Friday, May 11, 2012

Cuhaci & Peterson Architects Completes Design of Seasons 52 Restaurant in Sacramento

ORLANDO, Fla. --- Cuhaci & Peterson Architects, LLC based in Orlando’s Baldwin Park, recently completed design of a new Seasons 52 restaurant in Sacramento, Calif.

Lonnie Peterson, chairman of Cuhaci & Peterson Architects, said Philadelphia-based PREIT Services, LLC is the developer of 18,000 square foot facility.

The restaurant is located at the Arden Fair Mall on Arden Way and will create approximately 100 jobs.

Cuhaci & Peterson Architects is one of the nation’s leading designers of retail space with projects that total more than one million square feet annually

Unique Online Kissimmee Based Tea Retailer Wins Grand Prize in International Business Competition

KISSIMMEE, Fla. --- Luhse Tea LLC, an innovative online retailer of Luhse (loose) teas, a spice blend, and tea accessories that supports the brewing and consumption of Luhse tea won the $1,000 grand prize in the international “Tell Moo About You” business competition sponsored by online printing services Moo USA (usa.moo.com).

The contest---and Luhse Tea’s grand prize---has already brought international recognition and immediate response to the firm, said co-founders Mindy S. Ferris and Brittney M. Wholihan

The mother-daughter team, who call themselves “The Dames,” launched Luhse Tea last December with a 1920’s prohibition theme, designed to promote the use of “Luhse” Tea over traditional tea bags.

“The Dames,” developed their approach while traveling the world and experiencing cultural differences as a military family.

The catchphrase for their marketing campaign — “Get Luhse” — aims at giving tea a new face, said co-founder Ferris.

“The Dames are revamping tea’s stodgy image,” Ferris said. “Our philosophy of tea drinking is simple. Every sip’s a trip. For a few moments in one’s hurried day, we can be transported to another place. Luhse Tea believes every consumer deserves the best, and we are committed to giving it to you.”

In January, Luhse Tea was featured as “site of the day” AWWWARDS.com, based on the site’s design, creativity and innovation.

In February, Shopify, the company’s commerce platform, began using Luhse Tea as a featured example on their website, and blogged about the company’s effective logo.

“We want to free your tea from the mass produced confinements of stodgy-brand teabags,” Wholihan said.

To learn more about Luhse Tea, visit www.luhsetea.com or follow Luhse Tea on Twitter @LuhseTea, Facebook, www.facebook.com/luhseTea or the Luhse Tea blog at LuhseTea.com.

Luhse Tea is a University of Central Florida Business Incubation Program company based in Kissimmee.

About the UCF Business Incubation Program
Since its founding in 1999, the UCF Business Incubation Program has helped more than 200 emerging companies (including more than 134 current clients) create over $363 million in annual total economic output and more than 3,120 new jobs (taking direct and indirect and induced impact into account) with an average salary of $59,000. With ten facilities across the Greater Orlando community, the Business Incubation Program is a collaboration in economic development among the University of Central Florida, Orange County, the City of Orlando, Seminole County, the City of Apopka, the City of Winter Springs, the City of Sanford, Lake County, the City of Leesburg, Osceola County, the City of Kissimmee, City of St. Cloud, Volusia County and the Florida High Tech Corridor Council. For more information about the Program and its clients and graduates, please visit www.incubator.ucf.edu and UCFBIP on Facebook, on www.facebook.com/ucf4bip.

Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty Appoints Lilliam Rodriguez Int'l Luxury Home Specialist

ORLANDO, Fla. --- Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty has appointed Lilliam Rodriguez an International Luxury Home Specialist working out of its Orlando marketing center at Dr. Phillips.

Roger Soderstrom, founder and owner of Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty, said Rodriguez, who is focused on the southwest Orlando market including Celebration in Osceola County is a veteran Realtor, fluent in Spanish with more than 13 years of experience in Central Florida.

“Lilliam Rodriguez has been focusing on home sales in the Celebration community because international market demand for Celebration is strong and projected to grow over the next 12 months,” Soderstrom said.

Rodriguez said 132 homes at Celebration sold in the last 12 months compared to 124 in the previous 12 month period.

“The number of sales may trend down at Celebration because fewer properties are being put on the market. Home prices will likely rise over the next 12 months,” she said.

Lilliam Rodriguez is a highly trained professional who has won awards and recognition for sales and for her role managing real estate offices, Soderstrom said.

“Throughout her career she has focused on the Celebration market, and we expect her to play a big role in our continued growth in the south Orlando, Celebration and Windermere areas.”

Rodriguez is an instructor in the Brian Buffini Mentor Program and a graduate of the Tom Hopkins Mastery Boot Camp program, he added.

About Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty:
Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty is affiliated with Sotheby’s International Realty, the largest luxury real estate brand in the world. Stirling Sotheby’s exclusive services include luxury residential, new homes, new home communities, commercial and investment properties, in addition to supporting builders, developers, lenders, and asset managers. The company operates two performance zones which serve all of Central Florida. Visit www.StirlingSIR.com.

