Real Estate News from Monaghan Communications

KTGY-Designed Eco-friendly Student Housing Begins Construction in Northern California

2010-10-19T14:02:00.000-07:00

The Sobrato Organization Begins Construction on KTGY-designed Eco-friendly Apartments for Santa Clara University Students

IRVINE, CALIF. - Award-winning KTGY Group, Inc., Architecture and Planning, is pleased to announce construction of a new student housing community at Santa Clara University (SCU) in the Silicon Valley. The developer is The Sobrato Organization of Cupertino, a family-owned, privately held real estate investment organization focused on residential and office developments.

Upon completion in fall 2011, this new eco-friendly residential community, designed by KTGY, will provide 400 beds for the University’s junior and senior students.

“Santa Clara University is excited to have its first eco-friendly housing complex for students, especially since the university’s mission is to become more sustainable and climate neutral,” said Joe Sugg, assistant vice president of University Operations at SCU. “While we teach our students about the importance of reducing, reusing, and recycling, the best way to lead is by example.”

SCU is committed to climate neutrality by 2015, meaning the University intends to have net zero carbon emissions by that year. The University has also implemented many energy efficiency measures to help reach this goal.

“This new development represents a partnership between Santa Clara University and The Sobrato Organization to ease the demand for on campus student housing,” said The Sobrato Organization’s Rich Truempler, director, development. “For over 50 years, the Sobrato Family has played a dynamic role in the emergence and growth of the Silicon Valley. We are very pleased to help Santa Clara University meet the needs of its growing student population and its sustainability and climate neutrality goals.”

The new student housing is located at 1260 Campbell Avenue on 5.18 acres of land in both the cities of Santa Clara and San Jose. The urban infill site is directly adjacent to SCU’s Stephen Schott Stadium and within easy walking distance to University classes and events as well as rail transit.

Designed under the Build It Green standards, which incorporates the latest in energy efficiency, indoor air quality, resource conservation and water conservation, the new housing is being built on the site of a former commercial/industrial building. Some of the eco-friendly design features include:

Energy Star-rated lighting and windows
Dark Sky compliant exterior lighting
Water-saving fixtures in the bathrooms
High efficiency dual-flush toilets
Trash and recycling receptacles made from recycled content
Zero volatile organic compound (VOC) interior paints and low VOC interior finishes and adhesives
Building materials that contain recycled content and do not emit harmful chemicals

The thoughtfully-planned student apartment homes will range in size from one bedroom, one bath at 604 square feet to four bedrooms, two bathrooms at 1,382 square feet. The new student residential community will feature a 4,500-square-foot student services center, which includes a spacious multipurpose event room with a kitchen and support services facility. Outdoor amenities include social and recreation areas plus bike storage.

According to David Obitz, KTGY principal and lead designer for the project, the new student housing community and student services center will blend with SCU’s mix of Early California, Italianate, and contemporary themes.

“The new student residential community’s design concept and organization gathers the student housing around a series of greenbelt mews, anchored by a central courtyard. The sequential spaces are activated by two volleyball courts, a bocce ball court, multiple outdoor kitchen/barbecue and seating areas and plazas. All ‘roads’ lead to the hub of activity, the student services center,” added Obitz.

KTGY has won countless awards for its many campus, mixed-income, affordable, workforce, and senior housing projects. KTGY recently completed a new housing development for professors and staff of the San Mateo County Community College District (SMCCCD) as well as a 1,753-bed student housing development, which achieved LEED Gold on the campus of University of California, Irvine (UCI), KTGY's third UCI campus project. KTGY is currently designing three off-campus student apartment projects near several impacted campuses in the prime markets of San Diego, San Gabriel Valley and Los Angeles. The sites are directly adjacent to or within ¾ mile of the main campuses. Developers are considering student housing developments as the market has shifted from condo-mania to for-rent product, Obitz stated.

About Santa Clara University
Santa Clara University, a comprehensive Jesuit, Catholic university located 40 miles south of San Francisco in California’s Silicon Valley, offers its more than 8,800 students rigorous undergraduate curricula in arts and sciences, business, theology, and engineering, plus master’s and law degrees and engineering Ph.D.s. Distinguished nationally by one of the highest graduation rates among all U.S. master’s universities, California’s oldest operating higher-education institution demonstrates faith-inspired values of ethics and social justice. For more information, see www.scu.edu.

About The Sobrato Organization
Since 1953, the Sobrato Family has played a pivotal role in shaping Silicon Valley with unique facilities that provide compelling benefits for forward-thinking companies. Founded by John A. Sobrato in 1979, The Sobrato Organization today remains a family-owned firm with no outside investors or joint venture partners. Led by chairman and founder John A. Sobrato and his son, John M. Sobrato, who serves as chief executive officer, the firm is known for its integrity and dedication. Today, Sobrato owns more than 86 commercial properties in the Silicon Valley and over 400 acres of land throughout Santa Clara and Alameda counties. Sobrato's office and R&D projects comprise 7.96 million square feet, most of which are Class A, mid-rise office buildings. The firm also owns 30 apartment communities totaling 7,300 units along the West Coast. For more information, see www.sobrato.com.

About KTGY Group, Inc.
Established in 1991, KTGY Group, Inc., Architecture and Planning, provides comprehensive planning and award-winning architectural design services for residential communities, retail, hospitality, mixed-use and related specialty developments. KTGY delivers innovative solutions that reflect clear understanding of development, marketing and financial performance and takes particular pride in its highly motivated and principal led studios. Serving clients worldwide, KTGY maintains offices in Irvine, Oakland and Santa Monica, Calif., Denver, Colo., and Tysons Corner, Va. See www.ktgy.com.

UHC Begins Construction on 49 High Quality, Affordable Apartment Homes

2010-10-18T22:45:00.000-07:00

LEFT TO RIGHT:
Joyce Maskell, Redevelopment Manager, Business Assistance & Housing Services Department, City of Morgan Hill
Garrett Toy, Director, Business Assistance & Housing Services Department, City of Morgan Hill
John Telfer, South County Realty
Larry Kent, President, Kent Construction
John Bigley, Chief Operating Officer, Urban Housing Communities
Larry Carr, Councilmember, City of Morgan Hill
Marilyn Librers, Mayor Pro Tempore, City of Morgan Hill

KTGY-Designed Eco-Friendly Senior Housing Breaks Ground in Northern California
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Urban Housing Communities begins construction on 49 high quality, affordable apartment homes

IRVINE, CALIF. - According to KTGY Group Inc., Architecture and Planning, Santa Ana-based developer Urban Housing Communities LLC has commenced construction on Horizons at Morgan Hill, a 49-unit affordable senior housing community in Morgan Hill, Calif., developed in collaboration with the City of Morgan Hill Redevelopment Agency, Bank of America, and KTGY. Upon completion in August 2011, this new $21.2 million community will offer healthy, supportive and eco-friendly apartment homes to seniors 55 years and older earning between 30 percent and 50 percent of Santa Clara County median income.

“We are excited to begin construction on Horizons at Morgan Hill and are thankful to our partners—the city and county, investors and lenders—who have helped us,” said John Bigley, Chief Operating Officer of Urban Housing Communities (UHC). "This project will offer seniors an attractive, healthy and supportive place to enjoy this next phase of their life. We look forward to meeting our future residents."

Designed by KTGY, Horizons at Morgan Hill will offer 36 one-bedroom, one-bath and 13 two-bedroom, two-bath apartment homes, averaging approximately 778 square feet and 1,025 square feet respectively, and occupying a single three‐story building. Each thoughtfully-planned apartment home will offer a covered patio/balcony, central heat and air conditioning, walk‐in closets, Energy Star lighting, windows and appliances (including a refrigerator, dishwasher and garbage disposal), water‐saving kitchen and bathroom fixtures, dual flush toilets, a gas range, washer/dryer hookups, tankless water heaters, high‐speed internet access, and be wired for cable television. Rents are expected to range from $597 to $1,193 per month, based on family size and income level.

“Over the next decade, many seniors nearing retirement age may be forced to relocate due to fixed incomes and increasing housing costs,” said Garrett Toy, Director of the City of Morgan Hill’s Business Assistance and Housing Services Department. “Horizons at Morgan Hill will enable seniors to afford to remain in Morgan Hill after retirement. This beautiful, new project will provide affordable senior rental housing to a growing population, eliminate a blighted property, install McLaughlin Avenue and much needed public improvements. Horizons is conveniently located near the downtown and public transportation providing easy access to shopping, medical services and senior recreation,” added Toy.

Located on 2.60 acres of land at 98 E. Central Avenue in Morgan Hill, Calif., at the intersection of Central Avenue and McLaughlin Avenue, west of Highway 101, Horizons at Morgan Hill will feature a spacious 3,000-square-foot community center with a computer lab, media center, a fully-equipped kitchen, a manager’s office, laundry facilities, community garden, swimming pool, picnic and BBQ area, and generously landscaped courtyard areas.

The community center will also serve as the location of a supportive services program provided by UHC’s non-profit partner, Central Valley Coalition for Affordable Housing (CVC). CVC provides resident‐based services to support seniors in achieving personal, financial and family goals. By building long‐term, trusting relationships with senior residents, CVC encourages individuals to find and follow their own path. Services include budget planning, housekeeping tips, credit counseling, resume writing, computer training, physical fitness instruction and health/nutrition classes.

"We have designed ample open space and multiple seating areas to promote interaction and activity among the residents of the Horizons at Morgan Hill," said KTGY Studio Director Alan Scales. "Additionally, the pedestrian-friendly location, a great swimming pool, physical fitness and nutrition classes, and a community garden encourage the residents to stay physically active and healthy. Furthermore, the Horizons at Morgan Hill's senior programs help the residents explore a variety of opportunities and enjoy a new, dynamic phase of their life, which makes getting older more fun!"

Adding to the healthy lifestyle is the eco-friendly, sustainable design. Horizons at Morgan Hill has been designed to exceed Title 24 energy-efficiency standards by more than 15 percent, lowering energy consumption and providing another cost-saving benefit to residents. Solar panels will generate electricity for community room and outdoor common area lighting. Additional green features include: zero‐VOC interior paint and primer, and low‐VOC paints, adhesives and finishes for all interior application; low dust stucco; formaldehyde free Insulation; insulated walls, ceilings, floor joists, and roofs; fiber cement siding that contains recycled content, does not emit harmful chemicals into the environment and is manufactured in environmentally friendly plants (SFI certified); energy-efficient roofing that contains recycled content, does not emit harmful chemicals into the environment and is manufactured in plants that are ISO 14001 certified; hard surface flooring in all areas to improve indoor air quality and reduce flooring replacement; furniture, barbeques, trash and recycling receptacles made from recycled content; recycling receptacles provided throughout the site and central recycling bins provided at each trash location to encourage recycling; nonsmoking buildings or sections of buildings to improve indoor air quality for health of residents; landscaping features minimal turf areas, drought‐tolerant non‐invasive plants that do not require shearing; and plants grouped by water needs. Additionally, Kent Construction of Gilroy, Calif., the general contractor for the project, plans to recycle a portion of the construction waste.

"Horizons at Morgan Hill's eco-friendly sustainable design and construction, and its close proximity to public transportation, shopping, medical services, employment, and recreation, further increase affordability and quality of life for seniors who have few affordable housing options," added Scales. Although a pedestrian-friendly location, Horizons at Morgan Hill will offer gated access and ample parking for both resident and visitors.

UHC began collaborating with the City of Morgan Hill’s Redevelopment Agency in 2005 to develop housing opportunities for low income seniors who were long time residents. The Redevelopment Agency committed funding through a soft loan and UHC secured financing through the highly competitive 9 percent tax credit program. Additional financing for the project was provided by National Equity Fund (NEF), the Bank of America Community Development Corporation (BACDC), the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA), the County of Santa Clara, the Housing Trust of Santa Clara County and the Affordable Housing Program (AHP) of the Federal Home Loan Bank.

Horizons at Morgan Hill is UHC’s fifth project to begin construction in less than 120 days. UHC recently broke ground on The Crossings on 29th Street, a 34-unit affordable community in South Los Angeles; The Crossings at North Hills, a 38-unit rehab property in the San Fernando Valley; The Crossings at Big Bear Lake, a 42-unit affordable housing community targeting families in Big Bear Lake; and The Crossings at Escondido, a residential community that will feature 55 high quality, affordable apartment homes for working families in San Diego County. KTGY was the designer for all five projects.

Seniors interested in living at Horizons at Morgan Hill, should contact Solari Enterprises Inc. at (714) 363‐4090.

About Urban Housing Communities
Urban Housing Communities LLC is a "mission driven for-profit" affordable housing development partner of Morgan Stanley and Banc of America Community Development Corporation specializing in multifamily and senior housing facilities in California and Hawaii. UHC was formed in 2003 by executives of SunAmerica and ASL Housing, and has since been joined by professionals from KB Home, CalFed Bank and the California State University System. Together, they have financed or developed over 10,000 units of housing. For more information, visit www.uhcllc.net/.

About KTGY Group, Inc.
Established in 1991, KTGY Group, Inc., Architecture and Planning, provides comprehensive planning and award-winning architectural design services for residential communities, retail, hospitality, mixed-use and related specialty developments. KTGY delivers innovative solutions that reflect clear understanding of development, marketing and financial performance and takes particular pride in its highly motivated and principal led studios. Serving clients worldwide, KTGY maintains offices in Irvine, Oakland and Santa Monica, Calif., Denver, Colo., and Tysons Corner, Va. See www.ktgy.com/.

2010-10-18T22:40:00.000-07:00

KTGY-Designed Eco-Friendly Senior Housing Breaks Ground in Northern California
* * *
Urban Housing Communities to begin construction on 49 high quality, affordable apartment homes

IRVINE, CALIF. - According to KTGY Group Inc., Architecture and Planning, Santa Ana-based developer Urban Housing Communities LLC has commenced construction on Horizons at Morgan Hill, a 49-unit affordable senior housing community in Morgan Hill, Calif., developed in collaboration with the City of Morgan Hill Redevelopment Agency, Bank of America, and KTGY. Upon completion in August 2011, this new $21.2 million community will offer healthy, supportive and eco-friendly apartment homes to seniors 55 years and older earning between 30 percent and 50 percent of Santa Clara County median income.

“We are excited to begin construction on Horizons at Morgan Hill and are thankful to our partners—the city and county, investors and lenders—who have helped us,” said John Bigley, Chief Operating Officer of Urban Housing Communities (UHC). "This project will offer seniors an attractive, healthy and supportive place to enjoy this next phase of their life. We look forward to meeting our future residents."

Designed by KTGY, Horizons at Morgan Hill will offer 36 one-bedroom, one-bath and 13 two-bedroom, two-bath apartment homes, averaging approximately 778 square feet and 1,025 square feet respectively, and occupying a single three‐story building. Each thoughtfully-planned apartment home will offer a covered patio/balcony, central heat and air conditioning, walk‐in closets, Energy Star lighting, windows and appliances (including a refrigerator, dishwasher and garbage disposal), water‐saving kitchen and bathroom fixtures, dual flush toilets, a gas range, washer/dryer hookups, tankless water heaters, high‐speed internet access, and be wired for cable television. Rents are expected to range from $597 to $1,193 per month, based on family size and income level.

“Over the next decade, many seniors nearing retirement age may be forced to relocate due to fixed incomes and increasing housing costs,” said Garrett Toy, Director of the City of Morgan Hill’s Business Assistance and Housing Services Department. “Horizons at Morgan Hill will enable seniors to afford to remain in Morgan Hill after retirement. This beautiful, new project will provide affordable senior rental housing to a growing population, eliminate a blighted property, install McLaughlin Avenue and much needed public improvements. Horizons is conveniently located near the downtown and public transportation providing easy access to shopping, medical services and senior recreation,” added Toy.

Located on 2.60 acres of land at 98 E. Central Avenue in Morgan Hill, Calif., at the intersection of Central Avenue and McLaughlin Avenue, west of Highway 101, Horizons at Morgan Hill will feature a spacious 3,000-square-foot community center with a computer lab, media center, a fully-equipped kitchen, a manager’s office, laundry facilities, community garden, swimming pool, picnic and BBQ area, and generously landscaped courtyard areas.

The community center will also serve as the location of a supportive services program provided by UHC’s non-profit partner, Central Valley Coalition for Affordable Housing (CVC). CVC provides resident‐based services to support seniors in achieving personal, financial and family goals. By building long‐term, trusting relationships with senior residents, CVC encourages individuals to find and follow their own path. Services include budget planning, housekeeping tips, credit counseling, resume writing, computer training, physical fitness instruction and health/nutrition classes.

"We have designed ample open space and multiple seating areas to promote interaction and activity among the residents of the Horizons at Morgan Hill," said KTGY Studio Director Alan Scales. "Additionally, the pedestrian-friendly location, a great swimming pool, physical fitness and nutrition classes, and a community garden encourage the residents to stay physically active and healthy. Furthermore, the Horizons at Morgan Hill's senior programs help the residents explore a variety of opportunities and enjoy a new, dynamic phase of their life, which makes getting older more fun!"

Adding to the healthy lifestyle is the eco-friendly, sustainable design. Horizons at Morgan Hill has been designed to exceed Title 24 energy-efficiency standards by more than 15 percent, lowering energy consumption and providing another cost-saving benefit to residents. Solar panels will generate electricity for community room and outdoor common area lighting. Additional green features include: zero‐VOC interior paint and primer, and low‐VOC paints, adhesives and finishes for all interior application; low dust stucco; formaldehyde free Insulation; insulated walls, ceilings, floor joists, and roofs; fiber cement siding that contains recycled content, does not emit harmful chemicals into the environment and is manufactured in environmentally friendly plants (SFI certified); energy-efficient roofing that contains recycled content, does not emit harmful chemicals into the environment and is manufactured in plants that are ISO 14001 certified; hard surface flooring in all areas to improve indoor air quality and reduce flooring replacement; furniture, barbeques, trash and recycling receptacles made from recycled content; recycling receptacles provided throughout the site and central recycling bins provided at each trash location to encourage recycling; nonsmoking buildings or sections of buildings to improve indoor air quality for health of residents; landscaping features minimal turf areas, drought‐tolerant non‐invasive plants that do not require shearing; and plants grouped by water needs. Additionally, Kent Construction of Gilroy, Calif., the general contractor for the project, plans to recycle a portion of the construction waste.

"Horizons at Morgan Hill's eco-friendly sustainable design and construction, and its close proximity to public transportation, shopping, medical services, employment, and recreation, further increase affordability and quality of life for seniors who have few affordable housing options," added Scales. Although a pedestrian-friendly location, Horizons at Morgan Hill will offer gated access and ample parking for both resident and visitors.

UHC began collaborating with the City of Morgan Hill’s Redevelopment Agency in 2005 to develop housing opportunities for low income seniors who were long time residents. The Redevelopment Agency committed funding through a soft loan and UHC secured financing through the highly competitive 9 percent tax credit program. Additional financing for the project was provided by National Equity Fund (NEF), the Bank of America Community Development Corporation (BACDC), the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA), the County of Santa Clara, the Housing Trust of Santa Clara County and the Affordable Housing Program (AHP) of the Federal Home Loan Bank.

Horizons at Morgan Hill is UHC’s fifth project to begin construction in less than 120 days. UHC recently broke ground on The Crossings on 29th Street, a 34-unit affordable community in South Los Angeles; The Crossings at North Hills, a 38-unit rehab property in the San Fernando Valley; The Crossings at Big Bear Lake, a 42-unit affordable housing community targeting families in Big Bear Lake; and The Crossings at Escondido, a residential community that will feature 55 high quality, affordable apartment homes for working families in San Diego County. KTGY was the designer for all five projects.

Seniors interested in living at Horizons at Morgan Hill, should contact Solari Enterprises Inc. at (714) 363‐4090.

About Urban Housing Communities
Urban Housing Communities LLC is a "mission driven for-profit" affordable housing development partner of Morgan Stanley and Banc of America Community Development Corporation specializing in multifamily and senior housing facilities in California and Hawaii. UHC was formed in 2003 by executives of SunAmerica and ASL Housing, and has since been joined by professionals from KB Home, CalFed Bank and the California State University System. Together, they have financed or developed over 10,000 units of housing. For more information, visit www.uhcllc.net.

About KTGY Group, Inc.
Established in 1991, KTGY Group, Inc., Architecture and Planning, provides comprehensive planning and award-winning architectural design services for residential communities, retail, hospitality, mixed-use and related specialty developments. KTGY delivers innovative solutions that reflect clear understanding of development, marketing and financial performance and takes particular pride in its highly motivated and principal led studios. Serving clients worldwide, KTGY maintains offices in Irvine, Oakland and Santa Monica, Calif., Denver, Colo., and Tysons Corner, Va. See www.ktgy.com.

The Muller Company Wins BOMA 2010 Outstanding Building of the Year Award for Class A Building Campus

2010-10-18T20:57:00.000-07:00

The Muller Company Wins BOMA's 2010 Outstanding Building of the Year Award

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Hohokam Towers in Phoenix, Ariz. Now Called Sky Harbor Towers Receives TOBY Award from BOMA/Greater Phoenix

LAGUNA HILLS, CALIF. – The Muller Company, a full service real estate company specializing in management, investment and development of commercial real estate in the western United States, announced today that the Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA) of Greater Phoenix, Ariz., awarded the Hohokam Towers in Phoenix the 2010 The Outstanding Building of the Year (TOBY®) Award. Hohokam Towers, which has since been renamed Sky Harbor Towers to better reflect its close proximity to the Phoenix International Sky Harbor Airport, earned the prestigious recognition in the Corporate Facility category for its excellence in office building management and operations. This is The Muller Company's third TOBY in two years.

Located at 4605, 4615 & 4635 East Elwood in Phoenix, Sky Harbor Towers consists of three Class A office buildings totaling 272,728 square feet and is located in an office campus facility. It is currently 100 percent occupied by the University of Phoenix and Matson Navigation and will be available for lease in 2011. Sky Harbor Towers features a variety of amenities including two cafes, a Wells Fargo ATM, covered bicycle/motorcycle parking, shaded outside seating, a fitness center, a locker room and onsite property management, which is managed by The Muller Company's Senior Property Manager Tiffany Lauchlan, CPM. Sky Harbor Towers was purchased by The Muller Company and its financial partner in December 2005.

“We are thrilled and honored to be the recipient of this prestigious award. We take a lot of pride in building ownership and we maintain the property at a very high standard. There is no deferred maintenance, we take sustainability seriously and we have a strong base of vendors. In addition, The Muller Company as the management company is very involved in the daily operations, tenant relations and community involvement,” says Lauchlan.

"Additionally, with the rebranding of the Hohokam Towers to Sky Harbor Towers, and an aggressive leasing effort, we hope to attract a large corporate tenant moving to Phoenix or relocating in the Phoenix area. We are working hand-in-hand with the Phoenix office of Lee & Associates as The Muller Company's exclusive leasing and marketing agent for Sky Harbor Towers," Lauchlan notes. The Lee & Associates leasing team consists of Mark Seale, Principal and Christopher Krewson, Principal.

"Our leasing team is targeting corporations moving to the Phoenix Metropolitan Area from out of state, universities and schools looking to expand, and talking with local corporations with leases expiring in the next 24 months," Lauchlan adds.

The Phoenix BOMA chapter sponsors the annual award and criteria include all facets of a building's operations, including tenant relations, community involvement, emergency evacuation processes, continuing education for building personnel and overall exceptional service. The Muller Company received its TOBY award at the chapter's awards gala held last month at the Wyndham in downtown Phoenix.

For more information about Sky Harbor Towers, see www.skyharbortowers.com.

About The Muller Company

The Muller Company has over 30 years of experience in developing, acquiring and managing a diverse portfolio of over 20 million square feet of office, industrial and retail real estate throughout the western United States, with nearly 11 million square feet currently under management in the California and Phoenix markets. Over the years, The Muller Company has partnered with institutional owners such as GE Capital Real Estate, Capmark, Rockwood Capital, BlackRock, ING Realty and Metlife. Empowered by an entrepreneurial spirit and guided by an owner’s perspective, The Muller Company excels at mining the long-term value from every asset that it manages by adding value, either through leasing, capital improvements, refinancing, operational audits and repositioning. For more information, contact Jamye Jack at 949.680.9777 or visit www.themullercompany.com.

KTGY Principal Manny Gonzalez, AIA, LEED AP to Speak on "Echo Boomers Shaking Up the Rental Market" on MultifamilyBiz.com

2010-10-18T16:16:00.000-07:00

Manny Gonzalez, AIA, LEED AP of KTGY to Speak on "Echo Boomers Shaking Up the Rental Market," Featured on MultifamilyBiz.com's Free On-Demand Webcast

IRVINE, CALIF. - Award-winning KTGY Group, Inc., Architecture and Planning, is pleased to announce that Manny Gonzalez, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP, CAASH and Principal of KTGY Group will be the keynote speaker for MultifamilyBiz.com CEO Series, "Echo Boomers Shaking Up the Rental Market," on October 19, 2010, at 8:00 a.m. CST. This lively, fast-paced 60-minute FREE On-Demand Digital Media Webcast will bring to focus how the Echo Boomers are changing the way we design, position and build multifamily communities to capture this emerging market, known as the “Renter Generation.”

With moderators property management expert Ernest F. Oriente of PowerHour® and multifamily technology innovator Kerry W. Kirby, CEO of 365 Connect and MultifamilyBiz.com, Gonzalez will discuss during this free 365 Connect + PowerHour Webcast this fastest-growing market segment, Echo Boomers, Millennials and/or Gen Y renters. Learn what you need to know about this group, what is important to them and where they want to live and why; and how they are driving urban infill, redevelopment opportunities. Hear how this socio-economic group is irrevocably driving changes in design, development and property management.

