Dream Finders Homes Nearing Completion of Site Development For Luxury Townhome Community in Winter Springs

Winter Springs, Fla. – Dream Finders Homes is nearing completion of site development for Seminole Crossing, its newest community of 112 two- and three-story luxury townhomes coming soon in Winter Springs off of SR 434 and Michael Blake Blvd. near Lake Jesup.

The maintenance-free townhomes will highlight unique exterior designs and luxury interior features including upgraded fixtures and appliances, 9' 4" ceilings on lower levels and 9' ceilings on upper levels, according to Gerry Boeneman, Dream Finders’ Orlando Division President.

Five three-bedroom floor plans will range from 1,757 to 2,707 square feet of living area with two-and-a-half and three-and-a-half baths and two car garages. 

“With land preparation well underway, we expect to be able to start construction in the fall and models should be ready for viewing by the end of the year,” Boeneman said, adding that prices are expected to start in the low $300,000s.

Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy the Seminole Crossing’s connection to the 23-mile Cross Seminole Trail.   Designed for pedestrians, cyclists and equestrians, the trail runs from Winter Springs to the nearby historic town of Oviedo, which is also a short drive for the residents who enjoy museums, farmer’s markets and other popular attractions.

The community will have its own amenity center with resort-style swimming pool and is within walking distance to the Winter Springs Town Center with a variety of retail and restaurant options.  Located within the highly rated Seminole School District, close proximity to SR 417 also provides residents of Seminole Crossing quick access to the University of Central Florida and international airports.

Visit https://www.dreamfindershomes.com/  or call 888-214-1164 for more information. 

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Hold-Thyssen Completes Sale of Former Alarm Company Property on Maitland Avenue

Martin Forster

ALTAMONTE SPRINGS --- Hold-Thyssen, Inc., a full-service commercial property firm in Winter Park, recently closed on the sale of an office property at 702 and 720 Maitland Ave. in Altamonte Springs.     Two adjoining former homes built in 1967 totaling over 2,915 useable square feet on .43-acres was formerly the long-time site of an alarm installation and monitoring company, housing their offices and storage.   Seller Hercules Management Corp. had the property on the market for several years before accepting a $340,000 purchase price from the investor-buyer who plans to operate the administrative offices of its business at the property.     Hold-Thyssen’s Martin Forster CCIM listed the property and represented both the buyer and the seller as a transactional broker.    The new business is expected to be in operation in approximately 60 days once roof replacement and renovations are completed.

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

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Buyers of Milk District Area Site Planned for Residential Infill Will Gift Existing Church Sanctuary, Fellowship Hall

ORLANDO --- 2113 E. South Street, LLC purchased a 4.82-acre church and education site near downtown Orlando for $2.65 million as the City reviews their Planned Development application.  The owners will gift a portion of the infill project to a small downtown non-denominational church.  

Stirling International Real Estate Brokers John Kurtz, CCIM and Roger Soderstrom, Jr.  representing the Milk District area property, said the firm recently entered into a contract to sell 3.87 acres of the site to Surrey Homes USA who plans to construct nine single-family Craftsman-style homes and 31 townhomes with rear-entry garages served by alleyways. 

Christian Swann, President and Founder of Surrey Homes described the project as an excellent example of adaptive reuse and infill development for the locally owned and operated builder.  “It’s important to us to build homes that Surrey Homes and the residents of downtown Orlando will be proud of for years to come.  We’re thrilled to bring our unique, innovative home design to downtown Orlando and the Milk District,” said Swann.

The development plan submitted by the engineering team of CPH headed by Javier Omana calls for the school buildings on the property to be razed, but for the existing church sanctuary and fellowship hall to remain, which will create greater harmony with the residences.  A proposed internal roadway network and landscape design that preserves stately trees is also part of the overall plan that merges nicely with surrounding neighborhoods, Kurtz explained.

“Our strategy includes investing more than $250,000 in the existing Spanish/Mediterranean-style church sanctuary and fellowship hall on the remaining acre and gifting them to our H20 church family,” said Kurtz.  The growing congregation has been holding services in the Abbey on the ground floor of The Sanctuary condominium at 100 S. Eola Drive for over six years. 

