Orlando Homebuilder Raises $80,000 for Coalition for the Homeless of Central Florida

ORLANDO, Fla. --- Pulte Homes raised $80,000 to benefit Coalition for the Homeless of Central Florida at the second annual Build to Make Lives Better Golf Tournament hosted recently at Lake Nona Golf & Country Club.

Tournament proceeds will help fund three programs provided by Coalition for the Homeless of Central Florida: the Center for Woman and Families, Men’s Service Center, and the Women’s Residential and Counseling Center.

“All of us at Pulte Homes are proud of the overwhelming response we had for our fundraising efforts and are excited to be part of this project,” said Pulte Homes North Florida President Peter Keane (right) shown presenting the check to Brent Trotter, president / CEO of Coalition for the Homeless.

Pulte Homes Celebrates Grand Opening at Village Lakes at Palencia in St. Augustine

St. Augustine, Fla. -- Pulte Homes recently held a grand opening to introduce a new model home and five single-family home designs at Village Lakes, its newest St. Augustine community located off U.S. 1 in Palencia - a master-planned community renowned for its abundant amenities.

Pulte’s newly completed, professionally-decorated Eastfield model home is open for touring, according to Tiffani Ferri, vice president of sales for PulteGroup’s North Florida division.

The two-story Eastfield with three bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths, and a loft in 2,687 square feet of living area, showcases some of Pulte’s Life Tested® special features including the Super Owners Suite and Pulte Planning Center®, Ferri said. Life Tested® Homes are built with ideas inspired by customers and designed to best meet their family’s needs.

Pulte is offering five Life Tested® single-family home designs at Village Lakes at Palencia ranging from 1,708 square feet of living area to 3,139 square feet with flexible living spaces and a range of room options and customizing features, priced from the high $200s. 

Altogether Pulte plans to build 79 new homes at Village Lakes at Palencia where homeowners will have access to a comprehensive package of amenities including a full service fitness center, 10-court tennis complex, four swimming pools, sport courts and extensive walking and biking trails.  

Homeowners will have the option to purchase a golf membership in the upscale Palencia Golf Club.

Village Lakes at Palencia boasts a myriad of shopping and entertainment opportunities within Palencia’s outdoor Village Center.  The new neighborhood is walking distance to Palencia Elementary along with a children’s playground and numerous parks throughout the master planned community, which is only minutes from historic downtown St. Augustine.    

Visit www.Pulte.com/VillageLakesatPalencia for more information and to RSVP for the grand opening celebration.

Meritage Homes Opens Oviedo Gardens with 130 homesites and Two New Models

ORLANDO, Fla. – Meritage Homes recently opened Oviedo Gardens and premiered two fully-furnished and decorated model homes at the new gated community located off of Oklahoma Street and Geneva Drive in Oviedo. 

Tatiana Souza, Vice President of Sales for Meritage Homes in the Orlando region, said Meritage is building one and two-story, single-family homes priced from the high $300s on quarter-acre+ home sites at Oviedo Gardens.

There are 130 homesites at the community for new energy efficient homes with three to eight-bedrooms that Meritage Homes offers in five distinctive floor plans ranging from 2,537 square feet of living area to 5,169 square feet, Souza said.  

Oviedo Gardens is conveniently located within minutes of employment and entertainment venues, indoor and outdoor recreation including parks and wilderness areas, UCF, downtown Orlando, Oviedo Mall and international airports. 

Crossman & Company brings Publix-anchored center Cornerstone at Lake Mary to 100% occupancy

ORLANDO – Tyler Wilkins of Crossman & Company, one of the largest retail leasing, management and investment sales firms in the Southeast, recently negotiated a long-term lease at Cornerstone at Lake Mary and brought the 63,924 square foot shopping center to 100 percent occupancy.

Wilkins represented the Orlando-based landlord Cornerstone at Lake Mary, LTD in the transaction. 

Florida Autism Center is the new tenant who leased the 3,324 square foot outparcel building at the center located off of H.E. Thomas Parkway on Rinehart Road in Lake Mary. 

Tallahassee-based Florida Autism Center serves children with a variety of development disabilities and currently has five locations throughout central and north Florida.

Other major tenants at the Publix-anchored shopping center include Leslie’s Pools, Jersey Mikes and Giovanni’s Italian Restaurant & Pizzeria.

Crossman & Company Associate, Tyler Wilkins states, “Considering the strength of the market and the quality of Cornerstone at Lake Mary, it is no surprise that we reached 100% occupancy in such a short period of time.”

Berkadia Negotiates $21,350,000 Sale of Enclave at Northwood Apartments in Clearwater

CLEARWATER, Fla. – Berkadia, one of the nation’s largest and most active multi-family investment banking and research companies, recently negotiated the $21,350,000 sale of Enclave at Northwood, a 188-unit apartment community at 2690-2692 Enterprise Road East in Clearwater.

Jason Stanton, Senior Director in the Tampa office of Berkadia negotiated the sale along with Managing Director Cole Whitaker and Senior Director Hal Warren in the firm’s Orlando office.

Berkadia represented the seller, an affiliate of Washington, D.C.-based StoneBridge Investments. 

The one, two and three-bedroom townhome and villa apartments were built in two phases in 1984 and 1985.   Enclave at Northwood units average 1,076 square feet. 

Since 2010 the community has undergone more than $1 million in capital improvements.  Exterior amenities include a 24-hour fitness center, two lighted tennis courts, two swimming pools and a clubhouse.

NAI Realvest negotiates investment sale of former Holiday House Restaurant property on N. Woodland Blvd. in DeLand

DeLand, Fla. --- NAI Realvest, based in Orlando, recently negotiated the sale of the retail / restaurant property formerly known as Holiday House at 1206 N. Woodland Blvd. in DeLand for $460,000.  

The NAI Realvest team of Jeffrey Tanner and Kimberly Manson negotiated the sale and purchase on behalf of the Dallas-based buyer, EYM Realty of Florida LLC.  

The local seller, Willa Louise Cook, Trustee, was represented by Bill Mancinik of Total Realty Corp.   

The property is located at the NW corner of N. Woodland Blvd. (Highway 17-92) and Mandarin Avenue.  The site consists of 53,695 square feet of commercial land and is improved with a 4,730 square foot restaurant building.  Over the next few months, the property shall be converted into a full service Denny’s restaurant.

BLURTBOX TO EXPO AT WEB SUMMIT IN DUBLIN, IRELAND

Orlando, Fla.,  – BlurtBox, the industry’s simplest customer feedback app, will exhibit at Web Summit in Dublin, Ireland Nov. 3-5.   Web Summit is the world’s premiere annual technology conference. It is expected to attract 30,000 attendees from more than 110 countries.

“Exhibiting will be momentous,” said Julien Meyer, founder and CEO of BlurtBox. “The unyielding demand for BlurtBox in Orlando – the country’s hospitality epicenter – has surpassed even my expectations. More than 10,000 people have downloaded the BlurtBox app in the past two months. More than 200 local businesses sign up every week. It is indicative of the need for this user-friendly direct customer feedback tool on a global level.”

Web Summit is the same conference where many ubiquitous startups, like Uber and Airbnb, got their starts. “BlurtBox is poised for rapid growth,” adds Meyer. “I’m looking forward to demonstrating the full potential of this technology with the international community.”

BlurtBox is one of many successful businesses to evolve from the University of Central Florida’s Business Incubator.  Graduates of the program include Inc. 5000 companies. The highly selective program rarely accepts undergraduate students, but made an exception for 23-year-old Meyer.

“Julien is an exceptional young entrepreneur with a level of maturity that reflects his natural entrepreneurial instincts,” notes Carol Ann Dykes, Site Manager of the UCF Business Incubator at Central Florida Research Park. “I foresee BlurtBox taking off quickly in the food service industry, and then in other sectors, like lodging and retail. Anywhere people go for services, BlurtBox is valuable.”

As his company grows, Meyer aims to reinvest in the Orlando entrepreneurial community. In addition to backing scholarships, Meyer sits on the Rosen College Hospitality Management Industry Advisory Board and is partnering with the school to launch an inaugural venture pitch competition this spring.

Blurtbox is a client of the University of Central Florida’s Business Incubation Program at the Central Florida Research Park in East Orange County.

Emerson International closes on Leases totaling over 7,300 rentable square feet at its Office Developments in South Seminole, Maitland and Winter Park

Altamonte Springs, Fla. -- Emerson International recently closed six long-term leases for office space totaling some 7,340 rentable square feet at its office developments in Longwood, Altamonte Springs, Maitland and Winter Park. 

Leasing Associate Zac Starkey represented the landlord Emerson in all six lease agreements with the following tenants at the following locations --

At Emerson’s Sanlando Center II building, 2180 W. State Road 434 in Longwood, the law firm of Aaronson, Austin, PA expanded into 2,093 square feet, and éClat Law who specializes in startup and operation of businesses, has leased 1,733 square feet;

General contractors High Mark Construction expanded into Suite 1166 with 794 square feet in the CenterPointe Office Park at 370 CenterPointe Circle, Altamonte Springs;

Trillium Drivers, a truck drivers staffing company relocated into 1,737 square feet at the 2600 Maitland Center Blvd. building; and 

In Winter Park, Starkey negotiated two leases at Emerson’s Louisiana Office Park located at 1177 Louisiana Ave.   Banda Design, an interior design firm, leased 508 square feet and Winter Park College Consultants, a counseling service for students and families on navigating the college application and decision process,  leased 475 square feet.

U.S. Army Contract Opens Big Door for RSS Logistics

ORLANDO, Fla.  --- Orlando-based RSS Logistics is a key member of the team  lead by Advanced IT Concepts (AITC) recently awarded a six-year, $45 million U.S. Army contract..

“AITC, Inc., chose RSS Logistics to play an important role developing and providing advanced training systems that will help ensure troop readiness at all times,” Jeanette Coronado, CEO explained.

The contract, awarded by the U.S. Army Program Executive Office for Simulation, Training and Instrumentation (PEO STRI) ARCTIC---Army Combat Training Instrumentation Contract---program, is a firm-fixed-price agreement that authorizes the PEO STRI’s PM TRADE division, responsible for collective instrumented live and non-live training systems, to acquire equipment and services quickly and efficiently.

Coronado said RSS will provide expertise in developing technical documents, program support, and logistics to support the delivery and use of training equipment and services. RSS will hire additional staff with technical publications expertise to support the work, Coronado said.

“Our experienced team of defense acquisition professionals with more than 25 years of experience in the defense industry makes RSS Logistics an excellent choice to ensure that the best equipment and services are delivered when needed at the lowest possible total ownership costs (TOC),” Coronado added. 

Since its founding in 2011, RSS Logistics – a client company at the UCF Business Incubator in East Orange County in the Central Florida Research Park – has grown at a rate of more than 50 percent per year.

Hold-Thyssen Negotiates Long Term Lease with Rheumatologists Regal Oaks Plaza West in Weeki Wachee

TAMPA, Fla. --- Carol L. Kinnard, transaction specialist at Hold-Thyssen, LLC, a commercial real estate services firm with offices in Tampa, recently negotiated a long-term lease for medical offices in Weeki Wachee in Hernando County.  