Manny Gonzalez is the senior partner in KTGY's Santa Monica office and president of KTGY Group, Colorado. He is responsible for the design, land planning, and production of developments throughout California, Arizona, Nevada, and Colorado as well as active adult and affordable multi-family communities nationwide. In his more than 25 years of practice in residential development, Gonzalez has won numerous awards for his outstanding designs including Gold Nugget, Best in American Living, Pillars of Industry, MAME and Elan. This year, Gonzalez won his fifth NAHB 50+ Housing Gold Award, which was for the Echo Park Senior Community, and was named "Person of the Year" in 2009 by the 50+ Housing Council of the Building Industry Association of Southern California, in recognition of Gonzalez's commitment, personal compassion, and professional contributions as a national leader in 50+ housing design and innovation.

About KTGY Group, Inc.
Established in 1991, KTGY Group, Inc., Architecture and Planning, provides comprehensive planning and award-winning architectural design services for residential communities, retail, hospitality, mixed-use and related specialty developments. KTGY delivers innovative solutions that reflect clear understanding of development, marketing and financial performance and takes particular pride in its highly motivated and principal led studios. Serving clients worldwide, KTGY maintains offices in Irvine, Oakland and Santa Monica, Calif., Denver, Colo., and Tysons Corner, Va. See www.ktgy.com.

Investec Raises $130 Million for Acquisition of West Coast Retail

2010-10-05T20:48:00.000-07:00

Investec Raises $130 Million for Acquisition of West Coast Retail

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Investec Continues to Seek Grocery/Drug Anchored Centers

SANTA BARBARA, CALIF. – Investec, specializing in the acquisition, operation, management and leasing of retail properties in California, is pleased to announce the firm has raised $130 million for acquisition of grocery and drug anchored centers located in the coastal region of California. Investec currently owns and manages over two million square feet and $650 million of shopping centers in California.

According to Ken Slaught, Investec’s founder and president, “Investec will continue its focus on best-in-class neighborhood shopping centers, anchored by dominant grocers and pharmacies."

Slaught is a strong believer in California retail. “We have been investing exclusively in California retail since 1988, so we are not surprised by the recent 'flight to quality' into these very markets on which many of our competitors are now focusing," notes Slaught. "The coastal markets of California are home to some of the most desirable real estate demographics in the country with high barriers to entry. From San Diego to Northern California, our neighborhood shopping centers provide our investors with extremely strong, risk adjusted returns in all economic cycles.”

While experts disagree over the current health and prognosis of the commercial real estate market in general, and some segments of the retail sector in particular, Slaught prefers to look at the big picture. “Over time, I am convinced these coastal markets of California will continue to thrive as they have for over the past 20+ years. Our properties, and those we seek to acquire, satisfy essential demand in local markets for products and services offered by a mix of national and local retailers. Investec has done very well by sticking to this disciplined approach. Our investors have reaped the rewards," says Slaught.

In February 2010, Investec acquired a 100,000-square-foot Ralphs and CVS/pharmacy anchored center, The Plaza at Sunbow in San Diego, for $21 million. In October 2009, Investec completed the development of Gene Autry Plaza, a new $17.5 million 60,000-square-foot shopping center in Palm Springs, Calif., and celebrated the grand opening of the first ground-up Smart & Final Extra! store in California. The center also includes Staples and 11,500 square feet of shop space.

Investec’s Director of Acquisitions Grant Harris reports that Investec is currently negotiating the acquisition of two retail properties and is actively seeking additional opportunities. “Our ability to efficiently execute property investigations and close quickly with 'all cash' provides Investec with a significant advantage over most other buyers, while at the same time providing sellers with transaction confidentiality and surety of execution,” Harris adds.

For more information about Investec’s acquisition criteria, please contact Grant Harris at 805-962-8989 x343 or grant@investecre.com.

ABOUT INVESTEC

Since its inception in 1983, Investec has handled more than one billion dollars in real estate transactions. Having thrived in one of the nation’s most competitive real estate markets for more than 27 years, Investec remains ideally positioned for continued growth in this dynamic and challenging industry during turbulent economic times. Investec’s current portfolio includes more than three million square feet of commercial properties under management in California including shopping centers, office buildings and self-storage facilities. Investec’s acquisition and development strategy is primarily focused on necessity-based, recession-resistant market/drug anchored neighborhood shopping centers. For more information, call 805.962.8989 x343 or visit www.investecre.com.

Hanley Investment Group Sells Shopping Center in Trussville, Alabama

2010-08-28T16:48:00.000-07:00

Hanley Investment Group Sells Grocery-Anchored Shopping Center in Birmingham, Alabama Suburb

IRVINE, CALIF. – Hanley Investment Group Real Estate Advisors, one of the most dominant retail investment groups and a market leader in the sale of retail properties, announced today that Kevin T. Fryman of Hanley Investment Group represented the seller in the purchase of a 67,325-square-foot grocery-anchored shopping center in the Birmingham suburb of Trussville, Alabama. The purchase price was not disclosed.

Situated on 9.7 acres, the single-building retail property, known as Trussville Marketplace, is located at 445-465 Main Street in Trussville in Jefferson County. Ideally situated on Main Street (US 11), Trussville Marketplace is a prominent, grocery-anchored neighborhood shopping center that features an excellent mix of national/regional credit tenants including: Winn Dixie, Dollar Tree, Domino’s Pizza, Great Clips and The UPS Store. The property was built in 1998 and was 98 percent occupied at the time of sale.

The seller was NC/Trussville, LLC. The buyer was a private investor in Newport Beach, Calif.

“The buyer was attracted to the investment due to the security of the anchors of Winn-Dixie and Dollar Tree, as well as, the fact 86 percent of the tenants had been located at the center since it was built in 1998,” said Kevin Fryman, vice president at Hanley Investment Group.

“The buyer assumed a loan that allowed them to pay down a significant portion of the outstanding balance by the time the loan was due. This was an especially attractive selling point in today’s lending environment where buyers are concerned about future refinance risk,” adds Fryman. “We continue to see a tremendous amount of interest from California investors who are willing to look outside of the state for quality investments due to the lack of inventory and higher returns.”

About Hanley Investment Group Real Estate Advisors
Built on a solid foundation of performance, integrity and dedication, Hanley Investment Group Real Estate Advisors is a boutique retail investment advisory firm with a two billion dollar transaction track record that is comprised of innovative specialists delivering unparalleled service and superior results that consistently exceed client expectations. Hanley Investment Group’s expertise, commitment and unwavering focus of putting the client’s needs first have continued to set the company apart in the industry. Hanley Investment Group works closely with individual investors, developers, and institutional property owners in every facet of the transaction to insure that the highest value is achieved. Clients rely on Hanley Investment Group to be the most knowledgeable and trusted source for valuation services, market information and retail property acquisitions and dispositions. For more information, visit the Company’s website at www.hanleyinvestment.com or call (949) 585-7610.

Downtown Long Beach's Newest Luxury Apartment Community Designed by KTGY Opens

2010-08-28T12:50:00.000-07:00

KTGY-Designed New Luxury Apartment Community gallery421 Celebrates Grand Opening in Downtown Long Beach

IRVINE, CALIF. - Designed by KTGY Group, Inc., Architecture and Planning, gallery421 recently celebrated the grand opening of Long Beach's newest luxury apartment community. Developed by Lyon Communities, one of the top apartment companies in the nation, gallery421 is a stylish 291-home community offering five-star amenities and situated within walking distance to dining, entertainment, shopping, parks, schools, and transportation. This is Lyon Communities' third luxury community in Downtown Long Beach.

“Lyon has made yet another important statement about Downtown Long Beach’s appeal as a place to live, work and play,” said Mayor Bob Foster. “It is opening at an important time and will help generate new business for Downtown merchants. We are thrilled to see a best-in-class community open in Long Beach and welcome the lucky residents who will live there.”

The upscale five-story mid rise replaced under-used, aging commercial buildings and surface parking lot and transformed the one square city block to the ultimate in 24/7 live, work, play environment. Recognized for its modern architecture, sleek and sophisticated urban style, resort-style living, gallery421 residents can enjoy the premier location and access to all manner of downtown amenities including world-class shopping, dining, entertainment, cultural events and activities, beaches, employment and services, mass transit options (travel by bike, bus, train, shuttles, planes and boats), stunning views and unparalleled residential services.

Situated half way between Los Angeles and Orange counties, and located on West Broadway, just north of Ocean Boulevard in the heart of Downtown Long Beach, gallery421 offers a business and conference center with Wi-Fi, HDTV and teleconferencing, billiards room, card room and even a special dog grooming room. Residents will also enjoy an on-site art gallery, a coffee bar, yoga and Pilates studio, a private movie theatre, a game room with WiiTM, a state-of-the-art fitness center and an exterior TV wall. There is also 16,000 square feet of on-site street-level retail. The first residents moved in late June.

The community boasts plentiful open spaces, a resort-style pool and spa, barbecue grills, private balconies, concierge services, outdoor seating with a TV and bar area plus fireplace areas with seating and private cabanas. Wi-Fi access is available in all outdoor areas. Pets are welcome, elevator access is convenient, and all residents enjoy private, underground parking with controlled entry access. gallery421 also offers convenient on-site storage and private bike storage.

gallery421 interiors are contemporary and sophisticated with luxurious finishes and designer touches, a rare find amongst apartments for rent in Long Beach. Each apartment features gourmet kitchens with granite countertops, European-style cabinetry, stainless steel appliances including a refrigerator, designer inspired modern flooring, fixtures and hardware, designer two-toned paint, spacious walk-in closets, in-home washer and dryer, high nine-foot ceilings, and dramatic picturesque windows with spectacular views. Furnished suites are available.

“These spacious and exceedingly comfortable apartment homes are open and airy with high ceilings, drawing in a lot of natural light, which reduces residents' utility costs," said David Obitz, principal of KTGY and gallery421's lead designer. "The Interiors are stylish and sophisticated, exuding a metropolitan flair that appeals to the young and young-at-heart alike.

"With the blending of art and amenity-rich, urban mixed-use living, there is nothing like this Downtown Long Beach or in the greater area," Obitz said.

Rents start at $1,750 for a one bedroom apartment. Also offered are one bedroom plus den, two bedrooms and two-story townhomes.

The community is a short distance from famed Aquarium of the Pacific, Shoreline Village, the Pike at Rainbow Harbor, Long Beach Sports Arena, Queen Mary, and myriad other dining, shopping and entertainment destinations. Long Beach is also well known for its art scene and the annual Grand Prix, which takes place just blocks from gallery421.

Located near the end of the 710 Freeway, the community is convenient for renters who work in Long Beach, as well as those with jobs in Downtown Los Angeles and central Orange County.

gallery421 is a property of Lyon Communities, which manages more than 11,000 apartment homes coast to coast. The company has earned numerous industry awards, including multiple California Council for Quality and Service "Best-in-Class" honors, as well as the "Best in the Industry" resident satisfaction awards from CEL & Associates, the nation's largest surveyor of resident satisfaction.

Lyon Communities also owns The Lofts at Promenade, which opened last August, and features a rooftop pool and expansive wide-open floor plans. And 1900 Ocean, a premier 18-story oceanfront high-rise, which offers a beachfront pool and 24-hour doorman. The Lofts at Promenade, which was designed by KTGY, earned accolades as a finalist for two prestigious Pillars of the Industry awards and is a finalist for another industry award as Best New Development. Lyon now owns and operates almost 700 luxury apartment homes in Long Beach.

The leasing office for gallery421 is located at 421 W. Broadway, Long Beach, CA 90802. For more information, call 866.992.7454 or visit www.lyongallery421.com.

About Lyon Communities
From luxurious beachfront towers to inviting garden-style neighborhoods, Lyon Communities provides award-winning rental living experiences tailored to evolving consumer lifestyles. Its array of apartment communities comprise of more than 11,000 homes and are located in many of California, Colorado, Georgia and Florida’s most desirable locations. Comfortable design, lush landscaping and exceptional customer service are Lyon Community hallmarks. So is diversity. Lyon’s portfolio includes everything from ultra-luxurious high-rises with amenities rivaling resort hotels to residential environments for the budget conscious. In each community, renters choose from a unique array of spacious floor plans created to meet their needs. Because of its commitment to quality and long-term view, Lyon Communities regularly reinvests to ensure its properties remain vibrant and attractive. The result: Lyon Communities is widely regarded as one of the top apartment companies in the nation. See www.lyonapartments.com.

About KTGY Group, Inc.
Established in 1991, KTGY Group, Inc., Architecture and Planning, provides comprehensive planning and award-winning architectural design services for residential communities, retail, hospitality, mixed-use and related specialty developments. KTGY delivers innovative solutions that reflect clear understanding of development, marketing and financial performance and takes particular pride in its highly motivated and principal led studios. Serving clients worldwide, KTGY maintains offices in Irvine, Oakland and Santa Monica, and in Denver. See www.ktgy.com.

KTGY Principals Invited to Speak on Affordable Senior Housing

2010-08-28T08:41:00.001-07:00

KTGY Principals to Speak on 50+ Housing Panel in Newport Beach "The Next Generations in Affordable Senior Apartments: Seasons II"
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Stan Braden, AIA and David Kent, AIA to Participate
IRVINE, CALIF. - Award-winning KTGY Group, Inc., Architecture and Planning, is pleased to announce that two KTGY principals have been invited to speak at the Building Industry Association of Southern California 50+ Housing Council's program, "The Next Generations in Affordable Senior Apartments: Seasons II," on Thursday, September 16, 2010, in Newport Beach, Calif.

KTGY's Stan Braden, AIA, principal and chairman, will participate as a panelist and David W. Kent, AIA and principal, will serve as the moderator. Other panelists will include Kevin Horner, LEED AP and vice president of project management for MacFarlane Costa Housing Partners, LLC and Michael M. Snowdon, vice president of asset management, also with MacFarlane Costa Housing Partners. MacFarlane Costa Housing Partners just completed Seasons II, an affordable senior apartment community in San Juan Capistrano and the company's first project built to LEED standards. This seasoned development team and their award-winning architect will share with the attendees about "going green," including how they adapted cutting-edge technology to the city's historic architecture and the value (in dollars and quality of life) of sustainable, energy-efficient senior housing.

Braden has over 35 years of architectural experience and has been responsible for the design and planning of many award-winning, LEED accredited, high-density residential, mixed-use, affordable, workforce, senior and campus housing projects as well as continuing care retirement communities including extensive community amenity facilities. A licensed architect in California, Arizona, Nevada and New Mexico, Braden has been with KTGY since 1992. He is currently a member of American Institute of Architects, National Council of Architectural Registration Boards, and Urban Land Institute.

Kent has more than 30 years of architectural and construction experience. He has worked with major homebuilders as well as architectural firms; and has successfully run his own design firm. Kent’s technical knowledge of construction brings valuable insight to his architectural designs, which is reflected in the success and awards won by many of the projects he is involved with. He has an extensive background in construction costs, project scheduling and governmental processing. His current focus is working with developers in California, Nevada and Arizona to create exciting new residential communities. Kent serves on the board of the 50+ Housing Council.

Noted as one of the country’s top residential design firms, KTGY has won countless awards for its residential and senior housing communities including the Gold Nugget, Builder’s Choice, Best in American Living, Pillars of Industry, MAME, SAM, Multifamily Executive, Multi-Housing News, Elan, Homer, Laurel and SAGE awards.

The event will be held at the Newport Radisson Hotel, 4545 MacArthur Boulevard in Newport Beach. Registration begins at 7:30 am and the program and breakfast start at 8:00 am. To attend the event, call 949.553.9500 or visit www.50PlusHC.com.

About 50+ Housing Council
Celebrating its 20th anniversary, 50+ Housing Council provides networking, education and partnering prospects for Southern California professionals involved in every aspect of building housing specifically for persons aged 50+ − active adult, “age-targeted,” senior condos, 55+ apartments, CCRC’s, Assisted Living, Alzheimer’s care and more. For more information, visit www.50plushc.com.

About BIA/SC
Established in 1923, the Building Industry Association of Southern California (BIA/SC) is a non-profit trade association representing more than 1,800 companies involved in planning and building Southern California’s neighborhoods and communities. Members are involved in all aspects of the building industry, from architecture and green building to roofing and general contracting. For more information, visit www.biasc.org.

About KTGY Group, Inc.
Established in 1991, KTGY Group, Inc., Architecture and Planning, provides comprehensive planning and award-winning architectural design services for residential communities, retail, hospitality, mixed-use and related specialty developments. KTGY delivers innovative solutions that reflect clear understanding of development, marketing and financial performance and takes particular pride in its highly motivated and principal led studios. Serving clients worldwide, KTGY maintains offices in Irvine, Oakland and Santa Monica, and in Denver. See www.ktgy.com.

Teams to Create Canned Food Structures at Orange County Canstruction Event at South Coast Plaza

2010-08-20T22:17:00.000-07:00

Orange County Canstruction® Event at South Coast Plaza CAN Help End Hunger

14 Teams to Create Huge Structures Out of Canned Food and Donate Cans to Local Food Bank

COSTA MESA, CALIF. - Fourteen teams, made up of local architects, designers, engineers and related industry professionals, will work feverishly throughout the night on Friday, September 3, 2010, after the close of business at the South Coast Plaza, to assemble elaborate structures that are constructed entirely out of canned food items as part of the third annual Orange County Canstruction® design competition and event. Creative and often quite complex, these canned food structures can be as tall as eight feet and as wide as 10 feet. The event, which is being held in conjunction with the ninth annual Festival of Children®, also serves as a food drive for the Orange County Food Bank so the teams are motivated to create sizeable structures that, when de-canstructed on September 26th, will feed as many people as possible.

Awards are given for the Best Use of Labels, Best Meal, Structural Ingenuity, Jurors’ Favorite and Honorable Mentions. This year, a new award was added, "the People's Choice" award. People will be able to vote online for their favorite structure. Judging will take place prior to the Awards Gala, which will be held on Sunday, September 19th, at South Coast Plaza's Garden Terrace, from 6:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. The winning Canstruction® entries will participate in an international competition during next year's Society of Design Administration (SDA) Convention in Las Vegas. The structures, which are located throughout both sides of South Coast Plaza, will remain on display through Sunday, September 26.

The public is encouraged to bring canned food items when they visit South Coast Plaza to view the exhibits. Children can receive a free carousel ride with each can donated at South Coast Plaza concierge counter. After the exhibit, the cans of food from the competition will be donated to the Orange County Food Bank.

"We are very pleased to see so many teams this year," said Orange County Canstruction® Event Chair Louie Garcia, Associate AIA, with Dougherty + Dougherty Architects LLP. "This is the highest number of participants that we have had to date and, with the public's help, we hope to break last year's record and collect more than 60,000 cans for the Orange County Food Bank."

"Many people do not think Orange County is a place with thousands of struggling individuals," Garcia said. "With the economic challenges that we have been experiencing over the couple of years, the number of individuals who are food insecure only continues to rise. There are over 500,000 people in Orange County that are considered food insecure."

Garcia added, "Despite that one out of three architects in Orange County is unemployed and one out of two contractors is out of work, the design and construction industry still wants to do what they can to help and Canstruction is a great way to have fun, show off some amazing creativity and engineering, and help feed those in need. Last year, Orange County Canstruction® brought in over 50,000 cans (35,000 lbs.) of food but this year we are hoping to collect 60,000 cans or more. We know that every can helps."

Companies like KTGY Group, Inc. have gotten their staff, friends and clients involved with the Canstruction® event. "As a company we look for ways to help others and foster fun and team building. Whether it is Build Day at Habitat For Humanity, assisting with HomeAid projects or Canstruction®, we enjoy giving back to the people in the communities where we work, and we have encouraged those that we work with to do the same," said one of KTGY's Canstruction® team members Benjamin Kasdan, AIA, LEED AP and project designer.

"The past year, for our industry has felt like a trip down Alice's rabbit hole, but it seems like the picture might be clearing a bit and this leaves us grinning," Kasdan stated. "So, this year KTGY is building a giant Cheshire Cat out of cans. The structure will contain more than 6,000 cans of food and will be over five feet tall."

In addition to KTGY, the following companies are scheduled to participate in the Orange County Canstruction® event: CH2MHill, Disneyland Design & Engineering, Suffolk, Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising (FIDM), LIONAKIS, HPI Architects, FLUOR, Dougherty + Dougherty Architects LLP, HMC Architects, Ware Malcomb, RBF Consulting, MHP Structural Engineers and Jacobs Engineering Group Inc.

"We have as much fun participating in the Canstruction® competition as we do admiring the creativity of our fellow Canstruction® competitors," Kasdan noted. "We hope the public will enjoy the displays and want to bring canned food items to donate to the Food Bank."

According to Mark Lowry, director of the Orange County Food Bank, "Since January 2009, the requests for food assistance from the Food Bank have more than doubled, which has stretched our resources beyond our capacity. Events like Orange County Canstruction® go a long way in helping us serve those that are in need, one can at a time."

Lowry stated that last year the Food Bank distributed over 19,000,000 pounds of food. In addition to the 23,000 people that the Food Bank serves directly each month, it provides food and personal care items to nearly 400 local charities, including churches, senior centers, shelters, soup kitchens, and social service agencies. These organizations serve the homeless, disabled persons, seniors on fixed incomes, the unemployed and the working poor. Approximately 18,000 Orange County Food Bank volunteers assist in the sorting, packing and distribution of food.

"Whether it is donating canned items, money and/or your time, you CAN make a difference in the lives of others," Lowry added. See www.ocfoodbank.org.

Orange County Canstruction® occurs every September in conjunction with the Festival of Children at South Coast Plaza. The very first Canstruction® event was held in 1992 in Seattle, Washington. The Seattle Chapter of the Society of Design Administration (SDA) held a food drive among architectural and engineering firms in the Seattle area. A team of architects and engineers was chosen to build something out of all the cans assembled. Staring at a sea of cans, they decided to make a topographical map of the state of Washington. All of the food collected from the food drive was donated to the Seattle Second Harvest Food Bank, Food LifeLine. Their efforts resulted in a full range of coverage in the Seattle newspaper and the term "Canstruction"® was coined.

In order to generate more enthusiasm for the food drive concept in the design industry, the New York and Denver chapters of the SDA took the concept and tweaked it, turning it into a full-scale design/build competition in 1993. Under this framework, architectural and engineering firms entered teams to compete in designing and building structures that would be judged and awarded. The larger their structure, the more food would get donated.

Awards were given for the Best Use of Labels, Best Meal, Structural Ingenuity, Jurors’ Favorite and Honorable Mentions. To this day, these are the same awards that are given out at Canstruction® Galas around the world.

In 1999 Canstruction® obtained 501(c)(3) status as a charitable organization, with over ten million pounds of food having been donated to aid in the fight against hunger. Typical hosts include local chapters of SDA, AIA, and Society for Marketing Professional Services (SMPS). Orange County Canstruction® is hosted by these three organizations together. One hundred thirty competitions are scheduled to take place in 2009/2010 so far, with more cities signing up each month. See www.canstruction.org.

South Coast Plaza is located at 3333 Bristol Street in Costa Mesa, Calif. Hours of operation are from Monday through Friday, from 10:00 am - 9:00 pm; Saturday 10:00 am - 8:00 pm; and Sunday 11:00 am - 6:00 pm.

About Canstruction®
Canstruction® is an international community service project by the design and construction industry to benefit local food banks where teams of architects, engineers, designers, contractors and/or those professionals mentoring students, associations or business compete by designing and building structures made entirely out of canned foods. For more information about Canstruction®, see www.canstruction.org or the website for Orange County Canstruction® at www.CanstructionOC.org.

Festival of Children®
The 9th annual Festival of Children® is a month-long celebration of the wonders of childhood with activities, celebrity appearances, workshops, performances and fun for kids of all ages. Over 80 children’s charities participate. For more information, call (714) 438-3286 or visit www.festivalofchildren.org.

The Muller Company Completes $13.5 Million Refinance and Signs 84,864 SF of Leases and Renewals

2010-08-18T08:54:00.000-07:00

The Muller Company Completes $13.5 Million Refinance of San Diego Office Building and Signs 84,864 SF of Leases and Renewals Valued at $16.9 Million

LAGUNA HILLS, CALIF. – The Muller Company, a full service real estate company specializing in management, investment and development of commercial real estate in the western United States, announced today that the firm has just completed a $13.5 million refinance of Pinnacle Executive Centre, a 110,110-square-foot Class A office building located in San Diego County, and signed 11 leases and renewals totaling 84,864 square feet and valued at approximately $16.9 million. Tom Mattinson of Quadrant Real Estate Advisors of Alpharetta, Georgia handled the refinance.

Located at 10920 Via Frontera in San Diego, Calif., Pinnacle Executive Centre was purchased by The Muller Company, with their financial partner, in May 2007, and is a five-story, Class A suburban office building built of steel and concrete with a stone and glass exterior.

The Muller Company’s new leases and lease renewals bring Pinnacle Executive Centre's current occupancy level percent to 76 percent. The two most significant leases that were recently signed were with On Ramp Wireless and The State of California. On Ramp Wireless, an existing 12,100-square-foot tenant, signed a lease for an additional 7,000 square feet and added six months to their current lease term for a total lease value of $2.2 million. The State of California, Department of General Services signed a nine-year lease for 23,382 square feet valued at nearly $8.4 million.

Pinnacle Executive Centre’s Property Manager Kim Sabre said, “The Muller Company and our leasing team from Colliers International created a very catchy and effective leasing campaign called “AS SIMPLE AS 1-2-3,” which offers a creative rent schedule of $1.00/SF in year 1, $2/SF in year 2 and $3/SF in year 3. This rent schedule also includes a broker bonus of $1.23/SF. We certainly attribute our success in bringing the building to 76 percent leased in such a short period of time to a dedicated team that includes The Muller Company as an owner and our creative leasing team, which includes Gary Williams from Colliers International and Jay Alexander from Jones Lang LaSalle (formerly with Colliers International).

"We all know the challenges of today’s economy, so our focus has been to not focus on the challenges, but instead find creative ways to get around them and get the attention of prospective tenants. The Muller Company understands the challenges that all business owners are faced with today and we continue to put every effort into finding ways to make deals that meet each party’s objectives,” Sabre added.

