NAI Realvest Negotiates $670,000 Purchase of Sanford Building - Orlando Electrical Contractor Buys Building, To Double the Company’s Size to 50

SANFORD — Jason G. Toll, MiCP of NAI Realvest successfully negotiated the $670,000 sale of a 5,200 square foot building at a Sanford industrial park from Performance Telecom Inc. to EchoED, an Orlando electrical contracting firm.

The one-story building, at 611 Central Park Drive, is located between State Road 46 and St. Johns Parkway.

“The move from Orlando into Sanford will afford EchoED the opportunity to expand their service by adding approximately 17 to a current staff of 33 thereby helping them to build their client base,” according to Toll, the company’s Director of its Industrial Services Group.

EchoED, who was represented in the transaction by Josiah Biddle of the Orlando-based McNulty Group, plans to be operating from its new location by the first quarter of 2020, according to Toll.

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About NAI Realvest:

Serving all of central Florida, NAI Realvest is a fully integrated commercial real estate operating company specializing in brokerage, development, investment, leasing and management, consulting and research services in the U.S. and worldwide through NAI Global, an international commercial real estate network with over 400 offices spanning the globe. Since 1978, clients have built their businesses on the power of NAI Global’s expanding network. Extensive services include multi-site acquisitions and dispositions, sublease, tenant representation, lease administration and audit, investment services, due diligence and related consulting and advisory services. To learn more, visit www.nairealvest.com.

M/I Homes’ Newest Central Florida Community – Dean’s Crossing at Little Econ – is Starting to Take Shape in Orlando

ORLANDO – M/I Homes has begun development of Dean’s Crossing at Little Econ just off Dean Road and Curry Ford Rd. in East Orlando.

Sales for the 51-homesite community are expected to begin during the fourth quarter of this year, according to David Byrnes, M/I Homes’ Area President. Prices will range from the high $200s through the $300s.

Amenities at the single-family community will include a community pond with walking trails, Byrnes said.

Five floor plans with varying living spaces will be offered: The Markham, 1,610; The Amhurst, 2,121; The Norwood II, 2,192; The Bedford, 2,433 and The Halifax, 2,888.

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NAI Realvest Closes on Land Near I-75 / SR 44 Interchange, Hotel Construction to Start by Mid-October

Wildwood, Fla. – NAI Realvest recently closed on the $825,000 sale of 2.7 acres at County Road 229 and State Road 44 just east of the I-75 Interchange in Wildwood.

MPH Hotels, Inc. headed by Michael P. Holtz, a hotel developer / operator based in St. Petersburg, purchased the property to build a 92-room Holiday Inn Express that will break ground in mid-late October.

Kevin O’Connor and Matt Cichocki, principals of NAI Realvest, brokered the transaction on behalf of the buyer and the Winter Park-based seller 2511 Howell LLC whose principal is a local investor / owner of several businesses.

MPH currently has several hotels under development or open and operating throughout the Midwest and Florida. The Wildwood hotel is scheduled to open December 1, 2020.

“The SR 44 corridor between I-75 and The Villages has seen a strong surge of development activity since the expansion of The Villages to the south,” O’Connor said.

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About NAI Realvest

NAI Realvest, covering all of central Florida, is a fully integrated commercial real estate operating company specializing in brokerage, development, investment, leasing and management, consulting and research services in the U.S. and worldwide. NAI Global is an international commercial real estate network with over 400 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.

About MPH Hotels, Inc.

MPH Hotels Develops limited service hotels, typically 75 to 150 rooms in secondary markets to operate for a period of time; then sell the hotel and realize the potential gain for the investors. The company sees a tremendous opportunity for growth as the secondary markets continue to grow throughout the country and the need for quality lodging in these markets expands. Since its inception, MPH Hotels has developed/acquired and/or constructed over 26 hotels in seven states. To learn more, visit www.mphhotels.com

Regal | Christie’s International Real Estate Hires British Realtor Duo

ORLANDO – Two real estate agents with commonalities including their names and birthplaces recently joined the sales staff at Regal | Christie’s International Real Estate.

Realtors Janet Allen and Janice Edwards-Diaz, “The Jans Team,” will work out of all five Regal | Christie’s offices, focusing on the luxury segment of the market, assisting buyers and sellers throughout Central Florida and beyond, according to Joyce Marsh, Regal | Christie’s regional manager.

“With more than 40 years of combined experience in the industry, ‘The Jans’ have extensive market knowledge of luxury properties; both local and international,” Marsh said. The team, formerly with Coldwell Banker, focused primarily in the Reunion area for several years and now will broaden their area to include Celebration.

Originally from Wales, Allen came to the United States on a golf scholarship at Mississippi State University where she graduated with a bachelor’s degree in the management of building construction and land development. A Class A member of the PGA of America, she had a successful career in the golf industry before obtaining her real estate license in 2012. Since then, the Certified International Property Specialist has focused on the global luxury market.

