PORT ORANGE, Fla. --- The Villages of Royal Palm in Port Orange has introduced a new floor plan.
Winston Schwartz, president of Winston-James Development in South Daytona Beach, which is developing of The Villages of Royal Palm, said the new floor plan offers three bedrooms and two baths in 1,618 square feet of living space with a new kitchen and family room layout.
Schwartz said The Villages of Royal Palm recently released 12 new lakefront home sites and three of them have already been sold.
New three-bedroom homes on the recently released home sites will range in size from 1,700 square feet of living space to 2,200 square feet, priced from the $190s with two car garages.
Monday, July 30, 2012
Mercantile Capital Corporation Chief Executive Officer Chris Hurn in the running for 2012 Small Business Influencer Award
ORLANDO, Fla. – Chris Hurn, chief executive officer and co-founder of Orlando based Mercantile Capital Corporation, has been nominated for a 2012 Small Business Influence Award, under the category “small business expert.”
Hurn, whose Mercantile Capital Corporation opened nine years ago and ranks as one of the nation’s leading providers of U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) 504 loans for small business owners who want to acquire or develop their own facilities, said he is flattered by the nomination.
Currently, Hurn ranks third in the U.S. in an online poll of small business owners voting for 2012 Small Business Influencer Award nominees. Nominations for the award closed on July 15. Online voting will continue through Aug. 5.
Small Business Influencer Awards are made on the basis of online voting as well as the opinion of a weighted panel of expert judges.
Small Business Influencer Awards honor those who are influential to small businesses in North America, through the products, services, knowledge, information or support they provide to the small business market. The awards are designed to recognize the unsung heroes of small businesses — those who support and encourage entrepreneurs and small business owners, and help them achieve success and stay successful.
Anita Campbell, CEO of Small Business Trends and one of the co-founders of the Small Business Influencer Award, said award recipients play crucial roles in the small business ecosystem, often in the background.
“Many nominees are themselves small business owners, entrepreneurs or small businesses,” Campbell said.
“The Awards provide an added boost in motivation and morale for a nominee's employees and staff that can make a big difference in results," Campbell said.
About the Small Business Influencer Awards
The Small Business Influencer Awards initiative is produced by Small Business Trends, an award-winning online publication, serving over 4 million small business owners, stakeholders and entrepreneurs annually, and SmallBizTechnology.com, a media company that produces online content and live events educating small and mid-sized companies on how to strategically use technology as a tool to grow their businesses. The Awards can be found on the Web at: www.SMBInfluencers.com.
About Mercantile Capital Corporation:
Mercantile Capital Corporation is one of the nation’s leading providers of U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) 504 loans to small business owners who want to acquire, construct, renovate, expand or refinance their commercial facilities. The company closed more commercial loans in the first six months of 2012 than in all of 2011 — 58 loans worth $220.7 million in total project costs. In its nine-year history, Mercantile has financed loans for projects worth more than $965.5 million in total project costs in 37 states plus the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, and has helped to create or retain 6,584 jobs. More information can be found at www.504Experts.com.
Hurn, whose Mercantile Capital Corporation opened nine years ago and ranks as one of the nation’s leading providers of U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) 504 loans for small business owners who want to acquire or develop their own facilities, said he is flattered by the nomination.
Currently, Hurn ranks third in the U.S. in an online poll of small business owners voting for 2012 Small Business Influencer Award nominees. Nominations for the award closed on July 15. Online voting will continue through Aug. 5.
Small Business Influencer Awards are made on the basis of online voting as well as the opinion of a weighted panel of expert judges.
Small Business Influencer Awards honor those who are influential to small businesses in North America, through the products, services, knowledge, information or support they provide to the small business market. The awards are designed to recognize the unsung heroes of small businesses — those who support and encourage entrepreneurs and small business owners, and help them achieve success and stay successful.
Anita Campbell, CEO of Small Business Trends and one of the co-founders of the Small Business Influencer Award, said award recipients play crucial roles in the small business ecosystem, often in the background.
“Many nominees are themselves small business owners, entrepreneurs or small businesses,” Campbell said.
“The Awards provide an added boost in motivation and morale for a nominee's employees and staff that can make a big difference in results," Campbell said.
About the Small Business Influencer Awards
The Small Business Influencer Awards initiative is produced by Small Business Trends, an award-winning online publication, serving over 4 million small business owners, stakeholders and entrepreneurs annually, and SmallBizTechnology.com, a media company that produces online content and live events educating small and mid-sized companies on how to strategically use technology as a tool to grow their businesses. The Awards can be found on the Web at: www.SMBInfluencers.com.
About Mercantile Capital Corporation:
Mercantile Capital Corporation is one of the nation’s leading providers of U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) 504 loans to small business owners who want to acquire, construct, renovate, expand or refinance their commercial facilities. The company closed more commercial loans in the first six months of 2012 than in all of 2011 — 58 loans worth $220.7 million in total project costs. In its nine-year history, Mercantile has financed loans for projects worth more than $965.5 million in total project costs in 37 states plus the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, and has helped to create or retain 6,584 jobs. More information can be found at www.504Experts.com.
Hendricks & Partners Negotiates Sale of The Enclave at Northwood Apartment Property in Clearwater
CLEARWATER, Fla. --- Hendricks & Partners, one of the nation’s largest and most active multi-family investment banking and research companies, recently negotiated the sale of The Enclave at Northwood apartments at 2690 Enterprise Rd. in Clearwater.
Jason Stanton, senior investment advisor at the Tampa office of Hendrick’s & Partners, negotiated the sale of the 188-unit apartment property with partner Cole Whitaker and associate partner Hal Warren in the firm’s Orlando office.
Hendricks & Partners represented the seller, a commingled fund managed by Nashville-based Covenant Capital Group.
The buyer is an affiliate of Stonebridge Investments, BV based in Washington, D.C. Orlando-based ZRS Management, LLC has been retained by the buyer to provide property management services.
The one, two and three-bedroom townhome and villa apartments total 202,212 square feet of rentable space and the units -- averaging 1,076 square feet -- also average $1,066 in monthly rent.
The apartment community was built in 1984-1985 in two phases.
Jason Stanton, senior investment advisor at the Tampa office of Hendrick’s & Partners, negotiated the sale of the 188-unit apartment property with partner Cole Whitaker and associate partner Hal Warren in the firm’s Orlando office.
Hendricks & Partners represented the seller, a commingled fund managed by Nashville-based Covenant Capital Group.
The buyer is an affiliate of Stonebridge Investments, BV based in Washington, D.C. Orlando-based ZRS Management, LLC has been retained by the buyer to provide property management services.
The one, two and three-bedroom townhome and villa apartments total 202,212 square feet of rentable space and the units -- averaging 1,076 square feet -- also average $1,066 in monthly rent.
The apartment community was built in 1984-1985 in two phases.
NAI Realvest Negotiates Sale of 49+ Acre Agricultural Land in East Orlando for $345,900
ORLANDO, Fla. – NAI Realvest recently negotiated the sale of a 49.42 acre tract zoned for agriculture use at 10501 James Creek Rd. (SR 520) in east Orlando.
NAI Realvest Associate George Viele brokered the transaction representing the seller, The Margaret B. Vickery Family Limited Partnership in Orlando.
The buyer, Salt Lake City-based Farmland Reserve paid $345,900 for the property that has frontage on SR 520.
About NAI Realvest
NAI Realvest, 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. NAI Global is an international commercial real estate network with over 350 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.
NAI Realvest Associate George Viele brokered the transaction representing the seller, The Margaret B. Vickery Family Limited Partnership in Orlando.
The buyer, Salt Lake City-based Farmland Reserve paid $345,900 for the property that has frontage on SR 520.
About NAI Realvest
NAI Realvest, 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. NAI Global is an international commercial real estate network with over 350 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.
Ryland Homes Starts Construction of Two Model Homes at new Community of Walnut Creek in Charlotte region
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Ryland Homes has started construction of two model homes at the home builder’s newest community of Walnut Creek, located off Jim Wilson Rd. east of Johnston (Hwy. 521) in Lancaster, S.C.
Krista Long, vice president of sales and marketing for Ryland Homes in the Charlotte region, said the Landrum model home and the Hastings model home will open in August in the new community where some 77 homes are planned.
Two design collections will be featured with homes priced from the $190s and the $230s.
New three, four and five bedroom homes at Walnut Creek will range in size from 2,300 square feet of living space to 3,600 square feet with two to four baths and two car garages.
Long said new homes at Walnut Creek will offer such options as sunrooms, screened porches, covered outdoor living areas and additional guest suites.
Planned community amenities include a clubhouse, swimming pool with water slide and playground.
About Ryland Homes
With headquarters in Southern California, Ryland is one of the nation's largest homebuilders and a leading mortgage-finance company. The Company currently operates in 24 homebuilding divisions across the country and has built more than 285,000 homes and financed more than 235,000 mortgages since its founding in 1967. Ryland is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "RYL."
Krista Long, vice president of sales and marketing for Ryland Homes in the Charlotte region, said the Landrum model home and the Hastings model home will open in August in the new community where some 77 homes are planned.
Two design collections will be featured with homes priced from the $190s and the $230s.
New three, four and five bedroom homes at Walnut Creek will range in size from 2,300 square feet of living space to 3,600 square feet with two to four baths and two car garages.
Long said new homes at Walnut Creek will offer such options as sunrooms, screened porches, covered outdoor living areas and additional guest suites.
Planned community amenities include a clubhouse, swimming pool with water slide and playground.
About Ryland Homes
With headquarters in Southern California, Ryland is one of the nation's largest homebuilders and a leading mortgage-finance company. The Company currently operates in 24 homebuilding divisions across the country and has built more than 285,000 homes and financed more than 235,000 mortgages since its founding in 1967. Ryland is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "RYL."
NAI Realvest Negotiates New Office Leases with Allstate Agent and Software Company at University Court in East Orlando
ORLANDO, Fla. --- NAI Realvest recently negotiated two new lease agreements totaling 2,760 square feet at University Court located at 3361 Rouse Rd. off University Blvd. in east Orlando.
Senior Broker-Associate Mary Frances West, CCIM negotiated both transactions representing the landlord, Interchange Rouse, LLC of Daytona Beach.
Mevesi, Inc., a local software company, leased Suite 175 with 1,380 square feet.
Howes Insurance Agency, a family operated Allstate agent, leased Suite 115 with 1,380 square feet. Howes was represented by Danny Rice and Jamie Barati of Colliers International.
About NAI Realvest
NAI Realvest, 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. NAI Global is an international commercial real estate network with over 350 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.
Senior Broker-Associate Mary Frances West, CCIM negotiated both transactions representing the landlord, Interchange Rouse, LLC of Daytona Beach.
Mevesi, Inc., a local software company, leased Suite 175 with 1,380 square feet.
Howes Insurance Agency, a family operated Allstate agent, leased Suite 115 with 1,380 square feet. Howes was represented by Danny Rice and Jamie Barati of Colliers International.
About NAI Realvest
NAI Realvest, 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. NAI Global is an international commercial real estate network with over 350 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.
Friday, July 27, 2012
NAI Realvest Negotiates Long Term Retail Lease at Hunter’s Creek Plaza in South Orlando
ORLANDO, Fla. – NAI Realvest recently negotiated a new long-term lease agreement for 3,100 square feet in the Hunter’s Creek Plaza on Town Center Blvd. in South Orlando.
Mez Birdie, CCIM, director of retail services for NAI Realvest, negotiated the lease representing retailer Once upon a Child which specializes in buying and selling gently used and new children’s clothing, toys, furniture and accessories.
The landlord, Hunter’s Creek Plaza, LLC was represented in the transaction by Whitaker Leonhardt a director at Crossman & Company.
About NAI Realvest:
NAI Realvest, 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 350 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.
Mez Birdie, CCIM, director of retail services for NAI Realvest, negotiated the lease representing retailer Once upon a Child which specializes in buying and selling gently used and new children’s clothing, toys, furniture and accessories.
The landlord, Hunter’s Creek Plaza, LLC was represented in the transaction by Whitaker Leonhardt a director at Crossman & Company.
About NAI Realvest:
NAI Realvest, 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 350 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.
NAI Realvest Negotiates New Office Lease Agreement at Winter Park’s Gateway Plaza
MAITLAND, Fla. --- NAI Realvest recently negotiated a new office lease in Gateway Plaza at 1201 S. Orlando Ave. in Winter Park.
NAI Realvest Principal Tom R. Kelley II, CCIM represented the tenant Fimognari Financial in a lease agreement for suite 320 with 1,481 square feet. Gateway Plaza, Ltd. is the landlord.
About NAI Realvest
NAI Realvest, 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. NAI Global is an international commercial real estate network with over 350 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.
NAI Realvest Principal Tom R. Kelley II, CCIM represented the tenant Fimognari Financial in a lease agreement for suite 320 with 1,481 square feet. Gateway Plaza, Ltd. is the landlord.
About NAI Realvest
NAI Realvest, 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. NAI Global is an international commercial real estate network with over 350 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.
Winston James Development leases space to Internet media firm at Aloma Business Center in Winter Park
Winter Park, Fla. --- Winston James Development has agreed to lease additional office space at its business center on Aloma Ave. in Winter Park to the No-Limit Marketing firm.
The tenant, leased 940 square feet and is an Internet multi-media marketing firm, Winston Schwartz, president of Winston-James Development, Inc said.
Winston James Development developed the Aloma Business Center.
The tenant, leased 940 square feet and is an Internet multi-media marketing firm, Winston Schwartz, president of Winston-James Development, Inc said.
Winston James Development developed the Aloma Business Center.
Thursday, July 26, 2012
Lennar to Open Two New Model Homes in August at Heritage Isle in Melbourne
MELBOURNE, Fla. --- Lennar will open two new model homes in late August at Heritage Isle, the award-winning active adult community located in Viera adjacent to Melbourne’s Duran Golf Club.
Mark Metheny, president of Lennar’s Central Florida Division, said the Ascot model home offers two bedrooms and two baths in 1,779 square feet of living space with a two-car garage priced from $207,990.
The Kennedy model home offers four bedrooms and three baths in 2,267 square feet of living space with a three-car garage priced from $240,990.
Metheny said both new model homes are located in the newest phase at Heritage Isle where Lennar is building Villa, Manor and Estate Homes priced from the $130s.
Heritage Isle is a 475-acre community that features village parks, lakes and pedestrian bridges, along with the largest community clubhouse in Brevard County.
The 21,000 square foot Heritage Isle Club is home to the Heritage Café, open six days a week, and a state-of-the-art fitness center with personal trainers.
Heritage Isle was voted “best 55 plus community” by the readers of Florida Today newspaper. Where to Retire magazine named Heritage Isle one of America’s best 100 master planned communities and Heritage Isle won the 2006 Best of Seniors Housing award.
For sales information, call Lennar’s Welcome Home Center at Heritage Isle 321-638-2239 or visit www.Lennar.com.
Mark Metheny, president of Lennar’s Central Florida Division, said the Ascot model home offers two bedrooms and two baths in 1,779 square feet of living space with a two-car garage priced from $207,990.
The Kennedy model home offers four bedrooms and three baths in 2,267 square feet of living space with a three-car garage priced from $240,990.
Metheny said both new model homes are located in the newest phase at Heritage Isle where Lennar is building Villa, Manor and Estate Homes priced from the $130s.
Heritage Isle is a 475-acre community that features village parks, lakes and pedestrian bridges, along with the largest community clubhouse in Brevard County.
The 21,000 square foot Heritage Isle Club is home to the Heritage Café, open six days a week, and a state-of-the-art fitness center with personal trainers.
Heritage Isle was voted “best 55 plus community” by the readers of Florida Today newspaper. Where to Retire magazine named Heritage Isle one of America’s best 100 master planned communities and Heritage Isle won the 2006 Best of Seniors Housing award.
For sales information, call Lennar’s Welcome Home Center at Heritage Isle 321-638-2239 or visit www.Lennar.com.
Lennar’s Central Florida Division Names Jack Lazinsk Director of Sales and Marketing for Orlando Region
ORLANDO, Fla. --- Lennar’s Central Florida Division has appointed Jack Lazinsk Director of Sales and Marketing in the Orlando region, including the Clermont and Space Coast areas.
Mark Metheny, president of Lennar’s Central Florida Division, said Lazinsk has more than 10 years of experience in the homebuilding industry.
Lazinsk is a graduate of the University of South Florida with a degree in Business Administration/Marketing. He has been a Central Florida resident for the last 23 years.
“Jack Lazinsk has a wide range of experience and some truly great ideas,” Metheny said. “We expect him to play a big role in our continued growth in the Orlando area,” he said.
Lennar’s Central Florida Division builds new single-family homes and town homes throughout Clermont, Orlando and the Space Coast areas.
Mark Metheny, president of Lennar’s Central Florida Division, said Lazinsk has more than 10 years of experience in the homebuilding industry.
Lazinsk is a graduate of the University of South Florida with a degree in Business Administration/Marketing. He has been a Central Florida resident for the last 23 years.
“Jack Lazinsk has a wide range of experience and some truly great ideas,” Metheny said. “We expect him to play a big role in our continued growth in the Orlando area,” he said.
Lennar’s Central Florida Division builds new single-family homes and town homes throughout Clermont, Orlando and the Space Coast areas.
Ryland Homes Starts Construction of Two New Single Family Model Homes from the Low $200s at Whitney Lake on Johns Island
CHARLESTON, S.C. --- Ryland Homes has started construction of two new single-family model homes at Whitney Lake, located off River Road and Maybank Highway on Johns Island in Charleston.
Brian Cartwright, vice president of sales and marketing for Ryland Homes in the Charleston-Myrtle Beach region, said new single-family homes at Whitney Lake in Johns Island are priced from under $200,000.
The Edgefield model home offers 2,126 square feet of living space with three bedrooms and two-and-a-half baths, along with a detached two-car garage. The master suite is located on the ground floor, along with a sunroom and a fireplace. The Edgefield floor plan is priced from $215,000.