About The Muller Company
The Muller Company has over 30 years of experience in developing, acquiring and managing a diverse portfolio of over 20 million square feet of office, industrial and retail real estate throughout the western United States, with nearly 11 million square feet currently under management in the California and Phoenix markets. Over the years, The Muller Company has partnered with institutional owners such as GE Capital Real Estate, Capmark, Rockwood Capital, BlackRock, ING Realty and Metlife. Empowered by an entrepreneurial spirit and guided by an owner’s perspective, The Muller Company excels at mining the long-term value from every asset that it manages by adding value, either through leasing, capital improvements, refinancing, operational audits and repositioning. For more information, contact the Director of Business Development, Lori Ann Haigh at 949.460.5380 or visit www.themullercompany.com.

KTGY-Designed Teacher Housing on College Campus Opens

2010-08-13T22:30:00.000-07:00

Thompson Dorfman Partners Celebrates Opening of KTGY-Designed Teacher Housing on College Campus
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Sustainable Design and Construction Reuses Surplus Parking Lot to Create Affordable Workforce Housing at Cañada College in San Mateo County

OAKLAND, CALIF. – KTGY Group, Inc., Architectural and Planning, is pleased to announce today that a much anticipated housing development for professors and staff of the San Mateo County Community College District (Cañada College, College of San Mateo and Skyline College) is celebrating its grand opening. Developed by Mill Valley, Calif.-based Education Housing Partners, a non-profit affiliate of Thompson Dorfman Partners, LLC, and designed by KTGY, Cañada Vista in Redwood City will provide 60 high quality, affordable apartment homes for faculty and staff at below market rates, and will serve as an effective recruiting and retention tool for the San Mateo County Community College District (SMCCCD).

In an area dominated by prohibitively high housing costs, this is SMCCCD's second faculty and staff housing development; the first was College Vista built on the College of San Mateo campus in the City of San Mateo. College Vista was also California's first workforce housing project undertaken by a community college district and was so successful that the SMCCCD built Cañada Vista.

Located midway between San Francisco and San Jose, Cañada Vista offers one, two and three bedroom apartments with rents ranging from $975 to $1,600 a month, approximately 50 percent of the current market rate for similar quality apartments in the area. The apartment homes feature spacious deluxe kitchens with gas stoves and Energy Star appliances including refrigerators and upgraded cabinetry, nine-foot ceilings, large picture windows, a walk-in closet in the master bedroom, and all window coverings. Each residence also has hardwood flooring in the entryway, central air conditioning, individual washers/dryers, a linen closet, sliding glass doors, and a large, private patio or deck. Many units have a private attached garage. In addition, the units are wired for computer and internet access and have individual utility meters to encourage conservation.

“Despite the low rental rates for Cañada Vista residents, Cañada Vista offers many of the same well-appointed amenities and features of an upscale, market-rate apartment community,” said KTGY Group’s Principal Stan Braden, AIA, based in Irvine, Calif. “The 60-unit development offers spacious layouts of up to three bedrooms in two and three-story Craftsman-inspired buildings with panoramic views of coastal hills, Silicon Valley, and the San Francisco Bay."

There is also a Clubhouse situated between Cañada Vista’s two buildings. “The Clubhouse is a ‘great room’ complete with a fireplace and is flanked by a kitchen on one side and a game room with a large-screen television on the other. A large covered deck provides a panoramic view of the San Francisco Bay to the east,” Braden noted. Residents can use the Clubhouse facility for parties or dinners, and it can be used for district and faculty meetings.

“The goal with Cañada Vista and College Vista was to create quality, affordable rental housing for San Mateo County's community college faculty and staff in one of the most expensive residential markets in the state,” said Bruce Dorfman, a principal at Thompson Dorfman of Mill Valley, Calif. “By offering attractive workforce housing at affordable rents, SMCCCD is able to recruit and retain valuable college staff and faculty. Cañada Vista is also conveniently located within walking distance to campus classrooms and facilities, providing additional cost and time savings for the residents.”

“By providing housing for our employees, we have a competitive advantage over other colleges in the area who are competing with us to hire talented faculty and staff," said Barbara Christensen, director of community and government relations for the SMCCCD. "We can offer recruited employees first class housing at a bargain price plus a college teaching or support job. Several recruited faculty members who had multiple offers of employment choose to work for us because we offered a terrific housing option. We are just thrilled with the success of both developments and what it means to the district and the quality of education that we can offer our community."

Even before College Vista opened in December 2005, there was a long waiting list of employees who wanted to live there, reports Christensen. Priority for prospective Cañada Vista renters is given to full-time faculty and staff who have never owned a home. “Preference is given to those employees who earn 120 percent of the median income for the area or less,” said Christensen. “Qualified employees can rent for up to five years at Cañada Vista; the idea being that they can set aside money during this time to purchase a home.” The District also has a mortgage-assistance program offering low-cost second mortgages of up to $75,000 to help faculty and staff buy a home.

Dorfman added that despite budget constraints, he believes many school districts around the state and the country still have the capacity to follow SMCCCD's lead. "Cañada Vista is a prime example of a self-sustaining community -- environmentally, socially and also economically. Because of the financing structure and the fact that SMCCCD already owned the land, no district general funds were used for the improvements or operations, as the rents cover operating costs, reserves and debt service. Even with a softening residential market, home prices and rental rates are still well beyond what most starting teachers can afford in metropolitan areas in California, so this type of workforce housing is as vital as ever," said Dorfman.

“Long term, this type of housing supports education and the community, and validates the concept of quality infill development,” stated Dorfman. “Cañada Vista is a model for both successful public-private partnership and workforce housing that can easily be replicated by other school districts and public agencies in areas nationwide with a high cost of living. It also demonstrates how school districts, public agencies and private companies can use underutilized parking lots for housing and protect their open space." Cañada Vista was built on the site of a former 2.75-acre parking lot.

Thompson Dorfman, in conjunction with KTGY, developed a similar workforce housing development for the Santa Clara Unified School District (SCUSD), Casa del Maestro, at a former middle school site in April 2002. Due to overwhelming demand from its faculty and staff, SCUSD built a second phase to nearly double the number of units available.

Thompson Dorfman Partners is an award-winning developer best known for its luxury residential developments. The 10-year-old firm has developed more than $1.7 billion in projects throughout California. Last year, Thompson Dorfman completed 555 YVR, Downtown Walnut Creek’s first transit-oriented luxury residential community, developed with the young professionals in mind. 555 YVR is a stylish, amenity-rich, green development located within walking distance to BART and Downtown’s shopping and entertainment district. KTGY served as the project architect for 555 YVR.

About Thompson Dorfman Partners, LLC
Thompson Dorfman Partners, LLC is a real estate development and investment company. Formed in 1999 by Will Thompson and Bruce Dorfman, Thompson Dorfman focuses on multi-family residential development, with particular emphasis on well-sited, urban infill and mixed-use properties located in high growth, technology-driven markets in California. The principals of Thompson Dorfman have more than 25 years experience in the industry and Thompson Dorfman have collectively developed 10,000 multifamily homes in 40 California apartment and condominium communities. In 2004 they formed Education Housing Partners, a California non-profit public benefit corporation, in order to facilitate development of workforce housing for employees of school districts and public agencies. For more information, please visit www.thompsondorfman.com.

About San Mateo County Community College District
San Mateo County Community College District (SMCCCD) is a three college District located between San Francisco and the Silicon Valley. The colleges serve more than 42,000 students each year and offer the first two years of instruction in a wide variety of transfer programs as well as more than 90 vocational-technical programs. Students can earn either Associate in Arts or Science degrees or receive Certificates of Proficiency in their chosen fields. The community colleges are College of San Mateo in San Mateo, Skyline College in San Bruno and Cañada College in Redwood City. For more information about SMCCCD, visit www.smccd.edu.

About KTGY Group, Inc.
Established in 1991, KTGY Group, Inc., Architecture and Planning, provides comprehensive planning and award-winning architectural design services for residential communities, retail, hospitality, mixed-use and related specialty developments. KTGY delivers innovative solutions that reflect clear understanding of development, marketing and financial performance and takes particular pride in its highly motivated and principal led studios. Serving clients worldwide, KTGY maintains offices in Irvine, Oakland and Santa Monica, and in Denver. See www.ktgy.com.

Hanley Investment Group Selling Three Neighborhood Shopping Centers Totaling $112 Million and Closes Seven Shopping Center Transactions in 60 Days

2010-08-11T23:22:00.000-07:00

Hanley Investment Group Selling Three Grocery-Anchored Neighborhood Shopping Centers Totaling $112 Million
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Closes Seven Shopping Center Transactions Valued at $40 Million in 60 Days

IRVINE, CALIF. – Hanley Investment Group Real Estate Advisors announced today that in the last two months, Hanley Investment Group has sold seven shopping centers totaling over $40 million and more than 250,000 square feet, and is now marketing for sale three Southern California grocery-anchored neighborhood shopping centers totaling $112 million.

According to Edward B. Hanley, president of Hanley Investment Group Real Estate Advisors, the retail investment marketplace in Southern California has seen a flurry of activity in the past several months causing some excitement in what has otherwise been a very quiet year. "In addition to a few high profile bank-owned properties, we have also seen more equity sellers begin to come to the market with institutional quality shopping centers," Hanley reported. "Although the market fundamentals for retail properties still have some time left to completely recover, look for retail investment sales activity to increase as investors begin to tire of waiting for the avalanche of distressed opportunities that have failed to materialize."

Additionally, Hanley stated that his firm recently negotiated the following shopping center sales in the last 60 days: Grand Covina Plaza in Covina, Calif. (112,200 sq. ft.); Trussville Marketplace in Trussville, Ala. (67,325 sq. ft.); Foothill Promenade in La Cañada, Calif. (42,093 sq. ft.); Rowland Plaza, Covina, Calif. (17,553 sq. ft.); Yorba Linda Plaza, Yorba Linda, Calif. (7,345 sq. ft.); Single-Tenant Red Robin in Apple Valley, Calif. (5,532 sq. ft.); and Single-Tenant Del Taco in Rancho Cucamonga, Calif. (2,200 sq. ft.).

Moorpark Marketplace, a 336,055-square-foot shopping center located at 800-888 New Los Angeles Avenue in Moorpark, is being marketed for sale for $43 million. Built in 2003, Moorpark Marketplace is strategically located along New Los Angeles Avenue at the intersection of the Moorpark (23) and Ronald Reagan (118) freeways, which connects Simi Valley to communities throughout the greater Los Angeles area. the shopping center is situated on 18.60 acres and is currently 97 percent occupied. Approximately 95 percent of the offering square footage is leased to national credit tenants including Kohl’s, Smart & Final Extra, TJ Maxx, Michaels, Famous Footwear, Baja Fresh, Denny’s, Del Taco, GNC, It’s A Grind, Jamba Juice, Panda Express and Verizon Wireless.

Gateway Village, a 96,959-square-foot shopping center located at 3560-3670 Grand Avenue in Chino Hills, is being marketed for sale for $37.5 million. Situated directly adjacent to the Chino Valley (71) Freeway at the Grand Avenue exit, Gateway Village is situated on 13.86 acres and is currently 91 percent occupied. The eight-building property consisted of three phases. Phase I and II were built in 2003, while Phase III was built in 2006. Approximately 85 percent of the total property’s square footage consists of national and regional credit tenants, which includes Henry’s Market (Wild Oats Market Inc.), Baja Fresh, Bank of America, Biola University, Chevron, Chick-Fil-A, Chili’s, Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, Edward Jones, Enterprise Rent-a-Car, Great Clips, Jamba Juice, Liberty Mutual Insurance, Lindora, Pacific Dental, Pizza Hut, See’s Candy and T-Mobile.

Tesoro Village, a 74,415-square-foot shopping center located at 23820-23892 West Copper Hill Drive in Valencia, is being marketed for sale for $31.5 million. Located in the master-planned community of Valencia in the city of Santa Clarita, Tesoro Village is situated on 7.50 acres. The property is 97 percent occupied and was built in 2005. Approximately 87 percent of the total property’s square footage is leased to national credit tenants that include Albertsons, Bank of America, Great Clips, H&R Block, Pick Up Sticks, RedBrick Pizza, Starbucks Coffee and The UPS Store.

"We have received a favorable response from the investment marketplace so far and anticipate finding a buyer that is not only focused on return but also on owning irreplaceable real estate," said Hanley. "Rarely does the opportunity present itself to purchase three such high quality shopping centers in Southern California."

About Hanley Investment Group Real Estate Advisors
Built on a solid foundation of performance, integrity and dedication, Hanley Investment Group Real Estate Advisors is a boutique retail investment advisory firm with a three billion dollar transaction track record that is comprised of innovative specialists delivering unparalleled service and superior results that consistently exceed client expectations. Hanley Investment Group’s expertise, commitment and unwavering focus of putting the client’s needs first have continued to set the company apart in the industry. Hanley Investment Group works closely with individual investors, developers, and institutional property owners in every facet of the transaction to insure that the highest value is achieved. Clients rely on Hanley Investment Group to be the most knowledgeable and trusted source for valuation services, market information and retail property acquisitions and dispositions. For more information, visit the Company’s website at www.hanleyinvestment.com or call (949) 585-7610.

Hodgdon-Miank Construction Begins Renovation of Barstow Mall and Tenant Improvements for New San Bernardino County Offices

2010-08-06T15:28:00.000-07:00

COLTON, CALIF. – Hodgdon-Miank Construction announced that it has started construction on the remodel of the Barstow Mall, including tenant improvements for the County of San Bernardino's new social service office for the Transition Assistance Department and Children and Family Services.

According to David Miank, executive vice president of Inland Empire-based Hodgdon-Miank Construction, the scope of work includes demolition and the reconfiguration of approximately 37,500 square feet of space formerly occupied by Sears, to make room for the county's new offices located at the east end of the mall. The tenant improvements should be completed November 1, with plans to be open for business by December 1, 2010.

"We are very excited to work for TT Group, the mall's owner, and the County of San Bernardino," said Aaron Hodgdon, president of Hodgdon-Miank Construction. "The new county offices will add a thriving mixed-use component to the 14-acre Barstow Mall and serve as a catalyst for additional redevelopment."

Hodgdon-Miank Construction's Dan Wallner is serving as the project manager; Thom Duncan of Hodgdon-Miank Construction is the project's superintendent. Peter Ko and Brit Lindberg of Ko Architects of Palo Alto are the architects for the project. Mikes Bowes is the mall owner's project manager. The Barstow Mall is located at 1900 East Main Street in Barstow.

Chris Jaramillo, Vice President of DAUM Commercial, represented mall owner, TT Group of San Jose, in the lease transaction with the County of San Bernardino.

About Hodgdon-Miank Construction, Inc.
Hodgdon-Miank Construction has extensive experience with all types of construction and has active retail, office, private educational and medial projects throughout Southern California. For more information, call Aaron Hodgdon or David Miank at 909.783.3020.

UHC Begins Construction on 42-Unit Affordable Housing Community Designed by KTGY Group

2010-08-02T22:42:00.000-07:00

Urban Housing Communities Begins Construction on City's First Affordable Apartments Targeting Families in Big Bear Lake
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KTGY-designed $17 Million Community Offers High Quality, Eco-Friendly Workforce Housing
SANTA ANA, CALIF. — Urban Housing Communities LLC (UHC) is pleased to announce construction of The Crossings at Big Bear Lake, a 42-unit affordable housing community developed in collaboration with the City of Big Bear Lake’s Improvement Agency, Bank of America, and architecture and planning firm KTGY Group, Inc. Upon completion next summer, this new $17 million community will offer healthy, supportive and eco-friendly apartment homes to local working families earning between 30 percent and 60 percent of San Bernardino County median income.
Designed by KTGY, The Crossings at Big Bear Lake will offer 28 two-bedroom two-story townhomes and 14 three-bedroom single-story flats averaging approximately 1,100 square feet. Each thoughtfully-planned apartment home will offer central heat, ceiling fans, a covered patio or balcony, energy-efficient kitchen appliances, washer/dryer hookups, high speed internet access and be wired for cable television. Rents are expected to range from $449 to $1,038 per month, based on family size and income level.

Located on 2.60 acres of land on Knickerbocker Road between Pennsylvania Avenue and Maryland Road south of Big Bear Blvd. (Highway 18), the community will feature a spacious 2,500-square-foot community room, a computer lab, a fully-equipped kitchen, a manager’s office, picnic and BBQ areas, a playground, laundry facilities and landscaped courtyard areas. The community room will serve as the location of a supportive services program provided by UHC’s non-profit partner, Central Valley Coalition for Affordable Housing (CVCAH). Designed to meet residents’ specific physical, educational, professional and social needs, CVCAH’s supportive services program will offer health clinics, after-school tutoring, budget planning, credit counseling, resume writing, computer training, fitness/nutrition classes, and targeted youth and senior activities.
The new affordable apartment community will be convenient to schools, public transportation, shopping, medical services, a public park and recreation areas, and is approximately a 10 minute walk from Big Bear Lake Village, the city’s premiere shopping and entertainment district.a

The Crossings at Big Bear Lake represents a milestone for the City, which is home to over 6,000 full-time residents. While the City does offer some affordable housing, its stock consists mainly of aging single-family homes and one affordable senior community. The Crossings at Big Bear Lake will be the City’s first affordable community targeted toward families.

“Most people know Big Bear Lake as a vacation destination, but it’s also a city that confronts the same issues of housing, healthcare and education as more urban areas,” said John Bigley, Chief Operating Officer of Urban Housing Communities. “A certain level of affordability is required to sustain the local workforce that supports the City’s year-round recreation activities that entice vacationers to the area, such as skiing and snowboarding during the winter and boating and biking in the summer. We believe the quality affordable housing offered by The Crossings at Big Bear Lake will help the City achieve its long-term goals by attracting and retaining both businesses and employees,” Bigley added.

"We are so pleased and proud to welcome UHC and Bank of America to the community as our partners in developing high-quality, family-oriented affordable housing for our work force," said Big Bear Lake's City Manager Jeff Mathieu. "We expect this new, fully-appointed apartment community to be an asset for the City of Big Bear Lake by providing our workforce with the opportunity to enjoy the Big Bear lifestyle in a safe, clean and modern environment without the threat of fast rising rents in the future that will surely price them out of the market as soon as the economy recovers."

Situated adjacent to a new neighborhood of single-family developments and across from Big Bear Elementary School, The Crossings at Big Bear Lake will improve vacant, untended property. “The new residential apartment community was planned and designed to fit in with the image of the Big Bear Mountain community,” said KTGY's Chris Texter, AIA, LEED AP and Principal. “Heavy timber wood details can be seen in the corbels supporting the large roof overhangs that are common in Big Bear. The apartment homes are part of a redevelopment infill and include heavy timber gable end framing, stone veneer and siding. Each building is planned in such a way to respect and add to the current street scene, residences, trees and other site opportunities and are oriented around a central garden, tot lot and community center amenities for the families,” Texter added.

“KTGY is committed to Urban Housing Communities’ mission to provide affordable housing within a community design that is contextual and well designed and meets the needs of its residents. We believe that The Crossings at Big Bear Lake achieves UHC’s vision with these beautiful new apartment homes and architecture that evokes a mountain community. We are confident that families will appreciate the high quality and the outstanding amenities that The Crossings at Big Bear Lake has to offer," noted Texter.

SL Residential, the general contractor for the project, began construction on July 15 and plans to recycle at least 75 percent of construction waste. Other eco-friendly design features include solar panels for generating electricity to the community room and common areas; gas condensing tankless water heaters; Energy Star rated lighting, windows and gas appliances; “Dark Sky” compliant exterior lighting; water-saving fixtures in the kitchens and bathrooms; high-efficiency dual-flush toilets; flooring, railings, furniture, BBQs, and trash and recycling receptacles made from recycled content; zero-VOC interior paints and low-VOC interior finishes and adhesives; building materials that contain recycled content and do not emit harmful chemicals; and bike racks. Early in the design process, UHC consulted an arborist in an effort to preserve some of the existing onsite trees.

UHC partnered with the City of Big Bear Lake’s Improvement Agency in 2009 to increase the City’s affordable housing stock in a manner consistent with the goals of the Redevelopment Plan. The Improvement Agency committed funding through a soft loan and UHC secured financing through the highly competitive 9 percent tax credit program. Additional financing for the project was provided by the Bank of America Community Development Corporation (BACDC), Bank of America, National Equity Fund (NEF) and the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA).

The Crossings at Big Bear Lake is UHC’s second project to begin construction in less than 30 days. UHC recently broke ground on The Crossings at Escondido, a KTGY-designed residential community that will feature 55 high quality, affordable apartment homes for working families in San Diego County. Families interested in living at The Crossings at Big Bear Lake, should contact AWI Management Corporation, Inc. at (530) 745-6249.

About Urban Housing Communities
Urban Housing Communities LLC is a "mission driven for-profit" affordable housing development partner of Morgan Stanley and Banc of America Community Development Corporation specializing in multifamily and senior housing facilities in California and Hawaii. UHC was formed in 2003 by executives of SunAmerica and ASL Housing, and has since been joined by professionals from KB Home, CalFed Bank and the California State University System. Together, they have financed or developed over 10,000 units of housing. For more information, visit www.uhcllc.net.

About KTGY Group, Inc.
Established in 1991, KTGY Group, Inc., Architecture and Planning, provides comprehensive planning and award-winning architectural design services for residential communities, retail, hospitality, mixed-use and related specialty developments. KTGY delivers innovative solutions that reflect clear understanding of development, marketing and financial performance and takes particular pride in its highly motivated and principal led studios. Serving clients worldwide, KTGY maintains offices in Irvine, Oakland and Santa Monica, and in Denver. See www.ktgy.com.

Los Angeles County Neighborhood Retail Center Sells for $16 Million

2010-07-29T15:21:00.000-07:00

Neighborhood Shopping Center Sells for $16 Million in La Cañada, Calif.

IRVINE, CALIF. – Hanley Investment Group Real Estate Advisors announced today that William B. Asher of Hanley Investment Group, along with Jim Barthe of Real Estate Portfolio Specialists of Pasadena, Calif., and Paul and Nathan Strauss of ASB Property Management, Inc. of Monrovia, Calif., represented the buyer in the purchase of a neighborhood shopping center in La Cañada, Calif., for a total consideration of $16,000,000.

The 42,093-square-foot shopping center, known as Foothill Promenade, is located at 475 Foothill Boulevard in La Cañada. Positioned at the signalized intersection of Foothill Boulevard and Gould Avenue, the property is situated on a 2.75-acre parcel. Tenants include Trader Joe's, Union Bank, Petco, Aaron Brothers, Starbucks and Han’s Beauty. The property was built in 1995 and was 100 percent occupied at the time of sale. The seller was Dollinger Properties from Redwood City, Calif.

The buyer was a partnership of private individuals, which are seeking to acquire additional high quality shopping centers in Southern California, preferably on an all cash basis. The Foothill Promenade is the second major shopping center purchased by these individuals in the last ten months. In October 2009, they acquired the Tustin Courtyard Shopping Center in Orange County.

“It was a rare sale of a pride of ownership neighborhood shopping center in the greater San Gabriel Valley area and overall in today’s market,” said William B. Asher, managing director at Hanley Investment Group. Asher notes the property was never on the market and the buyer assumed an existing loan with the purchase.

“The first half of 2010 has seen a lack of supply of quality neighborhood shopping centers marketed for sale and actually transacting in southern California,” said Asher. “This combined with an increased demand from investors has created a very competitive environment so far this year. In the past couple of months, the market has started to see an increase in neighborhood shopping centers sold and marketed for sale in southern California. Watch for this trend to continue and pick up momentum moving into the fourth quarter.”

About Hanley Investment Group Real Estate Advisors

Built on a solid foundation of performance, integrity and dedication, Hanley Investment Group Real Estate Advisors is a boutique retail investment advisory firm with a two billion dollar transaction track record that is comprised of innovative specialists delivering unparalleled service and superior results that consistently exceed client expectations. Hanley Investment Group’s expertise, commitment and unwavering focus of putting the client’s needs first have continued to set the company apart in the industry. Hanley Investment Group works closely with individual investors, developers, and institutional property owners in every facet of the transaction to insure that the highest value is achieved. Clients rely on Hanley Investment Group to be the most knowledgeable and trusted source for valuation services, market information and retail property acquisitions and dispositions. For more information, visit the Company’s website at www.hanleyinvestment.com or call (949) 585-7610.

Northern California's First Home for Developmentally Disabled Seniors Designed by KTGY to Open

2010-07-15T13:53:00.000-07:00

HomeAid Dedicates Northern California's First Home for Developmentally Disabled Seniors
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KTGY-designed Village at Walpert Center to include five six-bedroom homes upon completion

HAYWARD, CALIF. - HomeAid Northern California will dedicate Phase 1 of the Village at Walpert Center in Hayward on Friday, July 16th, at 12:00 noon. This is HomeAid's first home for developmentally disabled seniors, and ninth project. Upon completion in late summer 2010, the development will include five identical six-bedroom homes. Phase I, which is now ready for occupancy, consists of two 3,410-square-foot homes and is the culmination of four years of hard work by Builder Captains Pulte Group, Ponderosa Homes, Meritage Homes, and William Lyon Homes; with the assistance of Emerald Glen, The Walpert Center and many subcontractors, suppliers and consultants. Architecture and planning firm, KTGY Group, Inc., designed these homes with careful thought into the design that would not only be great quality but accommodate the special needs and abilities of the residents that would live there.

"We wanted the residents to feel comfortable, like the homes they might have grown up in," said KTGY's Jill Williams, AIA and Principal. "We incorporated a large living space for multiple activities, dining space for all the residents to congregate and a large kitchen with an island to allow multiple preparation areas and good flow.

"The parents of the future residents that we worked with during the design phase offered invaluable insight to what would be necessary as well as what they just wished for in a quality residence. Their struggle to find a place to call home for their adult children is what inspired the team to dedicate themselves to this effort. Individual bedrooms, shared baths, and universal design techniques were all integrated and carefully detailed," Williams added.

"Additionally, it was important that the home design was simple and could be repeated when you are working with volunteers and contributions. The City wanted the highest quality and best design that the team could create and that is what the residents will now have," stated Williams.