Dr. Farrukh Zaidi and Dr. Mohammed Mughni leased 1,802 square feet of medical office space at Regal Oaks Plaza West, 6475 Oregon Jay Rd. joining other medical service providers at the development. 

Regal Oaks Development Group, Inc. is the landlord.  

Drs. Zaidi and Mughni, long-standing clients of Kinnard who represented them in the transaction, said their new suite provides greater patient space and parking than the facilities they outgrew on the Oak Hill Hospital campus. Their rheumatology practice has multiple locations in the Tampa Bay area.

Hold-Thyssen provides commercial property and leasing and management services to institutional and private investor clients nationwide.  The 40-year old firm’s current portfolio includes more than100 commercial properties throughout the United States.

NAI Realvest Closes New Long Term Lease Agreement for 13,777 Square Foot Medical Professional office in Sebring

ORLANDO, Fla. -- NAI Realvest recently negotiated a long-term lease for 13,777 rentable square feet of medical professional office space at 5825 Frontage Rd. off Highway 27 N. in Sebring.

Chris Adams, associate at NAI Realvest, brokered the transaction representing the landlord, Triple A Properties, Inc. of Winter Haven.  

The local tenant is Bassetti & Associates, MD PA a medical practice that has been serving Highlands County since 1985. 
 

Ryland Homes adds new one story floor plan to the choices at Carolina Park in Mt. Pleasant

Charleston, S.C. -- Ryland Homes has added a new one-story floor plan with three bedrooms and three full baths at its community of Carolina Park located on Carolina Park Blvd. north of Highway 17 in Mt. Pleasant.

Gayle Jinks, vice president of sales and marketing for Ryland Homes in the Charleston region, said the Seneca floor plan with 2,160 square feet of living area features a formal dining room and a den with study option, and is priced from $425,000.  

The master suite is tucked away in the back of the home and features a walk-in closet, dual sinks and raised vanity. Secondary bedrooms are towards the front of the home, Jinks said, and one features a private full bath.  The home also includes an attached two car garage. A second floor bonus room or fourth bedroom are available options with the Seneca.

Carolina Park which is adjacent to protected wetlands and many of the home sites have pond views.    Amenities in the community include a junior Olympic size swimming pool, tennis courts, nautical playground and walking and biking trails.

New Ryland homes at Carolina Park range from 2,072 square feet of living area to 2,964 square feet priced from the low $400s. 

Two decorated models are available for viewing, Jinks added.  

Berkadia Brokers Sales of Two Brevard County Apartment Communities Totaling 250 Units for $18 Million.

Orlando / Melbourne / Palm Bay, Fla. --- Berkadia Real Estate Advisors recently brokered the sales of two Brevard County apartment communities comprised of 250 units – Park Village in Melbourne and Malabar Lakes in Palm Bay – for a total of $18,000,000.

Cole Whitaker, Managing Director for Berkadia, negotiated the sales along with Senior Directors Hal Warren and Jason Stanton, representing Deancurt Melbourne LLC, the seller of both properties.

Buyer White Eagle Property Group LLC purchased Park Village, which consists of 138 one- and two-bedroom units, for $10,055,000, an average price per unit of $72,862.  Park Village, located at 3099 Park Village Way in Melbourne was built in 1986. 

White Eagle paid $7,945,000, or an average of $70,938 per unit, for Malabar Lakes apartments at 1018 Malabar Lakes Drive in Palm Bay.  The 112 one- and two-bedroom apartments were built in 1988.

About Berkadia:
Berkadia, a joint venture of Berkshire Hathaway and Leucadia National Corporation, is an industry leading commercial real estate company providing comprehensive capital solutions and investment sales advisory and research services for multifamily and commercial properties.  Berkadia is amongst the largest, highest rated and most respected primary, master and special servicers in the industry.

Oceans Luxury Realty Sells Property Management Offices and Consolidates Operations in Daytona Beach Shores

Daytona Beach Shores, Fla. -- Oceans Luxury Realty has closed on the sale of its property located at 2040 Atlantic Avenue in Daytona Beach Shores where the firm’s rentals and management has been controlled for more than two years.

Oceans Luxury Realty also recently purchased all remaining office space at its 3162 Atlantic Ave. sales office location, now providing a total of 5,500 square feet, said Crystal Anderson, co-founder and president.

Previously Oceans Luxury Realty occupied only 2,000 square feet for its beachside sales offices, and now the rental and property management division will relocate into the newly expanded space at 3162 Atlantic Ave. where remodeling is underway.

The $40,000 plus remodeling project should be completed in November and by Dec. 1  Oceans Luxury Realty will have a staff of 18 professionals there at 3162 Atlantic Ave.

Oceans Luxury Realty focuses on management and sales of luxury oceanfront resort homes and condominiums in Volusia County.

Meritage Homes Opens Multi-Million Dollar Amenity Center at Watermark in Winter Garden

ORLANDO, Fla. – Meritage Homes recently opened their multi-million dollar amenity center for homeowners at Watermark, one of the homebuilder’s largest single-family communities, located off of Seidel Rd. in Winter Garden.

Tatiana Souza, Vice President of Sales for Meritage Homes in the Orlando region, said the spectacular resort-style amenity center, which took a year to complete, is situated on a hill overlooking the entire Watermark community.  

Souza said one of the most significant features is a unique rooftop observation and party deck for residents to enjoy dramatic views of the community and the nearby nightly fireworks in the sky above Disney World.

Watermark’s state-of-the-art amenity center also features a 6,000 square foot clubhouse with two gathering rooms that can accommodate up to 200 people, two full catering kitchens, an outdoor kitchen, workout room, two tennis courts, a resort-style swimming pool with children’s splash zone and built-in playground on the deck.

Meritage plans to build more than 800 new energy-efficient homes at Watermark in four phases with 54 homesites in the first phase alone.  Three to six-bedroom plans with striking architectural styles in 12 distinctive designs are offered, priced from the mid $200s.

RYLAND HOMES NAMES THREE NEW ASSOCIATES IN SALES IN CHARLESTON AREA

Charleston, S.C. – Ryland Homes recently named three sales associates for its new home communities in the Charleston area.

Gayle Jinks, vice president of sales and marketing for Ryland Homes, said Kelly Gillette, a veteran in new homes sales has joined Ryland Homes.  She has over 17 years with several national homebuilding companies and has been consistently awarded for sales, marketing and customer service. Gillette is also a Charleston Southern graduate, and she will be working out of Ryland’s community of Tupelo Forest. 

Barry Cunningham, who was named sales counselor for Ryland Homes’ Poplar Grove community, was born, raised and educated in Ontario before receiving his Doctor of Chiropractic degree and running a successful practice for 15 years in Cincinnati. Cunningham and his wife moved to Charleston and he started a career in real estate nine years ago, handling general estate and new home sales.      

Sarah Bellamy, who has been with Ryland Homes for two years as a sales assistant, was recently promoted to sales counselor.  Jinks said Bellamy has worked at four of Ryland’s growing communities in the Charleston area and through training with experienced sales counselors, Sarah has learned the business. In her new role she will be assisting new home buyers at Ryland’s community of Reminisce in Summerville, S.C.

Trends Study: Health Care Providers seeking more space in Retail Real Estate

Orlando, Fla. --- A quarterly study of retail property trends in the southeastern U.S. indicates health care providers may be a significant growth market for retail shopping centers over the next decade.

Two major demographic trends are sparking the change, according to Health Care Reform: Changing Retail Real Estate, published by Crossman & Company, one of the largest third party retail leasing, management and investment sales firms in the Southeast.

Since the Affordable Care Act went into effect more than 17 million Americans have joined the U.S. health care system, and that number is projected to top 30 million by the end of the decade.

In addition, an average of 1,500 Baby Boomers reach retirement age every day in the U.S. and qualify for Medicare.

Both of these demographic waves result in significant additional demand for health care services from consumers who tend to be more cost-conscious. On the other side of the equation, ACA and Medicare requirements are increasing costs and reducing compensation for health care providers. 

The Crossman report cites another major trend that makes retail centers so appealing to health care providers.

Employers are shedding the traditional model of working directly with insurance brokers for their employees’ coverage. They are giving their employees a preset contribution to apply toward health care and shifting the burden of choice to workers, and that means cost will be a principal factor in choosing providers.

For health care providers, those trends point the way toward less expensive facilities that are closer to the people who use them.

The Crossman report identifies several factors that appeal to health care tenants, including: good parking, higher ceiling heights, spaces that can accommodate separate HVAC and plumbing systems, options for storage of secure health records to maintain HIPAA standards, resources for the disposal of medical waste, increased use of utilities, specialized janitorial and security services and easy access for patient pick-up and drop-off.

The report concludes that while medical uses in retail centers may require more investment and higher attention to lease negotiations, medical tenants can offer great credit, longer lease terms, and be a positive traffic draw to the center.

Berkadia negotiates investment sale of 88 Unit Apartment community north of Birmingham

Birmingham /Hanceville, Ala. – Berkadia, one of the nation’s largest and most active multifamily investment sales companies, recently negotiated the sale of Pavillion Apartments, an 88-unit apartment community at 401 College Drive, N.E. in Hanceville, 45 minutes north of Birmingham.

Josh Jacobs, investment sales associate at Berkadia along with David Oakley, managing director, negotiated the transaction representing the California-based seller Cypress Axiomm Capital.

Jacobs said the apartments, built in 1996, sit one block from Wallace State Community College, which has been a staple of the community for five decades and recently underwent renovations and expansion.

The Thrash Group, based in Mississippi, purchased the property for an undisclosed price. 

Berkadia, a joint venture of Berkshire Hathaway and Leucadia National Corporation, is an industry leading commercial real estate company providing comprehensive capital solutions and investment sales advisory and research services for multifamily and commercial properties.

Pulte Homes sets grand opening for Starling Oaks Nov. 21 New Creekview Model Underway

Riverview, Fla. – Pulte Homes is planning a grand opening for its newest gated community, Starling Oaks, on Nov. 21 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Sean Strickler, president of Pulte’s West Florida division, said the homebuilder started construction of its Creekview model home that will be unveiled at the grand opening.

The single-story Creekview plan with 2,489 square feet of living space, offers four bedrooms, three baths and a flex room.  The extended island kitchen serves a café and a huge gathering room.  Optional features of the model include a loft and extended three-car garage.

Stickler said Pulte is offering 48 home sites at Starling Oaks with natural landscaping and mature trees located off Boyette and Balm Riverview Roads in Riverview. 

New homes at Starling Oaks range from 2,489 square feet of living area to 4,201 square feet in five distinct energy efficient designs that feature Pulte’s Life Tested® options including lofts, media rooms, and Owner’s Entry® with Pulte Planning Center. 

The community features water views for new one and two story, up to four-bedroom homes with three-car garages priced from the low $300s, Strickler said.

Starling Oaks is conveniently located across the street from Riverview High School and features no CDD (Community Development District) fees. Homebuyers will also enjoy easy access to shopping, a hospital and restaurants via major arterial highways.

Visit www.Pulte.com/StarlingOaks/ for more information on the grand opening.