The Colleton model home, also a two-story design, offers 1,931 square feet of living space with three bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths and a detached two-car garage. The Colleton floor plan is priced from $206,000.
Both model homes will be fully furnished and decorated when they open in late August/early September 2012, Cartwright said.
The community boasts walking trails throughout and overlooks Whitney Lake, a natural 22-acre lake that affords a quiet environment with many recreational opportunities.
Altogether, Ryland Homes plans to build 81 new three and four-bedroom, single-family homes at Whitney Lake that range from 1,600 to 1,929 square feet of living area, priced from the $180s.
Presales are underway. Visit www.ryland.com
About Ryland Homes
With headquarters in Southern California, Ryland is one of the nation’s largest homebuilders and a leading mortgage-finance company. The company currently operates in 13 states across the country and has built more than 295,000 homes and financed more than 245,000 mortgages since its founding in 1967. Ryland is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “RYL.” Visit www.Ryland.com
Brian Cartwright, vice president of sales and marketing for Ryland Homes in the Charleston-Myrtle Beach region, said new single-family homes at Whitney Lake in Johns Island are priced from under $200,000.
The Edgefield model home offers 2,126 square feet of living space with three bedrooms and two-and-a-half baths, along with a detached two-car garage. The master suite is located on the ground floor, along with a sunroom and a fireplace. The Edgefield floor plan is priced from $215,000.
The Colleton model home, also a two-story design, offers 1,931 square feet of living space with three bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths and a detached two-car garage. The Colleton floor plan is priced from $206,000.
Both model homes will be fully furnished and decorated when they open in late August/early September 2012, Cartwright said.
The community boasts walking trails throughout and overlooks Whitney Lake, a natural 22-acre lake that affords a quiet environment with many recreational opportunities.
Altogether, Ryland Homes plans to build 81 new three and four-bedroom, single-family homes at Whitney Lake that range from 1,600 to 1,929 square feet of living area, priced from the $180s.
Presales are underway. Visit www.ryland.com
About Ryland Homes
With headquarters in Southern California, Ryland is one of the nation’s largest homebuilders and a leading mortgage-finance company. The company currently operates in 13 states across the country and has built more than 295,000 homes and financed more than 245,000 mortgages since its founding in 1967. Ryland is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “RYL.” Visit www.Ryland.com
ICI Homes Offers Big Incentive to Home Buyers at Amelia National Golf & Country Club: $25,000 CDD Fees Paid in Full
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. --- Amelia National Golf & Country Club in Fernandina Beach is offering a whale of an incentive for new home buyers this summer: For a limited time, Amelia National Developer ICI Homes will pay all CDD fees for new to-be-built homes purchased in Amelia National
Rosemary Messina, vice president of sales and marketing for ICI Homes said, the offer is worth up to $25,000.
CDD fees fund Community Development District improvements and maintenance on such infrastructure necessities as roads, storm water facilities and common areas.
ICI Homes builds custom-built luxury homes priced from the $300s at Amelia National, an award winning country club community built around a Tom Fazio designed golf course.
About ICI Homes
ICI Homes is ranked by Builder magazine as one of the top 100 homebuilders in the nation. The 32+-year-old firm builds new homes and resort facilities in the Volusia-Flagler region as well as in Jacksonville, Orlando, Melbourne and Tampa.
Rosemary Messina, vice president of sales and marketing for ICI Homes said, the offer is worth up to $25,000.
CDD fees fund Community Development District improvements and maintenance on such infrastructure necessities as roads, storm water facilities and common areas.
ICI Homes builds custom-built luxury homes priced from the $300s at Amelia National, an award winning country club community built around a Tom Fazio designed golf course.
About ICI Homes
ICI Homes is ranked by Builder magazine as one of the top 100 homebuilders in the nation. The 32+-year-old firm builds new homes and resort facilities in the Volusia-Flagler region as well as in Jacksonville, Orlando, Melbourne and Tampa.
Hendricks & Partners Negotiates Sale of Cedarbrook Apartments in Hoover for $16,750,000
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. --- Hendricks & Partners, one of the nation’s largest and most active multifamily investment banking and research companies, recently negotiated the sale of Cedarbrook Apartments, a 320-unit apartment community located in Hoover, Ala. for $16.75 million.
David Oakley, senior investment advisor of Hendricks & Partners Alabama office negotiated the sale representing the seller, Cedarbrook Apartments, LLC, an Alabama limited liability company, based in Birmingham.
Cedarbrook, built in 1972 and renovated in 2010/2011, has a total of 329,980 square feet of rentable living space with one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments.
The buyer was Landmark at Deerfield Glen, LLC, based in Florida, and was represented by Tom Hinton of Hinton Properties.
David Oakley, senior investment advisor of Hendricks & Partners Alabama office negotiated the sale representing the seller, Cedarbrook Apartments, LLC, an Alabama limited liability company, based in Birmingham.
Cedarbrook, built in 1972 and renovated in 2010/2011, has a total of 329,980 square feet of rentable living space with one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments.
The buyer was Landmark at Deerfield Glen, LLC, based in Florida, and was represented by Tom Hinton of Hinton Properties.
First Green Bank Names Shalee Wiley Executive Assistant to President Paul Roundtree
EUSTIS, Fla. – First Green Bank, one of the first banks of its kind in the U.S. to focus on positive environmental and social responsibility while operating as a traditional community bank, has appointed Shalee Wiley executive assistant to bank president Paul Roundtree.
Ken LaRoe, chairman and chief executive officer of First Green Bank said Wiley has more than seven years of experience in corporate and community banking. She was formerly an assistant manager at Washington Mutual Bank in Salt Lake City.
Ken LaRoe, chairman and chief executive officer of First Green Bank said Wiley has more than seven years of experience in corporate and community banking. She was formerly an assistant manager at Washington Mutual Bank in Salt Lake City.
Pulte Homes to Grand Open New Community Bonvida in Valrico
TAMPA, Fla. -- Pulte Homes will open Bonvida, its newest residential community in the Tampa Bay region in August with new single-family homes priced from the mid $100s.
Sean Strickler, vice president of sales, for Pulte Homes in the Tampa Bay area, said Bonvida ---the word means “Good Life”--- will offer 50-foot to70-foot wide home sites.
Pulte will build three to six-bedroom single-family homes at Bonvida in five different designs that range in size from 2,162 square feet of living space to 3,476 square feet with two and three-car garages.
Strickler added that Pulte Homes has 63 homesites available at Bonvida which is located off Hwy 60 at Valrico and Landside Roads in Valrico, an area with top-rated schools.
“Bonvida was developed without CDD bonds, meaning no additional monthly CDD expenses, and Bonvida is in a convenient location with good schools,” Strickler said. “We are excited to build Bonvida and provide one of the best values in Tampa,” he added.
Bonvida features its own community passive park for kids and families to enjoy at their leisure.
For more information about the new homes at Bonvida, go to www.Pulte.com/tampa or visit a Pulte New Home sales consultant at FishHawk Ranch, 15738 Starling Water Drive, Lithia, FL, 33547 or phone 877-215-3108.
About Pulte Homes
Award winning Pulte Homes communities are designed to deliver the best quality of life for home owners. By combining innovative life-enhancing designs, an unwavering commitment to quality and attention to detail, Pulte Homes is the nation’s premier home brand for upwardly mobile home buyers in 26 states and the District of Columbia. As the most awarded homebuilder in customer satisfaction, Pulte Homes has ranked tops in the annual JD Power and Associates® New-Home Builder Customer Satisfaction Studysm more than 75 times since 2000. For more information about Pulte Homes, visit www.pultehomes.com.
About PulteGroup
PulteGroup, Inc. (NYSE: PHM), based in Bloomfield Hills, Mich., is one of America’s largest home building companies with operations in approximately 60 markets throughout the country. Through its brand portfolio that includes Centex, Pulte Homes and Del Webb, the company is one of the industry’s most versatile homebuilders able to meet the needs of multiple buyer groups and respond to changing consumer demand. PulteGroup conducts extensive research to provide home buyers with innovative solutions and new homes designed for the way people actually live today. As the most awarded home builder in customer satisfaction, PulteGroup brands have consistently ranked among top home builders in third-party customer satisfaction studies.
For more information about PulteGroup, Inc. and PulteGroup brands, see pultegroup.com; www.pulte.com; www.centex.com; www.delwebb.com
Sean Strickler, vice president of sales, for Pulte Homes in the Tampa Bay area, said Bonvida ---the word means “Good Life”--- will offer 50-foot to70-foot wide home sites.
Pulte will build three to six-bedroom single-family homes at Bonvida in five different designs that range in size from 2,162 square feet of living space to 3,476 square feet with two and three-car garages.
Strickler added that Pulte Homes has 63 homesites available at Bonvida which is located off Hwy 60 at Valrico and Landside Roads in Valrico, an area with top-rated schools.
“Bonvida was developed without CDD bonds, meaning no additional monthly CDD expenses, and Bonvida is in a convenient location with good schools,” Strickler said. “We are excited to build Bonvida and provide one of the best values in Tampa,” he added.
Bonvida features its own community passive park for kids and families to enjoy at their leisure.
For more information about the new homes at Bonvida, go to www.Pulte.com/tampa or visit a Pulte New Home sales consultant at FishHawk Ranch, 15738 Starling Water Drive, Lithia, FL, 33547 or phone 877-215-3108.
About Pulte Homes
Award winning Pulte Homes communities are designed to deliver the best quality of life for home owners. By combining innovative life-enhancing designs, an unwavering commitment to quality and attention to detail, Pulte Homes is the nation’s premier home brand for upwardly mobile home buyers in 26 states and the District of Columbia. As the most awarded homebuilder in customer satisfaction, Pulte Homes has ranked tops in the annual JD Power and Associates® New-Home Builder Customer Satisfaction Studysm more than 75 times since 2000. For more information about Pulte Homes, visit www.pultehomes.com.
About PulteGroup
PulteGroup, Inc. (NYSE: PHM), based in Bloomfield Hills, Mich., is one of America’s largest home building companies with operations in approximately 60 markets throughout the country. Through its brand portfolio that includes Centex, Pulte Homes and Del Webb, the company is one of the industry’s most versatile homebuilders able to meet the needs of multiple buyer groups and respond to changing consumer demand. PulteGroup conducts extensive research to provide home buyers with innovative solutions and new homes designed for the way people actually live today. As the most awarded home builder in customer satisfaction, PulteGroup brands have consistently ranked among top home builders in third-party customer satisfaction studies.
For more information about PulteGroup, Inc. and PulteGroup brands, see pultegroup.com; www.pulte.com; www.centex.com; www.delwebb.com
More than 70 potential home buyers turn out for Grand Opening to showcase new model homes at Magnolia Park in Riverview
TAMPA, Fla. --- More than 70 potential home buyers participated in the recent grand opening of two new Centex model homes at Magnolia Park, 9306 Blueberry Ash Circle off Progress Blvd. and Falkenburg Rd., west of U.S. 301 in Riverview.
Sean C. Strickler, vice president of sales for PulteGroup in the North Florida region, said Centex is now showcasing two new model homes at Magnolia Park.
Centex Homes offers 16 single-family and townhome designs at Magnolia Park priced from the mid-$90s to mid $200s.
Magnolia Park features two tropical pools and cabanas along with two children’s playgrounds, basketball court, gated access at all entries, wetland preserves, parks and will soon include another new pool amenity with an arbor.
About Centex
Reliably built, smartly designed and affordable, Centex homes bring the pride of homeownership to value-conscious buyers in 21 states. As the leading brand for first-time homebuyers looking for just the right home, Centex balances affordability with unique form and function leading to better living. Buyers put themselves in a better place by choosing Centex. For more information about Centex, visit www.centex.com.
About PulteGroup
PulteGroup, Inc. (NYSE: PHM) based in Bloomfield Hills, Mich., is America’s premier home building company with operations in 67 markets, 29 states and the District of Columbia. Celebrating its 60th anniversary in 2010, the Company has an unmatched capacity to meet the needs of all buyer segments through its brand portfolio that includes Pulte Homes, Centex Homes and Del Webb. As the most awarded homebuilder in customer satisfaction, the brands of PulteGroup have consistently ranked among the nation’s top homebuilders as surveyed by third-party, independent national customer satisfaction studies.
For more information about PulteGroup, Inc. and PulteGroup brands, see www.pultegroup.com; www.pulte.com; www.centex.com; www.delwebb.com
Sean C. Strickler, vice president of sales for PulteGroup in the North Florida region, said Centex is now showcasing two new model homes at Magnolia Park.
Centex Homes offers 16 single-family and townhome designs at Magnolia Park priced from the mid-$90s to mid $200s.
Magnolia Park features two tropical pools and cabanas along with two children’s playgrounds, basketball court, gated access at all entries, wetland preserves, parks and will soon include another new pool amenity with an arbor.
About Centex
Reliably built, smartly designed and affordable, Centex homes bring the pride of homeownership to value-conscious buyers in 21 states. As the leading brand for first-time homebuyers looking for just the right home, Centex balances affordability with unique form and function leading to better living. Buyers put themselves in a better place by choosing Centex. For more information about Centex, visit www.centex.com.
About PulteGroup
PulteGroup, Inc. (NYSE: PHM) based in Bloomfield Hills, Mich., is America’s premier home building company with operations in 67 markets, 29 states and the District of Columbia. Celebrating its 60th anniversary in 2010, the Company has an unmatched capacity to meet the needs of all buyer segments through its brand portfolio that includes Pulte Homes, Centex Homes and Del Webb. As the most awarded homebuilder in customer satisfaction, the brands of PulteGroup have consistently ranked among the nation’s top homebuilders as surveyed by third-party, independent national customer satisfaction studies.
For more information about PulteGroup, Inc. and PulteGroup brands, see www.pultegroup.com; www.pulte.com; www.centex.com; www.delwebb.com
NAI Realvest negotiates new lease agreement for Plato’s Closet at Good Homes Plaza in Ocoee
MAITLAND, Fla. – NAI Realvest recently completed a new retail lease of 4,400 square feet at Good Homes Plaza, 8892 W. Colonial Drive in Ocoee in West Orange County.
Mez Birdie, CCIM, director of retail services at NAI Realvest, negotiated the transaction on behalf of the tenant Plato’s Closet. Birdie relocated the store, which specializes in gently used teen trendy clothing, from its previous location in Ocoee.
The landlord is EDENS of Columbia, S.C. Mez Birdie has done multiple Plato’s Closet lease transaction.
About NAI Realvest:
NAI Realvest, 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 350 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.
Mez Birdie, CCIM, director of retail services at NAI Realvest, negotiated the transaction on behalf of the tenant Plato’s Closet. Birdie relocated the store, which specializes in gently used teen trendy clothing, from its previous location in Ocoee.
The landlord is EDENS of Columbia, S.C. Mez Birdie has done multiple Plato’s Closet lease transaction.
About NAI Realvest:
NAI Realvest, 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 350 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.
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
Ashton Woods Homes to Open New Home Design Center in Brandon in September
TAMPA, Fla. --- Ashton Woods Homes will open a new home design center off Lumscen Road in Brandon in September.
Michael Roche, vice president of sales and marketing at Ashton Woods Homes, said the state-of-the-art facility will provide new home buyers an opportunity to study a wide range of new home features, upgrades and options including kitchen appliances, counters and faucets, and windows, wall and floor treatments as well as lanais, patios, swimming pools and spas
Ashton Woods Homes builds single family and town homes in eight communities in the Tampa Bay region.
Ashton Woods Homes, headquartered in Atlanta, is one of the nation’s largest private homebuilding companies with operations in growth communities in Atlanta, Austin, Dallas, Houston, Killeen, Orlando, Phoenix, San Antonio, Raleigh and Tampa. For more information, visit http://www.ashtonwoods.com .
Michael Roche, vice president of sales and marketing at Ashton Woods Homes, said the state-of-the-art facility will provide new home buyers an opportunity to study a wide range of new home features, upgrades and options including kitchen appliances, counters and faucets, and windows, wall and floor treatments as well as lanais, patios, swimming pools and spas
Ashton Woods Homes builds single family and town homes in eight communities in the Tampa Bay region.
Ashton Woods Homes, headquartered in Atlanta, is one of the nation’s largest private homebuilding companies with operations in growth communities in Atlanta, Austin, Dallas, Houston, Killeen, Orlando, Phoenix, San Antonio, Raleigh and Tampa. For more information, visit http://www.ashtonwoods.com .
Solodev Launches New Film Orlando Website
ORLANDO, Fla. – Solodev, a leading Internet software development company, recently launched a redesigned website for the Metro Orlando Film Commission, a division of the Metro Orlando Economic Development Commission (EDC). Powered by Solodev’s enterprise content management system, the filmorlando.com site features a crisp design, streamlined navigation and many enhancements to the front end and back end.
Filmorlando.com is the authoritative source for Orlando filmmakers, producers and other film industry professionals. It contains the latest film news from the area as well as information about local film schools and permitting regulations.
“We have completely streamlined the process of finding the information needed for producers to find the crew, locations and permits they need to film in our region,” said Sheena Fowler, Orlando Film Commissioner.
The biggest upgrades to the site were made to Filmbook Online, a comprehensive database for local and visiting industry professionals that lists more than 1,600 skilled crew and qualified companies that offer production support. The “Filmbook” is now exclusively an online publication and gives members the ability to upload their contact information and a 300-character description of their services for free.
Members can pay for an enhanced profile and include options such as a longer description, a resume and a headshot or company logo. The profile can also include links to the member’s social media profile, website and demo reel. The new site accepts the uploading of large video files that are then compressed and optimized for inclusion. Another improvement in the member database is the incorporation of search-engine friendly URLs to increase the visibility of profiles.
Other site features include searchable talent database, casting notices feed, optimization for mobile devices, and video and photo galleries.
“The Metro Orlando Film Commission is a tremendous resource for the Orlando film community and the improvements we made to the website should help all parties involved,” said Solodev founder and chief technology officer, Shawn Moore. “We put a lot of work into the upgrades for the database and are pleased with the feedback we have received as a result.”