Roughly 50 percent of the cost of Village at Walpert Center Phase 1 came by way of donations. HEDCO Foundation donated $100,000 towards the foundations of the five homes.

“We have been very impressed by the enthusiasm, generosity and follow-through of the builder captains and their trade partners who adopted this project,” said Julie O’Connor, Executive Director of HomeAid Northern California. “They stayed the course through permit delays, weather issues, and the many challenges that come with coordinating dozens of separate companies to accomplish one goal.”

The Village at Walpert Center is the first project of its kind in Alameda County and the type of project HomeAid Northern California is proud to show as a model for future collaborations. "I think we were particularly interested because this project dealt with a segment of the population that is both overlooked and underserved, Developmentally Disabled Seniors—or better put, 'Adult Orphans,'" said Jeff Scofield, Area Director of Purchasing for Pulte Group of Pleasanton, California. “For the first time in history, the developmentally disabled are outliving their parents."

Co-builder Captain Ralph Walker of Ponderosa Homes stated, “Getting involved with HomeAid is so fulfilling. It really becomes more about personal fulfillment than what you might gain otherwise."

Walker added, "The trade partners who worked with us on the Village at Walpert Center have been the same ones who step up time and time again."
In the 10 years since its inception, HomeAid Northern California has built and furnished nine shelters, totalling 504 beds. In partnership with the organization’s Care Providers, HomeAid Northern California has had the resources to change more than 6,600 lives. Current projects under development in northern California are Mission Solano Bridge to Life Center in Fairfield, Shepherd’s Gate Life Center in Livermore and Downtown Street Team in San Jose.

To donate cash, time or materials, or for more information regarding HomeAid programs, shelters and services, contact Julie O'Connor of HomeAid Northern California at (925) 906-9139, joconnor@homeaidnc.org or visit www.homeaidnc.org.

About HomeAid Northern California
HomeAid Northern California is the 8th chapter of a national non-profit organization with the mission to build dignified housing where homeless families and individuals can rebuild their lives. Founded in 1999 by the Home Builders Association of Northern California, HomeAid acts as the housing developer and liaison between service providers, community volunteers, builders and specialty contractors. To date the organization has completed 10 housing developments that serve victims of domestic violence, pregnant homeless women, abused and abandoned children, homeless adults, homeless families and wounded veterans. www.homeaidnc.org.

About KTGY Group, Inc.
Established in 1991, KTGY Group, Inc., Architecture and Planning, provides comprehensive planning and award-winning architectural design services for residential communities, retail, hospitality, mixed-use and related specialty developments. KTGY delivers innovative solutions that reflect clear understanding of development, marketing and financial performance and takes particular pride in its highly motivated and principal led studios. Serving clients worldwide, KTGY maintains offices in Irvine, Oakland and Santa Monica, and in Denver. See www.ktgy.com.

KTGY Group Honored with Gold Nugget Award

2010-07-15T08:56:00.000-07:00

KTGY Group Honored with Gold Nugget Award for Habitat for Humanity Home Designs
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Architect receives “Best of the West” 2010 Building Industry Community Spirit Award for design work for Yorba Linda Homes

SANTA ANA, CALIF. - KTGY Group, Inc., Irvine, Calif., was honored with a Gold Nugget award from the Pacific Coast Builders Conference (PCBC®) for design work on three new Craftsman-style Habitat for Humanity homes recently completed in Yorba Linda.

KTGY received the Building Industry Community Spirit Award's "Grand Award," which recognizes various philanthropic efforts made by the building community on behalf of the less fortunate.

“Congratulations to KTGY Group for winning a 2010 Gold Nugget for their design work on our three new homes in Yorba Linda,” said Mark Korando, senior vice president, Habitat for Humanity of Orange County. “With these home designs, KTGY has proven that simple, decent, affordable homes can also be an attractive addition to any neighborhood.”

"The sustainable design maximizes available square footage on a small infill site to create attractive, very livable, comfortable homes that are affordable for working families and in harmony with the surrounding market rate neighborhood,” said KTGY's Jill Williams, AIA and principal. “The project uses Habitat for Humanity's new 'Mixed-Income Model,' which includes homes for both very low-income and moderate-income families within the same development."

The award was presented to KTGY at the 47th Annual PCBC Conference on June 10, 2010, at the Moscone Convention Center in San Francisco.

For more information, please contact Gladys Hernandez at 714-434-6200 ext. 229 or gladys@habitatoc.org.

About Habitat for Humanity of Orange County
Habitat for Humanity of Orange County, headquartered in Santa Ana, Calif., is dedicated to ending substandard housing and building strong communities in Orange County. Habitat uses non-government donations of funding, materials, professional services and volunteer labor to build simple, decent homes which are sold to qualified low-income families for a 1% down payment, closing costs, and a long-term mortgage. Mortgage payments are recycled to build more Habitat homes. Habitat families contribute 500 hours of “sweat equity” to the program by building their own home, helping another Habitat family build a home, or working in some other area of the Habitat organization. Habitat for Humanity families and volunteers have built 146 homes in Orange County since 1988, and are currently building 18 homes in San Juan Capistrano and five homes in Fullerton. For more information, please visit www.habitatoc.org.

Habitat for Humanity of Orange County is an affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International, an ecumenical Christian housing ministry that welcomes to its work all people dedicated to the cause of eliminating poverty housing. Since its founding in 1976, Habitat International has built more than 350,000 houses worldwide, providing simple, decent and affordable shelter for more than 1.75 million people. Habitat for Humanity International is currently the 8th largest homebuilder in the United States, according to Builder OnLine magazine.

About the Yorba Linda homes
Habitat for Humanity of Orange County completed a three-home development on a vacant lot at the northwest corner of Park Ave and Yorba Linda Boulevard in the City of Yorba Linda. This development introduced Habitat OC’s new “mixed income model.” Using this model, homes were marketed to families with incomes within the following two levels:
• Two homes marketed to buyers earning up to 120% of the area median income ($100,900 for a family of four), and
• One home marketed to a local family earning 50% of the area median income ($46,500 for a family of four).

The size and design of the homes are consistent with the surrounding Yorba Linda community. Homes are two-stories with three bedrooms and either 1-1/2 or 2-1/2 baths. All include attached two-car garages, front porches and stone veneer accents to ensure these homes are attractive and appropriate for the City of Yorba Linda.

For more information about Habitat for Humanity of Orange County, please call (714) 434-6200 extension 229 or visit our Web site at www.habitatoc.org.

About KTGY Group, Inc.
Established in 1991, KTGY Group, Inc., Architecture and Planning, provides comprehensive planning and award-winning architectural design services for residential communities, retail, hospitality, mixed-use and related specialty developments. KTGY delivers innovative solutions that reflect clear understanding of development, marketing and financial performance and takes particular pride in its highly motivated and principal led studios. Serving clients worldwide, KTGY maintains offices in Irvine, Oakland and Santa Monica, and in Denver. See www.ktgy.com.

Hanley Investment Group Represents Buyer in Sale of Single-Tenant NNN Del Taco

2010-07-12T20:32:00.000-07:00

Hanley Investment Group Sells Single-Tenant NNN Del Taco in Inland Empire for $1,460,000
***
Demand for Well Located Single-Tenant Fast-Food Restaurants Remains High

IRVINE, CALIF. – Hanley Investment Group Real Estate Advisors, one of the most dominant retail investment groups in the western United States and a market leader in the sale of retail properties, announced today that Edward B. Hanley represented the seller in the sale of the fee-simple ownership in the land leased to a single-tenant NNN Del Taco in Rancho Cucamonga, Calif. The purchase price was $1,460,000.

Located in San Bernardino County at 6341 Haven Avenue in Rancho Cucamonga, Del Taco occupies a single-tenant pad building situated within Haven Village, a dominant neighborhood shopping center in the area anchored by Vons, Trader Joe's, McDonald’s, Edward Jones, Subway and Yogurberry. Built in 2004, the freestanding 2,200-square-foot building is situated on a 0.41-acre parcel of land and was 100% occupied at the time of sale.

“Through Hanley Investment Group’s strategic marketing efforts, over ten qualified buyers submitted offers to purchase the property,” said Edward B. Hanley, president of Hanley Investment Group Real Estate Advisors. “It clearly shows the high demand for well located single-tenant fast-food investments.”

Hanley notes, “Even though the demand for single-tenant assets like this Del Taco remains very healthy, approximately half of the offers generated were unable to secure the financing they were looking for due to more strict underwriting guidelines from lenders offering financing in today’s market.”

The buyer, Sylvia W. Augustine Family Trust of San Diego, Calif., was represented by Brian Somoza of Marcus & Millichap in Irvine, Calif. The seller was Cadence Capital Investments, LLC of Greenwood Village, Colo.

About Hanley Investment Group Real Estate Advisors
Built on a solid foundation of performance, integrity and dedication, Hanley Investment Group Real Estate Advisors is a boutique retail investment brokerage firm with a three billion dollar transaction track record that is comprised of innovative specialists delivering unparalleled service and superior results that consistently exceed client expectations. Hanley Investment Group’s expertise, commitment and unwavering focus of putting the client’s needs first have continued to set the company apart in the industry. Hanley Investment Group works closely with individual investors, developers, and institutional property owners in every facet of the transaction to insure that the highest value is achieved. Clients rely on Hanley Investment Group to be the most knowledgeable and trusted source for valuation services, market information and retail property acquisitions and dispositions. For more information, visit the Company’s website at www.hanleyinvestment.com or call (949) 585-7610.

KTGY-Designed Communities Up For National Awards

2010-06-28T17:24:00.000-07:00

Five KTGY-Designed Residential Communities Among Finalists in National Multifamily Housing Industry Award Competition
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Honoring Best in Rental, Affordable Apartments, Lofts, Mid-Rise Condo Communities

IRVINE, CALIF. - KTGY Group, Inc., Architecture and Planning, is pleased to announce that the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) has recognized five KTGY-designed multifamily residential communities among the top trend-setters in the multifamily housing industry, as part of its annual Pillars of the Industry Awards program promoting excellence in apartment design, development, management and marketing. Hundreds of entries—representing apartment and condo communities from across the country—vied for this year’s awards, which are considered among the most prestigious in the housing industry.

This year’s finalists are showcased virtually with NAHB Multifamily's new venue for the Pillars Awards – the Internet. An interactive presentation at this link – www.nahb.org/pillarsawards shows the five KTGY-designed finalists and other innovative multifamily communities to viewers all over the country.

The Lofts at Promenade in Long Beach, Calif., which received recognition as a Pillars of the Industry Award finalist in two categories: "Best Rental Community (non-garden 5 stories or less)" and the "Best Multifamily Community Site Plan," was chosen on the basis that this challenging discontinuous site transformed a former “parking district” surface parking lot in the heart of Downtown Long Beach into a unsurpassed sophisticated urban living environment offering 104 luxury, loft-style apartments plus 401 parking spaces for area businesses and project residents. Developed by Lyon Realty Advisors, LLC, in a public/private collaboration, The Lofts is located within walking distance of shopping, restaurants, entertainment, world-class events, beaches, employment, mass transit including LA Metro Blue Line providing convenient transportation to Downtown Los Angeles.

The Lofts' sustainable design, modern loft-style architecture includes 10’ ceilings with exposed metal ducting, large picture windows, concrete flooring, industrial designer fixtures and hardware, open-concept gourmet kitchen with granite countertops, European-Style cabinets, stainless steel appliances and in-home washer/dryer. The amenity rich, resort-style residential community consists of two separate mixed-use buildings situated at a diagonal and linked by a spectacular pedestrian bridge, which joins four levels of residential built over at-grade commercial space and parking podium and a seven level parking garage topped by a “Rooftop Sky Lounge” tucked behind four levels of residential over at-grade commercial space. The rooftop amenities include an outdoor pool, spa, cabanas and lounge areas, fireplace, barbecue, entertainment area, lush landscaping, state-of-the-art fitness center with yoga and Pilates classes, business and conference center with WiFi, and spectacular panoramic views of city lights and mountains.

The Bond in Oakland, Calif., which received recognition as an award finalist as the "Best New Loft Apartment Community," was selected for its pioneering sustainable design and urban infill, transit-oriented development that cost-effectively resolves the issues of how to meet the increasing demand of high-density construction at a lower construction cost without sacrificing design and aesthetics. Developed by The Embarcadero Pacific Company, the Bond’s eight-story poured in place structure, without cladding, offers an innovative template that is superior to other urban, transit-oriented structures. This revolutionary model, which creates a stunning architectural form out of a structural concrete shell, can be replicated in other urban areas where budget limitations impact the deliverability of a high quality, high-density building.

Incorporating concrete, glass and metal with an architectural design inspired by the fashionable Bond Streets in London and New York, the 105-unit luxury residential community provides sophisticated urban living in historical context adjacent to shopping, restaurants, employment and transportation, and capitalizes on the spectacular panoramic views of the estuary and city skyline. The Bond offers unique amenities including large, exclusive onsite 4,000-square-foot dog park (none existed in the area), electric vehicle charging stations (first in the region), and complimentary ferry tickets for residents, residents are treated to a unparalleled "White Glove" rental experience with concierge services typical of five-star hotels across the globe.

555 YVR in Walnut Creek, Calif., which received recognition as an award finalist as the "Best Mid-Rise Condominium Community," was chosen on the basis of its many attributes: Downtown Walnut Creek’s first live-work-shop-play residences; the first in its market to debut a "Sky Lounge," amenity, a mixed-income condo development and a residential building in a CBD/BART Station node; and achieving highest prices per square foot and fastest absorption rate in the market. Developed by Thompson Dorfman Partners, LLC, with KTGY as the project architect, in conjunction with Kwan Henmi as the concept design architect, 555YVR is a modern, environmentally-friendly, transit-oriented development featuring 87 spacious one-bedroom, one-bedroom plus den and two-bedroom homes, as well as townhomes and live-work units. All units feature luxury finishes, stainless steel appliances and expansive floor-to-ceiling windows. Located adjacent to the Walnut Creek BART Station, 555 YVR is steps to world-class shopping, restaurants, civic, cultural, entertainment destinations, employment centers, and transit links.

555 YVR offers residents a Sky Lounge rooftop terrace, which features an outdoor kitchen, fireplace, WiFi access and spectacular 360-degree views of the San Ramon valley and Mt. Diablo. Residents also enjoy a state-of-the-art media room, a private fitness center, a lushly landscaped courtyard with a water feature and bench seating, an on-site protected dog run and WiFi connectivity in common areas, which is ideal for tech-savvy professionals.

Designed by KTGY, The Crossing in Anaheim, Calif., received recognition as an award finalist in several categories: "Best Clubhouse at a Multifamily Community," "Best Leasing or Sales Center," "Best Interior Merchandising at a Multifamily Community," and "Best Brochure for a Rental Apartment Community." Developed by SARES-REGIS, The Crossing is a unique transit-oriented development in Anaheim, featuring 312 well-appointed lofts, one- and two-bedroom apartment homes (some with dens) and 39 live/work units. Located adjacent to the Anaheim Metrolink and Amtrak train stop and close to shopping, dining and entertainment venues, the new transit-oriented/pedestrian-friendly community is a conversion of industrial land to luxury rental apartments and live/work units.

A candidate for LEED® Silver certification by the U.S. Green Building Council, The Crossing was designed and built as an environmentally-friendly, smoke-free residential community promoting healthy living and sustainable practices. The Crossing has dedicated parking for 120+ bicycles and preferred parking for fuel efficient vehicles; and its cool roof technology reduces the heat island effect. Other green features include: Broan SmartSense® ventilation systems to improve air circulation, high-grade energy efficient windows, water-saving fixtures including high-efficiency dual flush toilets, energy-saving compact fluorescent lights, low-VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) paint, adhesives and carpet, carpets made from 100% post-recycled content (recycled plastic bottles) and a community recycling program. There are also separate chutes for recyclables. To mitigate the noise of the trains passing by, great care was taken to orient units to private courtyards within the buildings. These courtyard spaces act as the social heart of the project, joining with the spacious club room, fitness center/spa, and leasing areas to create an exciting, hip, and sophisticated environment.

Villaggio on Route 66 in Rancho Cucamonga, CA, which received recognition as an award finalist as the "Best Affordable Apartment Community (40% of units must be affordable to people earning 60% or less of area median income)," was selected for its thoughtfully-planned, mixed-income, sustainable apartment community that provides quality housing and residential amenities including excellent educational, health and social programs for the community members. Developed by National Community Renaissance and situated near the vibrant and successful Victoria Gardens and City Hall, the Tuscan-inspired community consists of one, two and three-story buildings with spacious two and three-bedroom units, as well as a 5,600-square-foot community building, two tot lots, a pool and fitness center, business center, and an education center for residents.

“Creativity in design and a clear understanding of the entrants’ local markets characterized this year’s entries,” said Charles R. Brindell, Jr., President and CEO of Trammel Crow Residential, and chair of NAHB’s Multifamily Leadership Board. “The results are outstanding apartments and condos that their residents will take pride in for years to come.”

KTGY has won countless awards for its many multifamily, mixed-income, affordable, workforce, senior and campus housing projects and was recently honored with seven Awards of Merit in the 2010 Gold Nugget Award design and planning competition. The Gold Nugget Award program honored the firm's wide range of capabilities, excellence and innovation in addressing complex design/build issues in attached, detached and sustainable communities as well as transit-oriented developments.

About NAHB
The National Association of Home Builders is a Washington-based trade association representing more than 175,000 members involved in home building, remodeling, multifamily construction, property management, subcontracting, design, housing finance, building product manufacturing and other aspects of residential and light commercial construction. NAHB is affiliated with 800 state and local home builders associations around the country. NAHB's builder members will construct about 80 percent of the new housing units projected for 2010. Visit www.nahb.org.

About KTGY Group, Inc.
Established in 1991, KTGY Group, Inc., Architecture and Planning, provides comprehensive planning and award-winning architectural design services for residential communities, retail, hospitality, mixed-use and related specialty developments. KTGY delivers innovative solutions that reflect clear understanding of development, marketing and financial performance and takes particular pride in its highly motivated and principal led studios. Serving clients worldwide, KTGY maintains offices in Irvine, Oakland and Santa Monica, and in Denver. See www.ktgy.com.

Construction to Begin on KTGY-Designed Valley Brook Townhomes

2010-06-25T13:17:00.000-07:00

KTGY-Designed, Eco-Friendly Workforce Housing to Break Ground in Breckenridge, Colorado
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Construction to begin on Valley Brook for 42 Local Employees and Their Families

DENVER, COLO. - According to KTGY Group Inc., Architecture and Planning, a new residential development will break ground next month in Breckenridge, Colo. Designed to LEED® Silver standards by KTGY Group on the site of a former airport runway owned by the town, Valley Brook will provide high-quality, environmentally-friendly, transit-oriented workforce housing for local employees and their families. The new 4.5-acre infill development will consist of 42 two-story for-sale townhome units ranging in size from 1,150 square feet to 1,384 square feet and offering two to three bedrooms with attached garages.

"Affordable workforce housing is important for the economic vitality of the Town of Breckenridge and to preserve the character of our community,” said Laurie Best, long-range planner with the Town. “We are looking forward to the development of Valley Brook to create an affordable neighborhood that is ideally located close to schools, jobs, parks, shopping, trails and transit.”

Located at 1100 Airport Road in Breckenridge, between Upper Blue Elementary School and the Breckenridge Police Department, Valley Brook will be built as an environmentally-friendly residential community promoting healthy living and sustainable practices. It is designed to LEED® Silver standards. LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design and provides a definitive national standard for what constitutes a “green building” and is administered by the U.S. Green Building Council. The project is an in-fill development site, and features solar photo-voltaic panel systems and ENERGY STAR appliances and light fixtures. Other green features include: high-grade energy efficient windows, water-saving fixtures including high-efficiency dual flush toilets, low flow faucets and shower heads, low-VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) paint and adhesives, carpet made from a high percentage of recycled content and a community recycling program. Each home will also have a passive radon mitigation system, high efficiency hot water heaters, and indoor air quality exhaust system. Landscaping will be focused on native species that don't need long-term irrigation.

The Valley Brook townhomes will also include large two-car tandem garages, attic storage, front porches and entries. The pedestrian-friendly site plan also provides a one-way loop road. The residents of Valley Brook can also take advantage of the adjacent Blue River corridor and connection to bike trails and walking paths. Recent improvements to the nearby path, which include the addition of a new bridge over the river, will make the neighborhood more easily accessible to the network of paths. The neighborhood will eventually include a playground and a common recreational area.

KTGY's Principal Michael Ohara, AIA, states that Valley Brook's mountain-Victorian style design, reminiscent of the mining heritage of the Colorado Mountains, will seamlessly integrate into the aesthetic fabric of the neighborhood and use the same high quality finishes and materials as surrounding market-rate properties. “Architectural integration is always a top priority for all of our residential projects,” Ohara notes. “We adjusted the roof planes on the various buildings to maximize solar exposure for the PV panels. The result was a pleasing variation in the building elevations that we accentuated with color and the use of varied exterior details.”

Of the 42 units, which will be built in phases, there will be 14 two-bedroom/two-bath townhomes available to those who qualify at the 80 percent area median income (AMI) level, priced at $165,000. Also at the 80 percent AMI level, there will be eight three-bedroom/two-bath units, selling for $187,500.

At 105 percent AMI, there will be 14 two-bedroom/two-bath townhomes, each selling for $267,000. Additionally, there will be six three-bedroom/two-bath units available for those at 105 percent AMI, which will sell for $302,000.

“The Town of Breckenridge is truly a leader in balancing the housing needs of both its year-round residents and its visitors,” says Ohara. The Town of Breckenridge offers a challenge to attainable housing that larger population centers don’t face. Breckenridge's basic industry, tourism, requires a large number of seasonal workers as well as full-time permanent workers, thus it needs all types of housing, from ownership to employee and short-term rental housing (six months or less). Tourism also creates a diverse employment base of non-basic industries: retail, housing, utilities, public transportation, personal care, health, education, local government, finance, entertainment and social services.

"If we cannot provide housing for those that work in these non-basic industries, it will be difficult, and ultimately, perhaps impossible, to sustain our basic industry – tourism," adds Best.

“Sustainable design and close proximity to jobs, services and education further increase affordability for residents who have few affordable housing options, especially for larger families,” says Ohara. A family of four earning $69,760 (80 percent of area median income) will pay about $187,500 to purchase a three-bedroom townhome at Valley Brook.

Recognized as a leader in the region, KTGY continues its stride in producing award-winning workforce housing developments that integrate the latest urban design trends and green building technologies with the needs of the end user. KTGY is well recognized for its designs in single family, affordable, senior and campus housing as well as retail, hospitality, mixed-use and related specialty developments.

For more information, call the Town of Breckenridge at (970) 547-3112 or the Summit Combined Housing Authority at (970) 423-7044 or (970) 423-7041 or visitwww.summithousing.us.

About KTGY Group, Inc.
Established in 1991, KTGY Group, Inc., Architecture and Planning, provides comprehensive planning and award-winning architectural design services for residential communities, retail, hospitality, mixed-use and related specialty developments. KTGY delivers innovative solutions that reflect clear understanding of development, marketing and financial performance and takes particular pride in its highly motivated and principal led studios. Serving clients worldwide, KTGY maintains offices in Irvine, Oakland and Santa Monica, and in Denver. See www.ktgy.com.

The Muller Company Achieves First LEED Gold CS in California

2010-06-23T21:17:00.000-07:00

The Muller Company Awarded LEED Gold on a Recently Completed Class A Office Building in Santa Ana, Calif.

LAGUNA HILLS, CALIF. – The Muller Company, a full service real estate company specializing in management, investment and development of commercial real estate in the western United States, announced today that Tustin Centre Office Phase II in Santa Ana, Calif. was awarded LEED® Gold Certification for its exceptional green design and construction under the U.S. Green Building Council’s (USGBC) Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) rating system for Core and Shell (CS). This new 82,042-square-foot, four-story Class A office building, which is located at 1525 N. Tustin Avenue, near 17th Street, is the first Core and Shell building to receive LEED Gold in all of California. The project is owned by an investment client of BlackRock, Inc. and The Muller Company is the developer and property manager.

“Tustin Centre II's LEED certification demonstrates tremendous green building leadership,” said Rick Fedrizzi, President, CEO & Founding Chair, U.S. Green Building Council. “The urgency of USGBC’s mission has challenged the industry to move faster and reach further than ever before, and Tustin Centre II serves as a prime example with just how much we can accomplish.”

The Muller Company incorporated numerous green design and construction features in the development of Tustin Centre II. Nearly 96 percent of all construction waste was recycled and diverted from landfills, equating to more than 1,774 tons of waste, which earned a LEED exemplary performance credit from USGBC; and more than 21 percent of the materials used in construction contained recycled content.

The new building also incorporates the use of low-emitting paints, carpet, adhesives and wood, and recycled content; low-flow faucets and showerheads, waterless urinals and dual-flush toilets, which will save 250,000 gallons or 44 percent of the water typically used by a building of this type and size; and native plants and drought-resistant plants for landscaping, which will save 262,631 gallons or 75 percent of the water normally used for landscaping.

The project also purchased 104 megawatts of Green-e power, which represented 35 percent of the building’s predicted annual electrical consumption over a two-year period (more than half of the power to run the building for a full year of operation will come from renewable energy sources). Furthermore, to maximize energy efficiency, 90 percent of the suites have daylight views, and the roof qualified as a heat island effect reducer through ENERGY STAR compliant roofing.

To encourage the use of alternative forms of transportation, three-preferred parking spaces are provided for carpoolers and three for those driving low emitting vehicles. There are also 10 bicycle racks and two shower and changing room facilities for the building's tenants.

The new building, which opened in October 2009, will be 100 percent leased in November 2010 by Regional Center of Orange County (RCOC), a state-funded nonprofit organization that provides life-long services and support for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families. The lease with RCOC was one of the largest signed in Orange County this year.