NAI Realvest Negotiates $240,408 Sale of Office Condo at Windermere Business Center

ORLANDO, Fla. -- NAI Realvest recently negotiated the purchase of a 2,226 square foot office condo in Windermere Business Center, 6735 Conroy Rd. at the northeast corner of Conroy and Turkey Lake Roads in Southwest Orlando.

Senior broker associate Sean DuPree CCIM at NAI Realvest negotiated the transaction representing the buyer, Clearwater-based Windermere Business Center Ltd. who paid $240,408 for the property which includes units 214 and 216 at the retail/office center.

The seller, Sand Lake Realty Holding LLC, was represented by Tim Spencer of Coldwell Banker.

About NAI Realvest:
NAI Realvest, serving all of Central Florida, is a fully integrated commercial real estate operating company specializing in brokerage, development, investment, leasing and management, consulting and research services in the U.S. and worldwide. NAI Global is an international commercial real estate network with over 350 offices spanning the globe. Since 1978, clients have built businesses on the power of NAI Global’s expanding network.
Extensive services include multi-site acquisitions and dispositions, sublease, tenant representation, lease administration and audit, investment services, due diligence and related consulting and advisory services. To learn more, visit www.NAIRealvest.com.

Cuhaci & Peterson Architects Completes Design Work for Shula Bar & Grill at Miami Int'l Airport

ORLANDO, Fla. --- Cuhaci & Peterson Architects based in Orlando’s Baldwin Park recently completed design work for the Shula Bar & Grill American Steak House at Miami International Airport.

Lonnie Peterson, chairman of Cuhaci & Peterson Architects, said the facility totals 2,000 square feet of space.

Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty Named Exclusive Broker For 5.23-Acre Development Site

ORLANDO, Fla. --- Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty has been named exclusive sales and marketing agents for a 5.23-acre commercial development site on S.R. 434 in Winter Springs.

Roger Soderstrom, founder and owner of Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty, said the property is zoned C-1 and offers 890 feet of frontage on SR-434.

“The property is located between Moss and Tuscawilla Roads, with easy access to the SR 417 expressway, which makes it ideal for office development or retail,” Soderstrom said.

Ingrid Cameron in Stirling Sotheby’s Lake Mary-Heathrow Marketing Center is representing the property, which has all utilities including water, sewer, and natural gas.

Cameron said the property is being offered for sale priced at $800,000 and the seller will entertain all offers.

About Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty:
Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty is affiliated with Sotheby’s International Realty, the largest luxury real estate brand in the world. Stirling Sotheby’s exclusive services include luxury residential, new homes, new home communities, commercial and investment properties, in addition to supporting builders, developers, lenders, and asset managers. The company operates two performance zones which serve all of Central Florida. Visit www.StirlingSIR.com.

Thursday, May 10, 2012

NAI Realvest Negotiates Lease Agreement to Open Sports Themed Restaurant at Dellagio Town Center on Sand Lake Rd.

ORLANDO, Fla. - NAI Realvest recently negotiated a new lease agreement for 6,000 square feet of retail space at Dellagio Town Center on Sand Lake Rd. in Southwest Orlando.

Chairman George Livingston and Christie Alexander, principals at NAI Realvest, and Broker Associate Drew Saphos, CCIM and Associate Paul Vera represented the tenant.

The lease will bring a Miller’s Field restaurant to the upscale center. Craig Miller, former CEO at Ruth’s Chris Steak House, is a principal of the restaurant chain, which operates a Miller’s Field restaurant and sports bar in San Diego, California.

The landlord was represented by Amy Schuemann with Unicorp National Developments, Inc., the owner/developer of the center.

About NAI Realvest
NAI Realvest, serving all of Central Florida, is a fully integrated commercial real estate operating company specializing in brokerage, development, investment, leasing and management, consulting and research services in the U.S. and worldwide. NAI Global is an international commercial real estate network with over 350 offices spanning the globe. Since 1978, clients have built businesses on the power of NAI Global’s expanding network. Extensive services include multi-site acquisitions and dispositions, sublease, tenant representation, lease administration and audit, investment services, due diligence and related consulting and advisory services. To learn more, visit www.nairealvest.com.

Ryland Homes opens Sentinel Walk near Marietta Country Club in Historic Kennesaw Georgia

ATLANTA, Ga. --- Ryland Homes recently opened Sentinel Walk, a new home community located off Stilesboro Road 6.5 miles west of I-75 and Hwy. 41 near Marietta Country Club in prestigious Cobb County, and the response was immediate.

Frank Allen, senior sales counselor for Ryland Homes, said one family bought a new home at Sentinel Walk within the first week of the community’s opening.

Ryland’s first Interactive Sales Center in Georgia also brought rave reviews from home buyers, Allen said.

“Ryland has developed a compelling high tech digital presentation that is informative, professional, and captivating,” Allen said.

Ryland Homes plans to build 40 new three, four, five and six-bedroom homes at Sentinel Walk from its Masters Collection and its Georgian Collection. Homes are priced from the low $300s.