Solodev is a member of the University of Central Florida Business Incubation Program in the Central Florida Research Park in East Orlando.
About Solodev
Solodev is a leading provider of content management software that enables enterprises to easily build native mobile applications and interactive websites and manage content across a growing list of online channels, including social media, e-commerce and B2B. The Solodev content management platform allows organizations to streamline their operations and more effectively control their external communications. It runs in the cloud or on premise to provide secure and scalable content delivery solutions.
Headquartered in Orlando, Florida, Solodev’s growing list of clients includes Fortune 500 companies and mid-to-large-sized organizations in the fields of healthcare, retail, transportation, non-profit, government, economic development and associations. For more information about Solodev, please visit www.solodev.com.
About the Metro Orlando EDC
The Metro Orlando Economic Development Commission (EDC) is a not-for-profit, private/public partnership. The EDC serves Orange, Seminole, Lake and Osceola counties and the City of Orlando in Florida. Since its start in 1977, the EDC, with the support of its community partners, has assisted thousands of companies relocate, expand and grow in the four-county Metro Orlando (Florida) region. This has led to the creation of more than 169,000 jobs; $9.2 billion in capital investment; and 77 million square feet of office and industrial space leased or constructed. For more information, visit www.OrlandoEDC.com.
About the UCF Business Incubation Program
Since its founding in 1999, the UCF Business Incubation Program has helped more than 200 emerging companies (including more than 134 current clients) create over $363 million in annual total economic output and more than 3,120 new jobs (taking direct and indirect and induced impact into account) with an average salary of $59,000. With ten facilities across the Greater Orlando community, the Business Incubation Program is a collaboration in economic development among the University of Central Florida, Orange County, the City of Orlando, Seminole County, the City of Apopka, 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, Volusia County and the Florida High Tech Corridor Council. For more information about the Program and its clients and graduates, please visit www.incubator.ucf.edu and UCFBIP on Facebook, on www.facebook.com/ucf4bip.
Filmorlando.com is the authoritative source for Orlando filmmakers, producers and other film industry professionals. It contains the latest film news from the area as well as information about local film schools and permitting regulations.
“We have completely streamlined the process of finding the information needed for producers to find the crew, locations and permits they need to film in our region,” said Sheena Fowler, Orlando Film Commissioner.
The biggest upgrades to the site were made to Filmbook Online, a comprehensive database for local and visiting industry professionals that lists more than 1,600 skilled crew and qualified companies that offer production support. The “Filmbook” is now exclusively an online publication and gives members the ability to upload their contact information and a 300-character description of their services for free.
Members can pay for an enhanced profile and include options such as a longer description, a resume and a headshot or company logo. The profile can also include links to the member’s social media profile, website and demo reel. The new site accepts the uploading of large video files that are then compressed and optimized for inclusion. Another improvement in the member database is the incorporation of search-engine friendly URLs to increase the visibility of profiles.
Other site features include searchable talent database, casting notices feed, optimization for mobile devices, and video and photo galleries.
“The Metro Orlando Film Commission is a tremendous resource for the Orlando film community and the improvements we made to the website should help all parties involved,” said Solodev founder and chief technology officer, Shawn Moore. “We put a lot of work into the upgrades for the database and are pleased with the feedback we have received as a result.”
Solodev is a member of the University of Central Florida Business Incubation Program in the Central Florida Research Park in East Orlando.
About Solodev
Solodev is a leading provider of content management software that enables enterprises to easily build native mobile applications and interactive websites and manage content across a growing list of online channels, including social media, e-commerce and B2B. The Solodev content management platform allows organizations to streamline their operations and more effectively control their external communications. It runs in the cloud or on premise to provide secure and scalable content delivery solutions.
Headquartered in Orlando, Florida, Solodev’s growing list of clients includes Fortune 500 companies and mid-to-large-sized organizations in the fields of healthcare, retail, transportation, non-profit, government, economic development and associations. For more information about Solodev, please visit www.solodev.com.
About the Metro Orlando EDC
The Metro Orlando Economic Development Commission (EDC) is a not-for-profit, private/public partnership. The EDC serves Orange, Seminole, Lake and Osceola counties and the City of Orlando in Florida. Since its start in 1977, the EDC, with the support of its community partners, has assisted thousands of companies relocate, expand and grow in the four-county Metro Orlando (Florida) region. This has led to the creation of more than 169,000 jobs; $9.2 billion in capital investment; and 77 million square feet of office and industrial space leased or constructed. For more information, visit www.OrlandoEDC.com.
About the UCF Business Incubation Program
Since its founding in 1999, the UCF Business Incubation Program has helped more than 200 emerging companies (including more than 134 current clients) create over $363 million in annual total economic output and more than 3,120 new jobs (taking direct and indirect and induced impact into account) with an average salary of $59,000. With ten facilities across the Greater Orlando community, the Business Incubation Program is a collaboration in economic development among the University of Central Florida, Orange County, the City of Orlando, Seminole County, the City of Apopka, 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, Volusia County and the Florida High Tech Corridor Council. For more information about the Program and its clients and graduates, please visit www.incubator.ucf.edu and UCFBIP on Facebook, on www.facebook.com/ucf4bip.
Two of the Best Economic Recovery Programs for Small Businesses in the U.S. set to expire unless Congress acts soon
ORLANDO, Fla. – Two of the most effective economic recovery programs for small businesses in the U.S. are set to expire in late September unless Congress ends its election-year deadlock and acts to extend them.
Christopher Hurn, chief executive officer of Mercantile Capital Corporation, one of the nation’s leading providers of U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) 504 loans for small business owners who want to acquire or develop their own facilities, said he’s worried that SBA 504 loans for small businesses are being overlooked as Congress grapples with more visible public policy issues.
Hurn said the two initiatives — the SBA 504 refinance program and the First Mortgage Lien Pooling (FMLP) program — significantly expand the benefits of SBA 504 financing for small businesses in the U.S. at a time when our economy needs those businesses to grow and create jobs.
“One of the most critical issues facing the small business sector in the U.S. today is the availability of capital. At a time when interest rates are at their lowest in a lifetime and the Federal Reserve is bending over backward to provide lending capital to major banks, traditional lenders are faced with significant regulatory pressure that’s made it difficult to impossible for many small businesses to obtain the financing they need to expand their businesses, refinance their commercial mortgages, create more jobs and do their part to restore the national economy,” Hurn said.
The SBA 504 Refinance Program enables SBA 504 lenders to offer below-market financing at very favorable terms to small business owners who need to refinance higher-interest conventional loans for their commercial property, according to Hurn.
Hurn also explained that the FMLP program created a secondary market for SBA 504 loans, thereby allowing lenders to generate liquidity and increase access to capital for more small businesses. “The FMLP program has become about the only viable financing source for assisted living facilities, daycares, auto repair shops, restaurants and hotels because conventional lenders generally won’t finance these types of properties,” he said.
The overall increase in SBA loan production in late 2011 and 2012 are due in large part to the SBA 504 refinance and FMLP programs, both of which include supplemental fees that make them budget-neutral. They’ve played a major role in Mercantile Capital and other SBA lenders reporting record loan volumes for the first six months of this year.
Since January, Mercantile Capital has closed 58 commercial loans to finance projects that total $220.7 million. That’s more than the company closed during all of 2011, and a 240% increase over the same time period last year. “Several of the small business owners we’ve worked with this year wouldn’t have been able to get funding for their projects without one or both of these programs,” Hurn said.
The SBA 504 refinance program and the FMLP program were established by the Small Business Jobs and Credit Act of September 2010 to be temporary — only 24 months each. Hurn explained that because of bureaucratic delays in Washington, D.C., these programs were hampered in their utilization and impact for the small business sector of our economy.
“Because of the delays in these programs — nearly 14 months for SBA 504 refinance and almost 19 months for FMLP — these programs need to be extended for at least one year each to allow us to continue to help more small businesses,” Hurn said. “The SBA 504 loan program is one of the most effective economic development and job creation programs the U.S. government has come up with,” Hurn said, “but a credit freeze will start again without these extensions,” he added.
For more information, visit www.504Experts.com and www.504Blog.com.
Christopher Hurn, chief executive officer of Mercantile Capital Corporation, one of the nation’s leading providers of U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) 504 loans for small business owners who want to acquire or develop their own facilities, said he’s worried that SBA 504 loans for small businesses are being overlooked as Congress grapples with more visible public policy issues.
Hurn said the two initiatives — the SBA 504 refinance program and the First Mortgage Lien Pooling (FMLP) program — significantly expand the benefits of SBA 504 financing for small businesses in the U.S. at a time when our economy needs those businesses to grow and create jobs.
“One of the most critical issues facing the small business sector in the U.S. today is the availability of capital. At a time when interest rates are at their lowest in a lifetime and the Federal Reserve is bending over backward to provide lending capital to major banks, traditional lenders are faced with significant regulatory pressure that’s made it difficult to impossible for many small businesses to obtain the financing they need to expand their businesses, refinance their commercial mortgages, create more jobs and do their part to restore the national economy,” Hurn said.
The SBA 504 Refinance Program enables SBA 504 lenders to offer below-market financing at very favorable terms to small business owners who need to refinance higher-interest conventional loans for their commercial property, according to Hurn.
Hurn also explained that the FMLP program created a secondary market for SBA 504 loans, thereby allowing lenders to generate liquidity and increase access to capital for more small businesses. “The FMLP program has become about the only viable financing source for assisted living facilities, daycares, auto repair shops, restaurants and hotels because conventional lenders generally won’t finance these types of properties,” he said.
The overall increase in SBA loan production in late 2011 and 2012 are due in large part to the SBA 504 refinance and FMLP programs, both of which include supplemental fees that make them budget-neutral. They’ve played a major role in Mercantile Capital and other SBA lenders reporting record loan volumes for the first six months of this year.
Since January, Mercantile Capital has closed 58 commercial loans to finance projects that total $220.7 million. That’s more than the company closed during all of 2011, and a 240% increase over the same time period last year. “Several of the small business owners we’ve worked with this year wouldn’t have been able to get funding for their projects without one or both of these programs,” Hurn said.
The SBA 504 refinance program and the FMLP program were established by the Small Business Jobs and Credit Act of September 2010 to be temporary — only 24 months each. Hurn explained that because of bureaucratic delays in Washington, D.C., these programs were hampered in their utilization and impact for the small business sector of our economy.
“Because of the delays in these programs — nearly 14 months for SBA 504 refinance and almost 19 months for FMLP — these programs need to be extended for at least one year each to allow us to continue to help more small businesses,” Hurn said. “The SBA 504 loan program is one of the most effective economic development and job creation programs the U.S. government has come up with,” Hurn said, “but a credit freeze will start again without these extensions,” he added.
For more information, visit www.504Experts.com and www.504Blog.com.
Hendricks & Partners Negotiates Note Sale of Five-Property Portfolio in Birmingham for $66,500,000
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. --- Hendricks & Partners, one of the nation’s largest and most active multifamily investment banking and research companies, recently negotiated the note sale of the Park Lane Portfolio, a 1,900 unit, five-property portfolio located in Birmingham for $66.5 million.
David Oakley, senior investment advisor of Hendricks & Partners’ Alabama office negotiated the sale representing the seller, Duesseldorfer Hypothekenbank AG and Deutsche Hypothekenbank (Actien-Gesellschaft) of Germany.
The Park Lane Portfolio consists of five properties:
The Overlook at Homewood – 742 Units
The Renaissance at Galleria – 244 Units
The Place at Galleria – 150 Units
The Park at Galleria – 431 Units
The Cliffs at Rock Ridge – 333 Units
The buyer was CLK Longview Acquisition based in New York.
David Oakley, senior investment advisor of Hendricks & Partners’ Alabama office negotiated the sale representing the seller, Duesseldorfer Hypothekenbank AG and Deutsche Hypothekenbank (Actien-Gesellschaft) of Germany.
The Park Lane Portfolio consists of five properties:
The Overlook at Homewood – 742 Units
The Renaissance at Galleria – 244 Units
The Place at Galleria – 150 Units
The Park at Galleria – 431 Units
The Cliffs at Rock Ridge – 333 Units
The buyer was CLK Longview Acquisition based in New York.
As NAI Realvest Grooms New Generation of Brokers, “Young Bloods” Take on Bigger Projects
ORLANDO, Fla. – When NAI Realvest in Maitland announced a mentoring program for young brokers in late 2011, Managing Partner Paul Partyka said he hoped the young bloods would inspire an energetic new approach to commercial real estate services.
He didn’t expect a portfolio of new business for the 30 year old company, which ranks as one of Central Florida’s largest and most active commercial real estate companies and one of the largest industrial development firms in the region.
“The young bloods are growing up fast, and they bring a very aggressive approach to the business,” said Partyka, himself a 30 year commercial real estate veteran.
Aron Harrison, who mentors with Mez Birdie, NAI Realvest’s director of retail and investment services, recently listed 23,000 square feet of commercial space in Casselberry.
Mitch Heidrich, who mentors with Matt Cichocki and Kevin O’Connor, both partners in NAI Realvest, helped secure a major listing by cold calling the owners of Church Street Station and eventually the team secured the listing.
Eric Parrs, who mentors with NAI Realvest Principal Tom Hankins pitched in with project, market and financial analyses and is currently working with Oviedo Town Center to market a 54-acre parcel that will accommodate 150,000 square feet of commercial space in the initial phase.
Michael Heidrich, Jr., who mentors with his father, a long time NAI Realvest partner and one of the region’s leading land and industrial property brokers, has already listed several land offerings and closed on transactions valued at more than $700,000, including industrial land and industrial space deals that total more than 6,000 square feet of space.
Partyka, who has followed the mentoring program, said he couldn’t be more pleased.
“These young bloods are out prospecting for new projects every day,” Partyka said. “They are developing their real estate sense, imagining appropriate uses when they see vacant properties and then looking up owners and potential end-users,” he said.
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 350 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.
He didn’t expect a portfolio of new business for the 30 year old company, which ranks as one of Central Florida’s largest and most active commercial real estate companies and one of the largest industrial development firms in the region.
“The young bloods are growing up fast, and they bring a very aggressive approach to the business,” said Partyka, himself a 30 year commercial real estate veteran.
Aron Harrison, who mentors with Mez Birdie, NAI Realvest’s director of retail and investment services, recently listed 23,000 square feet of commercial space in Casselberry.
Mitch Heidrich, who mentors with Matt Cichocki and Kevin O’Connor, both partners in NAI Realvest, helped secure a major listing by cold calling the owners of Church Street Station and eventually the team secured the listing.
Eric Parrs, who mentors with NAI Realvest Principal Tom Hankins pitched in with project, market and financial analyses and is currently working with Oviedo Town Center to market a 54-acre parcel that will accommodate 150,000 square feet of commercial space in the initial phase.
Michael Heidrich, Jr., who mentors with his father, a long time NAI Realvest partner and one of the region’s leading land and industrial property brokers, has already listed several land offerings and closed on transactions valued at more than $700,000, including industrial land and industrial space deals that total more than 6,000 square feet of space.
Partyka, who has followed the mentoring program, said he couldn’t be more pleased.
“These young bloods are out prospecting for new projects every day,” Partyka said. “They are developing their real estate sense, imagining appropriate uses when they see vacant properties and then looking up owners and potential end-users,” he said.
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 350 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.
Tuesday, July 24, 2012
Lennar Hosts Grand Opening to Showcase New Rio Model Home at Independence in Winter Garden
ORLANDO, Fla. --- Lennar’s Central Florida Division hosted more than 150 prospective home buyers at its grand opening to showcase its new Rio model home at Independence, located off Independence Parkway and Fiquette Road near Windermere in Winter Garden.
Mark Metheny, president of Lennar’s Central Florida Division, said the Rio model home offers six bedrooms, three baths and a loft in 2,603 square feet of living space with a two car garage priced from the $264,900.
Lennar is building single family homes with attached and detached garages as well as town homes with garages priced from the $160s at Independence.
Mark Metheny, president of Lennar’s Central Florida Division, said the Rio model home offers six bedrooms, three baths and a loft in 2,603 square feet of living space with a two car garage priced from the $264,900.
Lennar is building single family homes with attached and detached garages as well as town homes with garages priced from the $160s at Independence.
Meritage Homes to Open New Community in Montverde in Lake County
ORLANDO, Fla. --- Meritage Homes will start presales and a new model home at its newest community of Colina Bay in Montverde in Lake County on Aug 1.
Brian Kittle, vice president of sales for Meritage Homes in the Orlando region, said Meritage Homes will offer 61 home sites at Collina Bay with new homes priced from the high $200s, ranging from 3,200 square feet of living space to 5,101 square feet, with four to eight bedrooms.
Brian Kittle, vice president of sales for Meritage Homes in the Orlando region, said Meritage Homes will offer 61 home sites at Collina Bay with new homes priced from the high $200s, ranging from 3,200 square feet of living space to 5,101 square feet, with four to eight bedrooms.
Hendricks & Partners Negotiates sale of Silver Terrace I and II Apartments in Pine Hills for $2.478 million
ORLANDO, Fla. --- Hendricks & Partners, one of the nation’s largest and most active multi-family investment banking and research companies, recently negotiated the sale of Silver Terrace I and Silver Terrace II Apartments located on Rose Coral Drive in Orlando’s Pine Hills for $2.478 million.
Cole Whitaker, partner and director of the Southeast Division of Hendricks & Partners, negotiated the sale with associate partner Hal Warren in Orlando and senior investment advisor Jason Stanton in the firm’s Tampa office.
Hendricks & Partners represented the seller, Blue Valley Apartments, Inc. The buyer was not disclosed.
Silver Terrace I Apartments brought a sale price of $1,571,500 and Silver Terrace II Apartments sold for $906,600. Combined, Silver Terrace Apartments total 164 units in 93,312 square feet. The one-story garden style apartments built in 1987 range from studio to two-bedroom/two-bath with an average rent of $505.