Tustin Centre also includes a 10-story 196,000-square-foot Class A office building, which was constructed in 1991 and is currently ENERGY STAR pending. This building serves as the headquarters of real estate brokerage and investor Grubb & Ellis Co. and a host of other tenants. An investment client of BlackRock is the owner and The Muller Company is the property manager for both buildings.

Looking forward, The Muller Company will continue to apply its renovation and rehabbing expertise to the green-building market. Karen Winter, Director of Property Management, who has been with the company for more than a decade, says, “There's a growing interest among clients - especially government tenants - to occupy green buildings and have their improvements certified under the LEED for Commercial Interiors designation. Not only is it good for business, but some of the changes promoted by the USGBC affect the bottomline, like low water usage and energy efficiency.”

About The Muller Company
The Muller Company has over 30 years of experience in developing, acquiring and managing a diverse portfolio of over 20 million square feet of office, industrial and retail real estate throughout the western United States, with nearly 11 million square feet currently under management in the California and Phoenix markets. Over the years, The Muller Company has partnered with institutional owners such as GE Capital, Capmark, Rockwood Capital, BlackRock, ING Realty and Metlife. Empowered by an entrepreneurial spirit and guided by an owner’s perspective, The Muller Company excels at mining the long-term value from every asset that it manages by adding value, either through leasing, capital improvements, refinancing, operational audits and repositioning. For more information, contact the Director of Business Development, Lori Ann Haigh at 949.460.5380 or visit www.themullercompany.com.

Mercy Housing Plans New Green Affordable Apartment Community in Stapleton, Colo. Designed by KTGY Group

2010-06-22T21:03:00.000-07:00

Mercy Housing Plans New $11.5 Million Affordable Apartments in Stapleton
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KTGY Named Architect of Mercy Housing’s Bluff Lake Apartment Homes

DENVER, COLO. - Award-winning KTGY Group, Inc., Architecture and Planning, is pleased to announce that after months of collaboration between leading national affordable housing developer Mercy Housing, the City of Denver, Colo., and KTGY, Mercy Housing is slated to break ground in January 2011 on Bluff Lake Apartment Homes, a new high-quality, eco-friendly residential community for families earning between 30 percent and 50 percent of the area median income.

Designed by KTGY, Mercy Housing’s Bluff Lake Apartment Homes will offer 92 thoughtfully-planned apartment homes ranging in size from 402 square feet to 1,261 square feet. The apartments include 36 one-, 46 two- and 10 three-bedroom homes. Fifty percent of the apartments will be dedicated to assisting families in transition as part of the Denver's Road Home initiative to end homelessness. Rent is expected to range from $400 to $950 per month, based on family size and income level.

Located on 2.33 acres, northeast of the planned Eastbridge Town Center in Forest City's master-planned community of Stapleton at the intersection of E. 31st Avenue Street and Hanover Street, the $11.5 million, four-story apartment community will feature a spacious community room for larger resident meetings and after-school programming and daycare services, a computer lab, a fully-equipped kitchen, smaller group meeting spaces, landscaped courtyard areas, a 3,000-square-foot playground, and convenient laundry facilities. An additional 3,000-square-foot building will be used for community functions for the surrounding neighborhood.

Convenient to employment, public transportation, shopping, services, parks and recreation, Bluff Lake Apartment Homes is approximately 10 minutes from Downtown Denver. There is also a new light rail line planned along the I-70 corridor. Within walking distance from the site is a new community center, the Sandcreek Regional Greenway, and Bluff Lake with its system of walking trails.

"Recognizing that shelter alone is not sufficient for residents’ success and well-being, Mercy Housing offers Resident Services programs at our properties," said Christopher Auxier, Mercy Housing Colorado Regional Vice President of Development. "Mercy Housing is committed to developing affordable, program-enriched housing for low-income families, seniors and people with special needs who lack the economic resources to access quality, safe housing opportunities. Every property is built with an unwavering commitment to quality and value." According to Denver's Road Home organization, the most commonly reported reasons for homelessness in the Denver area are loss of a job (35 percent), housing costs (31 percent), and the breakup of a family (20 percent); 60 percent of the homeless in Denver are people in families with children. Mercy Housing and KTGY intend to counter these statistics by providing a stable, service-enriched home for residents of Bluff Lake Apartment Homes.

According to KTGY's Principal Michael Ohara, AIA, Bluff Lake Apartment Homes’ design is modern contemporary and the location's urban context provides easy access to the greater Stapleton community with the single-family neighborhood to the west. The apartment community's surface parking on the east side of the site provides a buffer from a busy north/south arterial street.

"We wanted the apartment community to fit in to the greater context of Stapleton,” said Ohara. “The massing and the use of environmentally-friendly materials has been well received by the Stapleton community, and we look forward to helping provide this much needed resource in one of the regions’ premier master-planned neighborhoods."

Bluff Lake Apartment Homes’ attractive, sustainable design, cohesive layout and high quality residential living encourage healthy living and a sense of community among the residents. “The placement of shared spaces such as the community center, lobby, and courtyard elevate the importance of onsite resident services and social interaction and increase resident satisfaction,” said Ohara.

Some of the eco-friendly design features include ENERGY STAR rated appliances and energy-efficient lighting; water-saving fixtures in the kitchen and bathrooms; dual flush toilets; tankless water heaters; the use of low-VOC paints, adhesives and finishes, and low dust stucco; building materials that contain recycled content and do not emit harmful chemicals; and low water landscaping. A high percentage of the construction waste will be recycled.

Bluff Lake Apartment Homes was recently awarded Low Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC) from the Colorado Housing and Finance Authority. This will be Mercy Housing Colorado's second affordable housing development in the Stapleton community. Mercy Housing opened Parkside Apartments in Stapleton in 2009, which provides 68 affordable homes. The organization currently owns and manages nearly 900 units of housing in Colorado, including the Denver area, Colorado Springs, Fort Collins, Fraser and Durango. The median household income for families living at Mercy Housing Colorado properties is $19,167.

Today, more than one-third of the United States’ populations – approximately 95 million people – are affected by the housing crisis. Of these people, more than 45 million have incomes below $25,000 and roughly 12 million households earn less than $10,000 per year. And to make matters worse, the demand for affordable housing continues to exceed the supply. For every 100 extremely low-income renter households, there were only 39 rental housing units affordable and available for them in 2007. By 2008, the number of affordable and available units had declined to 38. The shortage will likely be worse in 2010 marked by households with extremely low incomes facing an absolute shortage of affordable rental housing. Mercy Housing’s goal is to have 60,000 affordable multifamily rental homes in the United States by 2014 to help meet the increasing demand for quality affordable homes.

About Denver’s Road Home
Denver’s Road Home is a comprehensive plan about creating opportunity and helping people regain control of their lives. A variety of services are offered for both short and long term assistance, including services to prevent people from becoming homeless in the first place as well as employment, substance treatment, mental health and permanent housing. For more information, visit www.denversroadhome.org.

About Mercy Housing Colorado
Mercy Housing Colorado, the regional business center of Mercy Housing, owns 14 affordable housing properties across the state that are home to more than 2,000 residents, including families, seniors, formerly homeless individuals and people with special needs. Mercy Housing Colorado is a developer, owner and manager of nearly 835 units of affordable and supportive housing that serve more than 2,000 Colorado men, women and children every day. For more information about Mercy Housing Colorado, visit www.mercyhousingcolorado.org.

About KTGY Group
Established in 1991, KTGY Group, Inc., Architecture and Planning, provides comprehensive planning and award-winning architectural design services for residential communities, retail, hospitality, mixed-use and related specialty developments. KTGY delivers innovative solutions that reflect clear understanding of development, marketing and financial performance and takes particular pride in its highly motivated and principal led studios. Serving clients worldwide, KTGY maintains offices in Irvine, Oakland, Santa Monica, and in Denver. See www.ktgy.com.

KTGY-Designed The Crossings at Escondido Breaks Ground

2010-06-17T18:41:00.000-07:00

UHC Breaks Ground on The Crossings at Escondido, a 55-Unit High Quality Affordable Housing Community
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KTGY-designed new community features 55 safe, healthy, attractive and supportive apartment homes for working families in Escondido

ESCONDIDO, CALIF. - Urban Housing Communities LLC will gather next Wednesday at 1:30 p.m. with City of Escondido officials including the Mayor and City Council, architect KTGY Group, project partners and local residents for the ceremonial groundbreaking on the future site of The Crossings at Escondido. In 12 short months, working families living in the Mission Park area of Escondido will have a new place to call home.

“This will be a beautiful project for the community that will bring change to the Mission Park neighborhood in a positive way. This project will provide wonderful opportunities for people to live in healthy, well-managed housing with easy access to schools, transportation and services. It's a very exciting project!” said Mayor Lori Holt Pfeiler.

Designed by Irvine-based KTGY Group, the development of The Crossings at Escondido marks the transformation of a street plagued by deterioration, poverty, gangs, drugs, and overcrowding into a safe, family-friendly community. “The Crossings at Escondido represents more than just another development by UHC,” said John Bigley, Chief Operating Officer for UHC. “Today we see work beginning—buildings being demolished and dirt being turned—to make life better not just for the people who will one day live here, but for the entire community. This project is just one component of the City of Escondido’s overall plans for revitalization.”

The Crossings at Escondido will enhance neighborhood aesthetics, embrace eco-friendly design principles and offer a supportive resident services program while providing affordable family living. Formerly known as “Elder Place,” UHC successfully collaborated with the City to have the street renamed Mission Grove Place to reflect a fresh start for the neighborhood. The name Mission Grove Place was drawn from two nearby landmarks, Mission Middle School and Grove Park.

The Crossings at Escondido is the product of an effectively leveraged partnership between UHC and the City of Escondido Community Development Commission. The City committed funding by partnering with UHC to acquire the land. Subsequently, UHC secured financing through the highly competitive 9 percent tax credit program. Additional financing for the project was provided by Wells Fargo Bank N.A., the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, and the California Community Reinvestment Corporation.

About The Crossings at Escondido

The Crossings at Escondido will feature 38 two-bedroom, two-and-a-half-bath townhomes, 15 three-bedroom, two-bath flats, and two four-bedroom two-bath flats. Apartment sizes average 1,200 square feet. Each unit will offer Energy Star appliances, central heat and air conditioning, a covered patio or balcony, washer/dryer hookups, high speed internet access and be wired for cable TV. Community amenities include a recreation room with a computer lab, media center and kitchen, picnic areas and two playgrounds.

The Crossings at Escondido was designed not only to complement the surrounding neighborhoods but also with a vision to create a higher standard for affordable housing. With a pedestrian friendly emphasis, each residence is provided with private, ground floor entries located among generous landscaped spaces. These "outdoor rooms" are provided in a variety of configurations from the more intimately scaled spaces intended for passive recreation to the centrally located playground and lawn for active recreation. Proposed to reflect the historic precedent in Escondido, the architecture is designed with a Craftsman style in mind. Details such as deep roof overhangs, porch columns, horizontal siding placement and accent shutters emphasize the simplicity of detailing. These three-story building facades are articulated with ridge/eave breaks as well as one- and two-story massing not only to provide a varied street scene but also to step the building down to a pedestrian scale.

Construction is scheduled to begin on June 21st, with at least 75 percent of the construction and demolition waste being recycled. The project exceeds California’s Title 24 energy efficiency standards by 15 percent. Eco-friendly design features include solar panels to generate electricity for the common areas and outdoor lighting; radiant barriers under the roof sheathing; water-saving fixtures in the kitchen and bathrooms; dual flush toilets; tankless water heaters; Energy Star rated lighting, appliances, windows and sliding glass doors; low-VOC paints, adhesives and finishes, and low dust stucco; building materials that contain recycled content, do not emit harmful chemicals and are manufactured in environmentally-friendly plants; products fabricated from engineered wood; and furniture, barbeques and trash receptacles made from recycled content. Competitive Edge Construction, Inc. is the general contractor.

The Crossings at Escondido effectively blends housing with onsite supportive services designed to help residents move toward a life of stability and opportunity while becoming self sustaining members of their community. UHC has selected non-profit social service provider, Western Community Housing, to provide health and wellness services, educational classes, job attainment assistance, life skills training, youth programs, and community-building activities.

The Crossings at Escondido will be home to 55 families earning 30 to 60 percent of the area median income for San Diego County. Rents range from $557 to $1,124 per month based on family size and income level. Interested applicants should contact Solari Enterprises, Inc. at (714) 282-2520.

About Urban Housing Communities

Urban Housing Communities LLC is a "mission driven for-profit" affordable housing development partner of Morgan Stanley and Banc of America Community Development Corporation specializing in multifamily and senior housing facilities in California and Hawaii. UHC was formed in 2003 by executives of SunAmerica and ASL Housing, and has since been joined by professionals from KB Home, CalFed Bank and the California State University System. Together, they have financed or developed over 10,000 units of housing. For more information, visit www.uhcllc.net.

About KTGY Group, Inc.

Established in 1991, KTGY Group, Inc., Architecture and Planning, provides comprehensive planning and award-winning architectural design services for residential communities, retail, hospitality, mixed-use and related specialty developments. KTGY delivers innovative solutions that reflect clear understanding of development, marketing and financial performance and takes particular pride in its highly motivated and principal led studios. Serving clients worldwide, KTGY maintains offices in Irvine, Oakland and Santa Monica, and in Denver. See www.ktgy.com.

UHC MEDIA CONTACT:
Merilee Langdon
(714) 835-3955 x120
mlangdon@uhcllc.net

Real Estate Veteran Robin DeLotell Leverages Business Relationships to Launch New Company

2010-06-02T18:45:00.000-07:00

CORONA DEL MAR, CALIF. - With over 25 years focused on business development and marketing for the real estate community, industry veteran Robin DeLotell has launched Robin DeLotell & Associates (RDA) to enhance client capabilities and create new opportunities for clients to gain market share and boost revenues. DeLotell originally founded RDA in 1993 with clients such as KTGY Group, Inc., The Collaborative West, Linscott, Law & Greenspan, Roxburgh Agency, and others. She joined KTGY full-time in 2005 and then became a partner, where she helped build and establish the 25-person architectural firm as one of the largest and most respected architectural and planning firms in the country.

RDA’s host of services include strategic positioning and marketing, comprehensive business and marketing plan development and implementation, company diversification and expansion, domestic and international business development, strategic leveraging to connect people and businesses, alliance formation, event coordination including seminars, advisory groups, and trade shows, and business development/marketing staff training.

"With the current market dynamics, there is a strong demand for results-driven business development and marketing services provided on an outsourced basis," said DeLotell. "Launching Robin DeLotell & Associates at this time allows me to take RDA to the next level with the added five-year exposure to high-level client relationships as well as collaborating with a variety of firms that can benefit from my expertise and industry relationships." DeLotell will continue to work with KTGY and The Collaborative West, an international landscape architecture firm.

"I love this industry and the people in it, and bringing companies together that can benefit from each other’s experience and services," DeLotell said. "Long-term relationships and the ability to strategically leverage these relationships are what allows a firm to gain market share and increase revenues."

DeLotell's business strategy is to elevate her clients' visibility by utilizing her existing key relationships as well as RDA’s client’s relationships to establish one-on-one targeted meetings, alliance formation, event coordination, participation at trade events, and membership in professional organizations. "The key to RDA’s client’s success is follow-through until we get the job/client,” said DeLotell. “I find that is the real difference between successful business development people and the rest. Follow-up is vital and I have a proven track record at maintaining long-term relationships as well as doing the necessary follow-up until the deal is done.”

According to KTGY's CEO Tricia Esser, "Robin DeLotell's professionalism and dedication to understanding where the market is headed and how to help position us in the community has been a valuable asset to our firm. Her commitment to connecting KTGY with the industry and building great, lasting relationships has been essential to KTGY's success."

The Collaborative West President Paul Haden said, "I have collaborated with Robin DeLotell in business development in a host of markets, regions and client types -- commercial, residential, institutional -- both in the private and public sectors. She is a professional who brings great ideas, a superb knowledge of the industry, and a commitment to her work that is truly unique. Robin is, in short, a 'results professional.’”

What building trends does DeLotell see on the horizon? “I see the real estate industry's focus on transit-oriented developments (TODs) and real placemaking continuing,” DeLotell said. “I also see the demand for more affordable housing to continue and homebuilders will respond by building smaller homes, located closer to work (infill), and to be energy efficient. I don’t believe that many consumers are interested in spending more money on a home just to have it environmentally-friendly, but builders are finding ways to incorporate green building products and practices that will not add to the cost and will save consumers money on their monthly utility bills as well as being good for the environment. Building green will become an amenity and not a cost to the consumer," DeLotell added.

DeLotell graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Urban Planning from California Polytechnic State University, Pomona. She has been a full member of Urban Land Institute (ULI) since 1988 and is currently the Vice-Chair of Programs for ULI's Orange County District Council, a member of ULI's national Sustainability Development Council and a member of ULI's Urban Marketplace 2010 committee. She is also a past Vice-Chair of Sponsorship for ULI's Orange County District Council and Building Industry Show Seminar Committee Co-Chairman for two consecutive years. Other professional affiliations include International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC), Orange County Building Industry Association (BIA) and United States Green Building Council (USGBC). In 2009, USBGC awarded DeLotell the LEED Green Associate designation.

About Robin DeLotell & Associates
With over 25 years focused on business development and marketing for the real estate industry, Robin DeLotell & Associates has established long-term client/consultant relationships that increase revenues and visibility to foster opportunities and expansion. Robin DeLotell & Associates provides a responsive, nimble, and personal approach to business development that can only be achieved by working with a synergistic client base. The firm's goal is client success, which is accomplished through a complete understanding of a client's business and developing a strategy that is specific, realistic, and attainable. For more information, email robin@delotell.com or visit www.delotell.com.

2010-05-27T18:44:00.000-07:00

KTGY Earns National Recognition with 7 Gold Nugget Merit Awards
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Diverse Range of Capabilities, Excellence & Innovation are Praised

IRVINE, CALIF. - KTGY Group, Inc., Architecture and Planning, has earned seven Awards of Merit in the 2010 Gold Nugget Award design and planning competition honoring the firm's wide range of capabilities, excellence and innovation in addressing complex design/build issues in attached, detached and sustainable communities as well as transit-oriented developments. KTGY's winning projects were selected from 440 entries from the 14 Western States and international countries. The KTGY-designed Solaris in South Jordan, Utah, earned several honors, including “Residential Detached Community of the Year,” for providing first-time homebuyers in Utah with the opportunity to afford a modern, contemporary-style, Solar- and Thermal-powered home. The Gold Nugget Grand Award winners will be selected from the Award of Merit honorees on June 10, 2010.

The Solaris Collection received an Award of Merit for "Residential Detached Community of the Year" and The Solaris Collection - Plan A earned an Award of Merit for “Best Single Family Detached Home on a Small Lot (3,200-4,500 sq. ft.)." The Solaris Townhomes also won recognition for the "Best On the Boards Multi-Family Project." Built by Garbett Homes, Solaris is located within Daybreak's South Station master-planned community, developed by Kennecott Land as Utah's first sustainable master-planned community. The Daybreak community offers miles of nature trails for biking, walking, jogging, or hiking, swimming pools, playgrounds and parks, walking distance to UTA Trax, community gardens, community sports facilities, pavilions, and a new charter school and convenient access to shopping nearby.

"The inspiration for Solaris was to respond to a well-educated, environmentally-sensitive market in Utah and offer the first Solar powered homes. To this end, it was important to allow the Solar panels to show from the street as part of its sustainable design and construction. We did our homework up front and found state and utility rebates that would surely make this program a homerun for the buyers," said KTGY's Principal John Tully.

According to Garbett Homes Marketing Director Rene Oehlerking, "The Solaris Collection offers the most affordable Solar-powered, single-family homes in Utah (from $206,900 after solar rebate). Garbett Homes is also the first production builder in Utah to offer bold, modern architecture."

Tully said, "Working closely with Garbett Homes, we wanted to create an attainable, contemporary, Solar-powered, Thermal-powered, single-family detached home marketed to the first-time buyer. We wanted it to be priced around $200,000 and have three bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms and a two-car garage. We were told it could not be done, but we did it! The modern design helped in achieving this feat – with clean lines and open-plan design we were able to simplify the home and therefore the construction costs."

Solaris has been well received by the marketplace. Oehlerking said that despite the current economic recession, Garbett Homes has sold at a better sales rate than any other previous neighborhood. The Solaris Collection consist of homes ranging in size from 1,442 square feet to 2,791 square feet on 4,500-square-foot lots. A total of 42 single-family dwellings are planned for the development. The Solaris Collection's Plan A homes range in size from 1,442 square feet to 2,112 square feet. The energy-efficient homes include modern contemporary design, vaulted ceilings in entry and living room, tiled front entry way and kitchen, recessed lighting, Energy Star GE stainless steel appliances, upgraded finish carpentry, ceiling fans, mini-chamfer sheetrock corners, large, dual-paned, low-E vinyl windows, central air conditioning with 13 Seer AC units, white membrane roof to reflect excess heat, exterior finish of stucco and Hardie-board, beautiful private porches connecting residents with the neighborhood, professionally landscaped and maintained community, security lighting, maintenance-free soffit and fascia, full rain gutters, outside waterproof electrical outlets, and double car attached garage with automatic opener.

The Gold Nugget Awards program recognized The Solaris Townhomes in the category of "Best On the Boards Multi-Family Project." There are 79 units planned. "Garbett Homes is the first and only builder in Utah to offer Solar and Thermal (PVT) as standard on townhomes," Oehlerking said. "The Solaris Townhomes are also the most affordable green, solar-powered home ever, with townhomes starting in the $170,000s."

The Solaris Townhomes range in size from 1,190 square feet to 1,416 square feet. "In a down market and competing with short sales and foreclosed homes, we needed to innovate and bring a truly remarkable product to the market and captivate the limited buyers," said Tully. "The design is modern, the standard features are outstanding (tankless water-heaters, solar panels, 100% Energy Star Rated, NAHB Green Home Certified, stainless steel appliances, and gas ranges). The floorplans are amazing and the price is remarkable. We were able to do this by cutting our construction time to 45 days per building, and self-financing the vertical construction. We cut out the bank and have our sub-contractors extend terms to 45 days. We believe that we have a winning new construction product to compete with discounted existing home sales."

Additionally, KTGY received a Gold Nugget Merit Award in the category of "Best Multi-Family Housing Project – 4 to 6 Stories For Sale" for 555 YVR, Downtown Walnut Creek’s first live-work-shop-play residences. Developed by Thompson Dorfman Partners, with KTGY as the project architect, in conjunction with Kwan Henmi as the concept design architect, 555YVR is a modern, environmentally-friendly, transit-oriented development featuring 87 spacious one-bedroom, one-bedroom plus den and two-bedroom homes, as well as townhomes and live-work units, all featuring luxury finishes, stainless steel appliances and expansive floor-to-ceiling windows. Located in the commercial business district on the site of former office buildings and surface parking lot, adjacent to the Walnut Creek BART Station, 555 YVR is steps to world-class shopping, restaurants, civic, cultural, entertainment destinations, employment centers, transit links. 555 YVR offers residents a Sky Lounge rooftop terrace, which features an outdoor kitchen, fireplace, WiFi access and spectacular 360-degree views of the San Ramon valley and Mt. Diablo. Residents also enjoy a state-of-the-art media room, a private fitness center, a lushly landscaped courtyard with a water feature and bench seating, an on-site protected dog run and WiFi connectivity in common areas, which is ideal for tech-savvy professionals. The builder was Palisades Builders.

"555 YVR's live-work-shop-play environment minimizes commuting and lessens pollution as it includes close proximity to public transit lines, neighborhood parks and shopping centers, business and medical services, churches and schools," said Stan Braden, AIA, NCARB, chairman and principal of KTGY. “Furthermore, 555YVR’s sustainable design and lower energy bills and pedestrian-friendly location increases affordability for residents, which is more important than ever in today’s challenging economic climate.”

KTGY received two additional Awards of Merit in the category of "Best On the Boards" for its design and planning of Aldea at Porter Ranch in Los Angeles, Calif.; and Tasman Station in Sunnyvale, Calif. Aldea at Porter Ranch won an Award of Merit in the category of "Best On the Boards Site Plan." The developer of Aldea at Porter Ranch is Porter Ranch Development Company, a joint venture between Shapell Homes and Liberty Building Company. The 60-acre mixed-use village, located in the heart of the Porter Ranch master-planned community, represents a bold direction in defining a horizontal mixed-use urban village supporting a contemporary lifestyle, says KTGY's Ken Ryan, principal and head of KTGY’s community planning and urban design studio.

"Envisioned as a departure from the San Fernando Valley’s auto-centric pattern of insular single-use enclaves, the seamlessly integrated living, shopping and entertainment village was crafted to promote a pedestrian-friendly, engaging and exciting living environment," Ryan said. "The major feature of the village’s framework is its two primary organizing elements: a central east-west linkage system and a north-south transitional zone, with a central civic core placed at the intersection of the armatures. A network of private drives and alleys geometrically reinforce these organizing elements, connecting in an efficient and understandable grid design."

According to Ryan, the project’s visual icon is its east-west “promenade street” – a walking street reminiscent of the great urban neighborhoods of Brooklyn and San Francisco – featuring front-facing architecture with a direct connection to the 20-acre lifestyle retail/restaurant district at one end and a community recreation center anchoring the opposite end.

Tasman Station received an Award of Merit for "Best On the Boards Multi-Family Project." Tasman Station is an upscale, transit-oriented mixed-use retail and residential community in Sunnyvale, located adjacent to a VTA light rail line and platform. Developed by Essex Property Trust and targeting environmentally-sensitive Silicon Valley professionals, the sustainable design consists of three principal, five-story buildings, with four levels of residential over a podium; 15 percent of the units are affordable. All units feature well-proportioned decks for indoor/outdoor enjoyment. With completion slated for March 2011, the $138.9 million project includes 284 dwelling units and a freestanding Fresh & Easy market on the corner.

