda stripping process to restore the Statue of Liberty in the 1980s, Young said. Modern emphasis on green technology solutions has brought the process into vogue.- 30 -

For more information, contact: Michael Young, American Soda Blast Co. Apopka, Florida; 407-931-6191; Michael@americansodablast.com; Larry Vershel or Beth Payan, Larry Vershel Communications 407-644-4142, Lvershelco@aol.com

Only 19 Town Homes Remain For Sale Priced From The $160s At Taylor Morrison’s Lake Mary Landings in Lake Mary


LAKE MARY - Only 19 town homes remain for sale priced from the $160s at Taylor Morrison’s Lake Mary Landings, a gated community located on Canyon Stone Circle off Weldon Road near Seminole State College in Lake Mary.

Kristin Vuckovic, marketing manager for Taylor Morrison in the North Florida region, said new three-bedroom town homes at Lake Mary Landings range in size from 1,690 square feet of living space to 2,215 square feet with two-and-a-half or three baths and two-car garages.

Taylor Morrison has built 188 town homes with upgraded features and amenities at Lake Mary Landings, where homeowners enjoy a community pavilion and picnic area, a swimming pool and cabana, and a children’s playground.

“We expect to sell the last remaining town homes at Lake Mary Landings within the next three months,” Vuckovic said. “This is the last chance to own a town home in a gated community in this area,” she added.

For more information, contact Chelsey Perfumo community sales associate at 407-324-0620 or visit http://www.taylormorrison.com/.

* * *

For more information about this press release, contact: Kristin Vuckovic, Marketing Manager, Taylor Morrison, Inc. North Florida Division 321-397-7510 kvuckovic@taylormorrison.com; Larry Vershel or Beth Payan, Larry Vershel Communications 407-644-4142 lvershelco@aol.com