NAI Realvest Negotiates Lease in Winter Park for 5,490 square feet to house new Massey Communications Offices

WINTER PARK, Fla. – NAI Realvest recently negotiated a long term lease agreement for 5,490 rentable square feet at 1201 S. Orlando Ave., in Winter Park.

Senior Broker Associate Mary Frances West, CCIM and Tom R. Kelley II, CCIM, a principal at NAI Realvest, negotiated the lease representing the landlord Gateway Plaza Ltd.

Massey Communications, Inc. is the new tenant relocating from Orlando.   Jeff Sweeney and Austin Johnson of Cushman & Wakefield represented Massey.

Tyler Property Management Readying New Offices for November 1 Opening

Ormond Beach, Fla. – Tyler Property Management, which currently leases and manages more than 550 properties in the Volusia-Flagler areas, recently purchased the property at 198 N. Nova Rd. in Ormond Beach.

Crystal Anderson, owner of Tyler Property Management, said the relatively new, 2800 square foot, freestanding building is undergoing some interior remodeling for the company’s new location which will be completed and ready for move-in by Nov. 1.

Anderson said Tyler Property Management’s Holly Hill office will close and former owner Steve Tyler will be the managing broker at the new Ormond Beach location which will include a total staff of nine.

The new Nova Road office will control long term rentals throughout East Volusia and Flagler counties, while beachside properties will still be handled by Anderson’s Oceans Luxury Realty Daytona Beach Shores office.  

A grand opening to the public is planned for the new Tyler Property Management offices in Ormond Beach on Nov. 14. 

Two New Open Space Designs at The Highlands in Valrico are Perfect for Oversized Home Sites

Valrico, Fla. --- Pulte Homes has unveiled two new loft floor plans that seem perfectly suited to the oversized home sites at The Highlands, located at 1519 Windy Gap Place south of State Road 60 in Valrico.

Sean Strickler, division president of Pulte Homes-West Florida, said the Summerwood with Loft floor plan offers from 1,861 square feet of living space to 2,007 square feet with two, three or four bedrooms and two baths, along with a two-car attached garage.

The Palm with Loft floor plan offers four or five bedrooms with two or three baths in 2,446 square feet of living space and a three-car attached garage. 

The Palm features six different elevations, and offers a variety of options, including bedroom, den, bath and shower choices and an extended covered lanai.

“The Highlands is a real family neighborhood,” said Strickler.  Nearby “Nelson Elementary, Mulrennan Middle School and Durant High School all rank among the best in Florida.”

With 106 oversized home sites, Pulte designed six Life Tested® homes with loft options that appeal to families who can choose from four to six bedrooms and two to six-and-a-half bath options.

Pulte’s open space design creates huge indoor family living areas that are perfect for holiday gatherings or neighborhood social occasions.

Pulte’s “Life Tested,” designs filled with special features only found in a Pulte home, like the Drop Zone at the Owner’s Entry, and the Super Laundry room.

BLACKTON INC. MOVING ROOFING DIVISION TO NEW 40,000 SQUARE FOOT FACILITY ON OBT IN OCTOBER

ORLANDO, Fla. – Blackton Inc. a major provider of roofing and flooring materials to the homebuilding industry, is moving its roofing division to 2200 N. Orange Blossom Trail in October.

Michael “Micky” Blackton, chief executive officer at Blackton, said his firm recently leased a 40,000 square foot industrial building on a one-and-a-half-acre site at the location to house the roofing operations including a staff of  25.

“We relocated our roofing operations to this location because of its central location and proximity to major arterial highways to better serve homebuilders in Central Florida,” Blackton said. 

The main offices and flooring supply division will remain on Alden Rd. next to the train tracks where it has been since opening in 1954.

Blackton’s sales so far this year are up some 32 percent over last year, he added.   (

DRW Life Skills Institute in Kissimmee to Launch Emotional Intelligence-Diversity Division

KISSIMMEE, Fla.  --- The DRW Life Skills Institute in Kissimmee will launch an Emotional Intelligence-Diversity Division starting Oct. 1.

Dr. Wanda Bonet-Gascot, Ph.D. (“DrW”), holistic doctor, certified coach and mediator who heads the DRW Life Skills Institute, said the new division will provide training, coaching and mediation to help small businesses and corporations identify and remove barriers to equal employment opportunity in recruitment, hiring, promotion, retention, professional development, and training policies and practices.

“Emotional Intelligence or EQ is the 21st century solution to reduce discrimination, harassment and retaliation, facilitating the diversity and inclusion management,” said DrW. “EQ is the most cost-effective way to manage diversity and inclusion at the workplace," she said.

DrW said the Emotional Intelligence-Diversity Division will be formally launched at a seminar at the Florida Small Business Development Center (SBDC) in Kissimmee on Friday, Oct. 16 from 9 a.m. to noon. Admission to the seminar is free and the public is invited.

Meritage Homes Opens Furnished Model at New Gated Hampton Estates with 24 Oversized Homesites

ORLANDO, Fla. – Meritage Homes recently opened Hampton Estates, its newest gated community with only 24 homesites located on Old Lockwood Road off of McCulloch Road in Oviedo.

Tatiana Souza, vice president of sales for Meritage Homes, said 12 homes at Hampton Estates were sold to buyers on the summer presales interest list before the first model was completed.  

Souza said Meritage is building one and two-story energy efficient homes at Hampton Estates with from five to eight bedrooms on quarter-acre homesites.  

Five distinct floor plans are offered at the community ranging from 3,000 to more than 5,000 square feet of living area, with many options to make each unique, and priced from the high $400s.

A furnished and decorated model home was recently opened at Hampton Estates and is available for touring daily. 

The two-story Wimberley II features six bedrooms, with master downstairs, four full bathrooms, in 4,500 square feet of living area and four-car garage space, priced from $518,000. 

Located just minutes from UCF, A-rated Seminole County schools, prime employment centers and outdoor recreation, Hampton Estates will most likely be sold out by the end of this year, according to Souza.  
 

Meritage Marks First Week Selling at Twinwaters with 9 Homes Sold

ORLANDO, Fla. --- Meritage Homes recently started selling new four to eight-bedroom homes at Twinwaters, its new lakefront community located off Hartwood Marsh Road on Johns Lake in Winter Garden.  

Tatiana Souza, vice president of sales at Meritage Homes in the Orlando region, said nine homes were sold in the first week of opening the community at an average sale price of $500,000. 

The homebuilder plans to build 140 new homes at Twinwaters priced from the $370s to the high $500s.    Several lakefront lots are available and homeowners will have access to Johns Lake, Souza said.

New Meritage homes on oversized (quarter-acre +/-) lots at Twinwaters will range from more than 3,000 square feet of living area to 5,800 square feet.  There are 10 one- and two-story floor plans to choose. 

The homebuilder recently broke ground at Twinwaters on its single-story Palermo model home priced from $369,990 with four bedrooms, three baths in 3,000 square feet of living area with a three-car garage.   The Palermo will be furnished, decorated and open for viewing by the end of November, and two more models will get underway at the community later this fall, Souza added. 

Meritage is pre-selling Twinwaters homes from Johns Lake Pointe, another Meritage Homes community in Winter Garden at 565 Egret Place Drive.  Visit www.meritagehomes.com

Meritage Homes in Orlando Promotes Marketing Manager to Regional Marketing Director, Sales Associate promoted to Marketing Manager

ORLANDO / TAMPA -- Meritage Homes, a top 10 U.S. homebuilder with communities in 20 markets in the U.S., recently promoted Jennifer Mountain to regional marketing director and Polly Heard to marketing manager.

Brian Kittle, Orlando division president for Meritage Homes, said Mountain joined the company four years ago and was formerly marketing manager for the Orlando area.   

In her new role, Mountain will direct region-wide marketing plans including advertising, merchandising, sales support, budgeting and market analysis for Orlando, Tampa and South Florida communities.    Mountain has more than 14 years of experience with national homebuilders.

At the same time Heard was promoted to fill the Orlando marketing manager position vacated by Mountain.  Heard was hired as a sales associate one year ago but she has a strong marketing background.  Prior to joining Meritage, Heard held marketing management positions with internet and investment firms and was also the owner/operator of a printing business for eight years.

Heard’s new job responsibilities include managing advertising, internet and direct mail campaigns, development of marketing materials, merchandising and sales support for Orlando division communities, Kittle said.

“Jennifer and Polly are very driven, experienced and knowledgeable, and will play a major role in our growth in Florida,” Kittle said. 

Meritage Homes builds single-family luxury homes priced from under $400,000 in 19 communities in the Orlando area, eight communities in the Tampa Bay area and two in South Florida.

Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty Named Sales and Marketing Representative for Penthouse in Downtown Signature Condominium Overlooking Lake Eola

ORLANDO, Fla.  - Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty was recently named exclusive sales and marketing representative of a 2,500 square foot luxury penthouse in The Sanctuary a prestigious downtown Orlando condominium overlooking Lake Eola. 

Roger Soderstrom, founder and owner of Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty, said the 16th floor penthouse residence features extra high ceilings and extensive window exposure for spectacular views of the city and lake.  

The open design of the residence features a spacious grand living area, gourmet kitchen, dining area, game room, elegant entry foyer with glass and lighting detail, and spacious master suite and guest suite.

The recently redecorated and finely appointed penthouse is priced at $997,400 – well below recent appraised value, Soderstrom said.

Michelle Hochfelder, luxury homes specialist at Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty’s Dr. Phillips office is representing the property.

The Sanctuary, bordered on Church, Eola, Pine and Osceola Streets in downtown Orlando, provides its residents with building security, second level parking, concierge service and resort style pool, spa, cabanas and sunning deck, fitness center and club room.

Link to YouTube video https://www.youtube.com/v/0MYT7BDj1ZU

Pulte Unveils New Three-bedroom Rosemont Floor Plan at Country Walk in Wesley Chapel

Tampa / Wesley Chapel, Fla. --- Pulte Homes has unveiled a new three-bedroom Rosemont floor plan at Country Walk, located off Meadow Pointe Blvd. south of S.R. 54 in Wesley Chapel.

Sean Strickler, division president for Pulte Homes-West Florida, said the Rosemont floor plan is Pulte’s latest leap forward in popular open space design with a twist: smaller, smarter open space with plenty of family privacy.

The massive family living area includes a huge kitchen with island option that serves a great room, dining nook and patio. That’s more than 500 square feet of floor space to accommodate friends, neighbors or family gatherings, all located at the rear of the home with the owner’s suite and huge privacy bath.

Two additional bedrooms and a bath are located near the front of the home, Strickler said.

With 1,674 square feet of living space and a two-car garage, the Rosemont is designed for growing families and independent couples, Strickler said.

Pulte Homes is building 32 new three and four bedroom homes at Country Walk ranging in size from 1,674 square feet of living space to 2,443 square feet.

New homes at Country Walk are priced from $219,990.

Strickler said four Life Tested® home designs are available at Country Walk with features that include flex rooms, lofts, game rooms and optional drop zones at the owner’s entry as well as extended lanais.

Country Walk features a 5,000 square foot community clubhouse, two swimming pools, tennis courts, basketball court, outdoor covered children’s playground and fitness center.

