Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Kolter Homes to Start Construction of New Two-Story Townhome Building at Grande Oaks at Heathrow

LAKE MARY - Kolter Homes will start construction of a new two-story townhome building in early March at Grande Oaks at Heathrow, the gated luxury community located on CR 46A and Orange Blvd. at Heathrow in Lake Mary.

Steve Bovio, senior project manager for Grande Oaks at Heathrow, said the new building will accommodate six townhome units.

New townhomes at Grande Oaks at Heathrow will offer 2,124 square feet of living space with three and four-bedroom floor plans priced from the mid-$200s.

Grande Oaks at Heathrow (www.KolterGrandeOaks.com) features its own private lakefront recreation center with fitness area, meeting rooms, kitchen, swimming pool and spa with deck area.

The sales and preview center is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily and Sunday Noon to 6 at 1450 Lake George Drive. From I-4 go west on H.E. Thomas, Jr. Parkway (CR 46A) to the community entrance just past International Parkway. For information, call 407-829-8961.
* * *
For more information contact: Steven V. Bovio, Senior Project Manager, Kolter Homes/Orlando 407-333-1733 sbovio@kolter.com

About Kolter Homes: Kolter Homes is part of the Kolter Group, a private investment firm focusing on real estate development, investment and construction. Kolter Homes brings more than a decade of experience in Florida homebuilding to each of its communities in Orlando, South Florida and the Treasure Coast. Visit www.KolterHomes.com for additional information.

NAI Realvest Negotiates Investment Sale of 7,000 Square Foot Industrial Building off S. Orange

ORLANDO – NAI Realvest recently completed the sale of a 7,000 square foot industrial building located at 189 Jamaica Ln. off South Orange Ave. in Orlando.

Michael Heidrich, principal at NAI Realvest, negotiated the transaction representing the buyer, The Jamaica Group, LLC a local firm who paid $525,000.00 for the property.

The seller is Ana T. Lopez-Giraldo of Orlando.

For more information, please contact: Michael Heidrich, Principal NAI Realvest, 407-875-9989 mheidrich@realvest.com; Patrick Mahoney, President, NAI Realvest 407-875-9989 pmahoney@realvest.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.

Data Transfer Solutions Awarded Contract Extension to Develop Transportation Planning Tools for North Central Texas Council of Governments

ORLANDO - Data Transfer Solutions LLC, based in downtown Avalon Park, was recently awarded a contract extension to continue development of web-based transportation planning tools for the North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG).

A.M. “Trey” Fragala III, AICP, PMP, chief operating officer at Data Transfer Solutions (DTS), said the contract, development of a transportation tracking application that includes database integration, financial reporting, public facing components and dashboard reporting capabilities, is in its third phase .

Data Transfer Solutions provides geographic information systems (GIS), transportation planning and engineering, asset management, web design, custom applications development and video and multimedia production services to local governments and regional and state agencies throughout the U.S. DTS has offices in six states.
* * *

For more information, contact: A.M. “Trey” Fragala, III, AICP, PMP, Chief Operating Officer, Data Transfer Solutions, 3680 Avalon Park East Blvd., Suite 200, Orlando, 32828; 407-382-5222; tfragala@edats.com

Winston-James Development negotiates lease agreements for commercial space in Winter Garden, Oviedo

SOUTH DAYTONA - Winston-James Development, LLC, which developed the West Orange Business Center in Winter Garden and the Aloma Commerce Center in Oviedo, recently negotiated new lease agreements at both centers.

Winston Schwartz, president of Winston-James Development, said J. Short Insurance leased 1,000 square feet of office space at the West Orange Business Center in Winter Garden.

Valet Waste, which provides services to multi-family properties in Central Florida, leased 1,870 square feet of office space at Aloma Commerce Center.

For more information, contact: Winston Schwartz, President, Winston-James Development, Inc 933 Beville Rd., South Daytona, Fla. 32119; 386-760-2555; James Adley, Principal, Winston-James Development, Inc. 386-760-2555; Charles N. Kasza, Vice President Winston-James Development, Inc. 386-760-2555

NAI Realvest Negotiates New Lease Agreement for Rehab Center in Gainesville

MAITLAND – NAI Realvest recently negotiated a new lease for 1,400 square feet of professional office space at 620 SW 4th Ave. in Gainesville.

NAI Realvest broker associate Paul Vera negotiated the three-year agreement representing the tenant, Gainesville Injury Rehabilitation Center. The landlord is Fourth Avenue Investments, LLC. and was represented by Russ Hirshik of ERA Trend Realty.