Cole Whitaker, partner and director of the Southeast Division of Hendricks & Partners, negotiated the sale with associate partner Hal Warren in Orlando and senior investment advisor Jason Stanton in the firm’s Tampa office.
Hendricks & Partners represented the seller, Blue Valley Apartments, Inc. The buyer was not disclosed.
Silver Terrace I Apartments brought a sale price of $1,571,500 and Silver Terrace II Apartments sold for $906,600. Combined, Silver Terrace Apartments total 164 units in 93,312 square feet. The one-story garden style apartments built in 1987 range from studio to two-bedroom/two-bath with an average rent of $505.
Orange County National Golf Center & Lodge hosts a Free Golf Clinic for Wounded Veterans
WINTER GARDEN, Fla. --- Orange County National Golf Center & Lodge in Winter Garden, recently hosted a one hour golf clinic and nine hole scramble for more than 40 disabled military veterans and their families who live in Central Florida.
Tano Malentin, general manager of Orange County National Golf Center and Lodge, said the golf clinic was part of the Wounded Warriors project and Fairways for Warriors, two not-for-profit organizations that give wounded and disabled veterans the opportunity to learn to play golf.
“Golf is recognized as a therapeutic tool for wounded and recovering veterans and we want to do everything we can to help,” Malentin said.
Malentin said each wounded warrior who participated in the clinic and scramble will receive a free round of golf at Orange County National Golf Center & Lodge valid through the end of August.
Tano Malentin, general manager of Orange County National Golf Center and Lodge, said the golf clinic was part of the Wounded Warriors project and Fairways for Warriors, two not-for-profit organizations that give wounded and disabled veterans the opportunity to learn to play golf.
“Golf is recognized as a therapeutic tool for wounded and recovering veterans and we want to do everything we can to help,” Malentin said.
Malentin said each wounded warrior who participated in the clinic and scramble will receive a free round of golf at Orange County National Golf Center & Lodge valid through the end of August.
Park Square Homes Introduces Two New Floor Plans at WaterSong Resort in Davenport in Polk County
ORLANDO, Fla. – Park Square Homes has introduced two new floor plans at WaterSong Resort, the gated luxury community of new resort style homes with swimming pools located off U.S. 17-92 in Davenport in Polk County.
Vishaal Gupta, president and chief operating officer at Park Square Homes, said the new floor plans include the Crestview which offers five bedrooms and four baths in 2,810 square feet of living space with a two-car garage and the Solana with five bedrooms and four and a half baths in 3,297 square feet.
Park Square Homes builds new single family homes at WaterSong Resort from the builder’s Beach, Palm and Coastal Collections of model homes priced from the mid-$200s.
WaterSong Resort features a grand clubhouse with a swimming pool and spa, a large lounge, Cyber Café, state-of-the-art fitness center, sports court and children’s playground.
Visit www.parksquarehomes.com
About Park Square Homes
Park Square Homes is one of Central Florida’s premier production and vacation homebuilders. Founded in Orlando in 1984, the company has constructed thousands of homes in Orange, Osceola, and Seminole Counties. Park Square Homes is ranked as one of the largest homebuilders in Central Florida and is considered a pioneer and innovator in Florida’s resort home market.
Vishaal Gupta, president and chief operating officer at Park Square Homes, said the new floor plans include the Crestview which offers five bedrooms and four baths in 2,810 square feet of living space with a two-car garage and the Solana with five bedrooms and four and a half baths in 3,297 square feet.
Park Square Homes builds new single family homes at WaterSong Resort from the builder’s Beach, Palm and Coastal Collections of model homes priced from the mid-$200s.
WaterSong Resort features a grand clubhouse with a swimming pool and spa, a large lounge, Cyber Café, state-of-the-art fitness center, sports court and children’s playground.
Visit www.parksquarehomes.com
About Park Square Homes
Park Square Homes is one of Central Florida’s premier production and vacation homebuilders. Founded in Orlando in 1984, the company has constructed thousands of homes in Orange, Osceola, and Seminole Counties. Park Square Homes is ranked as one of the largest homebuilders in Central Florida and is considered a pioneer and innovator in Florida’s resort home market.
Hendricks & Partners Negotiates $1.548 million sale of Pineview Apartments in Pine Hills
ORLANDO, Fla. --- Hendricks & Partners, one of the nation’s largest and most active multi-family investment banking and research companies, recently negotiated the sale of the Pineview Apartments, on N. Pine Hills Rd in Orlando for $1.548 million.
Cole Whitaker, partner and director of the Southeast Division of Hendricks & Partners, negotiated the sale of the 91-unit apartment property with associate partner Hal Warren in Orlando and senior investment advisor Jason Stanton in the firm’s Tampa office.
Hendricks & Partners represented the seller, Blue Valley Apartments, Inc. The buyer was not disclosed.
The 25-year-old Pineview apartment community with a total of 46,656 rentable square feet consists of studio, one and two bedroom units with a monthly rent that averages $481.
Cole Whitaker, partner and director of the Southeast Division of Hendricks & Partners, negotiated the sale of the 91-unit apartment property with associate partner Hal Warren in Orlando and senior investment advisor Jason Stanton in the firm’s Tampa office.
Hendricks & Partners represented the seller, Blue Valley Apartments, Inc. The buyer was not disclosed.
The 25-year-old Pineview apartment community with a total of 46,656 rentable square feet consists of studio, one and two bedroom units with a monthly rent that averages $481.
Monday, July 23, 2012
Major Golf Tournaments Scheduled at Amelia National Golf & Country Club
FERNANDINA BEACH, Fla. --- Five major golf tournaments scheduled for September, October and November at Amelia National Golf & Country Club in Fernandina Beach are expected to draw more than 1,000 players and spectators says Todd McDonald, head PGA golf pro at Amelia National Golf & County Club.
On Sept. 10, Amelia National will host the USGA Senior Amateur Qualifier, a regional tournament to qualify top golfers for the USGA Senior Amateur tour.
McDonald said USGA will eventually qualify 96 players, some of which will emerge USGA’s best senior amateur in the U.S.
On Oct. 13, Amelia National will host the CW Vision golf tournament to fete 20 top players who helped raise money for CW Vision, a not-for-profit Fernandina Beach organization that provides free vision care for poor families.
McDonald said the golfers will play 36 holes, with lunch served after 18 holes and hors d’oeuvres when the tourney ends.
Eighty to 100 players are expected to compete in the third annual Toys for Tots Tournament at Amelia National on Oct. 17.
Amelia National will host the second annual Sutton Place Behavioral Health Golf Tournament on Nov. 5 to raise money for Sutton Place, a Fernandina Beach charitable organization that helps families with substance abuse related problems.
McDonald said last year’s Sutton Place Behavioral Health golf tournament drew more than 70 players.
On Nov. 12, Amelia National will host its second annual Knights of Columbus Golf Tournament. Last year the Knights of Columbus tournament attracted more than 80 players.
About ICI Homes
ICI Homes is ranked by Builder magazine as one of the top 100 homebuilders in the nation. The 32+-year-old firm builds new homes and resort facilities in the Volusia-Flagler region as well as in Jacksonville, Orlando, Melbourne and Tampa.
On Sept. 10, Amelia National will host the USGA Senior Amateur Qualifier, a regional tournament to qualify top golfers for the USGA Senior Amateur tour.
McDonald said USGA will eventually qualify 96 players, some of which will emerge USGA’s best senior amateur in the U.S.
On Oct. 13, Amelia National will host the CW Vision golf tournament to fete 20 top players who helped raise money for CW Vision, a not-for-profit Fernandina Beach organization that provides free vision care for poor families.
McDonald said the golfers will play 36 holes, with lunch served after 18 holes and hors d’oeuvres when the tourney ends.
Eighty to 100 players are expected to compete in the third annual Toys for Tots Tournament at Amelia National on Oct. 17.
Amelia National will host the second annual Sutton Place Behavioral Health Golf Tournament on Nov. 5 to raise money for Sutton Place, a Fernandina Beach charitable organization that helps families with substance abuse related problems.
McDonald said last year’s Sutton Place Behavioral Health golf tournament drew more than 70 players.
On Nov. 12, Amelia National will host its second annual Knights of Columbus Golf Tournament. Last year the Knights of Columbus tournament attracted more than 80 players.
About ICI Homes
ICI Homes is ranked by Builder magazine as one of the top 100 homebuilders in the nation. The 32+-year-old firm builds new homes and resort facilities in the Volusia-Flagler region as well as in Jacksonville, Orlando, Melbourne and Tampa.
August Outback Steakhouse Fundraiser to Benefit Volusia/Flagler Animal Rescue Group
ORMOND BEACH – Employees at the Ormond Beach Outback Steakhouse once again will show their charitable sides when they host an Aug. 11 luncheon to benefit the Rescued Hearts Animal Shelter’s Medical Care Fund.
For every $10 lunch served at the beachside restaurant, $5 will go directly to the animal group’s medical care fund, which helps provide care for dogs and cats in foster homes until they are adopted, according to Lynn Myers, RHAS president.
“This is the fifth fundraiser luncheon the Outback has hosted for us the past three years, and we are forever grateful, especially to the employees who work for free and often donate their tips from the day.”
The community is invited to join Rescued Heart’s volunteers, board members and other animal supporters at either 11:30 a.m. or 1 p.m., Myers said. Tickets luncheon include a choice of steak, grilled chicken or pasta entrée with bread, a choice of side, and a beverage.
Reservations can be made by calling 386-846-6114 and specifying a seating time. For details, email RHASoffice@yahoo.com or visit www.rescuedheartsanimalshelter.com.
Rescued Hearts, a 501(C)(3) non-profit agency, incorporated in 2008 to help find homes for animals in Volusia and Flagler counties. The agency’s long-term goal is to obtain land and construct a facility to help decrease local government’s cost to house or euthanize unwanted animals. Other goals are to establish an aggressive spay/neuter program, help animals stay at home to prevent the need for sheltering, and provide care and quality of life for animals.
For every $10 lunch served at the beachside restaurant, $5 will go directly to the animal group’s medical care fund, which helps provide care for dogs and cats in foster homes until they are adopted, according to Lynn Myers, RHAS president.
“This is the fifth fundraiser luncheon the Outback has hosted for us the past three years, and we are forever grateful, especially to the employees who work for free and often donate their tips from the day.”
The community is invited to join Rescued Heart’s volunteers, board members and other animal supporters at either 11:30 a.m. or 1 p.m., Myers said. Tickets luncheon include a choice of steak, grilled chicken or pasta entrée with bread, a choice of side, and a beverage.
Reservations can be made by calling 386-846-6114 and specifying a seating time. For details, email RHASoffice@yahoo.com or visit www.rescuedheartsanimalshelter.com.
Rescued Hearts, a 501(C)(3) non-profit agency, incorporated in 2008 to help find homes for animals in Volusia and Flagler counties. The agency’s long-term goal is to obtain land and construct a facility to help decrease local government’s cost to house or euthanize unwanted animals. Other goals are to establish an aggressive spay/neuter program, help animals stay at home to prevent the need for sheltering, and provide care and quality of life for animals.
Lennar Offers Zero Down, Zero Closing Costs, Free Flat Screen TV with Purchase of Select Homes
ORLANDO, Fla. --- Lennar’s Central Florida Division is offering zero down payment, zero closing costs and a free 51-inch flat screen TV with the purchase of select homes at its Clermont, Orlando and Space Coast area communities from Aug. 1 through 31.
Mark Metheny, president of Lennar’s Central Florida Division, said the offer is good for select homes at Emerson Park in Apopka; Nona Terrace, Preston Pointe and Somerset Landing at Wyndham Lakes in Orlando, Treviso in Sanford; Cortland Woods at Providence in Davenport; Independence in Winter Garden; Red Tail Golf & Country Club near Heathrow in Lake County; on active adult homes at Heritage Hills in Clermont and Heritage Isle in Viera in Brevard County and on vacation homes at Paradise Palms in Kissimmee.
“Along with record low interest rates, zero down and zero closing costs will make it easier than ever to buy a new home in one of our neighborhoods,” Metheny said.
“With a free 51-inch flat screen TV to sweeten the deal, we’re sure to excite home buyers all across Central Florida,” he said.
Mark Metheny, president of Lennar’s Central Florida Division, said the offer is good for select homes at Emerson Park in Apopka; Nona Terrace, Preston Pointe and Somerset Landing at Wyndham Lakes in Orlando, Treviso in Sanford; Cortland Woods at Providence in Davenport; Independence in Winter Garden; Red Tail Golf & Country Club near Heathrow in Lake County; on active adult homes at Heritage Hills in Clermont and Heritage Isle in Viera in Brevard County and on vacation homes at Paradise Palms in Kissimmee.
“Along with record low interest rates, zero down and zero closing costs will make it easier than ever to buy a new home in one of our neighborhoods,” Metheny said.
“With a free 51-inch flat screen TV to sweeten the deal, we’re sure to excite home buyers all across Central Florida,” he said.
Ryland Homes Starts Construction of Two New Luxury Model Homes Priced from the $300s at Carolina Park in Mount Pleasant
CHARLESTON, S.C. --- Ryland Homes has started construction of two new model homes at Carolina Park, located off Carolina Park Blvd. and Hwy. 17 North in Mount Pleasant.
Brian Cartwright, vice president of sales and marketing for Ryland Homes in the Charleston-Myrtle Beach region, said Ryland Homes plans to build 58 new luxury homes at Carolina Park.
The two-story Coosaw model home offers four bedrooms and three-and-a-half baths in 3,206 square feet of living space with a detached two-car garage. The Coosaw floor plan at Carolina Park is priced from $360,000.
The two-story Thompson model home, with 2,446 square feet of living space, offers three bedrooms and two-and-a-half baths with a bonus room and a detached two-car garage. The Thompson floor plan boasts a downstairs master bedroom and is priced from $322,000.
Both models are scheduled to open by the end of September.
Ryland offers six floor plans at Carolina Park ranging from 2,100 to 2,964 square feet, priced from the low $300s.
Carolina Park features a Junior Olympic-size pool, tennis courts, a playground and walking and biking trails.
About Ryland Homes
With headquarters in Southern California, Ryland is one of the nation’s largest homebuilders and a leading mortgage-finance company. The company currently operates in 13 states across the country and has built more than 295,000 homes and financed more than 245,000 mortgages since its founding in 1967. Ryland is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “RYL.” Visit www.Ryland.com
Brian Cartwright, vice president of sales and marketing for Ryland Homes in the Charleston-Myrtle Beach region, said Ryland Homes plans to build 58 new luxury homes at Carolina Park.
The two-story Coosaw model home offers four bedrooms and three-and-a-half baths in 3,206 square feet of living space with a detached two-car garage. The Coosaw floor plan at Carolina Park is priced from $360,000.
The two-story Thompson model home, with 2,446 square feet of living space, offers three bedrooms and two-and-a-half baths with a bonus room and a detached two-car garage. The Thompson floor plan boasts a downstairs master bedroom and is priced from $322,000.
Both models are scheduled to open by the end of September.
Ryland offers six floor plans at Carolina Park ranging from 2,100 to 2,964 square feet, priced from the low $300s.
Carolina Park features a Junior Olympic-size pool, tennis courts, a playground and walking and biking trails.
About Ryland Homes
With headquarters in Southern California, Ryland is one of the nation’s largest homebuilders and a leading mortgage-finance company. The company currently operates in 13 states across the country and has built more than 295,000 homes and financed more than 245,000 mortgages since its founding in 1967. Ryland is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “RYL.” Visit www.Ryland.com
Del Webb Communities in Florida Experience Resurgence in Buyer Traffic and Interest Baby Boomers from the U.S. Northern States Drive Demand
CENTRAL / NORTHEAST , Fla. -- A steadily improving national economy and increasing consumer confidence, especially from Baby Boomers in the U.S. Northern states, have prompted more buyer interest for retirement and second homes across Florida, according to Del Webb, the nation’s leading builder of developments for people ages 55 and older.
“We are seeing the first signs of a growing wave of pent-up demand for new homes in our active adult communities in Florida,” said Sean Strickler, vice president of Del Webb in North Florida, which is currently selling in six Del Webb communities in the Jacksonville, Ocala, Orlando and Tampa markets.
“A substantial portion of recent newcomers at our Del Webb communities had previously delayed building a new home in retirement, and were dependent on selling their family homes in the Northeastern states. But, with national economic conditions improving and Baby Boomers’ savings increasing, they are no longer delaying their plans for retirement and want to start taking advantage of the legendary Del Webb lifestyle,” Strickler added.
According to recent studies by Del Webb, there is an upward trend of Baby Boomers becoming more financially prepared for retirement and also planning to retire in a different state than they currently live. Florida remains a perennial favorite and a top contender among Baby Boomers looking for their retirement home. “This bodes well for the sustainable homebuyer interest and the willingness of Baby Boomers to sign contracts with Del Webb communities,” Strickler said.
The Sutters, who recently moved into a new home at Del Webb Stone Creek in Ocala, had leased an apartment when a buyer made an offer on their home in Ohio almost as soon as it was listed. Having put off their Florida retirement for almost five years waiting for prices to recover, the Sutters paid a small penalty to break their lease to move into their new Florida home.
For recent Del Webb Orlando newcomers James and Amy Setaro, who moved into their new home at Del Webb Orlando in May, the story is the same; as well as for Earl Ellsworth and Joyce Ryan from Raleigh. In just three days of his home being listed Ellsworth sold his home while Ryan home sold hers within 60 days.
“Luckily we found a short-term rental nearby because our new home at Ocala’s Del Webb Stone Creek will be ready for move-in by October,” said Ellsworth.
At Del Webb Ponte Vedra near Jacksonville, three couples: Jerry and Joannie Brandman from Orchard Lake, Michigan, David and Patty Carpenter from Massachusetts, and Bo and Jean Fritz from Pennsylvania accelerated their new home purchases – thanks to quick sales of their family homes.