Edwards-Diaz, a native of England, has been a licensed realtor since 1986. The University of Lancaster graduate came to the Orlando area as part of the sales and marketing team for Disney World’s opening of the EPCOT Center, beginning a successful leadership career in hospitality before delving into real estate. A Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist and member of the Million Dollar Club, Edwards-Diaz is fluent in Spanish and French, and offers clients a combination of local knowledge and international sales experience.

With five central Florida offices [Orlando, Celebration, Winter Park, Lake Mary and Clermont], Regal | Christie’s hires the industry’s top performing agents to provide buyers and sellers of luxury real estate an unparalleled level of customer service.

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Hold-Thyssen Locates New Pasco County Location for Klima Insurance Expansion, Drives Down Employees’ Commute

Carol Kinnard

Trinity, Fla. --- Hold-Thyssen, Inc., a full service commercial property firm based in Winter Park, with offices in Clearwater, recently negotiated a multi-year lease agreement representing a new tenant – Klima Insurance Services, Inc – at Trinity Professional Park.

The lease of Suite 102 with 1,935 square feet at 2160 Duck Slough Blvd. will be the new office of the growing insurance firm when it relocates from Tampa in October.

Carol L. Kinnard, Transaction Specialist in Hold-Thyssen’s Clearwater office, brokered the transaction once she identified the site that will provide ample space for growth and reduce employee commuting times. Martin Trinity Investments, LLC is the landlord.

Hold-Thyssen based in Winter Park with offices in Clearwater, 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 than 100 commercial properties throughout the United States.

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Regal | Christie’s International Real Estate Opens New Lake Mary Gallery – Its Fifth Central Florida Location

LAKE MARY, Fla. – Regal | Christie’s International Real Estate specializing in luxury home sales has opened a fifth Central Florida location in a high-end building at 171 International Parkway Suite 1711 in Heathrow.

The brokerage’s rapid growth and success of their other locations prompted Broker/Owner Chris Christensen to open the additional gallery that will serve the Seminole, Volusia and North Orlando areas. Veteran real estate professional Mel Bernstein is a partner in the new Lake Mary office.

“Regal | Christie’s International Real Estate is revolutionizing the way people buy and sell properties. Our new Property Gallery in Lake Mary was designed to create a relaxed atmosphere where visitors can enjoy a complete gourmet coffee menu while browsing exquisite properties in a casual lounge setting,” said Joyce Marsh, Regional Manager.

The only Central Florida affiliate for the Christie’s International Real Estate worldwide luxury brand has similar galleries on Sand Lake Road in Dr. Phillips, in Celebration, Clermont and Winter Park.

“Our homes are displayed in stunning high definition video in front of thousands of local potential buyers, and international visitors that dine and shop in Dr. Phillips, Winter Park, Celebration, Clermont, and now Lake Mary. This is a truly unique offering for our sellers.”

"Exciting things are happening in the real estate industry and Regal | Christie's International Real Estate is committed to being on the cutting edge of the changes in the marketplace,” Marsh said.

Homebuilder Taylor Morrison Awards Blackton 4th Multi Year, Multi Million Dollar Flooring Contract, Budgets 300 Homes Per Year

ORLANDO / KISSIMMEE -- Blackton, Inc., ranked as one of Central Florida’s largest and most active distributors of materials to homebuilders, has been awarded a contract to provide flooring at Solivita a 55+ community on Village Drive in Kissimmee.

The award represents the 4th one this year Taylor Morrison awarded Blackton to supply flooring for new home construction at single-family home communities in Osceola County.

Michael “Micky” Blackton, chairman and CEO of Blackton Inc., said the family-owned firm will provide flooring for over 300 homes at Solivita within the next year with a value of approximately $3.5 million and they have enough land for this product for at least another 20 years.

Work will begin on the new model homes at Solivita when all permits are received by the end of the year and Blackton is already underway on the flooring for the three other Taylor Morrison communities in Osceola County, including Hickory Grove in St. Cloud, Reedy Reserve and Stepping Stone in Kissimmee.

Blackton, Inc. a family owned business located on Alden Road near downtown Orlando has been supplying the home building industry from Jacksonville to Tampa for over 60 years.

Carolina Construction Firm and Mobile Food Truck Builder Ink New Multi Year Leases at Poinciana CommerCenter East

Poinciana CommerCenter East

Orlando / Kissimmee, Fla. -- NAI Realvest closed on two new long term leases at Poinciana CommerCenter East for two growing industries. Both businesses expect to open in the next 60-90 days at the office-warehouse campus on US 17-92/Orange Blossom Trail just east of Poinciana Blvd.

CRM of the Carolinas, LLC leased 4,950 square feet at 1793-1797 Business Center Lane to better serve clients in central Florida. The Pawleys Island, S.C.-based company with multiple locations serves HOAs and property managers 24-7 with residential and commercial construction repairs and maintenance. CRM’s operations are planned to start at Poinciana in November or December once tenant improvements are complete.

Heat Custom, LLC, a custom manufacturer of food trucks and mobile kitchens will move into a 3,780 square foot unit at 1821 Business Center Lane. The company has a West Park, Fla. (Broward County) location and plans to open their new Central Florida operation by late October.