For more information contact: Paul Vera, Broker/Associate NAI Realvest, 407-875-9989 Pvera@realvest.com; Patrick Mahoney, President, NAI Realvest 407-875-9989 pmahoney@realvest.com

About NAI Realvest: NAI Realvest, with offices serving 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 through NAI Global, an international commercial real estate network with over 325 offices spanning the globe. Since 1978, clients have built their 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.

Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty Named Exclusive Sales, Marketing Agents for Joey Fatone’s $5.5 Million Orlando Home

ORLANDO - Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty has been named exclusive sales and marketing agents for the $5.5 million lakefront estate home of former ‘N Sync recording star Joey Fatone, Jr. in southwest Orlando.

Roger Soderstrom, founder and owner of Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty, said Stirling Sotheby’s associates Sally Andy and David Warren are principal contacts for the estate home.
Overlooking Lake Pocket, part of the Butler Chain of Lakes near Windermere, the 4.36- acre lakefront estate offers a private security entrance and state-of-the-art security and audio-visual systems throughout.

The 12,370 square foot luxury estate offers six bedrooms, six full baths, four half-baths, a magnificent resort-style pool and spa, game rooms, and in-home theater; separate air-conditioned six-car garage with full kitchen, bath and rotating floors; and a private dock with boathouse on Lake Pocket.

Fatone, star of stage, screen and television, has appeared on Broadway, hosted NBC’s international hit show, “The Singing Bee,” and was a celebrity finalist in ABC’s popular TV series, “Dancing with the Stars.” He is currently involved in several projects, including a record album, a new TV series, and proposed Broadway show.

For more information contact: Sally Andy, Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty 407-687-7295 sally@sallyandy.com; David Warren, Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty 407-928-3760 david@sallyandy.com; Roger Soderstrom, Founder/Owner Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty 407-581-7890

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 three performance zones which serve all of Central Florida. Visit www.StirlingSIR.com.

Only five ready-to-move-in ready homes remain for sale at The Villages of Royal Palm in Port Orange

SOUTH DAYTONA - Only five ready-to-move-in luxury homes priced from the mid $100s remain for sale at Villages of Royal Palm, located on Villages of Royal Palm Blvd. off Williamson Blvd. in Port Orange.

Villages of Royal Palm Developer Winston Schwartz, said the homes priced from $165,000, range in size from 1,300 square feet of living space to 2,200 square feet.

All five homes qualify for federal tax credit incentives that range from $6,500 for existing home owners to $8,000 for first time home buyers, Schwartz said.

The deadline to qualify for the tax credit incentives is April 30 for closing in June.

For more information about this press release, contact: Winston Schwartz, President, Winston-James Development, Inc. Beville Rd., South Daytona, Fla. 32119; 386-760-2555; James Adley, Principal, Winston-James Development, Inc. 386-760-2555

Grubb & Ellis|Commercial Florida Negotiates new long-term Lease of 21,456 Square Feet for Orlando division office of United Safety Council

ORLANDO - Grubb & Ellis Commercial Florida recently negotiated a 10-year lease agreement for 21,456 square feet of office space at 1505 E. Colonial Drive in Orlando.

Anne Deason vice president in the Office Group at Grubb & EllisCommercial Florida, negotiated the transaction on behalf of the new tenant, United Safety Council.

Grubb & EllisCommercial Florida Office Group vice presidents Jay Dixon and Robert Kellogg and associate Jerry Thornbury represented the landlord Orlando-based West Eden Partnership, LLP.

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

About Grubb & Ellis Company: 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), mutual funds and other real estate investment funds. For more information, visit www.grubb-ellis.com.

Mia Bella Scalini Family Italian Restaurant Expands, Adds New Menu Entrees

ORLANDO - Mia Bella Scalini Family Restaurant in the Grand Oaks Village Shopping Center at 5106 Dr. Phillips Blvd. near Windermere has added several new menu entrees and 30 new seats and tables.

“A family Italian restaurant was perfect for this area,” said Ron Schwartz, one of the principals of the restaurant along with famous chef and entrepreneur Donato Mastontoni. “Our customer base has been growing fast and during dinner hours we’ve had to turn customers away,” Schwartz said.

Schwartz expanded the restaurant seating to some 80 seats and tables.

The new menu entrees feature delectable pastas, chicken and veal dishes and Italian subs.
“We’re the perfect restaurant for lunch and dinner,” Schwartz said. Mia Bella Scalini Family Restaurant also features traditional classic NY style and gluten-free pizzas.
* * *
For more information, please contact: Scalini’s Pizza and Pasta, 407-291-9349, info@scalinispizza.com; Ron Schwartz, Owner, Scalini’s Pizza and Pasta, 407-342-3648

Cuhaci & Peterson Architects Awarded Contract to Design Interior Buildout for YogoBerry Frozen Yogurt Store in South Orlando

ORLANDO - Cuhaci & Peterson Architects, LLC based in Orlando’s Baldwin Park was recently awarded a contract to design the interior buildout of a 1,370 square foot YogoBerry frozen yogurt store on S. Orange Avenue at Michigan in south Orlando.