Kurtz said the new residential infill project, which is consistent with the City’s Growth Management Plan, should move quickly. “It fosters a wise use of downtown land where housing is in demand and public services are already in place,” he said.

The new development at 2113 E. South St. is bound on the south by East South Street, existing single family homes to the east and west, and by Forest Circle and existing residences to the north. 

"As a long-time member of the Orlando Downtown Community, H2O Church is thrilled to be part of this new developing community in the Historic Milk District. We are looking forward to serving and blessing the surrounding community," said Pastor Jim Poorman of H20 Church.

Julie Matura, member of The Milk District’s Board of Directors, says they’re looking forward to welcoming new neighbors in the area.  “We’re happy to support thoughtful development by those who have demonstrated a commitment to revitalizing and building a stronger community.  Stirling's restoration and donation of the church to a local parish and their willingness to listen to resident input in the planning process, exemplifies their role as a true community partner,” she said.

Committee and Planning Board reviews should be completed by late summer and construction of new homes is estimated to get underway by the end of this year. 

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Dream Finders Homes Thanks All Front-Line Workers with Design Studio Upgrade Bonus

ORLANDO – As a way of thanking front-line workers during the Covid-19 pandemic, Dream Finders Homes has expanded its “Hometown Heroes” program by offering $1,500 in design studio upgrades to all essential front-line workers.

Orlando Division President Gerry Boeneman said the offer – which initially was only offered to first responders like law enforcement, fire, rescue and medical personnel – now is available to others including those in professions like teaching, delivery, retail and the hospitality industry.

“We’ve extended our “Hometown Heroes” program to include all essential workers who purchase in any of our 10 Orlando area communities through June 30, 2020,” Boeneman said.  “This is to show our appreciation for those who are still working very hard every day to keep things going.”

The $1,500 bonus can be used to select design studio upgrades on maintenance-free villas, townhomes and single-family homes in any of the company’s communities, Boeneman said.

For more information and a complete list of those eligible for the bonus, visit https://www.dreamfindershomes.com or call 888-214-1164.

DIX Development’s University Econ Executive Center in East Orlando is Moving Forward

James Dicks

EAST ORLANDO – DIX Developments LLC which specializes in high-quality innovative real estate developments throughout Central Florida is moving forward with plans for a new $9 Million Class A office campus 3.5 miles from University of Central Florida at the signalized intersection of University Blvd. and Econlockhatchee Trail.

University Econ Executive Center’s strategic location offers a bank drive-through opportunity, several 1,520 square foot shell condition office condos and 4,640 square foot medical buildings and up to a 20,000 square foot, highly visible office building ideal for a corporate headquarters.

“Earlier this year we gave a summary overview of our plans to County officials, who said they liked it, and we are preparing a formal application and bidding out the project, says James Dicks, CEO of the firm.  Construction documents are currently being reviewed for processing, according to Dicks.  

Construction on two office condos is nearing completion at the Center and preparations are underway to start work on a 10,400 square foot multi-tenant spec office building to anchor the development.  

  

Only 3,500 feet from the Central Florida Greeneway (SR 417) University Econ Executive Center affords quick and convenient access to all of Central Florida especially its two International Airports.  Downtown Orlando and Executive Airport are each only 10 minutes away. 

John Kurtz, CCIM of Stirling International Real Estate is marketing the office condos and buildings.  For more information visit https://dixdevelopments.com/econ-executive-centre/

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About DIX Developments LLC

DIX Developments, an award-winning firm that focuses on land acquisition, real estate development and real estate investment has been developing Central Florida real estate for seven generations with creative vision, acquisition strategy, expert due diligence and superior results.

Florida Business Leader Launches New Company, New Website, Audio Book With Inspiration and Wisdom In Time of Crisis

John Crossman

ORLANDO - As Florida and the nation struggle to slowly reopen during the ongoing coronavirus crisis, many families and businesses are struggling with doubts, fear for the future and depression. In this time of crisis, when encouragement and clear thinking are badly needed, one of Florida’s most successful and well known business leaders, John M. Crossman, is on a mission to fill at least some of the void, with inspiration and wisdom gleaned from his decades of experience.