NAI Realvest Principals Kevin O’Connor and Matt Cichocki brokered both transactions on behalf of the landlord Hanover Poinciana Commercial East, LLC.

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About NAI Realvest

NAI Realvest in Orlando, covering all of Central Florida, is a fully integrated commercial real estate operating company specializing in brokerage, development, investment, leasing and management, consulting and research services in the U.S. and worldwide. NAI Global is an international commercial real estate network with over 400 offices spanning the globe. Since 1978, clients have built businesses on the power of NAI Global’s expanding network. Extensive services include multi-site acquisitions and dispositions, sublease, tenant representation, lease administration and audit, investment services, due diligence and related consulting and advisory services. To learn more, visit www.NAIRealvest.com.

NAI Realvest Closes on New Lease to Insurance Agency Expanding Operations from Kissimmee to Heaven III Office / Flex Campus in South Orlando

ORLANDO – NAI Realvest recently negotiated a multi-year lease agreement for 7,715 square feet of office space in Suite 450 at 6925 Lake Ellenor Drive in Heaven III. The high-tech office / flex campus at the intersection of Lancaster Road in South Orlando will be the new home of a local agency for Florida Blue.

The NAI Realvest team of Chris Adams and Tom R. Kelley II, CCIM, represented the landlord of business park Heaven 3 RE LLC whose principals are south Florida investors Michael and James Kramer. The Landlord provided the new tenant Allied Marketing Insurance Group, Inc. with a large tenant improvement allowance for retrofitting the space for its operations. Jorge Matos of Keller Williams Advantage III-KW Commercial represented the tenant.

Adams and Kelley also brokered lease agreements with Nuevo Comienzo en Jesus Spanish SCA Co for 3,000 square feet of office space in Suite 112 and with Poplar Healthcare Management LLC for 2,500 square feet in Suite 501B at Heaven III.

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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 400 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.

Large Portfolio of Downtown Class A Office Condos Hits the Market At The Plaza on Orange Ave. and Church St. – The Center of CBD

ORLANDO – More than 83,000 square feet of Class A office condominiums in downtown Orlando at 121 and 189 S. Orange Ave. and Church St. was launched on the market this month. For the first time in 12 years a large assortment of downtown Class A office space can be purchased.

The Plaza

One of the biggest, most sophisticated mixed-use developments within downtown Orlando’s CBD – The Plaza’s North and South towers built in 2006 and 2007 – has approximately 400,000 square feet of premium class “A” office space with select office condominium suites now being offered for sale. Thornton Park based Stirling International Real Estate is representing the property.

A selection of ready-to-move-in suites are available ranging from 2,400± square feet to an entire floor with nearly 20,000± square feet, according to John Kurtz and Roger Soderstrom, Jr., the Stirling team exclusively handling marketing and sales of the large portfolio. They’re also seeking investors for the opportunity to purchase several market rate leased suites with tenants in place.

“Sale prices average about $240 per square foot and vary by floor, finishes, views and special features like private balconies,” Soderstrom said.

One of the first office condominiums to hit the market is an executive penthouse with over 20,000 square feet – 10,891 square feet of office surrounded by a private 10,000 square foot garden terrace which provides employees with an indoor-outdoor work environment.

“We see this 20,000± rooftop penthouse office suite as a one-of-a-kind buying opportunity for a corporate headquarters office,” said Kurtz. “Recent studies show that companies can recruit the best employees and keep them engaged, happy and healthy when they can make outdoors and fresh air a part of their workday.”

“Nearly all of the office space in downtown Orlando is only available for lease,” Soderstrom said. “This is a rare and limited opportunity for a company to own its own office at a fraction of the cost to build a new office in the CBD, which could cost as much as $375-$400 per square foot.”

Conventional financing is offered to buyers as well as 90% SBA financing which allows buyers to include closing costs, tenant improvements and new FF&E costs into their mortgage, according to Soderstrom.

The seller, RSC-Plaza Office Condos, LLC is part of Real Capital Solutions based in Louisville, Colo. near Denver. The company has been actively acquiring value-add and core office buildings in Central Florida and recently acquired the 226,000 Siemens Building by UCF.

The downtown Orlando office market is one of the hottest in the state with a current vacancy rate of 7.1%, causing a surge in rental rates, Kurtz explained.

Companies purchasing their own office condo here can readily expand with a growing talent pool and technological innovation driven by the UCF-Valencia downtown campus and Creative Village which is among the billions of dollars in construction and development underway in the CBD including, SunTrust Plaza at Church Street Station, Dr. Phillips Performing Arts Center addition, Magic mixed use entertainment project and the I-4 expansion.

The Plaza mixed use development as a whole is highly amenitized with 105,000 square feet of high end retail within the two towers including a 12-screen cinema, restaurants, and 306 Solar residential units. Its location with close proximity to major thoroughfares is significant and an asset for users who require easy access in Central Florida and throughout the state.

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