New homes at Sentinel Walk range in size from 2,515 to 5,155 square feet of living space with brick exteriors on three sides, dimensional roof shingles and enormous kitchens.

All 40 home sites are wooded and streets at Sentinel Walk will be tree-lined, Allen said.

Half of the home sites at Sentinel Walk will permit basements.

A two-acre community pond forms the center of the community surrounded by three cul-de-sac streets.

Civil War history abounds on and around the community. Close by Kennesaw National Battlefield Park provides outstanding outdoor activities as well as community affairs projects and activities.

For more information, visit www.ryland.com.

Thursday, May 3, 2012

Site work underway at Tupelo in Mount Pleasant, Construction of new homes to start in October

CHARLESTON, S.C. --- Ryland Homes has started site development for 155 single family home sites at Tupelo, located on Hwy. 17 North near Wando High School in Mt. Pleasant.

Brian Cartwright Vice President of Sales & Marketing at Ryland Homes in Charleston said Ryland plans to build new three, four and five bedroom designs priced from the $200s at Tupelo.

Development of an entry road is underway, along with site work for Phase I with 60 homesites.

Construction of model homes is expected to start in the fourth quarter of this year, and Ryland Homes will eventually build an amenity center with a swimming pool, Cartwright said.

Ryland Homes currently builds single family homes in seven communities throughout the Charleston-Myrtle Beach region. Visit www.ryland.com

About Ryland Homes
With headquarters in Southern California, Ryland is one of the nation’s largest homebuilders and a leading mortgage-finance company. The company currently operates in 28 markets across the country and has built more than 285,000 homes and financed more than 235,000 mortgages since its founding in 1967. Ryland is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “RYL.” Visit www.Ryland.com

Del Webb Orlando Residents Partner with Local “Green Bag Project” to Provide Food for Needy School Children in Polk, Osceola County

ORLANDO, Fla. – Residents of Del Webb Orlando, the award-winning active adult community located on Ridgewood Lakes Blvd. in Davenport just south of Orlando, have volunteered to assist the Green Bag Project, a registered 501(c)3 charitable organization that is currently providing food to more than 450 hungry children in Osceola and Polk Counties.

Sandi Peterson, volunteer and spokesperson at Del Webb Orlando, said its Community Service Club has partnered with Tom Brannigan a Polk County resident who organized the Green Bag Project. His group has opened food pantries in six elementary schools in Northeast Polk and Osceola Counties.

Children in need are identified by their school teachers. Nine basic food items are provided, and volunteers fill bags of food items for children to take home on weekends.

“Some kids have such a tough time at home that they go hungry all weekend,” Brannigan said. “Many are identified as homeless, and some of them live in extended stay motels with their families.”

Elementary schools provide breakfast and lunch meals during the week, but on weekends it’s a different story.

Several additional schools have requested that the Green Bag Project open weekend food pantries in their schools.

“There is a real and striking need to feed the hungry right here in Central Florida,” Brannigan said. “When a child is hungry, it doesn’t help to blame the parents, or the economy, or anyone else. We can’t have children going hungry in Central Florida and call ourselves a civilized society.”

“Our Club here at Del Webb Orlando hopes to have enough manpower and resources to one day sponsor an elementary school on our own,” Peterson said. “Meanwhile we’ll keep helping Tom who’s always looking for more resources and volunteers and we feel privileged to help support him,” she said.

The Community Service Club is one of over 15 chartered clubs and several small groups at Del Webb Orlando. Residents at Del Webb Orlando share in the desire to be active in their local community and reach out to make a difference though their many projects and events.

The 30,800 square foot Montecito Clubhouse is a happening place for residents at Del Webb Orlando with a full time lifestyle director and a vast array of educational, recreational and entertainment programs and events all year long.

About Del Webb
Del Webb, the pioneer of active adult retirement communities, is America’s leading builder of developments for people ages 55+. Since 1960, Del Webb has redefined retirement and retirement living by meeting the housing and lifestyle needs of the active Baby Boomer. Del Webb’s amenities and program offerings provide residents an engaging environment, which fulfills their creative, social, physical fitness and intellectual needs as they journey into the next chapter in their lives – whether it means retirement or still working. Del Webb has grown to more than 50 communities currently open for new home sales in 20 states. For more information on Del Webb, visit www.delwebb.com. To learn more about how to plan a smart future, check out financial tools at delwebb.com/value.

About PulteGroup
PulteGroup, Inc. (NYSE: PHM), based in Bloomfield Hills, Mich., is one of America’s largest home building companies with operations in approximately 60 markets throughout the country. Through its brand portfolio that includes Centex, Pulte Homes and Del Webb, the company is one of the industry’s most versatile homebuilders able to meet the needs of multiple buyer groups and respond to changing consumer demand. PulteGroup conducts extensive research to provide home buyers with innovative solutions and new homes designed for the way people actually live today. As the most awarded home builder in customer satisfaction, PulteGroup brands have consistently ranked among top home builders in third-party customer satisfaction studies.

For more information about PulteGroup, Inc. and PulteGroup brands, see pultegroup.com; www.pulte.com; www.centex.com; www.delwebb.com