Crossman, author of the best seller and award winning book, Career Killers/Career Builders, has made it available in audio format through Amazon, just launched a web site  www.crossmancb.com and is preparing to resume his speaking engagements. The goal: to inspire and motivate, counsel and coach a new generation of entrepreneurs and leaders in one of the most challenging times in American history.

“I consider myself a servant-leader,” says Crossman, son of the late pastor and noted civil rights advocate, Rev. Kenneth Crossman, and former president of Orlando-based Crossman & Co., one of the Southeast’s leading commercial real estate firms.  Through his new firm and web site, Crossman Career Builders, Crossman says he hopes to shine a light on ways “out of the darkness,” pathways to a future where personal and business success are tightly bound and meaningful.

While his award winning 131-page book is aimed largely at young professionals and college students, many of the lessons and advice gleaned from his years as a rising young executive and entrepreneur are universal, and timeless.

Faith, devotion to friends, family and society, are integral parts woven throughout and explained in concrete examples, lessons distilled from his own life.

Audio books are particularly popular with Millennials and Generation Z, accounting in fact for nearly half of all sales. They often listen in while unwinding, doing chores, exercising, multi-tasking - young adults totally comfortable with modern communication tools.

John Martinez

John Martinez, strategic advisor at Crossman Career Builders, who is helping Crossman with the company website and future speaking engagements, emphasized two major focuses. First, to help young people be successful, personally and professionally, and secondly to encourage and equip veteran executives who may be struggling with family issues, failures, mental health and perhaps success but lack of fulfillment.

“We’ve had those issues,” Martinez said. “By sharing some of our own struggles we are better able to connect with others who may be going thorough dark times of their own.  In today’s environment, the routine and commonplace challenges of the past are compounded tenfold by the Covid-19 coronavirus.  The need is great.” 

Crossman, who has lectured for years in college honors classes, says mentorship and friendship are two proven keys to success. But a third tool in the toolbox can be a lifesaver: “Professional counseling. Don’t shun it,” Crossman says. “Be willing and humble enough to ask for professional help when you need it.”

Dream Finders Homes Opens Three New Model Townhomes at Beacon Lake

ST. AUGUSTINE – Dream Finders Homes recently opened three professionally-decorated models at the Beacon Lake townhome community between Interstate 95 and U.S. Highway 1 in St. Johns County.

The models – the Manatee, Osprey and Coral – range in size from 1,388 to 2,081 square feet and can be built with three to four bedrooms and two or two-and-a-half baths, according to Division President Brad Muston. 

Manatee at Beacon Lake

Prices for the spacious, one- and two-story, maintenance-free townhomes start in the low $200,000s, he said.

“We plan to build 196 townhomes at Beacon Lake all nestled into a 358-acre nature preserve, complete with a 43-acre lake that’s perfect for canoes, paddle boards and other water activities. With its great location and top-rated schools, Beacon Lake really does offer the best of St. Johns County living,” Muston said.

Coral at Beacon Lake

Various recreation, shopping and dining venues are all nearby, but with the 8,200-square-foot Lake House Amenity & Fitness Center, Muston said some residents may never want to leave.

The amenity center includes spin and yoga classes, a fitness room with weights, a culinary studio and demonstration kitchen, and a spacious social room. Outdoor activities at the community include a resort-style pool, tennis courts, a crew house, boardwalk, fire pits, a multi-purpose playing field, and an event lawn, as well as playgrounds, bike racks, a dog park and miles of sidewalks and purposefully-placed parks with “stop-a-while” benches.

For more information visit www.dreamfindershomes.com or call 888-214-1164.

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Hold-Thyssen Lands American Liberty Mortgage Co for New Lease at Phillips Place

Orlando  --- Hold-Thyssen, Inc. – a full service commercial real estate services firm headquartered in Winter Park -- closed on a new multi-year lease agreement with American Liberty Mortgage Inc. at Phillips Place, the upscale office campus at 7575 Dr. Phillips Blvd. in Southwest Orlando. 