Lonnie Peterson, chairman of Cuhaci & Peterson Architects, said the three-year old YogoBerry retail franchise has opened locations in Austin, Tex., and Scarsdale, N.Y.
Developer Kimco Realty awarded the contract.
* * *
For more information contact: Lonnie Peterson, Chairman Cuhaci & Peterson Architects, LLC, 407-661-9100; Jed Downs, President Cuhaci & Peterson Architects, LLC, 407-661-9100

Pulte’s Centex Homes to Showcase Two New Model Homes Priced From The $140s in Grand Opening at Sullivan Ranch in Mount Dora

MOUNT DORA - Pulte Homes said its Centex Homes brand will host a grand opening on Saturday and Sunday, March 6 and 7, to showcase two new model homes at Sullivan Ranch, the gated community located on Round Lake Road east of U.S. 441 in Mount Dora.

Sean Strickler, vice president of sales and marketing for Pulte’s Central Florida Division, said both new model homes are fully furnished. Centex Homes will also showcase its new Sullivan Ranch sales and information center, Strickler said.

New three, four and five-bedroom single-family homes priced from the $140s at Sullivan Ranch range in size from 1,335 square feet of living space to 3,514 square feet.

Centex Homes plans to build 692 new homes at Sullivan Ranch.
* * *

For more information contact: Lyndsey Clarke, Marketing Manager, Pulte Group, 407-661-2150 ext 1416 2301 Lucien Way, Suite 400, Maitland, FL 32751; lyndsey.clarke@pulte.com; Sean C. Strickler, Vice President Sales & Marketing, Pulte Group 407-661-1461 sstrickler@pulte.com

About Pulte: Pulte Homes, Inc., based in Bloomfield Hills, Mich., is one of America’s largest home building companies with operations in 69 markets, 29 states and the District of Columbia. The Company has an unmatched capacity to meet the needs of all buyer segments through its brand portfolio that includes Pulte Homes, Centex and Del Webb, as well as its regional brands of DiVosta Homes (Florida) and Fox & Jacobs (Texas). In 2009, Pulte Homes brands received more top rankings than any other homebuilder in the annual J.D. Power and Associates 2009 New-Home Builder Customer Satisfaction Studysm. Pulte Mortgage LLC is a nationwide lender offering Pulte customers a variety of loan products and superior service.

Hands-On Management, Custom Solutions and Quick Response Are Winning Strategies for Melrose-Sovereign

ORLANDO - With vacancies at rental apartment communities in Florida at an all-time high, Melrose-Sovereign, based in Orlando, is establishing itself as one of the state’s fastest-growing community management firms with a strategy that includes hands-on property management, custom solutions and quick response to fast-changing issues. The result–higher occupancies.

Rebecca Shaffrey, recently named Vice President of Property Management at Melrose- Sovereign’s Multi-Family Division, said the firm values its standing as a boutique management company.

“Boutique management companies have less overhead, so we can charge less for our services,” Shaffrey said. “We have fewer management layers, so we can respond quickly to market conditions and design custom solutions that produce results,” she added.

Shaffrey said record vacancies are a result of a non-traditional housing market.

“In the past, condominiums competed with new single-family homes for buyers,” Shaffrey said.

“The huge wave of condo conversions five years ago resulted in thousands of investor-owned condominiums in the market that are now competing with rental communities for the same renters,” Shaffrey explained.

“Traditional apartment management companies are having trouble keeping up with current market conditions,” Shaffrey said. “Companies that rely on their traditional business models can’t compete in this fast-evolving, non-linear environment. No two communities are alike and therefore, each needs a specific strategy if rents and occupancies are to remain high. We are able to respond quickly, identifying and implementing unique strategies for finding new renters and keeping the ones we have. This requires your most talented, well-trained and highly motivated management people on the ground, and in the rental office every day,” Shaffrey said.

For more information, contact: Rebecca Shaffrey, Vice President of Property Management, Melrose-Sovereign, 407-228-4181; rshaffrey@melrose-sovereign.com; Jack B. Hanson, LCAM, Partner/Co-founder, Melrose-Sovereign, 407-228-4181, jhanson@melrose-sovereign.com or Ellen G. Lumpkin, LCAM, Partner/Co-founder, Melrose-Sovereign, 407-228-4181, elumpkin@melrose-sovereign.com