“That’s the story we’re hearing over and over again, and we expect we’ll hear it a lot more as the economy picks up steam and housing sales improve across the board,” Strickler said.
About Del Webb
Del Webb, the pioneer of active adult retirement communities, is America’s leading builder of developments for people ages 55+. Since 1960, Del Webb has redefined retirement and retirement living by meeting the housing and lifestyle needs of the active Baby Boomer. Del Webb’s amenities and program offerings provide residents an engaging environment, which fulfills their creative, social, physical fitness and intellectual needs as they journey into the next chapter in their lives – whether it means retirement or still working. Del Webb has grown to more than 50 communities currently open for new home sales in 20 states. For more information on Del Webb, visit www.delwebb.com. To learn more about how to plan a smart future, check out financial tools at delwebb.com/value.
About PulteGroup
PulteGroup, Inc. (NYSE: PHM), based in Bloomfield Hills, Mich., is one of America’s largest home building companies with operations in approximately 60 markets throughout the country. Through its brand portfolio that includes Centex, Pulte Homes and Del Webb, the company is one of the industry’s most versatile homebuilders able to meet the needs of multiple buyer groups and respond to changing consumer demand. PulteGroup conducts extensive research to provide home buyers with innovative solutions and new homes designed for the way people actually live today. As the most awarded home builder in customer satisfaction, PulteGroup brands have consistently ranked among top home builders in third-party customer satisfaction studies.
For more information about PulteGroup, Inc. and PulteGroup brands, go to pultegroup.com; www.pulte.com; www.centex.com; www.delwebb.com
“We are seeing the first signs of a growing wave of pent-up demand for new homes in our active adult communities in Florida,” said Sean Strickler, vice president of Del Webb in North Florida, which is currently selling in six Del Webb communities in the Jacksonville, Ocala, Orlando and Tampa markets.
“A substantial portion of recent newcomers at our Del Webb communities had previously delayed building a new home in retirement, and were dependent on selling their family homes in the Northeastern states. But, with national economic conditions improving and Baby Boomers’ savings increasing, they are no longer delaying their plans for retirement and want to start taking advantage of the legendary Del Webb lifestyle,” Strickler added.
According to recent studies by Del Webb, there is an upward trend of Baby Boomers becoming more financially prepared for retirement and also planning to retire in a different state than they currently live. Florida remains a perennial favorite and a top contender among Baby Boomers looking for their retirement home. “This bodes well for the sustainable homebuyer interest and the willingness of Baby Boomers to sign contracts with Del Webb communities,” Strickler said.
The Sutters, who recently moved into a new home at Del Webb Stone Creek in Ocala, had leased an apartment when a buyer made an offer on their home in Ohio almost as soon as it was listed. Having put off their Florida retirement for almost five years waiting for prices to recover, the Sutters paid a small penalty to break their lease to move into their new Florida home.
For recent Del Webb Orlando newcomers James and Amy Setaro, who moved into their new home at Del Webb Orlando in May, the story is the same; as well as for Earl Ellsworth and Joyce Ryan from Raleigh. In just three days of his home being listed Ellsworth sold his home while Ryan home sold hers within 60 days.
“Luckily we found a short-term rental nearby because our new home at Ocala’s Del Webb Stone Creek will be ready for move-in by October,” said Ellsworth.
At Del Webb Ponte Vedra near Jacksonville, three couples: Jerry and Joannie Brandman from Orchard Lake, Michigan, David and Patty Carpenter from Massachusetts, and Bo and Jean Fritz from Pennsylvania accelerated their new home purchases – thanks to quick sales of their family homes.
“That’s the story we’re hearing over and over again, and we expect we’ll hear it a lot more as the economy picks up steam and housing sales improve across the board,” Strickler said.
About Del Webb
Del Webb, the pioneer of active adult retirement communities, is America’s leading builder of developments for people ages 55+. Since 1960, Del Webb has redefined retirement and retirement living by meeting the housing and lifestyle needs of the active Baby Boomer. Del Webb’s amenities and program offerings provide residents an engaging environment, which fulfills their creative, social, physical fitness and intellectual needs as they journey into the next chapter in their lives – whether it means retirement or still working. Del Webb has grown to more than 50 communities currently open for new home sales in 20 states. For more information on Del Webb, visit www.delwebb.com. To learn more about how to plan a smart future, check out financial tools at delwebb.com/value.
About PulteGroup
PulteGroup, Inc. (NYSE: PHM), based in Bloomfield Hills, Mich., is one of America’s largest home building companies with operations in approximately 60 markets throughout the country. Through its brand portfolio that includes Centex, Pulte Homes and Del Webb, the company is one of the industry’s most versatile homebuilders able to meet the needs of multiple buyer groups and respond to changing consumer demand. PulteGroup conducts extensive research to provide home buyers with innovative solutions and new homes designed for the way people actually live today. As the most awarded home builder in customer satisfaction, PulteGroup brands have consistently ranked among top home builders in third-party customer satisfaction studies.
For more information about PulteGroup, Inc. and PulteGroup brands, go to pultegroup.com; www.pulte.com; www.centex.com; www.delwebb.com
Lennar’s ACES Program offering Six Percent Commissions is on for Top Orlando Area Realtors that sell by July 31, close by Aug. 31
ORLANDO, Fla. --- Lennar’s Central Florida Division recently has been offering top area Realtors six percent commissions on the closings of select new ready-to-move-in homes throughout its communities in the Orlando, Clermont and Space Coast areas.
Mark Metheny, president of Lennar’s Central Florida Division, said Realtors must sell by July 31 and close by Aug. 31 to receive an additional one percent commission – or a total of six percent – on sales of new move-in ready Lennar homes.
Metheny said the extra one percent is earned if Realtors register for Lennar’s ACES Realtor program at www.lennarlovesrealtors.com and successfully complete the online orientation program and pass the test.
Mark Metheny, president of Lennar’s Central Florida Division, said Realtors must sell by July 31 and close by Aug. 31 to receive an additional one percent commission – or a total of six percent – on sales of new move-in ready Lennar homes.
Metheny said the extra one percent is earned if Realtors register for Lennar’s ACES Realtor program at www.lennarlovesrealtors.com and successfully complete the online orientation program and pass the test.
Friday, July 20, 2012
Cuhaci & Peterson Architects Awarded Md. Mall Contract
ORLANDO, Fla. --- Cuhaci & Peterson Architects, Engineers, Planners based in Orlando’s Baldwin Park, was recently awarded a contract for renovations and additions to a façade at the entrance of Valley Mall in Haggerstown, Md.
Lonnie Peterson, chairman of Cuhaci & Peterson Architects, said Pennsylvania Real Estate Investment Trust (PREIT) is the owner of the mall.
Lonnie Peterson, chairman of Cuhaci & Peterson Architects, said Pennsylvania Real Estate Investment Trust (PREIT) is the owner of the mall.
Celebration Golf Club Launches a “League of Their Own” for Lady Golfers
ORLANDO, Fla. --- Celebration Golf Club has launched a league of their own for lady golfers.
Kenny Nairn, club general manager and executive vice president at Celebration Golf Management, said the Golf ‘n Gals league will offer golf specials for lady golfers from July 25 through the end of October.
Nairn said Celebration Golf Club recently hosted an inaugural meet-and-greet for the league and the Golf ‘n Gals league play will officially tee off Wednesday, July 25, with a shotgun start at 5:30 p.m.
A $25 greens fee for Golf ‘n Gals league participants includes a free drink at the clubhouse lounge after play. Food and drinks will be served.
“The Golf ‘n Gals league is very beginner friendly,” Nairn said. “We plan to change the format every week,” he added.
Kenny Nairn, club general manager and executive vice president at Celebration Golf Management, said the Golf ‘n Gals league will offer golf specials for lady golfers from July 25 through the end of October.
Nairn said Celebration Golf Club recently hosted an inaugural meet-and-greet for the league and the Golf ‘n Gals league play will officially tee off Wednesday, July 25, with a shotgun start at 5:30 p.m.
A $25 greens fee for Golf ‘n Gals league participants includes a free drink at the clubhouse lounge after play. Food and drinks will be served.
“The Golf ‘n Gals league is very beginner friendly,” Nairn said. “We plan to change the format every week,” he added.
Thursday, July 19, 2012
NAI Realvest Negotiates New Lease of 4,000 square feet at Goldenrod CommerCenter in Orlando
MAITLAND, Fla. – NAI Realvest recently negotiated a new lease agreement for 4,000 square feet of industrial space at the Goldenrod CommerCenter located on North Goldenrod Rd. in Orlando
Michael Heidrich, a principal in the firm, brokered the transaction representing the landlord, COP-Goldenrod, LLC of Maitland and the local tenant.
Garage Automotive Group Corporation outgrew its 2,206 square feet of space, terminated its lease at 1468 N. Goldenrod and signed a new lease for the 4,000 square feet in suite 100 at 1460 N. Goldenrod in the CommerCenter.
About NAI Realvest
NAI Realvest, 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. NAI Global is an international commercial real estate network with over 350 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.
Michael Heidrich, a principal in the firm, brokered the transaction representing the landlord, COP-Goldenrod, LLC of Maitland and the local tenant.
Garage Automotive Group Corporation outgrew its 2,206 square feet of space, terminated its lease at 1468 N. Goldenrod and signed a new lease for the 4,000 square feet in suite 100 at 1460 N. Goldenrod in the CommerCenter.
About NAI Realvest
NAI Realvest, 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. NAI Global is an international commercial real estate network with over 350 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.
ICI Homes Names Angela Gray New Home Sales Associate at Plantation Grove at Julington Creek in St. Johns County
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. --- ICI Homes has appointed Angela Gray new home sales associate at Plantation Grove at Julington Creek off Race Track Rd. and Flora Branch Blvd. St. Johns County.
Don Wilford, north Florida division president for ICI Homes, said Gray has more than 20 years of experience in real estate, including a position as paralegal for a real estate firm and as an executive with home building firms.
The St. Augustine resident most recently served as a design consultant at Shea Homes based in Charlotte.
About ICI Homes
ICI Homes is ranked by Builder magazine as one of the top 100 homebuilders in the nation. The 32+-year-old firm builds new homes and resort facilities in the Volusia-Flagler region as well as in Jacksonville, Orlando, Melbourne and Tampa.
Don Wilford, north Florida division president for ICI Homes, said Gray has more than 20 years of experience in real estate, including a position as paralegal for a real estate firm and as an executive with home building firms.
The St. Augustine resident most recently served as a design consultant at Shea Homes based in Charlotte.
About ICI Homes
ICI Homes is ranked by Builder magazine as one of the top 100 homebuilders in the nation. The 32+-year-old firm builds new homes and resort facilities in the Volusia-Flagler region as well as in Jacksonville, Orlando, Melbourne and Tampa.
ICI Homes Appoints Sharon Walisky Sales Executive at Live Oak Estates near Lake Nona
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. --- ICI Homes has appointed Sharon Walisky as sales executive at Live Oaks Estates, a luxury gated community of one-acre estate home sites. ICI Homes is building customized homes in southeast Orlando’s Medical City, Lake Nona area.
Rosemary Messina, vice president of sales and marketing at ICI Homes, said Walisky has more than 20 years of experience in new home sales.
The Windermere resident most recently served as sales executive with Lake Butler Sound Realty in Windermere.
About ICI Homes
ICI Homes is ranked by Builder magazine as one of the top 100 homebuilders in the nation. The 32+-year-old firm builds new homes and resort facilities in the Volusia-Flagler region as well as in Jacksonville, Orlando, Melbourne and Tampa.
Rosemary Messina, vice president of sales and marketing at ICI Homes, said Walisky has more than 20 years of experience in new home sales.
The Windermere resident most recently served as sales executive with Lake Butler Sound Realty in Windermere.
About ICI Homes
ICI Homes is ranked by Builder magazine as one of the top 100 homebuilders in the nation. The 32+-year-old firm builds new homes and resort facilities in the Volusia-Flagler region as well as in Jacksonville, Orlando, Melbourne and Tampa.
Tolaris Realty Group reports inquires up by more than 50 percent over last year for six month period Jan. – June
LAKE FOREST, Fla. –Tolaris Realty Group, located at Lake Forest in north Seminole County off S.R. 46 west of I-4, reports listings for sales of existing homes and buyer inquires during the first six months of this year are up more than 50 percent over the same period last year.
Rick Bavec, president of Tolaris Realty Group and chief operating officer, said the real estate company has added new associates and is seeking to add more real estate professionals to keep up with the surge in activity.
Bavec said buyers and sellers are most active in upscale neighborhoods in Orange and Seminole Counties, but homes in all neighborhoods are seeing an increase in demand.
“We are seeing a marked increase in activity and we expect sales to increase at a rapid pace over the next 12 months,” Bavec said.
Rick Bavec, president of Tolaris Realty Group and chief operating officer, said the real estate company has added new associates and is seeking to add more real estate professionals to keep up with the surge in activity.
Bavec said buyers and sellers are most active in upscale neighborhoods in Orange and Seminole Counties, but homes in all neighborhoods are seeing an increase in demand.
“We are seeing a marked increase in activity and we expect sales to increase at a rapid pace over the next 12 months,” Bavec said.
Winston James Development negotiates expansion lease agreement with Surf Board Manufacturer at Beville Road Business Park
SOUTH DAYTONA, Fla. --- Winston James Development, Inc. recently negotiated a lease agreement at Beville Road Business Park located on Beville Road at SR 5A in South Daytona.
Winston Schwartz, president of Winston James Development, which developed the Beville Road Business Park, said he completed an expansion lease for NCounter, a surf board manufacturer that’s well known in the area. The lease totals 1,050 square feet.
Winston Schwartz, president of Winston James Development, which developed the Beville Road Business Park, said he completed an expansion lease for NCounter, a surf board manufacturer that’s well known in the area. The lease totals 1,050 square feet.
NAI Realvest Negotiates Sale of Industrial Condo at Monroe CommerCenter IV in Sanford
MAITLAND, Fla. – NAI Realvest recently negotiated the sale of an industrial condo at 4220 Church St. in Monroe CommerCenter IV in Sanford for $94,500.00.
Michael Heidrich, a principal at NAI Realvest negotiated the transaction representing the seller and developer Small Bay Partners, LLC of Maitland.
Alexander Figueroa of Deltona purchased unit 1056 with 1,350 square feet to operate his plumbing business at the facility. The unit included an office and restroom at the time of sale.
Michael Williams of Re/Max Associates represented the buyer.
About NAI Realvest
NAI Realvest, 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. NAI Global is an international commercial real estate network with over 350 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.
Michael Heidrich, a principal at NAI Realvest negotiated the transaction representing the seller and developer Small Bay Partners, LLC of Maitland.
Alexander Figueroa of Deltona purchased unit 1056 with 1,350 square feet to operate his plumbing business at the facility. The unit included an office and restroom at the time of sale.
Michael Williams of Re/Max Associates represented the buyer.
About NAI Realvest
NAI Realvest, 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. NAI Global is an international commercial real estate network with over 350 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.
Henin Homes breaks ground on new model at Riviera Bella, starts construction of new ready-to-move-in luxury home
DEBARY, Fla. – Riviera Bella, the award-winning, gated luxury community overlooking the St. John’s River in Debary, recently broke ground on a new Turino model home and started construction of a new ready-to-move-in home. Both homes, by Henin Homes, will open in September.
Jerome Henin, president of the Henin Homes at Riviera Bella, said only 14 home sites remain for sale in the current phase at Riviera Bella.
The Turino model home offers five bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths and a bonus room in 3,369 square feet of living space with a tile roof, brick paver driveway, olde world stucco finish, granite countertops, and ceramic tile and a base price of $329,900.
The ready-to-move-in home with all the same features will offer four bedrooms and two baths in 1,928 square feet of living space with a two-car garage, all priced from $218,900.
Jerome Henin, president of the Henin Homes at Riviera Bella, said only 14 home sites remain for sale in the current phase at Riviera Bella.
The Turino model home offers five bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths and a bonus room in 3,369 square feet of living space with a tile roof, brick paver driveway, olde world stucco finish, granite countertops, and ceramic tile and a base price of $329,900.
The ready-to-move-in home with all the same features will offer four bedrooms and two baths in 1,928 square feet of living space with a two-car garage, all priced from $218,900.
Cuhaci & Peterson Architects Hires Three New Professionals
ORLANDO, Fla. --- Cuhaci & Peterson Architects, Engineers, Planners based in Orlando’s Baldwin Park, has named Maria Tonkova, senior project coordinator and Karen Block and Nicole Burns, architectural graduates.
Lonnie Peterson, chairman at Cuhaci & Peterson, said Tonkova earned a Bachelors Degree from the University of Architecture and Civil Engineering in Bulgaria as well as a Masters Degree in Architecture from the University of Florida and more than 20 years of experience in the industry.
Block received a Bachelor of Architecture degree from the Illinois Institute of Technology and Master of Science in Land Development from Texas A&M University and has more than eight years of experience in the industry.
Burns is working toward a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Architecture from the Savannah College of Arts and Design, Peterson said.
Lonnie Peterson, chairman at Cuhaci & Peterson, said Tonkova earned a Bachelors Degree from the University of Architecture and Civil Engineering in Bulgaria as well as a Masters Degree in Architecture from the University of Florida and more than 20 years of experience in the industry.
Block received a Bachelor of Architecture degree from the Illinois Institute of Technology and Master of Science in Land Development from Texas A&M University and has more than eight years of experience in the industry.
Burns is working toward a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Architecture from the Savannah College of Arts and Design, Peterson said.
Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty Appointed Steve Crucq Global Real Estate Advisor in the Firm’s Heathrow/Lake Mary Marketing Center
ORLANDO, Fla. --- Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty has appointed Steve Crucq a Global Real Estate Advisor in its Heathrow/Lake Mary Marketing Center.
Roger Soderstrom, founder and owner of Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty, said Crucq was born in Amsterdam and grew up in Baton Rouge. He earned his B.S. Degree in Marketing and Finance from Louisiana State University.