Darby Hold, Senior Director for Hold-Thyssen, Inc. brokered the lease of an 800 square foot office suite for relocation of American Liberty’s Orlando branch.  The mortgage firm also has an office in Winter Haven and two in the Denver area.  

Hold negotiated another lease agreement with About Face Ink, LLC.  The permanent makeup and facial salon who has been a tenant at Phillips Place for six years, extended the lease of its suite. 

The tenants were not represented in the transactions.  Hold-Thyssen, Inc. is the leasing and management representative for the 56,000 square foot Phillips Place office building, which is now 95  percent leased.

 

Phillips Place

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About Hold-Thyssen, Inc.

Hold-Thyssen, Inc. provides commercial property brokerage 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.

Lincoln Property Company Returns to Open Tampa Bay Office, CRE Veteran Jon Slater Returns to his Roots to Lead Area Operations

TAMPA BAY / ORLANDO – Lincoln Property Company Southeast (LPC), a full service commercial real estate firm based in Orlando, and developer of that city’s new 28-story SunTrust Tower at Church Street, is establishing a presence again in Tampa Bay.

LPC played a prominent role in Tampa’s office development boom in the 1980s, adding to the landscape such landmarks as The Urban Centre, Lincoln Center, The Pointe (formerly Lincoln Pointe), said Jon Slater, Senior VP of Brokerage Services at the new office.  In Tampa Bay, LPC provides a full spectrum of brokerage services, including occupier representation as well as leasing and management services.  Slater will also be working to identify expansion opportunities for LPC through a mix of acquisition of existing projects and new developments in the Tampa MSA.  “We are looking to add additional brokers and administrative staff,” he said. 

While obtaining an MBA at the Crummer Graduate School of Business at Rollins College, Slater initially joined LPC as an intern.  He moved with them to Tampa in 1995, where he remained through 1998.  After a successful 15-year tenure with Savills, Inc. he has returned to LPC to re-establish its full-service brokerage presence in Tampa Bay at 490 1^st Avenue South in downtown St. Petersburg.  “Our return here is very much a coming home for me personally,” Slater said.

“We’re thrilled that Jon has returned. There’s no one better to further our plans for growth again in Tampa Bay,” said Scott Stahley, Executive Vice President of Lincoln Property Company Southeast.

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Hurricane Season on top of Coronavirus Threat Eased By Lake Mary Generator Dealership’s Unique System

LAKE MARY -- More Florida homeowners and businesses have been installing generators in recent years as hurricanes have repeatedly knocked out power to millions. But now the 2020 the threat of the coronavirus has added additional urgency as the hurricane season begins.

James Dicks, CEO of DIX Generators, a Generac brand dealer in central Florida, says his company’s web site has been busy providing automated price estimates for potential residential and commercial businesses.

“We’ve been getting probably 10 to 15 ‘quick quotes’ out per day since March,” Dicks said, adding that the surge is unusual in that “traditionally that doesn’t even hit until the end of May.” The official hurricane season runs from June 1 through Nov. 30.

The company’s automated online quote system has been enableling homeowners or business owners to get accurate, customized pricing information without the need to have a person visit the home or office. That’s a definite benefit during the statewide coronavirus stay-at-home-advisory.

“We do have to go to your house for the installation,” Dicks said, “but even then, you don’t need to sign anything, we’ll just do our thing outside your house. So our system speeds up the entire process by weeks or maybe even months, from what the traditional process takes.”

           

About 18 percent of single family homes nationwide have generators, according to a 2015 American Housing Survey, by the U.S. Census Department. In Florida, almost 20 percent of homeowners surveyed had generators, in the 2017 survey. But most of those are smaller units from retailers such as hardware stores. Generac, one of the leading international brands, has larger and more sophisticated units that can handle everything from homes and estates to commercial buildings, with built-in automated safety features.

Dicks said his company, for example, recently installed an emergency generator backup for a 10,000 square foot commercial building in Lake Mary.

DIX Generators, a disabled veteran-owned small business, is bracing for a huge increase in orders before June 1, and Dicks said it typically takes about four to six weeks to install a system, from start to finish.