"Tasman Station's generous plan sizes average over 900 square feet," Braden said. "Arches, trellises, balconies and rooflines animate contemporary interpretation of Spanish Mediterranean vernacular. The podium level will feature a pool, spa, clubhouse, business center/cyber café, fire pits, shuffleboard court and plazas, courtyards, water features and gardens. Green Points, light rail stop located across the street and walkable neighborhood highlight eco-friendly concepts. Easy access to two major freeways provide added benefits.”

KTGY also received a judges special award, the "Building Industry Community Spirit Award" for its planning and design of three Habitat for Humanity homes in Yorba Linda, Calif. Located at 4965 Park Avenue in Yorba Linda, Calif. According to KTGY's Jill Williams, AIA and principal, "The sustainable design maximizes available square footage on a small infill site to create attractive, very livable, comfortable homes that are affordable for working families and in harmony with surrounding market rate neighborhood. The project uses Habitat for Humanity's new 'Mixed-Income Model,' which includes homes for both very low-income and moderate-income families within the same development."

Simplicity in framing facilitated construction by a volunteer workforce and the three-home development was completed in 7.5 months from framing to dedication. KTGY donated its architectural services as well as assisted in the construction of these craftsman-style homes in Yorba Linda on "Build Day." "The two-story, three-bedroom Craftsman-style homes carry on the beautiful, historic precedent of this great neighborhood with sitting porches, stone veneer accents, attached two-car garages turned to the rear and accessed from a private drive; and a material palette that is reminiscent of the era with shingles and clapboard siding," Williams added. “Lush landscaping, trees, meandering walkways to create warm and welcoming pedestrian guest entry.”

KTGY has been committed to working with Habitat for Humanity throughout northern and southern California for many years. Recently, KTGY was called upon to develop the next series of homes for Habitat for Humanity in northern California, which will be going after LEED Platinum status. Last year, KTGY designed and assisted with the building of Habitat for Humanity of Orange County's four homes in Anaheim on East Julianna Street.

The Gold Nugget Awards honor creative achievements in architectural design and land use planning for residential, commercial and industrial projects. Drawing more than 440 entries from the western states and internationally, an increase of nearly 18 percent over last year's number of entries, the Gold Nugget Awards program is the premier event of the annual PCBC, the nation's largest regional trade show and conference. Grand Award winners will be announced at the Gold Nugget Awards Luncheon on Thursday, June 10, 2010, at the Moscone Convention Center in San Francisco. See www.goldnuggetawards.com.

About KTGY Group, Inc.
Established in 1991, KTGY Group, Inc., Architecture and Planning, provides comprehensive planning and award-winning architectural design services for residential communities, retail, hospitality, mixed-use and related specialty developments. KTGY delivers innovative solutions that reflect clear understanding of development, marketing and financial performance and takes particular pride in its highly motivated and principal led studios. Serving clients worldwide, KTGY maintains offices in Irvine, Oakland and Santa Monica, and in Denver. See www.ktgy.com.

2010-05-24T11:34:00.000-07:00

KTGY Principal Ken Ryan Invited to Speak on TOD Design Trends at Fresno Convention Center
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“TOD Development: Design Trends, Considerations and Everything Else Mother Never Taught You"

IRVINE, CALIF. - Award-winning KTGY Group, Inc., Architecture and Planning, is pleased to announce that Ken Ryan has been invited to participate as a speaker at the City of Fresno's Workshop, "Making Transit Oriented Development (TOD) a Reality in the San Joaquin Valley," on Friday, May 28, 2010, at the Fresno Convention Center from 8:30 am - 4:00 pm. Ryan is a principal and head of KTGY’s community planning and urban design studio and Ryan and his studio are currently serving as the design advisor for the Anaheim Regional Transportation Intermodal Center (ARTIC) High Speed Rail Transportation District, located next to Angel Stadium. ARTIC recently received Southern California Association of Governments’ (SCAG) 2010 Compass Blueprint Recognition Award for Sustained Leadership and the 2009 Gold Nugget Outstanding On-the-Boards Site Plan Grand Award.

Ryan's presentation, “TOD Development: Design Trends, Considerations and Everything Else Mother Never Taught You," will feature the latest trends in the design of TODs including innovative, environmental-friendly technologies as well as how to create successful TODs that complement, revitalize and support the local economy. Ryan will highlight TOD examples, review lessons learned from initial ideas to the built environment, and offer insights regarding the challenges and opportunities for addressing the issues of place, livability, demographics/lifestyle, phasing, and mobility from a design perspective. Attendees will be provided a handout summarizing key Design Guideline considerations, areas to avoid, and elements to embrace as part of TOD planning. His presentation will start at 2:30 pm.

With over 25 years of experience, Ryan has been responsible for a wide variety of complex, high-profile projects throughout the United States. His impressive list of recent projects includes ARTIC, Corona High Speed Rail Transit District, Aldea Town Center at Porter Ranch, Chapman University, and La Floresta, a multigenerational urban infill community.

“By sharing some of our work, we hope to engage and enlighten attendees to the possibilities of how TOD, particularly as it relates to the current High Speed Rail efforts, provides a strong platform for addressing the issues of livability, affordability, sustainability and mobility in a deeper, more integrated way," Ryan says. “It’s more than reducing vehicle miles traveled (VMT); it’s about applying the fundamentals of great neighborhoods to an urban setting and allowing for compelling memorable places to emerge."

Ryan has served on numerous local, regional and national boards including: two-term past Mayor of the City of Yorba Linda; past two-term Chairman of the Foothill/Eastern Transportation Corridor Toll Road Agency; past Board Member of the Orange County/Riverside County Major Investment Study (MIS) Corridor Agency; past Board Member of the Transportation Corridor System (TCS) Orange County Toll Road Agency. He is currently: Advisory Board Chairman for Abode Communities of Orange County; a member of the National Board of Directors for Trauma Intervention Programs, Inc.; Chairman of the Placentia Linda Hospital's Governing Board; and is an Advisory Board Member of Planning, Policy, and Design at U.C. Irvine. He is a past Member of the Board of Directors of the Orange County Fire Authority; and recently served as a Member of the City of Anaheim’s Housing Element Ad Hoc Committee.

Ryan has been selected numerous times in Builder & Developer magazine’s “Who’s Who in Homebuilding”, was recognized as one of the 25 Most Influential People in North Orange County Magazine, and was one of three representatives from the United States invited to participate in an International roundtable discussion held at the SINO-International Real Estate Summit in Shanghai, China. He guest lectures at University of Southern California (USC), California Polytechnic State University, Pomona, and University of California, Irvine, and has published numerous articles regarding the planning profession. He regularly participates in Orange County radio and television programs and printed media interviews and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Urban Planning from California Polytechnic State University, Pomona.

For more information about the event, visit www.fresno.gov/TODWorkshops or contact Bonique Salinas at the City of Fresno at Bonique.Salinas@fresno.gov or 559.621.8024.

About KTGY Group, Inc.
Established in 1991, KTGY Group, Inc., Architecture and Planning, provides comprehensive planning and award-winning architectural design services for residential communities, retail, hospitality, mixed-use and related specialty developments. KTGY delivers innovative solutions that reflect clear understanding of development, marketing and financial performance and takes particular pride in its highly motivated and principal led studios. Serving clients worldwide, KTGY maintains offices in Irvine, Oakland and Santa Monica, and in Denver. See www.ktgy.com.

2010-05-18T14:39:00.000-07:00

KTGY Designed ARTIC Honored for Leadership in Sustainability By Southern California Association of Governments

IRVINE, CALIF. - Award-winning KTGY Group, Inc., Architecture and Planning, is pleased to announce that the plans for the Anaheim Regional Transportation Intermodal Center (ARTIC) have received the Southern California Association of Governments’ (SCAG) 2010 Compass Blueprint Recognition Award for Sustained Leadership. The award program honors plans and projects throughout Southern California that coordinate land use and transportation initiatives and work toward improving the mobility, livability, prosperity and sustainability in the region. KTGY serves as the Urban Design Advisor to the City of Anaheim and prepared ARTIC’s Master Plan and the Mixed-Use District Conceptual Development Guidelines.

ARTIC is envisioned as a world-class transportation hub that will accommodate high-speed rail, California/Nevada maglev trains, Metrolink and Amtrak trains, and various modes of ground transportation. This major transit gateway will connect Orange County to other areas in California, the United States and around the world, and help ease the demand for local and regional airport expansion. The ARTIC Mixed-Use District project combines ARTIC with a vibrant mixed-use activity center on a 15.7-acre site, which is owned and planned jointly by the City of Anaheim and Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA).

According to Ken Ryan, principal and head of KTGY’s community planning and urban design studio, the development intent of the ARTIC Mixed-Use District is to serve as a catalyst for urban development in the project vicinity, connecting existing entertainment/sports venues and commercial development with the planned ARTIC facility while generating opportunities for new development. A mix of land uses that complement and support the ARTIC and the local Platinum Triangle area will be developed on the site. Potential land uses may consist of retail, dining, office, civic, hospitality and residential uses. This public-private partnership project is anticipated to be implemented in multiple phases over the next 20 years.

KTGY’s design and planning team includes: Ken Ryan; Mark Hickner, planning and entitlement director; Geoff Graney, senior project planner; and Lora Kennedy, project planner. Ryan served two terms as the Mayor of the City of Yorba Linda. All are based out of the firm’s Irvine office. Agency participants include Mayor Curt Pringle, City of Anaheim; Natalie Meeks, director of public works, City of Anaheim; Jamie Lai, transit manager, City of Anaheim; and Jennifer Bergener, transit program manager, Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA).

The panel of eight judges praised the plans for ARTIC because of the state-of-the-art facility that uses innovative, environmental-friendly technologies and the new development opportunities it creates that complement, revitalizes and supports the local economy. The judges also acknowledged not only how ARTIC accommodates multi-modal transportation opportunities, but also applies the fundamentals of great neighborhoods to an urban transit setting, with the intent of responding more deeply to the issues of mobility, affordability, livability, and place in a sustainable attractive environment.This year’s Compass Blueprint Recognition Awards Program was held on May 5, 2010, at the La Quinta Resort and Spa in La Quinta, in conjunction with the SCAG Regional Conference and General Assembly. Only 12 Compass Blueprint Recognition Awards in various categories were presented.

ARTIC has also been honored by the Orange County Section of the American Planning Association (APA) with the 2009 Outstanding Planning Award for Focused Issue Planning, which recognizes an unusually high merit report or development plan; and the Gold Nugget Award of Merit for "Outstanding On-The-Boards Site Plan."

ARTIC is situated at the intersection of major freeways and is a short walk from Angel Stadium of Anaheim and Honda Center. Construction is slated to begin next year on the site. For more information about ARTIC, visit the project web site at www.ARTICinfo.com.

About KTGY Group, Inc.
Established in 1991, KTGY Group, Inc., Architecture and Planning, provides comprehensive planning and award-winning architectural design services for residential communities, retail, hospitality, mixed-use and related specialty developments. KTGY delivers innovative solutions that reflect clear understanding of development, marketing and financial performance and takes particular pride in its highly motivated and principal led studios. Serving clients worldwide, KTGY maintains offices in Irvine, Oakland and Santa Monica, and in Denver. See www.ktgy.com.

2010-05-13T22:51:00.000-07:00

The Muller Company Completes Nearly 180,000 SF in New Leases and Renewals in Southern California Valued at $41 Million

LAGUNA HILLS, CALIF. – The Muller Company, a full service real estate company specializing in management, investment and development of commercial real estate in the western United States, announces today that the firm has recently completed nearly 180,000 square feet in new leases and lease renewals at Torrey Pines Court in La Jolla, Calif., and Main Street Town Center in Santa Ana, Calif. The total value of the leases is nearly $41 million and the recent lease signings at Torrey Pines Court brings the office campus to 100 percent occupancy. This announcement comes on the heels of The Muller Company receiving three new management contracts totaling over 1.9 million square feet, including 14 industrial buildings in the Phoenix-metro area owned by DCT Industrial Trust, Inc.

Located at 3366 N. Torrey Pines Court in La Jolla, Torrey Pines Court is a 200,000-square-foot, five-building office park, which was purchased in 2005 by The Muller Company in a joint venture with Rockwood Capital. At the close of escrow, the project was 56 percent leased and had severe functional challenges. The Muller Company completed a $26 million renovation on three of the existing buildings, redeveloping them into a first class research and development facility. After completion, Torrey Pines Court was awarded ENERGY STAR status and became a recipient of BOMA 2008 Building of the Year award. The 118,000 square feet in new leases brings Torrey Pines Court to full occupancy and includes leases with GSA, Scripps, Orexigen Therapeutics, and West Wireless Healthy Institute. GSA signed a 33,780-square-foot, five-year lease. Scripps signed a 15,057-square-foot, five-year lease and was represented by Brian Gallagher of Health West Realty Advisors out of San Diego. Orexigen Therapeutics signed a 22,229-square-foot lease with a 9,312-square-foot expansion, for a 64-month lease and was represented by Scott Ginsburg of Staubach Company in San Diego. West Wireless Health Institute signed a 37,960-square-foot, seven-year lease and was represented by David Marino of Irving Hughes in San Diego.

At Main Street Town Center, a 10-story, 215,000-square-foot Class A office building, also owned in partnership with Rockwood Capital, The Muller Company recently completed 58,143 square feet in new leases and lease renewals including a lease renewal with New York-based Assurant, Inc. (NYSE: AIZ), Main Street Town Center’s largest tenant. Located at 2677 N. Main Street in Santa Ana, Main Street Town Center’s new leases and tenant retention efforts have increased the building’s occupancy rate to 88 percent in a market that currently endures negative absorption and an 18 percent vacancy rate, said Jim Bannan, Director of Leasing and Marketing for The Muller Company.

Assurant, a premier provider of specialized insurance products and related services, signed a 44,024-square-foot, 72-month lease renewal at the Main Street Town Center and was represented by UGL Equis’ Senior Vice President Justin Hodgdon, from the firm’s Costa Mesa office, and Josef Farrar, Senior Vice President from the company’s Los Angeles office. Phoenix Group Information Systems, a California Corporation, signed a 7,193-square-foot, 72-month lease at the Main Street Town Center and was represented by Marshal Vogt and George Thompson of Lee & Associates of Orange, Calif. The State of California Unemployment and Insurance Appeals Board signed a 4,444-square-foot, four-year lease renewal and was represented by Dean Chandler of CB Richard Ellis. Hanul Law Corporation signed a 1,607-square-foot, three-year lease renewal and was represented by CenterPointe Properties. Chisholm Financial signed an 875-square-foot, five-year lease and was represented by Newmark Knight Frank. Coreland Companies of Tustin, Calif., is The Muller Company’s exclusive leasing agent for Main Street Town Center and the Coreland leasing team includes Steve Hogberg, Senior Vice President; David Girty, Director, Office Brokerage; Matt Hammond, Director, Retail Brokerage; and Tim Muller, Leasing/Sales Associate.

Recently, DCT Industrial Trust, Inc. selected The Muller Company to manage its Phoenix portfolio of 14 industrial buildings totaling over 1.6 million square feet; Bank of America awarded The Muller Company a contract to manage Creekside Executive Center in Camarillo, Calif., a two-story office building and 13 office/medical condos totaling 73,892 square feet; and the firm also received a management contract from a leading global financial services company for a 19-story, 255,477-square-foot office building in Phoenix.

“This is and will continue to be a challenging economic climate for some time and property owners must have a strategic plan in place in order to minimize the downside of property values in today’s environment,” stated Jon M. Muller, Principal of The Muller Company. “Every aspect of operating an asset must be thoroughly scrutinized to assess optimal income-producing capabilities.

“Retaining existing tenants and filling vacancies through proactive management are key to getting through this current cycle,” Muller said. “It is critical that building owners have a plan in place or hire an experienced third-party management company to create and implement one before a drop costs or vacancies impact the property’s value beyond an acceptable level.”

About UGL Equis
UGL Equis is a corporate real estate firm that focuses exclusively on the business space user. The company has more than 42,000 affiliated employees in 14 countries around the world through its parent company UGL. Chicago-based UGL Equis provides comprehensive real estate solutions through portfolio strategy and management, transaction advisory, corporate finance, project services, workplace integration, data management, facility management, development management and audit and recovery services for national and global companies with office, industrial and retail opportunities throughout the United States, Mexico, Asia Pacific, Europe and the Middle East. UGL Equis and its sister company UGL Unicco, are subsidiaries of UGL Limited (ASX: UGL). For additional information, please visit www.ugl-equis.com.

About The Muller Company
The Muller Company has over 30 years of experience in developing, acquiring and managing a diverse portfolio of over 20 million square feet of office, industrial and retail real estate throughout the western United States, with nearly 11 million square feet currently under management in the California and Phoenix markets. Over the years, The Muller Company has partnered with institutional owners such as GE Capital, Capmark, Rockwood Capital, BlackRock, ING Realty and Metlife. Empowered by an entrepreneurial spirit and guided by an owner’s perspective, The Muller Company excels at mining the long-term value from every asset that it manages by adding value, either through leasing, capital improvements, refinancing, operational audits and repositioning. For more information, contact the Director of Business Development, Lori Ann Haigh at 949.460.5380 or visit www.themullercompany.com.

2010-05-13T18:35:00.000-07:00

KTGY Principal Chris Texter to Speak at Orange County Housing Trust Summit in Irvine
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New Ideas and New Direction: Housing Innovation and Sustainability

IRVINE, CALIF. - Award-winning KTGY Group, Inc., Architecture and Planning, is pleased to announce that Chris Texter, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP and principal has been invited to participate as a speaker at Orange County Housing Trust’s fourth annual summit, “New Ideas & New Directions: Looking Towards the Future,” on May 20, 2010, at the University of California, Irvine, at the Student Center from 8:30 am to 2:30 pm. This year’s Summit will feature a diversity of experts who will bring insight and clarity to the county’s and state’s housing status and offer their views on Orange County’s housing future.

Texter’s presentation, “New Ideas and New Direction: Housing Innovation and Sustainability,” will focus on the new design trends, green products and sustainable technologies that are influencing the housing industry. The presentation will include examples of recent and future communities that demonstrate innovative and practical solutions to sustainable communities. The projects will illustrate how architectural design is impacted by Sustainable ideas imposed on the community and by ideas by choice. These will include communities that promote sustainable lifestyles by way of Transit Oriented Development, Mixed Use or Urban Infill to sustainable building construction in Urban and Suburban communities. The presentation will demonstrate the ability to integrate sustainable building practices into the planning, construction and operation into affordable and market rate construction. His presentation begins at 10:55 am.

“It is no longer a question of providing sustainable design features as a novelty because sustainable building practices have gone main stream,” Texter said. “The builder or developer that is not incorporating sustainable features will be behind the market demand. We are now at a point of determining the furthest extent to which sustainable building practices can be integrated based on market demand, selling/renting prices and budgets.”

The question is how will planning and architecture actually influence the lifestyle choices that lead to sustainable “living” not just a sustainable “building,” Texter asks. “Planning communities based on a core that supports the adjacent living will have a different impact on our lifestyle then the recent past. Whether this adjacency is either vertical or located across the street, differing uses are no longer seen as non-compatible. Furthermore, not only are these uses compatible but they are harmonious and should exist as one in a sustainable living environment. The focus has broadened from the sustainable building product to the sustainable community to the sustainable city,” Texter said.

Concentrating on multi-family and mixed-use developments, Texter is called upon for his keen knowledge and talent in code interpretation, leading to unique solutions and innovative designs for KTGY’s clients. With nearly two decades of experience throughout California and Nevada, Texter excels in the resolution of complex challenges including difficult sites, tight budgets, and scheduling concerns.

For more information about the event, visit www.ochousingsummit.com.

About KTGY Group, Inc.
Established in 1991, KTGY Group, Inc., Architecture and Planning, provides comprehensive planning and award-winning architectural design services for residential communities, retail, hospitality, mixed-use and related specialty developments. KTGY delivers innovative solutions that reflect clear understanding of development, marketing and financial performance and takes particular pride in its highly motivated and principal led studios. Serving clients worldwide, KTGY maintains offices in Irvine, Oakland and Santa Monica, and in Denver. See www.ktgy.com.

2010-05-11T20:30:00.000-07:00

KTGY-Designed Affordable Apartments Adjacent to Colma BART Station to Celebrate Grand Opening
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BRIDGE Housing Corporation Completes Trestle Glen for Families Who Earn 20% to 50% of San Mateo County Median Income

OAKLAND, CALIF. – KTGY Group, Inc., Architecture and Planning, announces the grand opening celebration of Trestle Glen, a transit-oriented, eco- and pedestrian-friendly apartment community located in an unincorporated area of San Mateo County, adjacent to the Colma BART Station. Developed by BRIDGE Housing Corporation, the leading nonprofit developer of affordable homes in California, Trestle Glen provides high-quality workforce housing to families earning between 20 percent and 50 percent of the area median income. The KTGY-designed Trestle Glen offers 119 thoughtfully-planned dwellings ranging in size from one- to three-bedroom units; 28 one-, 44 two-, and 47 three-bedroom apartment homes. Rent is currently $403 to $1,400 per month, based on family and apartment size and income level.

With a GreenPoint Rated score of 128, where 50 points is a minimum requirement, the new $44.5 million, five-story development located at 370 F Street, incorporates Spanish Mediterranean architectural elements and offers a number of “green” features such as solar panels to preheat domestic hot water, bio-swales that naturally filter rainwater and a community recycling program. During construction more than 80 percent of waste generated was recycled and diverted from landfills.

Trestle Glen features a community center with a kitchen, a 56-space childcare facility with outdoor play space, landscaped courtyard areas, basketball court, tot lot and convenient laundry facilities. The apartment community’s onsite resident services are expected to include programs such as childcare, English as a Second Language classes, homebuyer workshops, credit counseling and financial management classes, computer skills, and after-school programs and homework clubs.

“Trestle Glen provides a positive example to the community of quality, affordable housing and is a stepping stone for family advancement,” said BRIDGE Housing President and CEO Cynthia Parker. “Affordable homes integrated with services give residents more opportunities to increase their education, build skills for better jobs, and plan for homeownership. Children can have more stability in their lives and do better in school.”

Trestle Glen’s location encourages walkability and the use of the adjacent BART transit, and transforms El Camino Real into a vibrant, safe, and welcoming place to live, work, and play. The apartment community’s sustainable design and construction reduce its carbon footprint and add to the affordability by reducing automobile-associated expenses and utility costs.

“In addition to below market rents, Trestle Glen’s close proximity to public transportation, jobs, services and education further increase affordability for residents who have few affordable housing options, especially for larger families,” said Jill D. Williams, AIA and principal at KTGY.

The average household in San Mateo County spends $32,693 annually on housing. “Trestle Glen addresses the severe affordable housing need especially for working families in San Mateo County with annual incomes ranging from $16,491 to $56,550 for a household of four,” said Parker.

Trestle Glen is situated on the site of a former mobile home park at 370 F Street, which previously housed 42 individuals and families, and now serves 119 families plus the addition of 32 future entry-level for-sale townhomes by another developer.

“KTGY has enjoyed creating livable communities for working families with BRIDGE Housing since our first collaboration in 1998,” said Williams. “Trestle Glen offered an opportunity for a higher density solution for an underutilized infill site. This 2.7-acre triangular-shaped parcel, adjacent to BART, took the collaboration of the design team working closely with BRIDGE Housing, the Town of Colma and San Mateo County to fulfill the ultimate best use.”

Trestle Glen’s attractive design and cohesive layout encourage a sense of community among residents. “The placement of shared spaces such as the community center, lobby and courtyard elevate the importance of onsite resident services and social interaction and increase resident satisfaction,” Williams noted. “The on grade parking is tucked out of sight under four stories of high quality residential living.”

Trestle Glen’s common area walls are decorated with art from Creativity Explored, a nonprofit visual arts center where artists with developmental disabilities create, exhibit, and sell art, inspire residents and support community.

"As a member of Build-It Green as well as the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), KTGY continues to stay at the forefront of this dynamic industry and have LEED accredited and sustainability/green building experts," said Williams. “We work in partnership with our clients to get the most benefit from incorporating eco-friendly and sustainable architecture programs into our designs and buildings.”

Trestle Glen’s additional green features include:
• Play structures and surfaces are made of more than 20% recycled materials.
• The building features side-by-side trash and recycling chutes, plus a built-in recycling bin in each home.
• The insulation in the roof and walls of Trestle Glen contains no added formaldehyde.
• Trestle Glen's bathroom fans and kitchen fans exhaust to the exterior.
• All interior paints are low-VOC.
• All cabinetry has reduced formaldehyde content.
• The carpets in the homes and common areas are certified CRI Green Label Plus.
• Solar hot water panels located on the roof pre-heat the domestic hot water.
• A high efficiency gas-powered boiler heats the domestic hot water.
• All appliances have met the Energy Star criteria for energy efficiency.
• Almost all of the plant species are California native or Mediterranean species that require only occasional watering.
• Trestle Glen uses a landscape irrigation controller that receives weather data via a satellite connection and a high-efficiency drip irrigation system.
• Nearly all rain is captured and treated onsite. Rain that falls on the roof drains to large bio-swales, which naturally filter and percolate rainwater into the stormwater system.
• Showerheads are low flow and sinks have flow limiters.
• Toilets have half and full flush buttons to better economize water usage.
• The building is located adjacent to the Colma BART Station and a number of SamTrans bus lines.
• Secure bicycle parking is available within the garage.

About Build It Green
GreenPoint Rated is a program of Build It Green, a professional non-profit membership organization whose mission is to promote healthy, energy- and resource-efficient buildings in California. A GreenPoint Rated home is graded on five categories: energy efficiency, indoor air quality, resource conservation and water conservation. Green building offers homebuilders, community leaders and California residents sensible solutions that improve an individual home’s performance and provide broad-based community benefits. These benefits range from cleaner air to reduced traffic congestion, from more appealing recreational opportunities to greater economic vitality. Developments designed to reduce dependence on cars help ease traffic congestion, which can improve business productivity. For more information, visit www.builditgreen.org.

About BRIDGE Housing
BRIDGE Housing Corporation, the leading nonprofit developer of affordable homes in California, creates and manages a range of high-quality, affordable homes for working families and seniors. Since it was founded in 1983, BRIDGE has participated in the development of over 13,000 homes serving more than 35,000 Californians. For more information, visit www.bridgehousing.com.