Crucq moved to Central Florida in 1987, and has extensive background in real estate and financial services, including executive level sales and marketing experience with leading banking and financial service companies.
Crucq is a member of the Orlando Regional Realtor Assn., the Florida Realtor Assn. and the National Association of Realtors.
He specializes luxury properties, vacation homes and development opportunities.
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, new home communities, commercial and investment properties, in addition to supporting builders, developers, lenders, and asset managers. The company operates two performance zones which serve all of Central Florida. Visit www.StirlingSIR.com.
Roger Soderstrom, founder and owner of Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty, said Crucq was born in Amsterdam and grew up in Baton Rouge. He earned his B.S. Degree in Marketing and Finance from Louisiana State University.
Crucq moved to Central Florida in 1987, and has extensive background in real estate and financial services, including executive level sales and marketing experience with leading banking and financial service companies.
Crucq is a member of the Orlando Regional Realtor Assn., the Florida Realtor Assn. and the National Association of Realtors.
He specializes luxury properties, vacation homes and development opportunities.
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, new home communities, commercial and investment properties, in addition to supporting builders, developers, lenders, and asset managers. The company operates two performance zones which serve all of Central Florida. Visit www.StirlingSIR.com.
MAITLAND, Fla. – Michael Heidrich a principal at NAI Realvest recently negotiated three leases for industrial space totaling 20,224 square feet at CommerCenters in DeBary, Sanford and Orlando.
Facility Services and Maintenances, Inc. signed a new lease for 9,375 square feet at 4140 Flex Court in Monroe CommerCenter South. Scott Erickson of Investor Realty Services Inc. represented the tenant.
At Hanging Moss CommerCenter, 6112 Hanging Moss Rd. in Orlando, tenant EC Events LLC recently leased 2,000 square feet then once they occupied saw twice the space was needed so terminated that agreement and signed a new lease for 4,400 square feet. Heidrich brokered the transaction representing the tenant and the landlord COP-Hanging Moss, LLC.
Heidrich represented the landlord Springview CommerCenter LLC in a lease renewal agreement with Lake Mary-based Artscape, LLC for 6,449 square feet at 290 Springview Commerce Drive in the center located off U.S. Hwy 17-92 and Highbanks Road.
About NAI Realvest
NAI Realvest, 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. NAI Global is an international commercial real estate network with over 350 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.
Facility Services and Maintenances, Inc. signed a new lease for 9,375 square feet at 4140 Flex Court in Monroe CommerCenter South. Scott Erickson of Investor Realty Services Inc. represented the tenant.
At Hanging Moss CommerCenter, 6112 Hanging Moss Rd. in Orlando, tenant EC Events LLC recently leased 2,000 square feet then once they occupied saw twice the space was needed so terminated that agreement and signed a new lease for 4,400 square feet. Heidrich brokered the transaction representing the tenant and the landlord COP-Hanging Moss, LLC.
Heidrich represented the landlord Springview CommerCenter LLC in a lease renewal agreement with Lake Mary-based Artscape, LLC for 6,449 square feet at 290 Springview Commerce Drive in the center located off U.S. Hwy 17-92 and Highbanks Road.
About NAI Realvest
NAI Realvest, 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. NAI Global is an international commercial real estate network with over 350 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.
Wednesday, July 18, 2012
NAI Realvest Negotiates Two New Office Lease Agreements at The Citadel in East Orlando
ORLANDO, Fla. – NAI Realvest recently completed two new lease agreements totaling 4,005 square feet of office space at The Citadel III, 5950 Hazeltine National Drive in southeast Orlando.
The NAI Realvest leasing team of Senior Associate Mary Frances West, CCIM, Matt Cichocki and Kevin O’Connor principals at NAI Realvest, negotiated both transactions representing the landlord, Citadel Partners, LTD based in The Villages, Fla.
The local tenants are Hope for Haiti Children’s Center, Inc. d/b/a Danita’s Children, who leased suite 510 with 1,010 square feet and Cargo Aircraft Management, Inc. who signed a lease for suite 350 with 2,995 square feet. Joe Hills of Coughlin Commercial represented Cargo Aircraft.
NAI Realvest is the leasing and management representative of The Citadel and West leads the leasing team.
About NAI Realvest
NAI Realvest, 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. NAI Global is an international commercial real estate network with over 350 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.
The NAI Realvest leasing team of Senior Associate Mary Frances West, CCIM, Matt Cichocki and Kevin O’Connor principals at NAI Realvest, negotiated both transactions representing the landlord, Citadel Partners, LTD based in The Villages, Fla.
The local tenants are Hope for Haiti Children’s Center, Inc. d/b/a Danita’s Children, who leased suite 510 with 1,010 square feet and Cargo Aircraft Management, Inc. who signed a lease for suite 350 with 2,995 square feet. Joe Hills of Coughlin Commercial represented Cargo Aircraft.
NAI Realvest is the leasing and management representative of The Citadel and West leads the leasing team.
About NAI Realvest
NAI Realvest, 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. NAI Global is an international commercial real estate network with over 350 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.
UCF’s Dr. Tom O’Neal to Teach Entrepreneurs at Princess Sumaya University in Jordan, May Form Partnership with UCF
ORLANDO, Fla., -- Dr. Tom O’Neal, founder and executive director of the University of Central Florida Business Incubation Program, and one of the nation’s leading experts on university-based business incubation, job creation and local economic development, will travel to Jordan in the fall to teach a class on entrepreneurism at Princess Sumaya University for Technology in Jordan.
Dr. O’Neal, president of the Florida Business Incubation Assn. (FBIA), executive director of the Florida Economic Gardening Institute and associate vice president for research and commercialization at UCF, recently visited Princess Sumaya University to tour the technology center’s incubation facilities and talk with students and faculty about ways to commercialize technology innovations and create a culture of entrepreneurship.
“Like many countries, Jordan is trying to jump-start their economy and provide opportunities for bright young innovators,” Dr. O’Neal said. “They are looking at ways to commercialize their technology,” he said.
University officials are looking at ways to promote entrepreneurship in a country that traditionally lags behind places like the U.S. in terms of a robust entrepreneurial culture, he explained.
Dr. O’Neal said officials at Princess Sumaya University are interested in forming a partnership with the University of Central Florida.
“They have an incubator,” Dr. O’Neal said. “The infrastructure in Jordan is quite different from what we have here in the U.S., and they would like to develop a soft landing program with us so that some of their companies can come here to start developing markets in North America,” he said.
Dr. O’Neal is already pioneering a soft landing program at the UCF Business Incubator in Kissimmee, providing easier access to international companies who want to enter U.S. markets.
Dr. O’Neal plans to return to Princess Sumaya University in September to teach the class in entrepreneurism. He said he hopes to formalize a soft landing program with Princess Sumaya University here in Central Florida before the end of the year.
About the UCF Business Incubation Program
Since its founding in 1999, the UCF Business Incubation Program has helped more than 200 emerging companies (including more than 134 current clients) create over $363 million in annual total economic output and more than 3,120 new jobs (taking direct and indirect and induced impact into account) with an average salary of $59,000. With ten facilities across the Greater Orlando community, the Business Incubation Program is a collaboration in economic development among the University of Central Florida, Orange County, the City of Orlando, Seminole County, the City of Apopka, 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, Volusia County and the Florida High Tech Corridor Council. For more information about the Program and its clients and graduates, please visit www.incubator.ucf.edu and UCFBIP on Facebook, on www.facebook.com/ucf4bip.
About the Florida Business Incubation Association (FBIA)
Since its founding in 1998, the Florida Business Incubation Association has held bi-annual statewide meetings and been a unified voice for all the Florida incubators. FBIA plays an integral role in developing and/or identifying programs that help provide greater service to incubator clients. FBIA teams up annually with the National Business Incubation Association (NBIA) to award conference scholarship opportunities to Florida incubation professionals. Please visit FBIA on www.fbiaonline.org or on Facebook on www.facebook.com/FLBIA
Dr. O’Neal, president of the Florida Business Incubation Assn. (FBIA), executive director of the Florida Economic Gardening Institute and associate vice president for research and commercialization at UCF, recently visited Princess Sumaya University to tour the technology center’s incubation facilities and talk with students and faculty about ways to commercialize technology innovations and create a culture of entrepreneurship.
“Like many countries, Jordan is trying to jump-start their economy and provide opportunities for bright young innovators,” Dr. O’Neal said. “They are looking at ways to commercialize their technology,” he said.
University officials are looking at ways to promote entrepreneurship in a country that traditionally lags behind places like the U.S. in terms of a robust entrepreneurial culture, he explained.
Dr. O’Neal said officials at Princess Sumaya University are interested in forming a partnership with the University of Central Florida.
“They have an incubator,” Dr. O’Neal said. “The infrastructure in Jordan is quite different from what we have here in the U.S., and they would like to develop a soft landing program with us so that some of their companies can come here to start developing markets in North America,” he said.
Dr. O’Neal is already pioneering a soft landing program at the UCF Business Incubator in Kissimmee, providing easier access to international companies who want to enter U.S. markets.
Dr. O’Neal plans to return to Princess Sumaya University in September to teach the class in entrepreneurism. He said he hopes to formalize a soft landing program with Princess Sumaya University here in Central Florida before the end of the year.
About the UCF Business Incubation Program
Since its founding in 1999, the UCF Business Incubation Program has helped more than 200 emerging companies (including more than 134 current clients) create over $363 million in annual total economic output and more than 3,120 new jobs (taking direct and indirect and induced impact into account) with an average salary of $59,000. With ten facilities across the Greater Orlando community, the Business Incubation Program is a collaboration in economic development among the University of Central Florida, Orange County, the City of Orlando, Seminole County, the City of Apopka, 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, Volusia County and the Florida High Tech Corridor Council. For more information about the Program and its clients and graduates, please visit www.incubator.ucf.edu and UCFBIP on Facebook, on www.facebook.com/ucf4bip.
About the Florida Business Incubation Association (FBIA)
Since its founding in 1998, the Florida Business Incubation Association has held bi-annual statewide meetings and been a unified voice for all the Florida incubators. FBIA plays an integral role in developing and/or identifying programs that help provide greater service to incubator clients. FBIA teams up annually with the National Business Incubation Association (NBIA) to award conference scholarship opportunities to Florida incubation professionals. Please visit FBIA on www.fbiaonline.org or on Facebook on www.facebook.com/FLBIA
Stonegate Golf Club at Solivita Pros Host Golf Clinic to Raise More than $500 for the Fairways for Wounded Warriors Project
KISSIMMEE, Fla. --- Stonegate Golf Club at Solivita Head Golf Professional Chris Russell and Assistant Golf Professional Claude Eastwood hosted a one-hour golf clinic recently to raise more than $500 for the Fairways for Wounded Warriors.
Fairways for Wounded Warriors is a Central Florida group that helps wounded war veterans recover by golfing on Central Florida courses.
Russell said the clinic---on the full swing---drew 44 participants.
“We give clinics all the time and we have a very active golf community at Stonegate Golf Club,” Russell explained.
“The Fairways for Wounded Warriors project is really close to all our hearts and we were delighted to raise money for them,” he said.
Fairways for Wounded Warriors is a Central Florida group that helps wounded war veterans recover by golfing on Central Florida courses.
Russell said the clinic---on the full swing---drew 44 participants.
“We give clinics all the time and we have a very active golf community at Stonegate Golf Club,” Russell explained.
“The Fairways for Wounded Warriors project is really close to all our hearts and we were delighted to raise money for them,” he said.
Winston James Construction starts four bedroom luxury home at Island Club in Lake Mary
Altamonte Springs, Fla. --- Winston James Construction Co. based in South Daytona, in partnership with Incentive Properties, has started construction of a four bedroom, three-and-a-half bath luxury home at the Island Club a gated residential community located on AAA Drive in Lake Mary.
Winston Schwartz, president of Winston James Construction, said the luxury home will open in the fall.
The 3,280 square foot home will be priced at $499,900.
Incentive Properties of Altamonte Springs is marketing the luxury home, Schwartz said.
Winston Schwartz, president of Winston James Construction, said the luxury home will open in the fall.
The 3,280 square foot home will be priced at $499,900.
Incentive Properties of Altamonte Springs is marketing the luxury home, Schwartz said.
Hendricks & Partners Negotiates $15.9 Million Sale of Lexington Park Apartments in Orlando
ORLANDO, Fla. --- Hendricks & Partners, one of the nation’s largest and most active multi-family investment banking and research companies, recently negotiated the sale of the Lexington Park Apartments on Westgate Drive in Orlando for $15.9 million.
Cole Whitaker, partner and director of the Southeast Division of Hendricks & Partners, negotiated the sale of the 252-unit apartment property with associate partner Hal Warren in Orlando and senior investment advisor Jason Stanton in the firm’s Tampa office.
Hendricks & Partners represented the institutional seller. The buyer was not disclosed.
Built in 1988, the three-story garden style apartments total 210,812 square feet of rentable living space with one and two bedroom units and an average monthly rent of $716.
Cole Whitaker, partner and director of the Southeast Division of Hendricks & Partners, negotiated the sale of the 252-unit apartment property with associate partner Hal Warren in Orlando and senior investment advisor Jason Stanton in the firm’s Tampa office.
Hendricks & Partners represented the institutional seller. The buyer was not disclosed.
Built in 1988, the three-story garden style apartments total 210,812 square feet of rentable living space with one and two bedroom units and an average monthly rent of $716.
Stonegate Golf Club at Solivita Offers Summer Special: Round of Golf plus Lunch for $39.95
KISSIMMEE, Fla. --- Stonegate Golf Club at Solivita in Kissimmee is offering a whale of a deal for summer golfers: a round of golf on either of two championship courses plus lunch at The Grille at Stonegate, all for just $39.95.
Christopher Russell, PGA, TPI, head golf professional at Stonegate Golf Club at Solivita, said both courses are in fine shape for summer play.
Designer Ron Garl laid out The Oaks at Stonegate golf course at over 7,000 yards from the back tees for big hitters, and ingeniously mapped out three more forgiving sets of tees. With water on eight holes and free-forming collars around the greens, there's a definite emphasis on the short game at The Oaks.
At The Cypress, redesigned by Clifton, Ezell & Clifton, gently rolling fairways are flanked by century-old cypress trees. The greens have been expanded to feature undulations that accommodate a faster roll. Some greens have been bulk-headed for a truly spectacular visual affect. Cart paths now run the length of the course, tee to green, and water comes into play on 13 holes.
“I think we offer the best golf play in Central Florida and the Stonegate Grille is worth the price of admission all by itself,” Russell said.
The Grille Restaurant at Stonegate Golf Club
For more details, or to make reservations, contact the Stonegate professional staff at 863-427-7150.
Christopher Russell, PGA, TPI, head golf professional at Stonegate Golf Club at Solivita, said both courses are in fine shape for summer play.
Designer Ron Garl laid out The Oaks at Stonegate golf course at over 7,000 yards from the back tees for big hitters, and ingeniously mapped out three more forgiving sets of tees. With water on eight holes and free-forming collars around the greens, there's a definite emphasis on the short game at The Oaks.
At The Cypress, redesigned by Clifton, Ezell & Clifton, gently rolling fairways are flanked by century-old cypress trees. The greens have been expanded to feature undulations that accommodate a faster roll. Some greens have been bulk-headed for a truly spectacular visual affect. Cart paths now run the length of the course, tee to green, and water comes into play on 13 holes.
“I think we offer the best golf play in Central Florida and the Stonegate Grille is worth the price of admission all by itself,” Russell said.
The Grille Restaurant at Stonegate Golf Club
For more details, or to make reservations, contact the Stonegate professional staff at 863-427-7150.
Cuhaci & Peterson Designing Mills Park Mixed-Use Development on U.S. 17-92 at Virginia Ave. in Orlando
ORLANDO, Fla. – Cuhaci & Peterson Architects, based in Orlando’s Baldwin Park, is working on major design work for the retail portion of the long-anticipated Mills Park mixed-use development at the site of the former landmark Mills & Nebraska Lumber Company on U.S. 17-92 and Virginia Ave. near Loch Haven Park.
Lonnie Peterson, chairman of Cuhaci & Peterson Architects, said Mills Park will include 50,000 square feet of retail space with upscale apartments.
Lonnie Peterson, chairman of Cuhaci & Peterson Architects, said Mills Park will include 50,000 square feet of retail space with upscale apartments.
Park Square Homes Names Four New Sales Associates
ORLANDO, Fla. --- Park Square Homes has appointed Jose Perez, Teresa Valdes, Karen Burk and Megan Fussell new home sales consultants.
Vishaal Gupta, president and chief operating officer at Park Square Homes, said Perez, who graduated from the Mid-Florida Technical Institute, has 30 years of experience in home sales.
Valdes, who has more than one year of experience, formerly served as a sales associate at DeLuca Homes in Orlando.
Burk is a graduate of Florida State University who has 35 years of experience in new home sales.
Fussell, a graduate of the University of Florida with a B.S. Degree in Public Relations, has more than 12 years of experience in sales and marketing.
Vishaal Gupta, president and chief operating officer at Park Square Homes, said Perez, who graduated from the Mid-Florida Technical Institute, has 30 years of experience in home sales.
Valdes, who has more than one year of experience, formerly served as a sales associate at DeLuca Homes in Orlando.
Burk is a graduate of Florida State University who has 35 years of experience in new home sales.
Fussell, a graduate of the University of Florida with a B.S. Degree in Public Relations, has more than 12 years of experience in sales and marketing.
NAI Realvest negotiates office expansion lease to Winter Springs Title Company at the Villaggio Business Center on SR 434 East
MAITLAND, Fla. — NAI Realvest recently negotiated an expansion lease agreement for 1,800 square feet of office space in Villagio Business Center of Winter Springs at 853 SR 434 East.
Paul P. Partyka, principal and managing partner at NAI Realvest, brokered the transaction on behalf of Hallandale-based BRI 1813 Villaggio LLC, the landlord at the 50,000+ square foot retail/office center.