With an A-rated school system including Wiregrass High School and Dr. John Long Middle School, Country Walk is minutes from the Shops at Wiregrass and boasts easy access to I-75 and I-275.

Graphic Designer at Stirling Sotheby's International Realty Created Coloring Book for Marketing an International Feed the Future Innovation Project

Lake Mary, Fla. – Marielle Novak, senior graphic designer at Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty has given her expertise and time to an international project with a long term impact: Masfrijol which means: More Beans

Roger Soderstrom, founder and owner of Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty, said Novak who has been with the firm for one year and directs graphic design for all of Stirling Sotheby’s global marketing projects, just completed illustration of a coloring book for the targeted young Spanish speaking Guatemalan families to help market the project’s effectiveness and goal of reaching 25,000 resource-poor households in 200 communities in the Guatemalan Highlands.  

Novak, a native of Guatemala who taught graphic design at the University of Guatemala, was recommended to Michigan State University’s Legume Innovation Lab which is directing and managing–by customized technologies and educational programs–the increased bean productivity by resource-poor smallholder farmers in the Western Highlands of Guatemala. 

Novak immersed herself in the Masfrijol project with the goal of assisting in the improvement of nutritional quality of family diets through increased consumption of beans in combination with other nutritious vegetable and animal-source foods.

Soderstrom said the Sotheby’s International network is the perfect marketing tool for “great causes like Marielle’s and we are excited to support her efforts.”
 

Phil Rawlins CEO / Founder of the Orlando City Soccer Team Recipient of the Prestigious International Rotary Award for Community Service – Presentation at Charity Golf Tournament this Month

WINTER SPRINGS, Fla. – The Rotary Club of Winter Springs with Rotary International, which ranks as one of the world’s great service organizations, has named Phil Rawlins, CEO and founder of MLS Orlando City Lions, recipient of its prestigious “Service Above Self” Award to be presented at the 31st Annual Winter Springs Rotary Charity Golf Classic at Tuscawilla Country Club Sept. 14.

“Every year Rotary International recognizes a central Florida person for superior community service by presenting the “Service Above Self” award,” said Paul P. Partyka of NAI Realvest, former Mayor of Winter Springs and Chair of the Winter Springs Rotary Golf Committee.

“This year’s recipient of this prestigious award – Phil Rawlins – was cited for his diligent efforts and success in bringing the MLS Orlando City Lions to Central Florida,” Partyka explained.

This year’s Rotary Charity Golf Tournament, which is sponsored by Tuskawilla Nursing & Rehabilitation center, is sure to attract a bigger crowd than usual with Rawlins as the honoree and playing in a foursome of Lions members, said Partyka. 

Golfers who register by 11 a.m. for the 12:30 shotgun start, 4-person scramble, will be eligible for an array of prizes, free beverages on the course, lunch and dinner.  Individual entry is $150 with a limit of 32 foursomes.

Numerous sponsorships are available and all net proceeds go to local charities.  For information, to register in advance for the tournament or  pledge a sponsorship, please email ppartyka@realvest.com or call 407-341-0805 (Partyka) 407-585-0217 (Gary Grund co-chair) or 321-230-3698 (Scott Whittmer, co-chair)

Orlando Rotary International District 6980 represents 48 Rotary Clubs with more than 2,100 members in Orange, Osceola, Seminole, Lake and Sumter Counties.  

Virginia Simulation training company PVM opens Central Florida office

Orlando, Fla.  -- Performance Value Management, LLC (PVM) is the newest company to join the UCF Business Incubator’s Soft Landing program.

Onelia Codrington, the President and CEO of PVM, said the nine year-old Fairfax, Virginia-based company specializes in Management Consulting, IT, Cyber Security, Training and Strategic Planning. 

“UCF’s leading role in helping to develop the Central Florida region’s simulation training industry along with the Incubator’s Soft Landing program were a big draw for us,” Codrington stated.  

PVM LLC is a U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) 8(a) program participant and a Veteran Owned Small Business (VOSB) company and currently employs more than 10 specialists.  The firm’s expertise includes continuous monitoring, forensic security and training Codrington added.

“The Soft Landing program offers companies from outside Florida or the U.S. an opportunity to establish a presence in Florida,  to take advantage of the incubation support network and bring jobs and economic activity here,” said Carol Ann Dykes site manager for the UCF Business Incubator in the Central Florida Research Park where PVM is a client.

Savage Race Obstacle Course Race Company Receives Back-to-Back Accolades

Ranked 266th Fastest-Growing Private Company in America by Inc. Magazine

ORLANDO, Fla. — Savage Race, a young Orlando-based obstacle course race company featuring the world’s best obstacles, has received dual honors by being named one of the fastest-growing private companies in America and one of the top 50 Florida companies to watch.

Inc. Magazine ranked Savage Race 266th in its September 2015 edition of 5,000 Fastest-Growing Private Companies in America, and GrowFL – a statewide economic-development program – named Savage Race as one of Florida’s 50 Companies to Watch.

Founded by Sam Abbitt and Lloyd Parker in 2011, Savage Race is a business client of the University of Central Florida Business Incubator Program in Orlando. The company combines Abbitt’s master’s degrees in both business and construction with his interest in obstacle racing, fitness and endurance sports to provide challenging obstacle courses that test participants’ courage and teamwork. With 22 employees, the company hosts more than a dozen such events in the U.S. each year.

“It’s an honor to be recognized by both Inc. Magazine and GrowFL for our innovation and growth,” said Abbitt. “We’re pushing the boundaries of the obstacle course racing industry every day and the world-class team behind me at Savage Race is what makes that possible. We’ve quietly worked to establish ourselves as a leader in our industry, and to be recognized on both a national level and a local level within the span of just a few weeks is incredible. We’re proud to do what we do every day and are very excited about the future of Savage Race.”

A New York-based business magazine, Inc. annually publishes a list of the top 5,000 fastest-growing private U.S. companies based on growth and wealth. Orlando’s Savage Race had a whopping three-year growth rate of 1,709 percent and revenue of $3.8 million in 2014.

GrowFL on Wednesday, Sept. 2, identified Savage Race as a Florida second-stage company to watch. A second-stage company, which falls somewhere between a startup company and a large firm, is one that is “poised for growth.”  GrowFL’s nationally-certified experts assist second-stage growth companies by providing strategies, resources and support to help them reach the next level, while strengthening the local economy.

“Much like crossing a Savage Race finish line, there is a sense of pride and triumph to see Sam [Abbitt] and his team reach this point after overcoming some challenging obstacles,” said Michael Weiss, site manager of the UCF Business Incubator–Orlando. “We have really enjoyed working with the Savage Race team, and it is extremely rewarding to see their growth and success recognized on a local and national level.”

Flame Boss Introduces New BBQ Smoker Accessory with Internet Capability

Orlando, Fla.– Flame Boss™ an Orlando company that’s been manufacturing and selling remote controllers for BBQ smokers since late 2013, introduced a new “Flame Boss 200” earlier this summer that’s WiFi enabled. 

Michael Collins, President, said Flame Boss 200 comes with exactly the same kit sold with his Flame Boss 100—a smoker temperature probe, meat temperature probe, power adapter and blower—except inside the control module there’s a module that enables Internet connection.

Collins said sales of the Flame Boss 100 were good since starting last year, he sold them for $289 to pool and patio stores and through hundreds of authorized dealers reps of merchants as far away as Sweden and Australia.

But now, Collins explained that his Flame Boss 200 model, which allows you to control the BBQ smoker and its temperature from work or the golf course with a smart phone or iPad, has been selling for $349 at the rate of 8 or 9 to every one of the Flame Boss 100 packages sold.

June sales of the Flame Boss 200 topped the entire sales of models 1 and 100 for the entire year of 2014, Collins said.

Both Fame Boss 100 and Flame Boss 200 are sold at authorized hardware stores, pool and patio stores and outdoor kitchen stores nationwide in packages of two varieties – “Kamado” for a ceramic BBQ smoker and the other labeled “Universal” for all traditional style smokers.   Visit www.FlameBoss.com .

Flame Boss™ is a client company of the University of Central Florida Business Incubation Program in Apopka.

BERKADIA FACILITATES SALE OF SIX APARTMENT PROPERTIES WORTH MORE THAN $96 MILLION

Chattanooga, Tenn. – Berkadia recently negotiated the sale of six multi-family investment properties, consisting of 1,110 units for a combined $96.35 million.

Marcus Lyons, director of Berkadia’s Chattanooga office, said his team facilitated the transactions on behalf of various sellers with help from several other Berkadia offices. 

“These deals are a testament to the depth of our national Berkadia network.  Not only did our investment sales team negotiate the sales, but our Mortgage Banking team secured financing for the purchasers,” said David Oakley, Berkadia-Southeast managing director, who was involved with each transaction.

The team’s largest sale of the period - Quarry Trail, a 252-unit property in Knoxville, Tennessee – sold for $42 million to an investment group based in Atlanta.

Most recently, the team facilitated the sale of a three-property portfolio of Middle Tennessee State University apartments.  The portfolio, comprised of 96-unit Raiders Crossing, 78-unit Woods at Greenland, and 180-unit University Gables, sold for $32.1 million to another Atlanta-based investment group. 

Other recent Tennessee sales include King’s Crossing and Tara’s Place in Murfeesboro, a combined 184 units, which sold for $11.3 million and Waterview, a 160-unit property in Henderson, which sold for $10.9 million. 

Kevin Larimer, National Director of Student Housing – Berkadia Mortgage Banking, teamed with David Oakley to facilitate both the Quarry Trail and the MTSU Portfolio transactions.  Aaron Hargrove, Managing Directory of Affordable Housing – Berkadia Mortgage Banking, and Eric Taylor, Senior Director - Berkadia Mortgage Banking teamed with Royce Emerson, Senior Director – Berkadia Investment Sales, Lyons, and Oakley, to arrange both the King’s Crossing-Tara’s Place and the Waterview transactions.

Berkadia, a joint venture of Berkshire Hathaway and Leucadia National Corporation, is an industry leading commercial real estate company providing comprehensive capital solutions and investment sales advisory and research services for multifamily and commercial properties.

DiCapta Studios Moving to Winter Springs

Winter Springs, Fla.  -- Dicapta, the award-winning U.S. provider of accessible digital media to serve people with visual or hearing limitations and Spanish speaking community, is relocating its office and studios from Longwood to the UCF Business Incubation facilities in Winter Springs.

Maria Diaz, chief executive officer of Dicapta, said the company’s new headquarters will offer versatility to handle a wide range of projects the company works on with closer access to incubation support services.

“Spanish coverage for special or seasonal events such us political conventions or public debates that we have implemented for PBS or NBC, as well as our educational productions, calls for our flexibility with production, logistics and technical resources maintaining our professional standards.   For this there is no better match than the UCF Business Incubation facilities in Winter Springs,” Diaz explained.

Dicapta provides services that support access for people with disabilities and for Spanish speakers to films, television, news programs and educational media. Services include electronic subtitles, audio description, dubbing, live dubbing and CART (subtitles broadcast in real time) utilizing cutting edge technology and state-of-the-art processes.   

Dicapta serves a wide range of corporate, educational and government agency clients in the U.S., the Caribbean and Central and South America.