About KTGY Group
Established in 1991, KTGY Group, Inc., Architecture and Planning, provides comprehensive planning and award-winning architectural design services for residential communities, retail, hospitality, mixed-use and related specialty developments. KTGY delivers innovative solutions that reflect clear understanding of development, marketing and financial performance and takes particular pride in its highly motivated and principal led studios. Serving clients worldwide, KTGY maintains offices in Irvine, Oakland and Santa Monica, and in Denver. See www.ktgy.com.

2010-05-07T08:46:00.000-07:00

KTGY Principal Mike Flynn to Participate as Moderator and Panelist at ICSC’s Global Retail Real Estate Convention in Las Vegas
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Building Green Panel: “What Has Worked, What Hasn’t Worked, and Where Do We Go From Here?” Held on May 24th at 2:30 p.m.

IRVINE, CALIF. - Award-winning KTGY Group, Inc., Architecture and Planning, is pleased to announce that Mike Flynn, a principal and LEED AP, has been invited to participate as the moderator and panelist at the International Council of Shopping Centers’ (ICSC) annual RECON, The Global Retail Real Estate Convention held from May 23-25, 2010, in Las Vegas, NV. Flynn’s panel, which will be presented on Monday, May 24, at 2:30 p.m., will focus on green building and is entitled, “Corporate Retailer to Boutique Retailer – What Has Worked, What Hasn’t Worked, and Where Do We Go From Here?”

Panelists for the session will also include: Paul Loubet, president of Dreyfus Real Estate; Barry Giles, CEO and LEED facility emeritus for Building Wise, LLC; and Doug Wiele, a founding partner of Foothill Partners, Inc. “Our session will discuss the goals and reasons for sustainable building, the risks, how we measure sustainability, and the design approaches and systems that have proved to be cost effective sustainable solutions,” says Flynn. “We will also discuss why retail has historically lagged behind the corporate office market in adopting sustainability as an important building and design component and how future green legislation can impact retailers.”

According to Pacific Gas & Electric’s Food Service Technology Center (FSTC), Restaurants are the retail world’s largest energy user. They use almost five times more energy per square foot than any other type of commercial building. “Electrical utilities are likely to increase peak demand rates, and to expand incentive programs for owners who have energy-efficient facilities,” notes Flynn.

“Many people think that only new buildings can be green but there is quite a lot that can be done to improve an existing building’s or shopping center’s energy efficiency without incurring a major expense, whether LEED certification is desired or not. However, if you’re building today without LEED, you’re building in obsolescence. Companies need to be very smart about how they go green so that the money as well as energy is used efficiently,” Flynn says.

With 40 years of experience, Flynn serves as a leader guiding the design and implementation of a wide variety of high profile commercial, mixed-use, retail, entertainment and resort projects throughout the United States and overseas. Keeping him in the forefront of the industry is his notable understanding and comprehensive experience with the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building and the Build-it-Green rating programs, including the latest products and cutting-edge technologies in sustainability/green building practices. Flynn’s proficient management skills and background provide KTGY and its clientele superb quality in design and final product. Prior to joining KTGY, Flynn served as senior vice president/director of commercial, retail and entertainment projects for a national firm with 1,600 employees in the United States.

Flynn is a licensed architect in the following states: California, Arizona, Delaware, Florida, Illinois, Kansas, Nevada, Ohio, Oklahoma, Texas, Utah and Virginia. He holds a National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) Certificate and is a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Certified Professional. He is also a member of the American Institute of Architects (AIA), Urban Land Institute (ULI) and U.S. Green Building Council. Flynn received his Bachelor of Architecture degree from California State Polytechnic University, San Luis Obispo.

About ICSC
Founded in 1957, the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) is the global trade association of the shopping center industry. Its 60,000 members in the U.S., Canada and more than 80 other countries include shopping center owners, developers, managers, marketing specialists, investors, lenders, retailers and other professionals as well as academics and public officials. As the global industry trade association, ICSC links with more than 25 national and regional shopping center councils throughout the world. Visit www.icsc.org for more information.

About KTGY Group, Inc.
Established in 1991, KTGY Group, Inc., Architecture and Planning, provides comprehensive planning and award-winning architectural design services for residential communities, retail, hospitality, mixed-use and related specialty developments. KTGY delivers innovative solutions that reflect clear understanding of development, marketing and financial performance and takes particular pride in its highly motivated and principal led studios. Serving clients worldwide, KTGY maintains offices in Irvine, Oakland and Santa Monica, and in Denver. See www.ktgy.com.

2010-04-27T20:03:00.000-07:00

Hanley Investment Group Promotes Jeremy S. McChesney to Senior Vice President

IRVINE, CALIF. - Hanley Investment Group Real Estate Advisors, one of the most dominant retail investment groups in the western United States and a market leader in the sale of retail properties, announced today that Jeremy S. McChesney has been promoted from Vice President to Senior Vice President at Hanley Investment Group.

Since McChesney’s career in retail investment sales began in 2000, McChesney has sold over $150,000,000 of retail property throughout Southern California and the western United States. In the past year alone, McChesney closed over $21,000,000 in transactions, which included Anaheim Hills Shopping Center in Anaheim Hills, Copper Lantern Center in Riverside, Victorville Center in Victorville, Cypress Plaza in Cypress and Taco Bell Plaza in Lakewood. McChesney has been awarded the "Top Producer Award" as the #1 Agent at Hanley Investment Group in 2005, 2008 and 2009.

“I credit Jeremy’s performance to his tireless work ethic,” said Edward Hanley, president of Hanley Investment Group Real Estate Advisors. “Jeremy’s comprehensive retail sales transaction experience, combined with his in-depth market knowledge of the Southern California region, specifically North Orange County, continue to provide Hanley Investment Group and its clients with outstanding expertise and exceptional results.”

McChesney is a member of the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) and also serves as a quarterly guest speaker at Pepperdine University's Master of Business Administration program for investment real estate evaluation. He is a resident of Laguna Beach.

About Hanley Investment Group Real Estate Advisors
Built on a solid foundation of performance, integrity and dedication, Hanley Investment Group Real Estate Advisors is a boutique retail investment advisory firm with a two billion dollar transaction track record that is comprised of innovative specialists delivering unparalleled service and superior results that consistently exceed client expectations. Hanley Investment Group’s expertise, commitment and unwavering focus of putting the client’s needs first have continued to set the company apart in the industry. Hanley Investment Group works closely with individual investors, developers, and institutional property owners in every facet of the transaction to insure that the highest value is achieved. Clients rely on Hanley Investment Group to be the most knowledgeable and trusted source for valuation services, market information and retail property acquisitions and dispositions. For more information, visit the Company’s website at www.hanleyinvestment.com or call (949) 585-7610.

2010-04-23T08:18:00.000-07:00

KTGY-Designed New LEED Silver Candidate, Transit-Oriented Apartment Community Celebrates Grand Opening in Anaheim
* * *
SARES-REGIS debuts The Crossing, adjacent to Metrolink Anaheim Canyon Station

IRVINE, CALIF. - Designed by KTGY Group, Inc., Architecture and Planning, The Crossing celebrated the completion of a new luxury, transit-oriented apartment community in Anaheim, Calif., with a Grand Opening ceremony on April 22, 2010. Developed by SARES-REGIS Group, the largest privately-held developer of green apartment units in Southern California, The Crossing provides amenity-rich, pet and eco-friendly living adjacent the Metrolink Anaheim Canyon Station, close to employment, shopping, dining and entertainment, and easy access to 91, 55, 57, 22 and 5 freeways.

Located at 3530 E. La Palma Avenue in Anaheim, near N. Tustin Avenue, The Crossing is a modern, urban, infill apartment community consisting of 312 well-appointed lofts, one- and two-bedroom apartment homes (some with dens) and 39 live/ work units. There are 11 floor plans with the units ranging in size from 639 square feet to 1,421 square feet. Rent runs from $1,320 to approximately $2,165 per month.

“This is an exciting location – especially for commuters as The Crossing is situated next to the Metrolink/Amtrak station with convenient access to all the area’s major freeways and shopping, dining, entertainment and employment,” said David Senden, a principal with KTGY and lead designer on the project. “Built on a 5.2-acre site, which previously housed a warehouse building, this new development will spur the area’s conversion to quality residential.”

The Crossing features contemporary, urban architecture, resort-style amenities and upscale residences that attract career professionals, entrepreneurs and empty nesters with upscale urban preferences. “The Crossings’ bold profile avoids the typical monolithic look by using smaller animating elements, courtyard orientations and active corners to ensure an inviting human scale,” Senden said. “The sociable amenities enhance two boundaries, while a marquis presence defines the principal entrance. All of the apartments incorporate raised ceilings, expansive windows, high-end appointments and energy-efficiencies, and are focused on themed courtyards to orient them away from traffic, freeway and rail.”

The Crossing has been designed and built as an environmentally-friendly, smoke-free residential community promoting healthy living and sustainable practices. It is also a candidate for LEED Silver certification by the U.S. Green Building Council. LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design and provides a definitive national standard for what constitutes a “green building.” The project utilizes existing infrastructure and includes: dedicated parking for 120+ bicycles and preferred parking for fuel efficient vehicles; employs cool roof technology to reduce the heat island effect; maximizes open space; and captures storm water runoff. In-unit measures further promote a beneficial green prototype for attached housing.

Other green features include: Broan SmartSense ventilation systems to improve air circulation, high-grade energy efficient windows, water-saving fixtures including high-efficiency dual flush toilets, energy-saving compact fluorescent lights, low-VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) paint, adhesives and carpet, carpets made from 100% post-recycled content (recycled plastic bottles) and a community recycling program. There are also separate chutes for recyclables.

According to Senden, SARES-REGIS achieved a 94 percent landfill diversion rate during demolition and a 75 percent recycling rate during construction. “In a region dominated by the automobile and consumption of our natural resources, this environmentally-friendly development is a positive alternative that responds to a new demographic that is energy conscious but still demands resort-style living and rich amenities, near mass transit, employment, shopping and entertainment,” Senden added.

Residents don’t have to spend money on a gym membership as The Crossing has a health club quality fitness center with strength-training equipment, free weights, cardio stations with personal TV screens and a yoga studio. There is a sparkling pool and spa, spacious clubhouse with fireplace and catering kitchen, game room with tabletop shuffleboard and card gaming table, and a media screening room. The Crossing also has a business center featuring a conference table, computers, Internet access and printer/fax/scanner/copier. Free Wi-Fi is available in the common area locations. There are themed courtyards with outdoor seating areas and barbecues, and a sport court for basketball enthusiasts.

The well-planned apartment homes feature tall ceilings, expansive picture windows, large, open creative spaces, gourmet-style open kitchen with contemporary hardwood cabinets and flooring, stainless steel sinks with pullout spray faucet, stainless steel gas ranges and built-in microwaves, ENERGY STAR® dishwashers and refrigerators with ice makers, floor-to-ceiling pantries, convenient kitchen islands, and granite slab countertops. The bedrooms offer spacious walk-in closets and mirrored wardrobe doors. Each unit includes ENERGY STAR® full-size front load HE washers and dryers, a private patio or balcony with French doors, enclosed storage space, central air conditioning and heating, dimmable lighting and motion sensors.

The leasing office for The Crossing is located at 3530 E. La Palma Avenue, Anaheim, CA 92806. For more information, call 877.719.4818 or visit www.thecrossinganaheim.com.

About SARES-REGIS Group
SARES-REGIS Group is one of the leading developers and managers of commercial and residential real estate in the western United States. Headquartered in Irvine, Calif., the company’s Multifamily Property Management Division manages 16,180 rental apartments in California, Colorado and Arizona. Sixty percent of the division’s portfolio is third-party management. Currently, the company has more than 4 million square feet of commercial industrial in the entitlement process and 1,962 residential units in pre-construction and development. SARES-REGIS Group has a combined portfolio of property and fee-based assets under management valued at more than $4 billion, including 15 million square feet of commercial and industrial space. Since its inception the company has acquired or developed approximately 44 million square feet of commercial properties and 19,000 multifamily and residential housing units. Visit www.sares-regis.com.

About KTGY Group, Inc.
Established in 1991, KTGY Group, Inc., Architecture and Planning, provides comprehensive planning and award-winning architectural design services for residential communities, retail, hospitality, mixed-use and related specialty developments. KTGY delivers innovative solutions that reflect clear understanding of development, marketing and financial performance and takes particular pride in its highly motivated and principal led studios. Serving clients worldwide, KTGY maintains offices in Irvine, Oakland and Santa Monica, and in Denver. See www.ktgy.com.

2010-04-12T15:10:00.000-07:00

Whittlesey Doyle Adds Veteran Infill Development Specialist Greg Sullivan as Senior Land Advisor

IRVINE, CALIF. - Whittlesey Doyle, a full-service land brokerage and advisory firm and market leader in the sale of land in Southern California, announced today that industry veteran Greg Sullivan has joined the company as senior land advisor focused primarily on the Orange County market. A real estate career spanning more than 25 years, Sullivan has negotiated the sale of more than $1 billion in commercial, multi- and single-family residential properties. Most recently, he co-founded a boutique real estate brokerage firm focused on infill redevelopment opportunities.

Sullivan started his career at CB Richard Ellis in 1986 and spent 10 years as an office specialist in central Orange County. In 1997, he was hired by Arden Realty, Inc., an institutional office real estate investment trust (REIT), to head up its Orange County and San Diego regions. Sullivan’s responsibilities included asset management, property management, leasing, marketing and value enhancement of an approximate four million-square-foot mixed-use portfolio. He quickly achieved stabilization of the portfolio at 94.7% occupancy and was promoted to Vice President. Due to the success of his region, he won the attention of their president and COO and was selected to head up a Taxable REIT Subsidiary (TRS) that outsourced the company’s expertise and services for the benefit of Arden’s shareholders. In 2002, Sullivan co-founded Urban Infill Properties, Inc., a boutique real estate company specializing in the identification, acquisition, management and disposition of urban land for residential and commercial developments, adaptive re-use, new construction and investment.

“With more than two decades of commercial and residential real estate experience, Greg Sullivan instinctively knows the value of non-performing commercial assets and the underwriting requirements for the residential product that could potentially replace them. Additionally, Greg has the working knowledge of the General Plan Amendment and Zone Change processes giving him the expertise to structure these often more complicated transactions,” says Tom Doyle, co-founder and principal at Whittlesey Doyle. “We are thrilled to have him on board.”

Sullivan stated that Whittlesey Doyle is a natural step in his career providing him with data, information and support to better service his clients’ needs. His clientele ranges from developers to individual investors, family trusts, institutional lenders, pension funds, and both public and private builders.

Sullivan graduated from Loyola Marymount University with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a minor in Business Administration. He is a licensed California Real Estate Broker and a resident of Newport Beach, Calif.

About Whittlesey Doyle
For more than a decade, Whittlesey Doyle has been the leading brokerage company specializing in the sale of land for builders, developers, investors and landowners throughout Southern California. With extensive experience in selling distressed and REO properties, Whittlesey Doyle has provided countless builders, banks and lenders with insightful options as well as managed work-out strategies for complex real estate assets and large portfolios. Whittlesey Doyle’s ability to accurately match its clients' needs with outstanding market opportunities has led to billions of dollars in land sales. And, through this, Whittlesey Doyle has created long-term partnerships with its clients who have come to know Whittlesey Doyle for the hallmarks that distinctly separate the firm from its competition: market knowledge, vision, integrity and commitment. When Whittlesey Doyle sees land, Whittlesey Doyle sees opportunity. For more information on the company and its listed properties, visit www.wdland.com.

2010-04-12T15:03:00.000-07:00

KTGY-Designed New Mixed-Use Apartment Community Celebrates Ribbon Cutting Ceremony in Historic Old Town Monrovia
* * *
Urban Housing Group Debuts Paragon at Old Town, the First New Apartment Community Built in Monrovia in Decades

IRVINE, CALIF. - Designed by KTGY Group, Inc., Architecture and Planning, Paragon at Old Town celebrated the completion of the mixed-use apartment community with a ribbon cutting ceremony, in the historic Old Town district in Monrovia, Calif. Developed by Urban Housing Group, a leading developer of multi-family and mixed-use residential projects, Paragon at Old Town provides amenity-rich living within walking-distance to services, transportation, boutique shops, cafes, restaurants and entertainment. Walk Score awarded Paragon at Old Town a score of 95 out of 100, calling it “a Walker’s Paradise,” in its rating of the U.S.’s Most Walkable Neighborhoods.

Paragon at Old Town is a mixed-use, urban apartment community that sits at the south end of Monrovia’s historic Old Town district at 700 S. Myrtle Avenue, between Olive and Walnut Avenues. The new development consists of 163 luxurious one- and two-bedroom apartment homes built over 6,000 square feet of commercial space situated on the ground floor. The units range in size from 744 square feet to 1,247 square feet and rent from $1,595 to approximately $2,600 per month. An attached parking garage offers plenty of parking for residents, 330 resident spaces plus 75 public parking spaces.

“Paragon at Old Town is a perfect example of the type of projects that cities and experienced developers are focused on in this current economic climate: core, urban locations that offer close proximity to jobs, amenities, transportation and established infrastructure where people can live, work, play and shop,” says Daniel R. McAllister, NCARB, Principal, Director of Architecture at KTGY.

Monrovia’s Mayor Mary Ann Lutz agrees. “Paragon at Old Town represents the quintessential public-private partnership,” she says. “The City called out the need for quality residential development in 2002 as part of its Vision 2010 planning process, and now that vision is a reality.

“Paragon is a perfect fit for Old Town’s unique neighborhood, with its sophisticated blend of homes, shops, dining, entertainment and services,” Mayor Lutz continues. “All of Monrovia welcomes the residents and staff of Paragon at Old Town to their new home.”

Located in the heart of the San Gabriel Valley about five miles east of Pasadena, Paragon at Old Town offers easy access to 210, 605, 134 and 110 freeways, hiking in nearby Monrovia Canyon Park, golfing at Santa Anita Golf Course, and only minutes to Westfield Santa Anita Shopping Mall. The new community is also in walking distance to national and local retailers including supermarkets and specialty grocers, movie theaters, schools, Monrovia’s new community center, 28,000-square-foot public library, and park, and Old Town’s weekly Family Festival and Farmer’s Market.

Residents of Paragon at Old Town will also have convenient access to the Metro Gold Line Station, Burbank and Ontario International Airports, Cal Tech, Claremont Colleges, and Mt. Sierra. Some of the nearby world-famous attractions in close proximity to Monrovia’s newest community include the Rose Bowl and Norton Simon Museum in Pasadena, Huntington Library in San Marino, and the Santa Anita Race Track in Arcadia.

Paragon at Old Town’s apartment amenities include impressive San Gabriel Mountain and city views, nine foot ceilings, gourmet kitchens with granite countertops, ENERGY STAR-qualified appliances, and wood plank-style flooring; in-unit full-size washer and dryer large soaking tub, and private patios or balconies with extra storage. Most units have walk-in closets, too.

All residents will have access to a resident’s lounge with a fireplace, flat screen television, and entertaining kitchen. The community even has a billiard room and 24/7 fitness studio, eliminating the need for a gym membership. There is also a large resort-style courtyard with heated elliptical swimming pool and spa featuring poolside cabanas, an outdoor fireplace and barbecue area with two grills, a bar space and dining tables. Other community amenities include free Wi-Fi access in community common areas, four secluded courtyards with outdoor seating, concierge and laundry services, a gated parking garage with controlled entry system, and convenient direct access to living level from parking garage and elevators.

Managing Director of Urban Housing Group Dan Deibel states, “We are thrilled with the outcome of Paragon at Old Town and feel that it provides an excellent new housing opportunity in an outstanding community.” He adds, “Leasing is going great and through a short-term pre-leasing effort, we have leased 21 units, of which 18 are scheduled for April move-ins.”

The leasing office for Paragon at Old Town is located at 700 S. Myrtle Avenue, Monrovia, CA 91016. For more information, call 626.932.1000 or see www.ParagonAtOldTown.com.

About Urban Housing Group
Urban Housing Group, a subsidiary of Palo Alto-based Marcus & Millichap Company, has a 50-year heritage of developing, owning and managing multi-family apartment home communities throughout California. The company specializes in multifamily and mixed-use residential communities, offering a convenient lifestyle, with locations near employment centers, transportation hubs, arts and entertainment venues. Visit www.urbanhousinggroup.com.

About KTGY Group, Inc.
Established in 1991, KTGY Group, Inc., Architecture and Planning, provides comprehensive planning and award-winning architectural design services for residential communities, retail, hospitality, mixed-use and related specialty developments. KTGY delivers innovative solutions that reflect clear understanding of development, marketing and financial performance and takes particular pride in its highly motivated and principal led studios. Serving clients worldwide, KTGY maintains offices in Irvine, Oakland and Santa Monica, and in Denver. See www.ktgy.com.

2010-04-12T14:59:00.000-07:00

Hanley Investment Group Sells Single-Tenant NNN Wells Fargo for $3,245,000
***
All Cash, 1031 Exchange Buyer

IRVINE, CALIF. – Hanley Investment Group Real Estate Advisors, one of the most dominant retail investment groups in the western United States and a market leader in the sale of retail properties, announced today that Edward B. Hanley and William B. Asher represented the seller in the sale of a single-tenant NNN Wells Fargo in Menifee, Calif. The purchase price was $3,245,000.

Located in Riverside County at 30186 Haun Road in Menifee, the single-tenant Wells Fargo is a pad building situated within the Countryside Marketplace, the dominant power center in the region anchored by Super Target, Lowe’s, Kohl’s, Best Buy, Staples and Michaels. Other notable tenants include Tilly’s, Old Navy, Petco, BevMo, In-N-Out, Red Robin, Chipotle and Starbucks. Built in 2008, Wells Fargo occupies a 5,250-square-foot, free-standing building situated on a 0.55-acre parcel of land.

“The demand for single-tenant NNN investments continues to be extremely strong,” said Edward B. Hanley, president of Hanley Investment Group Real Estate Advisors. “There is a lack of quality single-tenant NNN properties on the market right now in southern California. When they do come to market, they are transacting quickly with all cash buyers.”

“The Wells Fargo benefits from an outstanding location within a power center that features a high quality mix of credit tenants,” said William B. Asher, managing director at Hanley Investment Group. “Overall, single-tenant bank buildings with the credit of a Wells Fargo or similar to it are receiving the most activity in the marketplace and viewed by the investment community as one of the most stable and secure single-tenant investments.”

Asher notes the buyer paid cash and fulfilled a 1031 exchange with the purchase.

The buyer, Lew 1st – Crenshaw Properties, LLC of Glendale, Calif., was represented by James Kwon of Coldwell Banker Best Realty in Fullerton, Calif. The seller was Donahue Schriber Realty Group of Costa Mesa, Calif.

About Hanley Investment Group Real Estate Advisors
Built on a solid foundation of performance, integrity and dedication, Hanley Investment Group Real Estate Advisors is a boutique retail investment brokerage firm with a two billion dollar transaction track record that is comprised of innovative specialists delivering unparalleled service and superior results that consistently exceed client expectations. Hanley Investment Group’s expertise, commitment and unwavering focus of putting the client’s needs first have continued to set the company apart in the industry. Hanley Investment Group works closely with individual investors, developers, and institutional property owners in every facet of the transaction to insure that the highest value is achieved. Clients rely on Hanley Investment Group to be the most knowledgeable and trusted source for valuation services, market information and retail property acquisitions and dispositions. For more information, visit the Company’s website at www.hanleyinvestment.com or call (949) 585-7610.

2010-04-12T14:44:00.000-07:00

The Muller Company Awarded Three New Property Management Contracts Totaling Over 1.9 Million SF

LAGUNA HILLS, CALIF. – The Muller Company, a full service real estate company specializing in management, investment and development of commercial real estate in the western United States, announces today that the firm has been awarded three new management contracts totaling over 1.9 million square feet. DCT Industrial Trust, Inc. selected The Muller Company to manage its Phoenix portfolio of 14 industrial buildings totaling over 1.6 million square feet; Bank of America awarded The Muller Company a contract to manage Creekside Executive Center in Camarillo, Calif., a two-story office building and 13 office/medical condos totaling 73,892 square feet; and the firm also received a management contract from a leading global financial services company for a 19-story, 255,477-square-foot office building in Phoenix.

Based in Denver, Colo., DCT Industrial Trust is a leading real estate company that owns, operates and develops high-quality bulk distribution and light industrial properties in large-volume distribution markets in the United States and Mexico. The Muller Company will manage DCT’s portfolio of 14 industrial buildings located throughout Maricopa County in Arizona, and was selected for its owner’s approach to management, proactive style and local presence in the Phoenix marketplace. The Muller Company’s Senior Property Manager Tiffany Lauchlan, CPM, with more than 13 years of property management experience, will oversee DCT’s 1.6+ million-square-foot portfolio.

Bank of America selected The Muller Company because of the firm’s presence in Ventura County and substantial experience in managing bank-owned assets. Located at 4001-4087 Mission Oaks Boulevard in Camarillo, Calif., Creekside Executive Center consists of a two-story, 55,322-square-foot office building and 13 office/medical condominiums totaling 18,570 square feet. The Muller Company’s Property Manager Patti Mallen will manage Creekside. In addition to leasing and maintaining the property, Mallen will assist in selling the remaining condos by 2011.

“The Muller Company, with their hands on approach, has been a tremendous asset in helping Lee & Associates position Creekside Executive Center for the market,” said David Kim of Lee & Associates, one of Creekside Executive Center’s exclusive sales, leasing and marketing representatives. “With the many resources and long-standing vendor relationships, The Muller Company always makes a broker’s job easier. Furthermore, Creekside Executive Center is an excellent property and is well-maintained by The Muller Company and, as a result, we are receiving great responses from prospective buyers, which is very exciting!”