Winter Springs-based Secure Title, LLC, now leasing a total of 1,800 square feet increased its occupancy at Villagio Business Center by 50 percent to accommodate its business growth.
NAI Realvest, 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. NAI Global is an international commercial real estate network with over 350 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.
Paul P. Partyka, principal and managing partner at NAI Realvest, brokered the transaction on behalf of Hallandale-based BRI 1813 Villaggio LLC, the landlord at the 50,000+ square foot retail/office center.
Winter Springs-based Secure Title, LLC, now leasing a total of 1,800 square feet increased its occupancy at Villagio Business Center by 50 percent to accommodate its business growth.
NAI Realvest, 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. NAI Global is an international commercial real estate network with over 350 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.
Tuesday, July 17, 2012
Villages of Royal Palm reports sale of 11 homes during first half of 2012, up almost 100 percent over same period last year
PORT ORANGE, Fla. --- Sales of new homes at the Villages of Royal Palm in Port Orange are up almost 100 percent thus far this year.
Winston Schwartz, president of Winston-James Development, Inc., which is developing the Villages of Royal Palm, reports sales of 11 new luxury homes at the Villages of Royal Palm from January through June.
Schwartz said sales totaled more than $3 million.
“The real estate market is steadily improving and the moratorium on impact fees has allowed us to pass on over $8,500 in savings to home buyers,” Schwartz said.
The Villages of Royal Palm currently has five new ready-to-move-in homes available priced from the $160s.
Winston Schwartz, president of Winston-James Development, Inc., which is developing the Villages of Royal Palm, reports sales of 11 new luxury homes at the Villages of Royal Palm from January through June.
Schwartz said sales totaled more than $3 million.
“The real estate market is steadily improving and the moratorium on impact fees has allowed us to pass on over $8,500 in savings to home buyers,” Schwartz said.
The Villages of Royal Palm currently has five new ready-to-move-in homes available priced from the $160s.
Only Eight home sites Remain for Sale at The Reserve at Berkshire Park in Windermere
ORLANDO, Fla. --- Only eight home sites remain for sale at The Reserve at Berkshire Park, located off Overstreet Road and C.R. 535 in Windermere.
Michael Roche, vice president of sales and marketing for Ashton Woods Homes in the Orlando region, said new three, four and five bedroom homes priced from the $240s at The Reserve at Berkshire Park range in size from 2,066 square feet of living space to 3,400 square feet.
Michael Roche, vice president of sales and marketing for Ashton Woods Homes in the Orlando region, said new three, four and five bedroom homes priced from the $240s at The Reserve at Berkshire Park range in size from 2,066 square feet of living space to 3,400 square feet.
Park Square Homes starts construction of two new Florida Series model homes at Summerbrooke in Mount Dora
ORLANDO, Fla. – Park Square Homes has started construction of two new designer model homes on Natoma Blvd. at Summerbrooke off U.S. 441 near SR 46 in Mount Dora.
Vishaal Gupta, president and chief operating officer at Park Square Homes, said the new Florida Series of model homes was designed especially for the Mount Dora area.
The Margate model home, with three bedrooms and two baths, offers 2,000 square feet of living space priced from the $160s.
The Pensacola model home, which features four bedrooms and three-and-a-half baths in 2,572 square feet of living space, is priced from the $180s.
Gupta said both new model homes will open in August.
Park Square Homes is building 68 new homes at Summerbrooke priced from $154,900 to $204,900.
Visit www.parksquarehomes.com
About Park Square Homes
Park Square Homes is one of Central Florida’s premier production and vacation homebuilders. Founded in Orlando in 1984, the company has constructed thousands of homes in Orange, Osceola, and Seminole Counties. Park Square Homes is ranked as one of the largest homebuilders in Central Florida and is considered a pioneer and innovator in Florida’s resort home market.
Vishaal Gupta, president and chief operating officer at Park Square Homes, said the new Florida Series of model homes was designed especially for the Mount Dora area.
The Margate model home, with three bedrooms and two baths, offers 2,000 square feet of living space priced from the $160s.
The Pensacola model home, which features four bedrooms and three-and-a-half baths in 2,572 square feet of living space, is priced from the $180s.
Gupta said both new model homes will open in August.
Park Square Homes is building 68 new homes at Summerbrooke priced from $154,900 to $204,900.
Visit www.parksquarehomes.com
About Park Square Homes
Park Square Homes is one of Central Florida’s premier production and vacation homebuilders. Founded in Orlando in 1984, the company has constructed thousands of homes in Orange, Osceola, and Seminole Counties. Park Square Homes is ranked as one of the largest homebuilders in Central Florida and is considered a pioneer and innovator in Florida’s resort home market.
Cuhaci & Peterson Architects Awarded Contract for New Starbucks in Winter Haven
ORLANDO, Fla. --- Cuhaci & Peterson Architects LLC, based in Orlando’s Baldwin Park, was recently awarded a contract to design a new Starbucks coffee shop in Winter Haven, at the Landings near Cypress Gardens Blvd and First Street.
Lonnie Peterson, chairman at Cuhaci & Peterson Architects, said the new 1700 square foot Starbucks will be located at The Landings in Winter Haven.
Lonnie Peterson, chairman at Cuhaci & Peterson Architects, said the new 1700 square foot Starbucks will be located at The Landings in Winter Haven.
Company that Assists with Construction Bids Launches its Online Business
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla., – Best3Bids, one of the clients of the University of Central Florida Business Incubation Program at the Daytona Beach International Airport, will launch its online business on July 27 during the one-year anniversary celebration.
Founded in 2011 by Mike Bowen, Best3Bids – or B3B LLC – offers a convenient service to homeowners, business owners and others who need to get construction bids on a variety of projects.
“Because the need to get three bids is the standard in most construction projects, as well as work that is covered by insurance companies, this service can save consumers both time and money,” Bowen said.
By using the website at www.best3bids.com, Bowen said homeowners have access to contractors who can handle the improvements needed to maintain one of their biggest investments – their homes.
“By finding the right person for the job, homeowners often learn that they can afford a project they may have been putting off simply because they didn’t have an accurate cost in mind,” he said.
Doris “Connie” Bernal, site manager for the Daytona Beach incubator, said she expects Best3Bids to grow quickly as Bowen recently received funding for commercials and other marketing projects.
“Mike has created a viable business based on people’s needs. Most of us need three bids before starting a new construction project. He turned this need to an innovative online based business. B3B has a lot of potential to grow nationally. We are very pleased with his progress at the incubator,” Bermal said.
About the UCF Business Incubation Program
Since its founding in 1999, the UCF Business Incubation Program has helped more than 200 emerging companies (including more than 134 current clients) create over $363 million in annual total economic output and more than 3,120 new jobs (taking direct and indirect and induced impact into account) with an average salary of $59,000. With ten facilities across the Greater Orlando community, the Business Incubation Program is a collaboration in economic development among the University of Central Florida, Orange County, the City of Orlando, Seminole County, the City of Apopka, 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, Volusia County and the Florida High Tech Corridor Council. For more information about the Program and its clients and graduates, please visit www.incubator.ucf.edu and UCFBIP on Facebook, on www.facebook.com/ucf4bip.
Founded in 2011 by Mike Bowen, Best3Bids – or B3B LLC – offers a convenient service to homeowners, business owners and others who need to get construction bids on a variety of projects.
“Because the need to get three bids is the standard in most construction projects, as well as work that is covered by insurance companies, this service can save consumers both time and money,” Bowen said.
By using the website at www.best3bids.com, Bowen said homeowners have access to contractors who can handle the improvements needed to maintain one of their biggest investments – their homes.
“By finding the right person for the job, homeowners often learn that they can afford a project they may have been putting off simply because they didn’t have an accurate cost in mind,” he said.
Doris “Connie” Bernal, site manager for the Daytona Beach incubator, said she expects Best3Bids to grow quickly as Bowen recently received funding for commercials and other marketing projects.
“Mike has created a viable business based on people’s needs. Most of us need three bids before starting a new construction project. He turned this need to an innovative online based business. B3B has a lot of potential to grow nationally. We are very pleased with his progress at the incubator,” Bermal said.
About the UCF Business Incubation Program
Since its founding in 1999, the UCF Business Incubation Program has helped more than 200 emerging companies (including more than 134 current clients) create over $363 million in annual total economic output and more than 3,120 new jobs (taking direct and indirect and induced impact into account) with an average salary of $59,000. With ten facilities across the Greater Orlando community, the Business Incubation Program is a collaboration in economic development among the University of Central Florida, Orange County, the City of Orlando, Seminole County, the City of Apopka, 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, Volusia County and the Florida High Tech Corridor Council. For more information about the Program and its clients and graduates, please visit www.incubator.ucf.edu and UCFBIP on Facebook, on www.facebook.com/ucf4bip.
Daytona Beach Business Incubator Celebrates One Year of Growing Businesses
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – The one-year anniversary of the University of Central Florida Business Incubation Program’s Daytona Beach site will be celebrated July 27 with the announcement of Entrepreneur of the Year, speeches by area dignitaries, and tours of the 9,600-square-foot facility at the Daytona Beach International Airport.
The celebration – scheduled from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at 601 Innovation Way and sponsored in part by Cobb Cole Attorneys at Law and SunTrust Bank – is going to promote the importance of entrepreneurship for the community, said Connie Bernal, site manager for the Daytona Beach UCF Business Incubator.
“This one-year anniversary and Entrepreneur of the Year event is an occasion to celebrate the entrepreneurial spirit of Volusia County,” said Bernal.
Featured speakers will be Frank Bruno, chairman of the Volusia County Council; Dr. Tom O’Neal, executive director and founder of the UCFBIP, Rick Karl, director of Volusia County’s Aviation and Economic Resources; Gordon Hogan, director of the UCFBIP, and Bernal.
“We are very pleased with the progress that has been made at the Daytona Beach Incubator in one year. This shows what can be accomplished when an effective partnership is formed,” Hogan said.
Highlights of the anniversary observance will include the announcement of the Entrepreneur of the Year Award, the inauguration of the entrepreneur’s wall and the website launch of an incubator client, www.Best3Bids.com , a company that provides bids for construction projects. Refreshments – including a cake for O’Neal, incubator program founder, who will celebrate his birthday on the date – will be served.
The event is open to the public. Please RSVP to Arlene Wilson at Arlene.wilson@ucf.edu or call 386-872-3100 by July 20.
The Daytona Beach Incubator – UCF’s 9th Central Florida location – is a partnership between UCF, Volusia County and the Florida High-Tech Corridor Council. In its 13th year, the program offers a supportive environment designed to inspire the entrepreneurial spirit, accelerate business growth and create local employment opportunities.
UCF’s overall incubation program provides a wide range of services in campus-like environments, including affordable office space, as well as access to a receptionist, a site manager, business mentors, educational classes and necessary business equipment. The centers also have off-site clients, who use all of the services except actual office space.
About the UCF Business Incubation Program
Since its founding in 1999, the UCF Business Incubation Program has helped more than 200 emerging companies (including more than 134 current clients) create over $363 million in annual total economic output and more than 3,120 new jobs (taking direct and indirect and induced impact into account) with an average salary of $59,000. With ten facilities across the Greater Orlando community, the Business Incubation Program is a collaboration in economic development among the University of Central Florida, Orange County, the City of Orlando, Seminole County, the City of Apopka, 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, Volusia County and the Florida High Tech Corridor Council. For more information about the Program and its clients and graduates, please visit www.incubator.ucf.edu and UCFBIP on Facebook, on www.facebook.com/ucf4bip.
The celebration – scheduled from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at 601 Innovation Way and sponsored in part by Cobb Cole Attorneys at Law and SunTrust Bank – is going to promote the importance of entrepreneurship for the community, said Connie Bernal, site manager for the Daytona Beach UCF Business Incubator.
“This one-year anniversary and Entrepreneur of the Year event is an occasion to celebrate the entrepreneurial spirit of Volusia County,” said Bernal.
Featured speakers will be Frank Bruno, chairman of the Volusia County Council; Dr. Tom O’Neal, executive director and founder of the UCFBIP, Rick Karl, director of Volusia County’s Aviation and Economic Resources; Gordon Hogan, director of the UCFBIP, and Bernal.
“We are very pleased with the progress that has been made at the Daytona Beach Incubator in one year. This shows what can be accomplished when an effective partnership is formed,” Hogan said.
Highlights of the anniversary observance will include the announcement of the Entrepreneur of the Year Award, the inauguration of the entrepreneur’s wall and the website launch of an incubator client, www.Best3Bids.com , a company that provides bids for construction projects. Refreshments – including a cake for O’Neal, incubator program founder, who will celebrate his birthday on the date – will be served.
The event is open to the public. Please RSVP to Arlene Wilson at Arlene.wilson@ucf.edu or call 386-872-3100 by July 20.
The Daytona Beach Incubator – UCF’s 9th Central Florida location – is a partnership between UCF, Volusia County and the Florida High-Tech Corridor Council. In its 13th year, the program offers a supportive environment designed to inspire the entrepreneurial spirit, accelerate business growth and create local employment opportunities.
UCF’s overall incubation program provides a wide range of services in campus-like environments, including affordable office space, as well as access to a receptionist, a site manager, business mentors, educational classes and necessary business equipment. The centers also have off-site clients, who use all of the services except actual office space.
About the UCF Business Incubation Program
Since its founding in 1999, the UCF Business Incubation Program has helped more than 200 emerging companies (including more than 134 current clients) create over $363 million in annual total economic output and more than 3,120 new jobs (taking direct and indirect and induced impact into account) with an average salary of $59,000. With ten facilities across the Greater Orlando community, the Business Incubation Program is a collaboration in economic development among the University of Central Florida, Orange County, the City of Orlando, Seminole County, the City of Apopka, 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, Volusia County and the Florida High Tech Corridor Council. For more information about the Program and its clients and graduates, please visit www.incubator.ucf.edu and UCFBIP on Facebook, on www.facebook.com/ucf4bip.
Lennar’s Central Florida Division to Host Grand Opening to Showcase two new model homes at Concord Station in Land O’Lakes
TAMPA, Fla. --- Lennar’s Central Florida Division will host a grand opening July 28 to showcase two new single family model homes at Concord Station, located on S.R. 54 two miles east of the Suncoast Parkway in Land O’Lakes in Pasco County.
Mark Metheny, president of Lennar’s Central Florida Division, said the new Monte Carlo model home offers five bedrooms and three baths with a bonus room in 3,210 square feet of living space. The Monte Carlo model home features a three car garage.
The new Mayflower model home offers four bedrooms and three baths with a bonus room in 2,529 square feet with a two-car garage.
Guests at the grand opening can also preview the Independence model – Lennar’s new NextGen™ Home within a Home, which offers five bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths in 3,357 square feet of living area with a three-car garage. The Independence floorplan features a complete separate living suite with eat-in kitchenette, living room, bedroom with walk-in closet, private bath and private entrance.
The grand opening event, from noon to 3 p.m., is free and open to the public. Refreshments and food will be available, along with games for the kids.
Metheny said Lennar is building 115 new homes in the current phase at Concord Station.
New homes at Concord Station are priced from the low $200s.
Mark Metheny, president of Lennar’s Central Florida Division, said the new Monte Carlo model home offers five bedrooms and three baths with a bonus room in 3,210 square feet of living space. The Monte Carlo model home features a three car garage.
The new Mayflower model home offers four bedrooms and three baths with a bonus room in 2,529 square feet with a two-car garage.
Guests at the grand opening can also preview the Independence model – Lennar’s new NextGen™ Home within a Home, which offers five bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths in 3,357 square feet of living area with a three-car garage. The Independence floorplan features a complete separate living suite with eat-in kitchenette, living room, bedroom with walk-in closet, private bath and private entrance.
The grand opening event, from noon to 3 p.m., is free and open to the public. Refreshments and food will be available, along with games for the kids.
Metheny said Lennar is building 115 new homes in the current phase at Concord Station.
New homes at Concord Station are priced from the low $200s.
Friday, July 13, 2012
Hendricks & Partners Negotiates Sale of Mallards of Brandywine Apartments in DeLand for $7.75 Million
DeLand, Fla. --- Hendricks & Partners, one of the nation’s largest and most active multi-family investment banking and research companies, recently negotiated the sale of the Mallards of Brandywine, a 168-unit apartment property located in DeLand, for $7.75 million.
Cole Whitaker, partner and director of the Southeast Division of Hendricks & Partners and associate partner Hal Warren in Orlando negotiated the sale representing the seller, CFLP Mallards, LLC.
The Mallards of Brandywine built in 1985 and renovated in 2006 has a total of 136,600 square feet of rentable living space with one and two bedroom apartments.
The buyer was a private investment group.
Cole Whitaker, partner and director of the Southeast Division of Hendricks & Partners and associate partner Hal Warren in Orlando negotiated the sale representing the seller, CFLP Mallards, LLC.
The Mallards of Brandywine built in 1985 and renovated in 2006 has a total of 136,600 square feet of rentable living space with one and two bedroom apartments.
The buyer was a private investment group.
Michael Shuman keynote speaker at Annual Fla. Small Farms and Alternative Enterprises Conference
KISSIMMEE, Fla. - Entrepreneur Michael H. Shuman will be the keynote speaker at the 4th Annual Florida Small Farms and Alternative Enterprises Conference Saturday, July 28.
Shuman is being sponsored by the Florida Food Policy Council (FFPC), a nonprofit organization encouraging the development and expansion of the capacity of local food systems to meet food security needs in communities across Florida.
Shuman is an economist, attorney, author, and Director of Research and Marketing for Cutting Edge Capital. He has authored, co-authored, or edited eight books. His most recent book, just published by Chelsea Green, is Local Dollars, Local Sense: How to Move Your Money from Wall Street to Main Street and Achieve Real Prosperity.
His most famous book, The Small Mart Revolution: How Local Businesses Are Beating the Global Competition (Berrett-Koehler, 2006), received a bronze prize from the Independent Publishers Association for best business book of 2006.