Embark Safety receives State of Florida Minority Business Enterprise Certification

ORLANDO, Fla. – Embark Safety, a leading provider of driver monitoring and fleet risk management services across North America, recently received the Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) Certification from the State of Florida’s Office of Supplier Diversity (OSD).  

The MBE certification is the most widely recognized certification for minority-owned businesses in the United States. To receive MBE certification, a company must be at least 51 percent owned, operated and controlled by an ethnic minority U.S. citizen and undergo a stringent review process.

“We’re really excited to have this certification. It comes at a time when government agencies are increasingly looking to diversify their procurement as a way to meet federal guidelines,” said Embark Safety’s Managing Partner, Edwin Sosa. “We’re now better positioned to build strategic alliances and partnerships to expand our fleet safety solutions across the country.”

Embark Safety is a client of the UCF Business Incubation Program at Central Florida Research Park in east Orange County.

Fastest WiFi in America to Come Standard at New Centex Community Sereno

Tampa, Fla. --- Sales are in full swing at Sereno, the newest Centex community in the Tampa area located on Bella Armonia Circle, just east of U.S. 301 and Sun City Center Blvd. in Wimauma.

Sereno, an ULTRAFi Community, is a first-of-its kind residential environment where every home is built to be a Smart Home and every resident will enjoy the fastest internet and WiFi speeds in North America.

Sean Strickler, division president for Centex and PulteGroup in the West Florida region, said homeowners at Sereno will enjoy up to an exclusive 1 Gigabit of internet and WiFi speeds (100 times faster than average broadband speeds) by the pool, on the trails, in the clubhouse and at the playground.

Strickler said homebuilder builds new one and two-story homes with two-car garages at the gated community where home buyers choose from four distinct floor plans.

New Centex homes with two to six bedrooms and two to three bathrooms are priced from the low $200s at Sereno, and range in size from 1,674 square feet of living area to 2,662 square feet.

There will be 48 new homes in the first phase at Sereno with water and preserve view homesites available, according to Strickler. 

A recently completed model -- the Summerwood plan – is open for touring at Sereno.

The furnished and decorated one-story model offers four bedrooms and two baths in 2,007 square feet of living space. The design also offers some exciting options, including a den, owner’s suite walk-in shower, 4' garage extension, owner’s entry Drop Zone and extended covered lanai.  The Summerwood model’s two-car garage features extra space for a golf cart or storage.

Amenities at Sereno include gated entry access, a private community swimming pool and cabana, clubhouse, children’s playground, a trail system covering several miles around the community, outdoor fitness stations, basketball half court, pickleball courts, tennis court, and dog park.

“We’ve had a great response with our grand opening pre-selling efforts, and we expect great success from this community. We encourage buyers to take a look soon as these homes will go quickly,” said Strickler.

To learn more visit www.centex.com/sereno or call 866-236-7851.

CEO of DRW Life Skills Institute increasingly popular media Interview

KISSIMMEE, Fla. --- Dr. Wanda Bonet-Gascot, Ph.D., CEO of the DRW Life Skills Institute in Kissimmee, is becoming an increasingly active media consultant and interview subject on the topic of emotional intelligence and how increasing EI skills promotes happiness, well-being and self-confidence.

Appearing as “Dr. W,” Dr. Bonet-Gascot has recently appeared on Telemundo Orlando’s Orlando Avanza, Mira TV, Mundo Fox Orlando, Contigo Cada Mañana, Florida Exclusivo, La Voz and Conversando television and radio programs, and in the pages of Osceola's Woman Newspaper, Nosotras Magazine, El Coqui Newspaper and the UCF College of Medicine SPs e-newsletter.

“This media tour has been mainly focused on Spanish language channels and programs due to the increase of the Spanish-speaking community in Central Florida. I’m looking forward to expand the tour to the English and Brazilian community in 2016 offering opportunities to learn about the importance of emotional intelligence,” Dr. Bonet-Gascot said.

The DRW Life Skills Institute provides a safe and confidential environment to discover, learn and practice Emotional Intelligence with coaching, consulting, seminars, workshops and certifications.

Winter Springs CEO Appointed Technology Judge at Global Trillion-Dollar CTIA 2015 Wireless Industry Convention Sept. 9-11

WINTER SPRINGS, Fla.  -- Bill Stueber, founder of Wireless Assets Holdings LLC in Winter Springs, has been appointed as a Technology Judge at the CTIA Super Mobility 2015 wireless industry convention in Las Vegas September 9-11.

It’s the third straight year that Stueber, a 33-year veteran of the wireless industry, has been invited as a technology judge for the CTIA award program.

Super Mobility 2015 is the world’s largest trade convention for mobile, wireless and smart phone technology companies. The highly-competitive technology and innovation judging takes place across 18 different categories this year.

“CTIA is expecting more than 40,000 delegates from all over the world, including every major player from an industry that is rapidly changing the world,” Stueber explained.

Federal Communications Commission Chairman Tom Wheeler is a scheduled keynote speaker at the event, along with Sprint CEO Marcelo Claure, Glenn Lurie, CEO of AT&T Mobility, and Verizon Executive Vice President Marni Walden.

Wireless Assets, is a technology company that has developed a unique, highly-intuitive research metrics “dashboard” platform that allows institutional investors to experience complex analytics in a fraction of the typical time necessary to assimilate large amounts of data. The comprehensive, but simplified, view provides the company’s clients greater insight and a decidedly competitive edge. 

Wireless Assets is the spun-off technology arm of Telecom Partners Group, a 13-year old telecommunications industry research group headquartered on Wall Street.

Rafael Caamano, associate director of the UCF Business Incubation program said Stueber ranks as one of the world’s leading experts in wireless industry technology.

“This appointment is a huge honor for Wireless Assets and the UCF Business Incubation Program, and big news for economic development in Winter Springs,” Caamano said.

Wireless Assets, with offices in New York, is a client of the UCF Business Incubator’s Soft Landing Program in Winter Springs.

Berkadia Closes on 332 Apartment Units in Birmingham for $14,110,000

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. --- Berkadia, one of the nation’s largest and most active multifamily investment banking and research companies, recently completed the sale of the Devonshire Place and Sun Valley Apartments, a 332-unit multifamily property for $14,110,000 or $42,500 per unit.

David Oakley, managing director and Josh Jacobs, investment sales associate in Berkadia’s Alabama regional office negotiated the sale representing the New York-based seller of the apartments located at 2349 8th St. NW in Birmingham’s northwest corridor near Pinson and Center Point submarkets.

Built in 1971 and 1974, Devonshire Place and Sun Valley is a garden-style, two- and three-story community situated on approximately 19.76 acres of land with a density of 16.60 units per acre and an average unit size of 1,043 square feet.  

The property houses a total of 346,260 square feet, offering a well-balanced unit mix of studio, one-, two-, and three-bedroom floor plans ranging in size from 500 to 1,560 square feet.

The buyer was New York-based Devonshire Apartments AL, LLC. 

NAI Realvest Negotiates $3,900,000 Sale of Winter Park Infill Industrial Facility

WINTER PARK, Fla. – NAI Realvest recently negotiated the $3,900,000 sale leaseback of the Accord Industries facility located at 4001 N. Forsyth Rd. in Winter Park.

The NAI Realvest team of Drew Saphos, CCIM, Chairman George Livingston, and Principal Christie Alexander negotiated the transaction on behalf of the seller, Accord Industries, LLC.

The 23.84 acre sale includes a partial long-term leaseback of the infill industrial site to Accord Industries, a privately held U.S. owned and operated manufacturer of extruded PVC pipe. Accord Industries will continue its operations at the Winter Park location.

The buyer is Winter Park-based Forsyth Commerce Center, LLC, who was represented by KR Properties of Central Florida. 

Winter Springs Company Seico Technology Earns Major Contract from Dominican Republic Air Force

Winter Springs, Fla.  -- Seico Technology in Winter Springs was recently awarded a major contract to provide sophisticated software and technical support to the Dominican Republic Air Force.

Mauricio Orjuela, general manager at Seico Technology, said the contract is one of the first of many he expects from Latin America.

“We opened our North American office in Winter Springs because it affords us a base from which to expand our business in Latin America and the Caribbean,” Orjuela said.

Under terms of the contract, Seico Technology will provide its proprietary Icarus Plus software and maintenance protocol system in the Dominican Republic.

Icarus Plus is a comprehensive system that optimizes and integrates data from multiple complex sources to help Air Force commanders implement required maintenance functions while controlling costs and eliminating errors.

Seico Technology, headquartered in Bogota, Colombia, chose Winter Springs and the UCF Business Incubator’s Soft Landing program to locate its first North American office.  The company hopes to move its headquarters to Florida in the near future.

BERKADIA FACILITATES SALES OF ALABAMA APARTMENT PROPERTIES WORTH MORE THAN $154 MILLION OVER LAST 90 DAYS

Birmingham, Ala. – Berkadia recently negotiated the sale of nine multi-family investment properties over the past 90 days.  The properties, which are located throughout Alabama, consist of 2,475 units and sold for a combined $154,060,000.

David Oakley, managing director of Berkadia’s Alabama office, said that his team negotiated the sales on behalf of the sellers. “These deals are a testament to the dedication of our team and the strength of multi-family market across the Southeast.  We’re grateful for the opportunity to assist investors and look forward to continuing our relationships with them,” Oakley said.

The team’s largest sale of the period – Landmark at Magnolia Glen, a 1,080-unit property on Centennial Drive in Hoover, sold for $71.5 million to an investment group based in Irvine, Calif. 

Most recently, the team facilitated the sale of two Center Point communities, Devonshire and Sun Valley.  The communities sold together for a combined $14.11 million. 

Other Birmingham area sales include Inverness Landing, a 322-unit property, which sold for $27.6 million; River Place on the Cahaba, a 213-property, which sold for $17.7 million; Town Park, a 270-unit property, which sold for $15.025 million; TimberChase, a 94-unit property, which sold for $4.825 million; and Fox Hall, a 36-unit property, which sold for $2.3 million.  In Mobile, Woodland Square, a 128-unit property, for $4 million. 

Royce Emerson and William Parkhurst brokered the River Place on the Cahaba and the Town Park transactions.  Josh Jacobs brokered the TimberChase and the Devonshire-Sun Valley transactions.  

Berkadia, a joint venture of Berkshire Hathaway and Leucadia National Corporation, is an industry leading commercial real estate company providing comprehensive capital solutions and investment sales advisory and research services for multifamily and commercial properties.

Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty Named Exclusive Marketing Agents of Historic Mansion

GAINESVILLE, Fla. --- Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty has been named exclusive marketing agents for the Herlong Mansion  an award-winning inn and gardens listed on the National Register of Historic Places.  The mansion is located two minutes from I-75 and 441 southwest of downtown Gainesville and 10 minutes from the University of Florida. 

“The Herlong Mansion offers a new owner tremendous potential and income opportunity,” said Roger Soderstrom, founder and owner of Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty. “The mansion is ideally situated, designed and equipped for a destination bed and breakfast and for its historic uses – large weddings and receptions, family reunions, corporate retreats and UF activities.”

The Greek revival three-story mansion was constructed in 1910.  Its quaint village setting, situated on 2.3 acres of tranquil gardens with gazebos, is surrounded by stately oaks and giant magnolias. 

The mansion features grand porches,  a grand staircase, 10 ornate fireplaces, 10 private, professionally furnished and decorated suites, an owner’s apartment and two, free-standing single-bedroom cottages. 

The mansion’s kitchen is well equipped and serves a dining room that seats 25 and a separate banquet hall that can accommodate up to 70 seated guests.

The property is being offered for sale fully equipped, licensed and furnished at $1,299,000, which is below recent appraised value, according to Soderstrom.   

Elsie Benitez, International Marketing Specialist at Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty, is representing the property and serves as principal contact.

Developer Jim Mack, Oceans Luxury Realty Start Sales of the 84-unit Aruba Condominiums in Daytona Beach Shores

Daytona Beach Shores, Fla. ---  Veteran Volusia beachfront developer Jim Mack and Oceans Luxury Realty have teamed up to sell the first oceanfront luxury condominium in the Daytona Beach Shores area in more than seven years.  The developer of the luxury project is Greenpointe Communities, LLC of Jacksonville.

Mack, whose local experience includes development of eight luxury oceanfront condominiums in the area over the past 15 years, is a broker with Oceans Luxury Realty and will serve as the project’s sales director.

Mack said Greenpointe has the site at 3721 S. Atlantic Avenue in Daytona Beach Shores under contract and plans to start construction in January.

The Aruba, a 12-story, 84-unit luxury condominium, will offer 60 oceanfront units and 24 with ocean views, he said.

Condominiums will range from 1,400 square feet of living area to over 1,800 square feet. Four floor plans are available in three and four-bedroom configurations with some that feature wrap-around balconies.

Priced from the $300s to the $600s, The Aruba Condominiums will offer onsite maintenance and building management, a home owners association and a fitness center, adult spa, clubroom, individual storage area and underground parking.

Mack has designated Oceans Luxury Realty to partner with him as an exclusive sales agency office for The Aruba Condominiums.

“We have already received preconstruction deposits from 25 purchasers,” Mack said. “Obviously, there is some pent-up demand for luxury oceanfront space in Volusia and we expect our sales might encourage other developers and property owners to think about starting projects,” he said.

“Many owners of these luxury vacation condominiums will presumably lease their units on a weekly or monthly basis during the off season,” Mack explained, adding “and Oceans Luxury Realty is available to assist them.”

Architect Larry Robinson designed The Aruba condominiums, Mack said.

NAI Realvest Negotiates Lease in Thornton Park for Juiced Orlando’s First Location, Serving Healthy Fare

ORLANDO, Fla. --- NAI Realvest’s Retail Team recently completed a new lease agreement at 12 N. Summerlin Ave. in downtown Orlando’s Thornton Park neighborhood for the first location of Juiced Orlando slated to open in September.

Mitch Heidrich and Matt Cichocki at NAI Realvest, negotiated the transaction on behalf of the Tenant who will be serving a variety of fresh juices and healthy food dishes catering directly to all Thornton Park and Downtown Orlando patrons. 

Thornton Park Central LLC is landlord of the 973 square foot restaurant facility and was represented in the transaction by Scott Corbin of Colliers International. 

Oceans Luxury Realty Expanding its Operations in Daytona Beach Shores

Daytona Beach Shores, Fla. -- Oceans Luxury Realty, the Daytona Beach Shores firm that focuses on management and sales of luxury oceanfront resort homes and condominiums in Volusia County, is expanding its operations at 3162 Atlantic Ave.

The company recently purchased the remaining office space at the location, providing a total of 5,500 square feet and expanding the firm’s space to the rear and up on a second level, according to Crystal Anderson, co-owner and president of Oceans Luxury Realty.

Currently at 3162 Atlantic Ave., Oceans Luxury Realty occupies only 2,000 square feet for its beachside sales office with another smaller office further north on Atlantic Ave.

Anderson said the company will move out of its 2040 Atlantic Ave. location with all rentals and management to be controlled out of the newly expanded 3162 Atlantic Ave. office.

Remodeling of the facility will begin in September and be completed by November, Anderson said.  

Cost of the remodeling project is estimated at some $40,000.

When the expansion and remodel at 3162 Atlantic Ave. is completed, Oceans Luxury Realty will have a staff of 18 professionals there.

Villages of Royal Palm Approaching Final Buildout

PORT ORANGE, Fla. — Winston-James Development is nearing buildout of the Villages of Royal Palm  its gated, maintenance free community located off Williamson Blvd. in Port Orange.

The developer has pulled all remaining permits on all 11 remaining lots in the Villages of Royal Palm and all of the homes in the community will be completed by year end, according to Winston Schwartz, president of Winston-James development.

New single-family homes at Villages of Royal Palm range from 1,505 square feet of living area to 2,416 square feet, priced from the low $200s. 

Schwartz said there were 458 home sites when the community first opened 12 years ago.

Meritage Homes breaks ground on three models at Twin Waters, its newest community in Winter Garden

ORLANDO, Fla. --- Meritage Homes recently broke ground on three models at Twin Waters, its newest single-family home community in Winter Garden.

Brian Kittle, division president of Meritage Homes for the Orlando region, said the homebuilder has 140 home sites at Twin Waters for new three to eight bedroom homes priced from the $300s to the high $500s.

Meritage is offering 16 distinctive floor plans at Twin Waters that will range from approximately 2,700 square feet of living area to 5,239 square feet plus two or three car garages, Kittle said.  

The community is located on Hartwood Marsh Rd. and Johns Lake in Winter Garden.

Emerson International Negotiates Long Term Lease with Millers Ale House at Major Plaza II in Southwest Orlando

ORLANDO, Fla. --- Emerson International recently negotiated a long-term lease agreement for 18,944 rentable square feet at Major Plaza II, located at 5750 Major Center Blvd. west of Kirkman Rd. near International Drive.

Kenneth Koch, director of leasing, negotiated the transaction on behalf of Emerson, the landlord of the Major Plaza office development. 

Millers Ale House is the new tenant who leased the entire 4th Floor of the 84,000 square foot mid-rise office building for its new corporate administrative offices. 

Millers Ale House, a casual sports bar-themed restaurant, has 70 locations across the US.  Joe Hills of Jones Lang LaSalle represented the tenant.

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 in the U.K.

Stirling Sotheby's International Realty is Marketing all New Waterfront Custom Built Homes at The Peninsula at Island Lake in Longwood

LONGWOOD, Fla. -- Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty was named sales and marketing agents for The Peninsula at Island Lake, an exclusive enclave of 11 waterfront and conservation view home sites in Longwood.

Roger Soderstrom, founder and owner of Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty, said the custom home sites in the private gated community range from one-half acre to more than one acre and are priced from $95,000 to $115,000.

Within the first two weeks of project launch, Soderstrom said three of the homesites with custom homes have already been sold.   Custom home prices including lots range from the $400s to the $700s.

International Luxury Home Specialist Marisol Santiago Soderstrom is representing the property.

The Peninsula at Island Lake is a signature development of Oakwood Construction and Development who is also developing the luxury Palermo Vista villa community in the Longwood-Lake Mary area.

The approved builders at the Peninsula at Island Lake are Castle Rock Custom Homes, Wettermann Homes and Oakwood Construction.   

Soderstrom said she’s targeting area professionals working in the Longwood/Altamonte Springs and Maitland/Winter Park areas.

“Prospects are drawn to this community because of its private and secluded location, premium water and conservation view home sites and convenience,” she said.

The Peninsula at Island Lake is located in the heart of Seminole County within minutes of the Altamonte Mall and Florida Hospital to the south, and South Seminole Hospital and the new Longwood Sunrail station to the north.

To view a property brochure, visit www.PeninsulaAtIslandLake.com

Ryland Homes Unveils Two Newly Decorated Model Townhomes at Carolina Park in Mount Pleasant

Mt. Pleasant, S.C. -- Ryland Homes recently opened two newly decorated townhomes at Carolina Park, located on Tollison Path in Mt. Pleasant off Carolina Park Blvd. north of Highway 17.

Gayle Jinks, vice president of sales and marketing for Ryland Homes in the Charleston region, said  the two-story Campbell model town home offers 1,850 square feet of living space with three bedrooms, two full baths and a half-bath for guests, a library and separate loft.

The Campbell’s wraparound porch and Hardiplank exterior provide a warm welcome, Jinks said, the open kitchen and family living areas offer ample space for entertaining as well as family activities. The deck off the side of the home is a perfect area for your outdoor enjoyment.  The Campbell  is one of the two plans Ryland is offering with the master bedroom located downstairs.

Energy efficiency is a big plus as well, Jinks added. The HERS-rated home features gas heating, a tankless water heater, low-E impact resistant windows, Techshield Radiant Barrier and dual zone climate control system to keep energy costs to a minimum.   The Campbell also features a two-car garage.

The Horlbeck, with three bedrooms, two full baths and a half-bath in 1,627 square feet of living space is priced from just $299,000 with its two-car garage. The model showcases the brick front exterior but is also available with double front porches.

Double front porches---upstairs and down---are appealing, Jinks said, and indoors, a sunroom, breakfast area, spacious family room, and a well-appointed kitchen with granite countertops and GE stainless steel gas appliances are highlights.  “The Horlbeck is perfect for entertaining with an airy patio off the kitchen,” Jinks said.

Ryland Homes is building 84 luxury townhomes at Carolina Park Townhomes.

“Mt. Pleasant is one of the most sought-after residential areas in the Charleston region,” Jinks said. “We have several great schools nearby and easy access to greater Charleston.”

Carolina Park features a resort-style swimming pool, playground, tennis courts and many walking trails throughout the community.

MERITAGE HOMES PROMOTES BRIAN KITTLE TO DIVISION PRESIDENT

ORLANDO, Fla. --- Meritage Homes, which builds single family and townhomes in 19 communities in central Florida, has promoted Brian Kittle to division president.

Phillippe Lord, chief operations officer for Meritage based at the corporate headquarters in Scottsdale, AZ,   said Kittle joined Meritage Homes seven years ago as director of sales, moved up to vice president of sales, and more recently served as division vice president.

Kittle, who earned his B.S. Degree in Business Administration from Youngstown State University in Ohio and an MBA from Ohio State, has more than 15 years of experience in the homebuilding industry including management positions at several other national homebuilders prior to joining Meritage.  ‘

“Brian is a dynamic leader and he has grown a top-performing team for Meritage in Orlando. We look forward to having him at the helm in the years to come,” said Lord.

As division president Kittle will continue to oversee the Orlando division’s sales, purchasing, construction operations including new community process and customer care.

Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty Names Former PGA Tour Champion Donnie Hammond Associate at Heathrow Marketing Center

HEATHROW/LAKE MARY, Fla. --- Donnie Hammond, a two-time PGA Tour champion, was named a global real estate advisor at Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty’s Heathrow/Lake Mary Real Estate Marketing Center.

Roger Soderstrom, founder and owner of Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty, said Hammond played 15 years on the PGA Tour, amassed 40 top 10 finishes and won both the Bob Hope Chrysler Classic and Texas Open.