Shuman helped co-found BALLE, which represents 22,000 local businesses in North America in 80 communities, and is now a Fellow there.
At Cutting Edge Capital, a consulting firm that helps communities and businesses solve finance challenges, he manages its economic development initiatives.
“Mr. Shuman’s work will increase the economic impact that Florida small farmers have on this state through a study that will be conducted by FFPC and Shuman,” said Trisha Strawn, Florida Food Policy Council Chair and Vice President of Growing Synergy based in St. Cloud.
The Florida Small Farms and Alternative Enterprises Conference, a three-day event hosted by the University of Florida and Florida A & M University, includes 30 educational sessions, farm tours, a large trade show and Florida’s Finest Signature Luncheon.
Through concurrent educational sessions led by industry experts and noted researchers, the annual Small Farms and Alternative Enterprises Conference provides opportunities for attendees to learn about groundbreaking research and access educational support about topics such as operating sustainable and profitable enterprises, integrating cost-effective methods to meet state regulations, and applying the latest research to real-world problems. Attendees also participate in workshops, hands-on demonstrations and organized networking activities, enabling them to share their knowledge while interacting with peers from all over the state.
To register for the Florida Small Farms and Alternative Enterprises Conference visit the website http://www.conference.ifas.ufl.edu/smallfarms
Shuman is being sponsored by the Florida Food Policy Council (FFPC), a nonprofit organization encouraging the development and expansion of the capacity of local food systems to meet food security needs in communities across Florida.
Shuman is an economist, attorney, author, and Director of Research and Marketing for Cutting Edge Capital. He has authored, co-authored, or edited eight books. His most recent book, just published by Chelsea Green, is Local Dollars, Local Sense: How to Move Your Money from Wall Street to Main Street and Achieve Real Prosperity.
His most famous book, The Small Mart Revolution: How Local Businesses Are Beating the Global Competition (Berrett-Koehler, 2006), received a bronze prize from the Independent Publishers Association for best business book of 2006.
Shuman helped co-found BALLE, which represents 22,000 local businesses in North America in 80 communities, and is now a Fellow there.
At Cutting Edge Capital, a consulting firm that helps communities and businesses solve finance challenges, he manages its economic development initiatives.
“Mr. Shuman’s work will increase the economic impact that Florida small farmers have on this state through a study that will be conducted by FFPC and Shuman,” said Trisha Strawn, Florida Food Policy Council Chair and Vice President of Growing Synergy based in St. Cloud.
The Florida Small Farms and Alternative Enterprises Conference, a three-day event hosted by the University of Florida and Florida A & M University, includes 30 educational sessions, farm tours, a large trade show and Florida’s Finest Signature Luncheon.
Through concurrent educational sessions led by industry experts and noted researchers, the annual Small Farms and Alternative Enterprises Conference provides opportunities for attendees to learn about groundbreaking research and access educational support about topics such as operating sustainable and profitable enterprises, integrating cost-effective methods to meet state regulations, and applying the latest research to real-world problems. Attendees also participate in workshops, hands-on demonstrations and organized networking activities, enabling them to share their knowledge while interacting with peers from all over the state.
To register for the Florida Small Farms and Alternative Enterprises Conference visit the website http://www.conference.ifas.ufl.edu/smallfarms
Park Square Homes Appoints Robin Aldridge Construction Superintendent
ORLANDO, Fla. --- Park Square Homes, which builds new single family and town homes priced from the mid-$100s in seven Orlando area residential and resort communities, has appointed Robin Aldridge construction superintendent.
Vishaal Gupta, president and chief operating officer at Park Square Homes, said Aldridge has more than 20 years of experience as a home builder, including 14 years at Park Square Homes.
Aldridge, who attended the University of Central Florida, is rejoining the Park Square Homes team, Gupta said.
Vishaal Gupta, president and chief operating officer at Park Square Homes, said Aldridge has more than 20 years of experience as a home builder, including 14 years at Park Square Homes.
Aldridge, who attended the University of Central Florida, is rejoining the Park Square Homes team, Gupta said.
Spruce Creek Fly-In Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty Lands Four Luxury Sales to Foreign Buyers
ORLANDO, Fla., -- Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty recently closed on sales of four luxury residential properties in Volusia County that totaled more than $2.2 million.
Roger Soderstrom, founder and owner of Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty, said International Luxury Homes Specialists Rachel McGrath and Debbie Keilin, in the firm’s Spruce Creek Fly-In Marketing Center, negotiated all four sales.
“Rachel McGrath and Debbie Keilin in our Spruce Creek Fly-In Gallery have mastered our global marketing resources and rank as two of the most adept global marketing experts in Central Florida,” Soderstrom said.
Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty has one of the strongest global marketing programs in real estate, and international buyers are a particularly important resource for vacation and resort homes and luxury homes throughout Florida, Soderstrom explained.
The four sales include:
• A golf course residence at Spruce Creek Fly-In that sold for $450,000 to buyers from Heilongjiang, China;
• A hangar home at Spruce Creek Fly-In that recently sold to Argentine aviation enthusiasts for $545,000;
• A waterfront luxury home on the Intracoastal Waterway at the Shores in Port Orange that sold to a Swedish couple for $975,000;
• A two bedroom oceanfront condominium in Daytona Beach that sold to a couple from Ontario, Canada for $152,500.
“Sotheby’s International Realty has launched its 2012 marketing strategy that will generate a projected 506 million global impressions. This opens our listing portfolio to the world and greatly assists us in attracting buyers worldwide,” Soderstrom said.
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, new home communities, commercial and investment properties, in addition to supporting builders, developers, lenders, and asset managers. The company operates two performance zones which serve all of Central Florida. Visit www.StirlingSIR.com.
Roger Soderstrom, founder and owner of Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty, said International Luxury Homes Specialists Rachel McGrath and Debbie Keilin, in the firm’s Spruce Creek Fly-In Marketing Center, negotiated all four sales.
“Rachel McGrath and Debbie Keilin in our Spruce Creek Fly-In Gallery have mastered our global marketing resources and rank as two of the most adept global marketing experts in Central Florida,” Soderstrom said.
Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty has one of the strongest global marketing programs in real estate, and international buyers are a particularly important resource for vacation and resort homes and luxury homes throughout Florida, Soderstrom explained.
The four sales include:
• A golf course residence at Spruce Creek Fly-In that sold for $450,000 to buyers from Heilongjiang, China;
• A hangar home at Spruce Creek Fly-In that recently sold to Argentine aviation enthusiasts for $545,000;
• A waterfront luxury home on the Intracoastal Waterway at the Shores in Port Orange that sold to a Swedish couple for $975,000;
• A two bedroom oceanfront condominium in Daytona Beach that sold to a couple from Ontario, Canada for $152,500.
“Sotheby’s International Realty has launched its 2012 marketing strategy that will generate a projected 506 million global impressions. This opens our listing portfolio to the world and greatly assists us in attracting buyers worldwide,” Soderstrom said.
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, new home communities, commercial and investment properties, in addition to supporting builders, developers, lenders, and asset managers. The company operates two performance zones which serve all of Central Florida. Visit www.StirlingSIR.com.
Thursday, July 12, 2012
EMERSON INTERNATIONAL CLOSES ON $20 MILLION MORTGAGE LOAN FROM ING
Altamonte Springs, Fla. --- Emerson International, Inc. which owns and develops office parks, luxury condominiums and golf course communities in Central Florida, recently closed on a new $20 million mortgage agreement with a U.S lender subsidiary of parent company ING based in the Netherlands.
Eric Emerson, vice president and general manager of Emerson International, said the new 20-year loan – with a 4.65 percent interest rate – enables Emerson International to retire existing mortgages on its southwest Orlando Major Plaza buildings I and II, Altamonte Lakeside Plaza Office Park, Louisiana Office Park in Winter Park and University Research Park I in southeast Orlando, totaling approximately 350,000 square feet of Class B office space.
Don Jennewein and Nathan Lynch of CBRE brokered the mortgage agreement, Emerson said.
Shutts & Bowen represented borrowers Emerson International Inc. and Emerson Investments International, Inc.
“Mortgage interest rates today are at record lows and it makes excellent sense to refinance quality real estate assets,” Emerson said.
“The savings to us is significant and represents a substantial increase in our operating income,” he said.
About Emerson International
Emerson International is a wholly owned subsidiary of The Emerson Group, the global corporation that is one of the largest privately-owned property development companies.
Eric Emerson, vice president and general manager of Emerson International, said the new 20-year loan – with a 4.65 percent interest rate – enables Emerson International to retire existing mortgages on its southwest Orlando Major Plaza buildings I and II, Altamonte Lakeside Plaza Office Park, Louisiana Office Park in Winter Park and University Research Park I in southeast Orlando, totaling approximately 350,000 square feet of Class B office space.
Don Jennewein and Nathan Lynch of CBRE brokered the mortgage agreement, Emerson said.
Shutts & Bowen represented borrowers Emerson International Inc. and Emerson Investments International, Inc.
“Mortgage interest rates today are at record lows and it makes excellent sense to refinance quality real estate assets,” Emerson said.
“The savings to us is significant and represents a substantial increase in our operating income,” he said.
About Emerson International
Emerson International is a wholly owned subsidiary of The Emerson Group, the global corporation that is one of the largest privately-owned property development companies.
TREKT Himalaya of Florida teams up with the Mountain Fund in New Mexico to offer Volunteer Medical Trek in Nepal
ST. CLOUD, Fla. --- Nepalese-American tour operator, TREKT Himalaya, LLC., with offices in Saint Cloud and Kathmandu, Nepal has teamed up with the Mountain Fund Charity (based in New Mexico and Kathmandu) to launch a series of Medical Treks aimed at doctors, nurses and medical students who would like to volunteer in Nepal.
“We wanted to focus on sustainable tourism in Nepal,” said TREKT Himalaya founder Sandra Krasa BK, “and one thing that I have noticed in my years of living there is that outside of Kathmandu there is a glaring lack of even basic medical care. When Nepali people see a tourist on the trekking path, or in their village, they will often ask you for some kind of first-aid even if you are not a medical professional. Just on the basis of being Western, they know we have some type of first-aid kit with us. I have been asked to look at cuts, burns, a broken arm and to diagnose internal pain. I have no medical background, and I tell them that, but the people are just desperate for help and empathy,” she said
In early 2012 TREKT Himalaya embarked on organizing adventures in the Himalayan region that incorporated not only classic treks, like Everest Base Camp, but also educational adventures that would help the people of Nepal as well as Western tourists who are looking for meaningful travel experiences that connect them with the local culture.
“I had been talking with Scott MacLennan from the Mountain Fund while I was in Kathmandu last year, and when we opened up the TREKT Himalaya office in Central Florida with the idea of ‘volunteerism’ as a focus, he was one of the first people I thought of,” Krasa said. “His volunteer organization is one of the most respected in Nepal.”
The Mountain Fund had worked with medical volunteer placements before, and Scott had knowledge of the rural areas that get the least attention, and that was exactly where we wanted to focus, Krasa said.
“I ran the plan for Medical Trek Nepal past my mother, Linda Krasa, who is a nurse at Dr. Phillips Hospital in Orlando, and she said ‘sign me up!’ I hope others will be as eager to help too,” she said.
TREKT Himalaya’s Medical Trek promises a trip on the road less traveled. The October 2012 trek will focus on the Gorkha & Dhading regions of Nepal. Considered to be the heartland of the nation, medical trekkers will enjoy breathtaking views of the Himalaya, spend time in remote villages, and experience a majestic culture for removed from the modern world, Krasa said.
The medical volunteers will set up a triage tent and treatment tents mid way through the trek to treat villagers from the surrounding area. Medical tents donated by Mountain Hardware serve as a movable clinic, she explained.
Last year, a similar medical camp was able to treat over 900 Nepali villagers in three days. Medical volunteers should be prepared to get busy Some common ailments among villagers are skin problems, gastro-intestinal illness, dental problems, dysentery, eye problems, untreated wounds, ob-gyn care, and infant-child wellness needs.
TREKT Himalaya needs doctors and nurses for exams and treatment, medical assistants and students for triage and there are also opportunities for non-medical volunteers to handle administrative duties and to boost morale, according to Krasa.
“The Nepali villagers love seeing the medical teams and volunteers come away knowing they gave much needed help and had a totally unique volunteer travel experience,” she said.
Sign-up is now open and is limited to the first 12 people who qualify. Volunteer applicants are encouraged to sign-up online at trekthimalaya.com/trek-nepal/volunteer .
TREKT Himalaya is a client company with the UCF Business Incubation Program and located at the St. Cloud Incubator.
About TREKT Himalaya
TREKT Himalaya, LLC is a Nepali-American tour company specializing in adventure travel and educational tours to the Himalaya. TREKT Himalaya, along with their extreme adventure sports affiliate company, Hardcore Nepal (P.) Ltd. (hardcorenepal.com) is dedicated to sustainable tourism. They have started a training program for Dalits (untouchables) to help breakdown social stigma of caste based jobs, and have recently teamed with Italian charity “Finale for Nepal” to provide rock climbing adventures with proceeds benefiting rural Nepal schools. TREKT plans to launch a “made in Nepal” Fair Trade clothing line in 2013. Trekthimalaya.com
About the UCF Business Incubation Program
Since its founding in 1999, the UCF Business Incubation Program has helped more than 200 emerging companies (including more than 134 current clients) create over $363 million in annual total economic output and more than 3,120 new jobs (taking direct and indirect and induced impact into account) with an average salary of $59,000. With ten facilities across the Greater Orlando community, the Business Incubation Program is a collaboration in economic development among the University of Central Florida, Orange County, the City of Orlando, Seminole County, the City of Apopka, 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, Volusia County and the Florida High Tech Corridor Council. For more information about the Program and its clients and graduates, please visit www.incubator.ucf.edu and UCFBIP on Facebook, on www.facebook.com/ucf4bip.
“We wanted to focus on sustainable tourism in Nepal,” said TREKT Himalaya founder Sandra Krasa BK, “and one thing that I have noticed in my years of living there is that outside of Kathmandu there is a glaring lack of even basic medical care. When Nepali people see a tourist on the trekking path, or in their village, they will often ask you for some kind of first-aid even if you are not a medical professional. Just on the basis of being Western, they know we have some type of first-aid kit with us. I have been asked to look at cuts, burns, a broken arm and to diagnose internal pain. I have no medical background, and I tell them that, but the people are just desperate for help and empathy,” she said
In early 2012 TREKT Himalaya embarked on organizing adventures in the Himalayan region that incorporated not only classic treks, like Everest Base Camp, but also educational adventures that would help the people of Nepal as well as Western tourists who are looking for meaningful travel experiences that connect them with the local culture.
“I had been talking with Scott MacLennan from the Mountain Fund while I was in Kathmandu last year, and when we opened up the TREKT Himalaya office in Central Florida with the idea of ‘volunteerism’ as a focus, he was one of the first people I thought of,” Krasa said. “His volunteer organization is one of the most respected in Nepal.”
The Mountain Fund had worked with medical volunteer placements before, and Scott had knowledge of the rural areas that get the least attention, and that was exactly where we wanted to focus, Krasa said.
“I ran the plan for Medical Trek Nepal past my mother, Linda Krasa, who is a nurse at Dr. Phillips Hospital in Orlando, and she said ‘sign me up!’ I hope others will be as eager to help too,” she said.
TREKT Himalaya’s Medical Trek promises a trip on the road less traveled. The October 2012 trek will focus on the Gorkha & Dhading regions of Nepal. Considered to be the heartland of the nation, medical trekkers will enjoy breathtaking views of the Himalaya, spend time in remote villages, and experience a majestic culture for removed from the modern world, Krasa said.
The medical volunteers will set up a triage tent and treatment tents mid way through the trek to treat villagers from the surrounding area. Medical tents donated by Mountain Hardware serve as a movable clinic, she explained.
Last year, a similar medical camp was able to treat over 900 Nepali villagers in three days. Medical volunteers should be prepared to get busy Some common ailments among villagers are skin problems, gastro-intestinal illness, dental problems, dysentery, eye problems, untreated wounds, ob-gyn care, and infant-child wellness needs.
TREKT Himalaya needs doctors and nurses for exams and treatment, medical assistants and students for triage and there are also opportunities for non-medical volunteers to handle administrative duties and to boost morale, according to Krasa.
“The Nepali villagers love seeing the medical teams and volunteers come away knowing they gave much needed help and had a totally unique volunteer travel experience,” she said.
Sign-up is now open and is limited to the first 12 people who qualify. Volunteer applicants are encouraged to sign-up online at trekthimalaya.com/trek-nepal/volunteer .
TREKT Himalaya is a client company with the UCF Business Incubation Program and located at the St. Cloud Incubator.
About TREKT Himalaya
TREKT Himalaya, LLC is a Nepali-American tour company specializing in adventure travel and educational tours to the Himalaya. TREKT Himalaya, along with their extreme adventure sports affiliate company, Hardcore Nepal (P.) Ltd. (hardcorenepal.com) is dedicated to sustainable tourism. They have started a training program for Dalits (untouchables) to help breakdown social stigma of caste based jobs, and have recently teamed with Italian charity “Finale for Nepal” to provide rock climbing adventures with proceeds benefiting rural Nepal schools. TREKT plans to launch a “made in Nepal” Fair Trade clothing line in 2013. Trekthimalaya.com
About the UCF Business Incubation Program
Since its founding in 1999, the UCF Business Incubation Program has helped more than 200 emerging companies (including more than 134 current clients) create over $363 million in annual total economic output and more than 3,120 new jobs (taking direct and indirect and induced impact into account) with an average salary of $59,000. With ten facilities across the Greater Orlando community, the Business Incubation Program is a collaboration in economic development among the University of Central Florida, Orange County, the City of Orlando, Seminole County, the City of Apopka, 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, Volusia County and the Florida High Tech Corridor Council. For more information about the Program and its clients and graduates, please visit www.incubator.ucf.edu and UCFBIP on Facebook, on www.facebook.com/ucf4bip.
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