For the past eight years Hammond has played with the Champions Tour, has been a frequent radio analyst for Sirius XM PGA Tour network as well as a golf classic tournament organizer.    In college he was a star member of the golf team at Jacksonville University and is a charter member of its Sports Hall of Fame.

Hammond also serves as founder and tournament director for the Donnie Hammond Pro-Am Classic, an annual charity golf tournament to raise funds for the Evergreen Youth Foundation which provides scholarships for Orlando area athletes.

But he’s no rookie to the real estate industry, not only as an investor, owner, buyer and seller, but as an avid real estate enthusiast who researched the communities of every Florida golf course he’s played during his successful pro golf career.

“Donnie Hammond is an accomplished marketing executive and his professional network will play a big role in our growth in Central Florida,” said Soderstrom. 

RSS Logistics Earns First Contract from Defense Logistics Agency

Orlando, Fla. --- RSS Logistics, the Orlando firm that provides full-spectrum of integrated product support and manufacturing services, recently earned its first prime contract with the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) Aviation division.

Alma J. Coronado, president and chief executive officer of RSS Logistics, said DLA is the U.S. military’s integrated materials manager for more than 1.1 million repair parts and operating supply items in support of all U.S. fixed- and rotor-wing aircraft.

“This is a small contract to demonstrate how quickly and reliably we can perform,” Coronado said. “It is our foot in the door, so to speak, and we anticipate many more contracts in the future,” she said.

DLA Aviation operates in 18 stateside locations that support more than 1,900 major U.S. weapon systems, with focused support to 143 major weapon systems, Coronado explained.

Since opening in 2011, the startup engineering and technology company has grown from two principals to 10 employees.

RSS Logistics is a client company of the UCF Business Incubation Program at Central Florida Research Park in east Orange County.

Exam Plus in Winter Springs Earns Major Contract with Puerto Rico-based Lufthansa Technik

Winter Springs, Fla. --- Exam Plus, a Winter Springs company that provides comprehensive substance abuse programs for a wide range of corporate and government employers, recently earned a major contract to serve Lufthansa Technik in Puerto Rico, a leading manufacturer and provider of maintenance, repair, overhaul and modification services for civil aircraft.

José A. Batista, CPCT, BAT, President and CEO of Exam Plus, said the three-year contract as Third Party Administrator for the Drug and Alcohol Testing Programs at Lufthansa Technik will ultimately involve more than 300 highly skilled workers.

“Lufthansa Technik provides tailored maintenance programs and state-of-the-art repair services under international licenses that require absolute reliability,” Batista said.

Batista said Lufthansa Technik’s six business units---Maintenance, Overhaul, Component Services, Engine Services, VIP Services and Landing Gear Services---serve more than 750 customers worldwide.

“This is a major step for us and we expect it will lead to more work on the international stage,” Batista said.

Exam Plus is a client company of the University of Central Florida Business Incubation Program located at 1511 E. State Road 434 in Winter Springs.

Wireless Assets Targets Wall Street Analytics Market from new offices at UCF Business Incubator in Winter Springs

Winter Springs, Fla. -- Wireless Assets Holdings LLC, a technology company in the financial services and analytics industry, has opened research and development offices in Winter Springs with plans to challenge mainstream approaches of satisfying Wall Street’s rapidly-growing appetite for deep-dive industry metrics in the mobile space.

Rafael Caamano, associate director for the UCF Business Incubation Program in Winter Springs, said that’s not as bold a statement as it sounds.

“Wireless Assets is a specialty firm that offers world-class, in-depth analysis of investment trends in the wireless industry,” Caamano said.

“This level of custom visual analytics is unique in the investment world,” said Bill Stueber,  veteran wireless industry expert and founder of Wireless Assets.  “Our software, with a simplified but highly focused dashboard experience, makes us leading experts in the wireless segment for private and public equity firms.”

“The U.S. wireless industry represents 3.2 percent of America’s GDP. That’s a bigger slice of the U.S. economy than the entertainment, automotive, hospitality or agriculture sectors,” Stueber explained.

“We have not seen a better way to analyze investment opportunities in the wireless industry than Wireless Assets,” said Caamano. “They have a bright future in Winter Springs.”

The company was founded by a team of deeply-experienced industry veterans with significant exposure to financial sector debt and equity markets.

Wireless Assets, with offices in New York, is a client of the UCF Business Incubator’s Soft Landing Program in Winter Springs.

Hold-Thyssen Negotiates $4.5 Million Sale of Brandon Plaza Shopping Center

TAMPA, Fla. – Hold-Thyssen recently negotiated the $4,500,000 sale of the 30,000 square foot Brandon Plaza Shopping Center located at 1335 W. Brandon Blvd. (SR 60) in Brandon, Fla.

Monique Petronje, leasing associate at Hold-Thyssen’s Tampa office, negotiated the transaction on behalf of the local Buyers Joe Aprile and Ronnie Aprile.

Brandon Plaza, built in 1972 and remodeled in 2003, was 86 percent leased at the time of the sale.  Tenants include Ace Cash Express, Chapters Health, Pegasus Paints, Bob’s Carpet Mart, Bed Pros and Parrott Hut.

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

Rhodes+Brito Architects awarded contract to renovate Orange County Convention Center

ORLANDO, Fla. --- Rhodes+Brito, an Orlando architectural firm, was recently awarded a contract for a major renovation project at the Orange County Convention Center.

Max Brito, co-founder and partner at Rhodes+Brito, said the renovation, which will start Sept. 1, has been estimated to cost $5 million.  Renovation work will include lighting, mechanical projects and interior finishes, Brito said.   The project will involve converting meeting rooms into offices, he added.

Rhodes said Rhodes+Brito was also awarded a continuing architectural services contract with Orange County.  The contract covers miscellaneous design services Rhodes+Brito will provide the County, including original design and renovations work not to exceed $2 Million.

That contract is slated to begin this October.

Rhodes+Brito, which opened in Orlando in 1996, currently employs a staff of 20, including seven registered architects. The firm has exceptional experience providing architectural services to a wide variety of agencies thorough the state of Florida, including municipal government agencies, federal, education, aviation and senior living facilities.

Henin Realty Signs Contract on Sale of 59 condo units for $4.3 Million at Whispering Palms Multifamily Complex in Largo

LARGO, Fla. --- Henin Realty, based in Winter Park, recently brokered the $4,300,000 sale of 59 condominium units at Whispering Palms a multifamily complex located one mile from Indian Rocks Beach at 13200 Wilcox Rd. in Largo.

Jerome Henin, founder and president of Henin Realty, negotiated the transaction representing the seller, Whispering Palms HP, LLC, and the buyer, a private investor.  Cooperating brokers were Robert Goldfinger of Franklin Street Real Estate Services and Chad E. Whaley of Keller Williams Realty, Seminole.

Henin said all of the condominiums and apartments at Whispering Palms have two bedrooms with two full baths and a screened in patio. 

NAI Realvest Negotiates $925,000 Sale of Three Building Industrial Park in Altamonte Springs

ALTAMONTE SPRINGS / MAITLAND, Fla. – NAI Realvest recently negotiated the $925,000 sale price for the three industrial buildings totaling 17,500 useable square feet building at 865, 871 and 875 Sunshine Lane in Altamonte Springs.

Jeff Bloom, CCIM, senior director at NAI Realvest, negotiated the transaction representing the seller, Terry D. DeBruyn and Edwin P. Young, Co-Trustees of the Bigley Revocable Trust based in Skandia, MI.        Orlando-based Mesar LLC is the buyer of the property and was represented by Barry Carnes of Premium Properties Real Estate Services.

In other business, Bloom brokered the sale of an office condominium with 1,431 useable square feet at 331 N. Maitland Ave. in Maitland.  Buyer Marble Oak Properties paid $193,000 for the property. The sellers are Grey and Patricia Wilson of Lake Mary.

Hold-Thyssen negotiates Six Leases at Pennock Business Center in Jupiter totaling over 10,200 Rentable Square Feet

JUPITER / WINTER PARK, Fla. -- Hold-Thyssen, Inc., a commercial property firm based in Winter Park, recently negotiated six leases for office/warehouse/flex space totaling 10,272 rentable square feet at Pennock Business Center, 711 Commerce Way in Jupiter.

Therese Taylor, broker associate at Hold-Thyssen, represented the Miami-based landlord GECMC 2005 and completed the following lease agreements:

Palm Beach Paw Spa renewed its lease of 4,500 square feet; Powerline of South Florida renewed its lease of 3,000 square feet; Christian Thomas Construction renewed two 693-square foot warehouses;   An individual and LJW & Associates each leased a 693 square foot warehouse

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

Emerson International closes New Leases for office space totaling over 8,400 rentable square feet at three of its Local Office Developments

Altamonte Springs, Fla. -- Emerson International recently closed five leases for office space totaling more than 8,400 rentable square feet at its office centers in Longwood, Altamonte Springs and Winter Park. 

Leasing Associate Zac Starkey represented Emerson in a lease agreement with The Alzheimer’s Association of Central Florida who expanded into more than 3,300 square feet in Sanlando Center II located at 2180 W. State Road 434 in Longwood. 

Starkey also negotiated three lease agreements for Class A office space that totals more than 4,000 square feet at Emerson’s CenterPointe Office Park, 370 CenterPointe Circle in Altamonte Springs.  New leases were signed with commercial contractor Wharton Smith, real estate broker / investor Mahendra Samaroo, and L’Eviel, a privately owned and operated massage and wellness firm serving Orange and Seminole counties since 2009.

In Winter Park, Starkey negotiated a lease with Tenant Attaining Balance, Ltd. a life coach and counseling firm that doubled its space now leasing 1,100 square feet in Emerson’s Louisiana Office Park located at 1177 Louisiana Ave.     

Royal Oak Homes, AV Homes Integrate Operations

Orlando, Fla. --- Royal Oak Homes, which builds single-family homes in 17 Central Florida communities, is integrating its operations with AV Homes, the Arizona-based home builder active in the Osceola County communities of Solivita, Bellalago and Waterview.

Matt and Steve Orosz have been charged with leading the new AV Central Florida team and said the move will both expand opportunities and improve operational performance.  

AV Homes is best known for their world renowned active adult community of Solivita which offers homes from the 150s.  The community includes two popular golf courses and a thriving Village Center with three restaurants. AV Homes is also active and expanding in the Jacksonville area.

Royal Oak Homes focuses on single-family neighborhoods such as Deer Creek and Mallard Pond in St. Cloud and Emerald Lake Town Homes in Kissimmee, along with Vacation Homes at Marbella, Davenport Estates and Aldea Reserve in Davenport. 

Orosz said both home builders focus on choice locations, quality living environments and affordably priced lifestyles.

“We are a good fit,” Matt Orosz said. “We have the same standards for quality and a similar approach to creating value for our home buyers,” he explained.

Orosz emphasized that the first change is aligning Realtor incentives offered by both home builders which encourage repeat business with up to 6 percent commissions.

“We don’t project many changes except that we will get even better,” Orosz said.

New DiVosta Homes floor plan at Windsor Park at Abacoa offers “Live and Work” design for home, professional offices

Jupiter, Fla. --- DiVosta Homes has unveiled a new floor plan at Windsor Park at Abacoa that’s designed for professionals who want to work where they live.

Josh Graeve, vice president of sales for DiVosta Homes in South Florida, said the Cornerstone floor plan, a two-story home, offers one or two work spaces to accommodate professional offices for doctors, lawyers, accountants, planners, designers, specialty sales professionals and the like who want dedicated offices at their doorstep.

The Cornerstone offers 2,765 square feet of living space to 3,193 square feet, three bedrooms, two-and-a-half to four bathrooms, with one or two double-car garages, Graeve said.

But the key feature---one or two work spaces, at the buyer’s option---is drawing the most interest, Graeve said.

“In the past, one of the most attractive features of cities was the opportunity to open a retail business on the street level and live above it,” Graeve said.  In the more exclusive enclaves, doctors and lawyers had the same options, with offices that were in their homes. For many families, this is such a marvelous option that it’s gaining popularity today,” he explained.

Work spaces have separate dedicated entrances and enough space to accommodate additional office staff, Graeve said.

Windsor Park at Abacoa is located at 1400 Indian Creek Parkway in Jupiter and features a resort-style pool, state-of-the-art fitness center, community room, activity center and catering kitchen for private gatherings.

Located just five minutes from Interstate 95, the community also is convenient to area beaches, The Gardens Mall and Palm Beach International Airport.

NAI Realvest Brokers Sale of Industrial Condo for New Orlando Location of Lakeside Occupational Medical Centers

ORLANDO, Fla. --- NAI Realvest recently negotiated the sale of an industrial condo with 2,907 useable square feet at Sunport Commerce Center located off of Sand Lake Road near Orlando International Airport at 8010 Sunport Drive.  

NAI Realvest broker associate Drew Saphos, CCIM, principal Christie Alexander, and chairman George Livingston brokered the transaction.   The seller was Miami-based Orlando Sunport FlexxSpace Ltd. 

A Largo Florida corporation and division of Lakeside Occupational Medical Centers, 8010 Sunport Dr #116 LLC, purchased the property for $218,025.00 to open a new Orlando location of Lakeside Occupational Medical Centers. 

Royal Oak Homes starts development of Ardmore in Minneola

ORLANDO, Fla. -- Royal Oak Homes, based in Orlando’s Baldwin Park, has started development of its newest single-family community of Ardmore Reserve, located in Minneola off Fosgate Rd.

Matt Orosz, co-president of Royal Oak Homes said there are 675 home sites at Ardmore with 146 homes sites in the first phase.

New three, four and five bedroom homes at Ardmore Reserve ranging from 1817 square feet of living area to 3,200 square feet will be priced from the low $200s.

Presales and construction of three models will get underway in September, Orosz said.

Among the amenities planned at Ardmore are a swimming pool and a community clubhouse, Orosz said.

Royal Oak Homes is a third-generation home builder whose track record boasts more than 14,000 new homes built in Central Florida over the past 30 years under the Cambridge Homes brand, one of the region’s most successful home builders in the 1980s and 1990s.  Founded in 2011, Royal Oak Homes is rapidly becoming one of the largest and most active home builders in the Central Florida area, building in 17 active communities in the region.

NAI Realvest Completes Office Lease Agreements with USTA and Sub-Zero boosting occupancy to 100% at Citadel III in the Airport Submarket

ORLANDO, Fla. — NAI Realvest recently completed two new lease agreements totaling 9,410 rentable square feet on the sixth floor of the Citadel III at 5950 Hazeltine National Drive in Southeast Orlando.

Senior Broker Associate Mary Frances West CCIM and Matt Cichocki, Principal negotiated both transactions representing Citadel Partners, Ltd. of Oakland, Fla., landlord of the 139,000 square foot office building which is now 100 percent leased.  

West negotiated a long-term lease with Sub-Zero Group Southeast, Inc. for Suite 670 with 4,450 square feet.  The new tenant, a leading manufacturer of luxury appliances, was represented by Craig Castor of Cresa Orlando and Tim Rikkers of Cresa Wisconsin. 

United States Tennis Association Incorporated signed a short-term lease for Suite 660 with 4,960 square feet to serve as a temporary location while their $60 million USTA Training Center is being constructed at Lake Nona.    Jeff Patterson of Equity, Inc. represented the White Plains, NY based-tenant. 

“The building owner’s commitment to maintaining a first class operation has enabled us to achieve a consistent high-occupancy level at Citadel III,” said West.  

NAI Realvest Retail Team Negotiates Lease of Sanford Restaurant Facility for New Mexican Grill Opening in August

ORLANDO, Fla. – NAI Realvest recently completed a long-term lease agreement for a 6,313 square foot restaurant facility – the former Sun Valley Buffet -- located at 4520 W. SR 46 in Sanford.

NAI Realvest Retail Team of Matt Cichocki, Kevin O’Connor, and Mitch Heidrich, negotiated the transaction on behalf of the local landlord Tin W. Wong.      

The new tenant, El Paso Mexican Grill, Inc. plans to open a restaurant at the site by August.     

NAI Realvest Negotiates New Long-term Lease for Compass Pointe Healthcare Systems Relocating to Class A Office at Colonial Town Park in Lake Mary

ORLANDO, Fla. – The Partyka Group at NAI Realvest recently negotiated a long-term lease agreement for 3,961 rentable square feet of Class A office space at 400 Colonial Center Parkway in Lake Mary. 

NAI Realvest Partner Paul P. Partyka and Associate Juan Jimenez negotiated the transaction on behalf of Tenant Compass Pointe Healthcare Systems.  

The landlord, 400 Townpark LLC based in Johns Creek, Ga. was represented in the transaction by Greg Morrison of Morrison Commercial Real Estate. 

Compass Pointe Healthcare System, a retirement and assisted living community organization, is moving its headquarters from a location in Volusia County to this more centralized and efficient Seminole County location, Partyka said.

$5 Million+ Renovation Underway at Oldest Incubator in the UCF Business Incubation Program in Central Fla. Research Park

ORLANDO, Fla.  – Construction is underway on a $5 Million plus renovation project of the 50,000 square feet UCF Business Incubator in the Central Florida Research Park. 

Carol Ann Dykes, site manager for the Research Park incubator, said the facility, established in 1999, is getting a major upgrade and has undergone six months of a 13-month large-scale renovation project slated for completion in February of next year. 

“These facilities are some of the older buildings in Research Park and most of the life safety, telecommunications, electrical, lighting and HVAC systems are outdated.  In addition, the internal configuration of the buildings has not been well suited for use as an incubator and we now have the opportunity to fix that.” Dykes said.

The work also includes the build-out of five much needed chemical wet labs and additional work spaces for companies that need to set up assembly and/or workstations.

“We are fortunate to have an amazing team from UCF Facilities as well as the general contractor Wharton Smith.  Everyone has gone above and beyond to make this project as smooth as possible for our clients who are occupying the facilities during the renovations.”

Currently the Research Park incubator houses over 45 early stage and Soft Landing technology client companies. 

President of Candace Crowe Design to Make Presentations at a Major International Conference in India

ORLANDO, Fla. -- Candace Crowe, president of Candace Crowe Design, technology-based firm that specializes in marketing services for plastic and reconstructive surgery practices throughout the U.S., was honored with an invitation to participate as a faculty member in a major international aesthetic surgery conference in New Delhi India.  

Ms. Crowe, who is regularly an invited speaker and panelist at many top U.S. and international conferences for plastic surgeons and the aesthetic industry, will make three presentations and teach a “masters class” in marketing  at the Aesthetics 2015 Learning from Each Other, August 28-30 at India Habitat Centre in New Delhi. 

With more than three decades of marketing experience, Ms. Crowe has specialized in helping plastic surgeons market their skills since 1999 and has worked with more than 200 clients in the U.S., Canada and Mexico.

Ms. Crowe is the only marketing expert invited to present at this academic conference.

The focus of the conference in New Delhi – with highly interactive sessions to learn from experts in the specialty – is to create awareness about the interdisciplinary approach to the aesthetic practices and provide a holistic approach to management. 

Candace Crowe Design is a client company with the UCF Business Incubation Program at the Central Florida Research Park in East Orange County.

Fairsail, one of Fastest-Growing Tech Companies in U.K., opens new Orlando Office

ORLANDO, Fla. --- Fairsail, which helps mid-sized, multinational companies acquire, engage, manage and develop their people through global, easy-to-use cloud-based HR software, has established their North American subsidiary at the University of Central Florida’s Business Incubator in the Central Florida Research Park.

Fairsail recently joined the incubation program’s Soft Landing program, which provides flexible office space, business contacts and other services for a limited period of time to companies from outside Metro Orlando wanting to establish operations in Orlando to grow their US business.

“Fairsail got their start in a university-based incubator in Reading, U.K,” stated Swinda Salazar-Piquemal, President of the Americas.  “It was natural for us to look for a similar incubator to support our growing US-based operations.”

Fairsail, which recently reported annual year-to-date growth of 150 percent and a five-year growth rate of more than 1,000 percent, was named by Deloitte as one of the 50 fastest-growing technology companies in the U.K in 2014.    It also has a presence on the West Coast in San Francisco. 

NAI Realvest Negotiates $790,000 Sale of Seven Acre Multifamily Development Site in Casselberry

ORLANDO, Fla. — NAI Realvest recently negotiated a $790,000 sale price for a 7.14 acre multifamily site across from Legacy Park on Seminola Blvd in Casselberry, FL.

Jason G. Toll, director of industrial services at NAI Realvest, negotiated the transaction on behalf of the seller Lake Helen based Casselberry Investment Properties, LTD..

Orlando-based RM Plus is the buyer who plans to build garden style homes on the site. Nohora Gomez of Weichert Realtors represented the buyer in the transaction.

Ryland Homes Opens Exclusive St. David’s at Windsor Plantation, gated phase for 22 Single-Family Homes priced from mid-$240s

Myrtle Beach, S.C. --- Ryland Homes has opened its most exclusive new neighborhood at Windsor Plantation in Myrtle Beach with 22 private home sites for single-family luxury homes priced from the $240s.

Donald T. McDonough, division president of Ryland Homes in the Charleston and Myrtle Beach region, said the gated St. David’s neighborhood, located off Devon Estate Avenue at Highway 544 in Myrtle Beach, is Ryland’s final phase at the popular Windsor Plantation community.

“All 22 homesites front on a lush, protected wooded area or the largest pond in the community,” McDonough said.

Six distinct floor plans are available at St. David’s that range in size from 1,800 square feet of living space to 3,300 square feet.

The three and four-bedroom luxury homes offer two or three baths, optional bonus rooms or sunrooms and two-car garages, McDonough added.

New luxury homes at St. David’s are priced from $241,000 to $272,000.

McDonough said Ryland Homes has already started construction of seven new homes at St. David’s.

“The first two new homes will be ready for move in by September,” McDonough said.

St. David’s features a resort-style swimming pool, hot tub, and a community clubhouse with a state-of-the-art exercise facility.

New home sales associates Ed Kaminski and Trisha Whitaker are conducting scheduled tours of St. David’s daily. For more information or to schedule a look at the luxury community, telephone 843-215-7750.