The Muller Company, because of their experience in the Phoenix market with 4+ million square feet under management, was awarded a contract to manage a 19-story, 255,477-square-foot office building located in Phoenix. The Muller Company is responsible for leasing and maintaining the property. Since the management contract was acquired, there has been a 10% growth in new leases and 8% growth in renewals.

“This is and will continue to be a challenging economic climate for some time and property owners must have a strategic plan in place in order to minimize the downside of property values in today’s environment. Every aspect of operating an asset must be thoroughly scrutinized to assess optimal income-producing capabilities,” said Jon M. Muller, Principal of The Muller Company.

“We view the assets that we manage as if we owned them ourselves and look for ways to increase the asset’s value through multiple value-add strategies as well as lowering operating costs and expenses. Additionally, retaining existing tenants and filling vacancies through proactive management are key to getting through this current cycle. It is critical that building owners have a plan in place or hire an experienced third-party management company such as The Muller Company to create and implement one before a drop costs or vacancies impact the property’s value beyond an acceptable level,” added Muller.

The Muller Company recently added two seasoned commercial real estate veterans to expand its corporate ranks and help spearhead the firm’s 2010 goals of refinancing, finding new institutional partners and growing the fee management side of the business. The Muller Company hired Lori Ann Haigh, former Vice President of National Sales at First American Title, as the new Director of Business Development; and Susan G. Rosenblatt, former Senior Vice President at Wells Fargo Bank, as the Director of Asset Management.

About The Muller Company
The Muller Company has over 30 years of experience in developing, acquiring and managing a diverse portfolio of over 20 million square feet of office, industrial and retail real estate throughout the western United States, with nearly 11 million square feet currently under management in the California and Phoenix markets. Over the years, The Muller Company has partnered with institutional owners such as GE Capital, Capmark, Rockwood Capital, BlackRock, ING Realty and Metlife. Empowered by an entrepreneurial spirit and guided by an owner’s perspective, The Muller Company excels at mining the long-term value from every asset that it manages by adding value, either through leasing, capital improvements, refinancing, operational audits and repositioning. For more information, contact the Director of Business Development, Lori Ann Haigh at 949.460.5380 or visit www.themullercompany.com.

2010-04-12T14:29:00.000-07:00

Hanley Investment Group Sells 99 Cents Only Anchored Shopping Center in Las Vegas, NV
* * *
100% Occupied, 4 Tenant Investment Sells for $4,827,000

IRVINE, CALIF. – Hanley Investment Group Real Estate Advisors, one of the most dominant retail investment groups in the western United States and a market leader in the sale of retail properties, announced today Eric P. Wohl and Edward B. Hanley of Hanley Investment Group represented the buyer and seller in the sale of a four-tenant shopping center in Las Vegas, Nevada. The purchase price was $4,827,000, representing $177 per square foot.

The 27,300-square-foot shopping center, known as Family Place, is located at 1125-1175 East Charleston Boulevard in Las Vegas. Positioned at the signalized intersection of Charleston Boulevard and Maryland Parkway, the property is situated on a 1.97-acre parcel. Tenants include 99 Cents Only, Burger King (ground lease), LaunderLand and Moneytree. The property was built in 2003 and was 100 percent occupied at the time of sale.

“99 Cents Only was a logical buyer for the property due to the fact that their store performs very well at this location,” said Eric P. Wohl, a vice president at Hanley Investment Group. “The transaction was a success for both parties. 99 Cents Only acquired an investment they occupied in a location and area that fit the company’s goals and objectives long term, while the seller disposed of a non-core asset within their portfolio.”

“The market for single-tenant and multi-tenant retail properties priced under $5 million is very active right now,” adds Edward B. Hanley, president of Hanley Investment Group. “With a lack of product currently on the market, demand continues to increase from buyers seeking retail investment properties across the western United States.”

The buyer was 99 Cents Only, Inc. based in Commerce, Calif. The seller was Family Place Station, LLC of Salt Lake City, Utah.

About Hanley Investment Group Real Estate Advisors
Built on a solid foundation of performance, integrity and dedication, Hanley Investment Group Real Estate Advisors is a boutique retail investment brokerage firm with a two billion dollar transaction track record that is comprised of innovative specialists delivering unparalleled service and superior results that consistently exceed client expectations. Hanley Investment Group’s expertise, commitment and unwavering focus of putting the client’s needs first have continued to set the company apart in the industry. Hanley Investment Group works closely with individual investors, developers, and institutional property owners in every facet of the transaction to insure that the highest value is achieved. Clients rely on Hanley Investment Group to be the most knowledgeable and trusted source for valuation services, market information and retail property acquisitions and dispositions. For more information, visit the Company’s website at www.hanleyinvestment.com or call (949) 585-7610.

2010-04-12T14:08:00.000-07:00

KTGY-Designed Quality Workforce Housing in Irvine Celebrates Grand Opening
* * *
Jamboree Housing Corporation Completes The Arbor at Woodbury for 90 Families Who Earn 30% to 60% of O.C. Median Income

IRVINE, CALIF. - Designed by KTGY Group Inc., Architecture and Planning, The Arbor at Woodbury Apartment Homes in Irvine, Calif. celebrated its Grand Opening. Developed by Jamboree Housing Corporation, a leading California nonprofit housing developer, The Arbor at Woodbury provides high-quality workforce housing to families earning between 30% and 60% of the area median income. The Arbor at Woodbury offers 90 thoughtfully-planned dwellings ranging in size from one- to three-bedroom units. Rent is currently $523 to $1,450 per month based on family size and income level.

Located at 300 Regal Avenue in Irvine, The Arbor at Woodbury features 18 one-bedroom, 43 two-bedroom and 29 three-bedroom garden-style apartments. Each of the property’s six buildings is designed around a central courtyard to encourage interaction among residents. All homes include central heating and air, Internet and cable access, granite counter tops, master bedroom walk-in closets, fluorescent lighting throughout, low-flow showers, dual-flush toilets and outdoor balconies or decks. One-car garages for each family and additional on grade parking provide plenty of adequate parking for residents. In addition, homes are equipped with energy-efficient lighting and appliances, including ENERGY STAR refrigerators and dishwashers.

Families living here have access to the property’s Community Center that includes management offices, a kitchen, computer-learning center, and tutoring/arts & crafts room. Community amenities include a laundry center with ENERGY STAR washers and dryers, a tot lot, salt-water pool and barbecues.

The Arbor at Woodbury is an integral part of the Woodbury Master Plan in eastern Irvine, a square-mile development that, when complete, will include residential units that consist of single-family detached homes, town homes, condominiums, and rental apartments. Woodbury is designed as unique districts of residential homes, with 16 neighborhood squares, gardens, and a park situated around a 30-acre central gathering place called “The Commons,” which offers athletic fields, a playground, recreation center, and swimming pools for neighborhood use.

According to KTGY’s David Obitz, principal and designer, “The Arbor at Woodbury is fantastic opportunity to integrate affordable housing into a world-class master-planned community and one of Irvine’s newest villages. The Arbor looks feels and lives just like the rest of Woodbury.”

Using the same high quality finishes and materials as surrounding market-rate properties, the Mediterranean-style design integrates seamlessly into the aesthetic fabric of the neighborhood.

“Architectural integration is always a top priority for all of our workforce housing projects,” Obitz adds.

As a transit-oriented development, community amenities such as neighborhood parks and shopping centers, medical services, churches, schools and colleges are within walking distance. Furthermore, in its ongoing commitment to respect environmental resources and to pursue sustainability, Jamboree provides complimentary van service to residents during commuter hours from The Arbor at Woodbury to the Irvine Transportation Center.

The Arbor at Woodbury is .5 miles from the local elementary school and is three miles or less from the local middle and high schools. The Irvine Unified School District (IUSD) consistently ranks among the finest educational systems in the nation. Irvine students consistently lead Orange County in SAT scores, and more than 90% of its high school graduates attend college.

“Sustainable design and close proximity to jobs, services and education further increase affordability for residents who have few affordable housing options, especially for larger families,” says Obitz. A family of four earning $46,500 (50% of area median income) will pay about $1,140/month in rent for their three-bedroom home at The Arbor at Woodbury.

In addition to The Arbor at Woodbury, KTGY has designed other Jamboree apartment communities including Diamond Apartment Homes in Anaheim, a pioneering green multifamily development that provides both housing and mental health supportive services for previously homeless individuals and their families in Orange County. Diamond Apartment Homes, which opened in April 2009, received a Gold Nugget Merit Award for "Outstanding Affordable Project - Under 30 du/acre."

KTGY has also designed other Jamboree apartment communities including Granite Court Apartment Homes in Irvine, which opened in July 2009 and was honored with a Gold Nugget Merit Award for "Outstanding Affordable Project - 30 du/acre or More." Granite Court is designed for green, smart growth and features a modern, compact, 71-unit residential complex with four stories of comfortable residential living atop two levels of underground parking.

KTGY also designed Jamboree Housing’s Monarch Pointe Apartment Homes in Anaheim, which opened in August 2008, and Ceres Court Apartment Homes in Fontana, which opened in September 2008. Granite Court, Monarch Pointe and Ceres Court provide housing to families earning between 30 percent and 60 percent of the area median income. Diamond is home to 25 families who earn no more than $30,120 (30% of the area median income).

KTGY continues its stride in producing award-winning workforce housing developments that integrate the latest urban design trends and green building technologies with the needs of the end user. Among its other multi-family product types, KTGY is well recognized for its designs in affordable, senior and campus housing as well as retail, hospitality, mixed-use and related specialty developments.

About Jamboree Housing Corporation
Founded in 1990, Jamboree Housing Corporation is an award-winning, broad-based nonprofit housing development company that develops, acquires, renovates and manages permanently affordable rental and ownership housing for working families and seniors throughout California. Housing with HEART (Helping Educate, Activate and Respond Together) is a 501 (c)(3) organization and a division of Jamboree Housing Corporation. A year-long commemoration of Jamboree’s 20th elevates the ripple effect of providing high quality affordable housing that generates more jobs, creates supportive housing for seniors and those with special needs, promotes healthy living and builds stronger communities. A leading nonprofit developer, Jamboree’s portfolio includes the development of and/or ownership interest in more than 6,500 affordable homes in more than 55 California communities. Currently, Housing with HEART programs and services are offered at 31 Jamboree communities with designated staff at each location. More information is available at www.jamboreehousing.com.

About KTGY Group, Inc.
Established in 1991, KTGY Group, Inc., Architecture and Planning, provides comprehensive planning and award-winning architectural design services for residential communities, retail, hospitality, mixed-use and related specialty developments. KTGY delivers innovative solutions that reflect clear understanding of development, marketing and financial performance and takes particular pride in its highly motivated and principal led studios. Serving clients worldwide, KTGY maintains offices in Irvine, Oakland and Santa Monica, and in Denver. See www.ktgy.com.

2010-03-05T23:28:00.000-08:00

Hodgdon Group Represents Ashley Furniture in Purchase of Former Circuit City Building in Hawthorne

COLTON, CALIF. – Inland Empire-based Hodgdon Group Realty Inc. announced today that Aaron Hodgdon represented Ashley Furniture Industries, Inc. in the acquisition of a former Circuit City building in Hawthorne, California. The Hodgdon companies have been working with Ashley for a decade on various real estate and construction projects. Scott Kaplan, Senior Vice President with CB Richard Ellis in Anaheim, Calif., assisted Hodgdon with the sale transaction. Richard Rizika, Executive Vice President with CB Richard Ellis in El Segundo, Calif., represented the seller, WhiteFire Capital, LLC of New York, NY and the Tabani Group, Inc. of Dallas, Texas. The purchase price could not be disclosed.

Located in the South Bay area of Los Angeles County at 14600 Ocean Gate Avenue in Hawthorne, the 33,952-square-foot retail building faces the 405 Freeway, and is just off of Rosecrans Avenue, a major thoroughfare and freeway off ramp.

“Although the real estate market is still challenging, it has provided a great opportunity for Ashley, the No. 1 retailer and manufacturer of furniture in North America, to acquire vacant big box space such as this former Circuit City building and transform them into great showrooms,” said Aaron Hodgdon, President of Hodgdon Group Realty Inc. “We are currently negotiating on several new locations in Southern California and are continuing to look for more value-add opportunities to buy or lease.”

The Hodgdon Group represents Ashley Furniture Industries on the west coast and recently negotiated the following transactions on behalf of Ashley: the purchase of 439,000 square feet of industrial space in Colton, Calif., one of the largest user‐sale transactions in Southern California in 2009; the purchase of a former Wickes Furniture in Victorville; and the lease of 42,000-square-feet for a HomeStore in Palmdale, Calif. As part of its brokerage service, the Hodgdon Group performs complete due diligence review and coordination on behalf of its clients for the property acquisition.

The Hodgdon Group is a full-service real estate brokerage, development and construction management company for all of types of real estate projects. For more information about the Hodgdon Group, please call Aaron Hodgdon at 909.783.3020.

2010-03-05T23:17:00.000-08:00

Hanley Investment Group Hires Patrick Kent as Senior Vice President
***
Kent’s 20 years of Industry Experience and Transaction Expertise are Key Assets to the Continued Growth of HIG

IRVINE, CALIF. – Hanley Investment Group Real Estate Advisors, one of the most dominant retail investment groups in the western United States and a market leader in the sale of retail properties, announced today that industry veteran Patrick G. Kent has joined the company as a senior vice president. Kent most recently served as a director at Faris Lee Investments of Irvine, Calif., where he advised clients on the acquisition and disposition of retail investment properties.

Kent has more than 20 years of industry experience and has closed countless investment sales transactions with total sales in excess of over $500 million dollars. Kent has achieved incredible success exclusively representing individual investors, developers, lending institutions, and 1031 exchange buyers and sellers. Kent continues to maintain very strong relationships in the business by utilizing his commercial real estate financing background combined with his retail investment sales expertise.

“I am excited about the opportunity to work at Hanley Investment Group, providing disposition and acquisition advisory services to clients,” said Patrick Kent, senior vice president at Hanley Investment Group. “There is and will continue to be outstanding retail investment opportunities to work on with both buyers and sellers in 2010 as well as long-term.”

“Pat is a great addition to our company and we look forward to his immediate impact in helping our clients achieve their investment goals and objectives,” said Edward B. Hanley, president of Hanley Investment Group.

“2009 was a challenging year in the commercial real estate industry,” added Hanley. “Our company managed to overcome numerous obstacles on many transactions to have a successful year given the circumstances of the marketplace. We are optimistic about this year and look forward to building continued momentum from recent closings to have a successful 2010. The addition of Patrick Kent will certainly build on our previous successes over the years and add to an even brighter future.”

Kent says that he joined Hanley Investment Group because of its unique corporate culture. “Hanley Investment Group has a hard working, open and shared-environment, and they are loyal to each other and their clients,” Kent stated. “I know that I will grow and prosper in this environment and very much look forward to utilizing my leadership skills and retail investment expertise to achieve our clients’ goals and objectives.”

“We have a very different company culture that is rarely found in the brokerage industry,” said Hanley. “Everyone in the company works together for a common goal – to provide our clients with the very best service and consistently exceed their expectations. It is extremely gratifying to know that Pat selected Hanley Investment Group after careful thought and consideration.”

Kent is a graduate of Fort Lewis College with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Finance with an emphasis in Real Estate, and is an active member of the International Council of Shopping Centers.

About Hanley Investment Group Real Estate Advisors
Built on a solid foundation of performance, integrity and dedication, Hanley Investment Group Real Estate Advisors is a boutique retail investment brokerage firm with a two billion dollar transaction track record that is comprised of innovative specialists delivering unparalleled service and superior results that consistently exceed client expectations. Hanley Investment Group’s expertise, commitment and unwavering focus of putting the client’s needs first have continued to set the company apart in the industry. Hanley Investment Group works closely with individual investors, developers, and institutional property owners in every facet of the transaction to insure that the highest value is achieved. Clients rely on Hanley Investment Group to be the most knowledgeable and trusted source for valuation services, market information and retail property acquisitions and dispositions. For more information, visit the Company’s website at www.hanleyinvestment.com or call (949) 585-7610.

2010-03-03T21:59:00.000-08:00

Coreland Companies Negotiates Leases with Planet Fitness and Phoenix Group Information Systems
* * *
Retail and Office Leases Valued at More than $3 Million

TUSTIN, CALIF. – Coreland Companies of Tustin, Calif., one of the largest private real estate service companies based in California, announced that its leasing / sales division has negotiated two leases in Southern California for a total value of more than $3 million.

In the City of Anaheim, Coreland negotiated a 20,362-square-foot, 10-year retail lease with Planet Fitness, a franchise-driven health club, at Euclid Shopping Center, located at the southeast corner of Euclid Street and Katella Avenue at 1620 W. Katella Avenue. The lease transaction, which is valued at approximately $2.0 million, brings the 206,100-square-foot community center to 100 percent occupied. Planet Fitness, which is expected to open in June 2010, will join anchors Food 4 Less, Big Lots and CVS/pharmacy. As the exclusive leasing agent for Euclid Shopping Center, Matt Hammond of Coreland Companies represented the landlord, Euclid Shopping Center, LLC, a private family trust located in San Diego. Garrett Colburn and Steve McClurkin of Grubb & Ellis in Newport Beach represented the tenant.

"There are still some very active retailers and categories doing deals in Southern California, and fitness is one of them," notes Hammond. "And this is one of a handful of fitness deals we are currently working on."

In addition, Coreland negotiated a 7,193-square-foot, 72-month lease with Phoenix Group Information Systems, a California Corporation, at the Main Street Town Center, a 215,000-square-foot Class A office building located at 2677 Main Street in Santa Ana. The lease is valued at over $1.0 million. The Phoenix Group, which will join Aetna and Morgan Stanley as tenants, will take possession of the office space in April 2010. As the exclusive leasing agent for the Main Street Town Center, David Girty and Steven Hogberg of Coreland Companies represented the landlord, The Muller Company of Laguna Hills, Calif., a full service real estate management company specializing in the management, investment and development of commercial real estate in the western United States. Marshal Vogt and George Thompson of Lee & Associates of Orange represented the Phoenix Group.

"The Phoenix Group is a 20+ year-old company with over 200 municipal, institutional, law enforcement, and private clients served throughout the United States," said Hogberg. "After an exhaustive 12-month search, the Phoenix Group selected Main Street Town Center in order to relocate to a Class A high-rise office building with first-class building ownership and management."

Adds Hogberg, "This lease brings us to over 87 percent occupied with less than 25,000 square feet of space remaining to lease at Main Street Town Center. Clearly, now more than ever, well-positioned assets with a strong amenity base make a difference, especially in a market currently challenged with a 20+ percent vacancy."

Coreland Companies is a full-service commercial real estate company with expertise in retail, office and industrial properties. Coreland Companies is based in Tustin, California with offices in Utah and throughout Southern California. For more information, please call the company’s headquarters at (714) 573-7780 or visit www.coreland.com.

2010-02-24T12:01:00.000-08:00

The Muller Company Adds Two Commercial Real Estate Industry Veterans to Expand its Corporate Ranks
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Lori Ann Haigh Named Director of Business Development and Susan G. Rosenblatt Named Director of Asset Management

LAGUNA HILLS, CALIF. – The Muller Company, specializing in managing, investing and developing commercial real estate in the western United States, announces today that the firm has added two commercial real estate industry veterans to its corporate ranks. Lori Ann Haigh, former Vice President of National Sales at First American Title, will serve as The Muller Company's Director of Business Development; and Susan G. Rosenblatt, former Senior Vice President at Wells Fargo Bank, has been named Director of Asset Management. These additions will assist The Muller Company in expanding its business platform and growing its current portfolio of nearly 11 million square feet under management in California and the Phoenix markets.

As the new Director of Business Development, Haigh will be responsible for maintaining communications and relations with key industry contacts in order to provide The Muller Company with new partnership opportunities and fee management contracts. Haigh comes to The Muller Company with 15 years experience in the commercial title insurance industry where she advanced to the position of Vice President of National Sales at both Land America Commercial Services as well as First American Title Insurance. Haigh received a Bachelor Degree in Public Relations from the University of Southern California. A resident of Tustin, Haigh is a third-generation native Californian with a family history in serving the real estate community.

"My decision to work for The Muller Company was actually quite easy," said Haigh. "It's one thing to know the track record of a company; however, having worked with The Muller Company as a longstanding customer of mine while I was in the title business, I know the owners of The Muller Company; I know their character, their integrity, and their entrepreneurial spirit and passion for excellence. I consider it a privilege to have been chosen to expand their third-party management division."

Rosenblatt, as the Director of Asset Management, will be responsible for all aspects of debt capital management, including managing The Muller Company’s existing project financings and strategic lender and partner relationships as well as sourcing new debt and equity for future expansion. Rosenblatt has nearly 20 years of hands-on experience in commercial real estate finance from Wells Fargo Bank. She led all syndication activities for 20 real estate production groups and marketed to top national and middle market developers to win syndicated transactions as the Agent Bank. She received a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance and Management from The College of William and Mary and a Masters of Business Administration from San Diego State University. She is a Licensed Real Estate Broker and currently lives in Newport Beach.

"I am delighted to take the role of Director of Asset Management for The Muller Company based on the company's outstanding reputation and track record in the real estate industry. The company has an extremely cohesive and dynamic management team with a strong base of talented employees with impressive tenure. The company's linear and nimble organizational structure, combined with the vision of the two key principals, will position it for significant growth in the future," says Rosenblatt.

Both women are highly involved in their industry and are members of National Association of Industrial and Office Properties (NAIOP), Commercial Real Estate Women (CREW) and International Association of Shopping Centers (ICSC). Rosenblatt is additionally involved in Real Estate Lenders Association (RELA) and Haigh spends time participating with Women in Leadership, Society of Industrial and Office Realtors (SIOR) and the National Charity League.

According to Stephen J. Muller, Principal, The Muller Company sees Haigh and Rosenblatt as tremendous assets and believes they will help spearhead the firm’s 2010 goals of refinancing, finding new institutional partners and growing the fee management side of the business. Haigh and Rosenblatt will report to Muller and also company Principal, Jon M. Muller.

In addition to the two new hires, The Muller Company attracts and retains many other highly talented individuals such as Christina DuCote', CPM, RPA, who was recently nominated by readers and editors of the San Diego Daily Transcript as their "Top Influential," based upon her actions and opinions strongly influencing San Diego's real estate and business community. She is the Senior Property Manager at Torrey Pines Court in La Jolla, Calif., a 200,000-square-foot office park, which was purchased by The Muller Company in a joint venture with Rockwood Capital in July 2005. When purchased, the project was 56 percent leased and had severe functional challenges. With a construction cost of approximately $26 million, The Muller Company renovated three of the existing buildings down to the raw structure, redeveloping it to a first class research and development facility. After completion, Torrey Pines Court was awarded Energy Star status and became a recipient of BOMA 2008 Building of the Year award and recently reached 100 percent occupancy with major tenants such as NOAA, Orexigen and Wireless Health.

About The Muller Company
The Muller Company has over 30 years of experience in developing, acquiring and managing a diverse portfolio of over 20 million square feet of office, industrial and retail real estate throughout the western United States, with nearly 11 million square feet under management in the California and Phoenix markets. Over the years, The Muller Company has partnered with institutional owners such as GE Capital, Capmark Financial, Rockwood Capital, BlackRock, ING Realty and MetLife. Empowered by an entrepreneurial spirit and guided by an owner’s perspective, The Muller Company excels at mining the long-term value from every asset that it manages by adding value, either through leasing, capital improvements, refinancing, operational audits and repositioning. For more information, contact the Director of Business Development, Lori Ann Haigh at 949.460.5380 or visit http://www.blogger.com/www.themullercompany.com.

2010-02-17T22:04:00.000-08:00

Hanley Investment Group Sells Multi-Tenant Retail Strip Center in Orange County, Calif. for $3,000,000
* * *
Tustin Retail Center Sells for $312 PSF

IRVINE, CALIF. – Hanley Investment Group Real Estate Advisors, one of the most dominant retail investment groups in the western United States and a market leader in the sale of retail properties, announced today Edward B. Hanley and Eric P. Wohl of Hanley Investment Group represented the seller in the sale of a multi-tenant retail strip center in Orange County, Calif. The purchase price was $2,990,007, representing $312 per square foot.

The 9,597-square-foot retail center, known as Walnut Newport Center, is located at 13842 Newport Avenue in Tustin. The four-tenant strip center is anchored by Blockbuster Video and is situated on a 0.74 acre parcel of land. Built in 1986, Walnut Newport Center was 100 percent occupied at the time of sale.

“It was a rare sale of a multi-tenant strip center in Orange County,” said Edward B. Hanley, president at Hanley Investment Group. “Due to the property’s excellent location and surrounding demographics, we experienced a great deal of interest.”

“It was a challenging transaction due to the uncertainty of Blockbuster Video as a tenant in today’s market and the fact that they occupied approximately 65 percent of the property’s square footage,” said Eric P. Wohl, a vice president at Hanley Investment Group. “The strength of the location overcame initial objections and the future potential to re-tenant the space if Blockbuster Video were to vacate the premises.”

Hanley notes the sale was an all cash transaction.

The buyer, Lee Family Trust of Orange County, Calif. was represented by Chuck Hathoot of Prudential California Realty based in Laguna Niguel, Calif. The seller was Westwood Financial of Los Angeles, Calif.

About Hanley Investment Group Real Estate Advisors
Built on a solid foundation of performance, integrity and dedication, Hanley Investment Group Real Estate Advisors is a boutique retail investment advisory firm with a two billion dollar transaction track record that is comprised of innovative specialists delivering unparalleled service and superior results that consistently exceed client expectations. Hanley Investment Group’s expertise, commitment and unwavering focus of putting the client’s needs first have continued to set the company apart in the industry. Hanley Investment Group works closely with individual investors, developers, and institutional property owners in every facet of the transaction to insure that the highest value is achieved. Clients rely on Hanley Investment Group to be the most knowledgeable and trusted source for valuation services, market information and retail property acquisitions and dispositions. For more information, visit the Company’s website at hanleyinvestment.com or call (949) 585-7610.

2010-02-10T23:13:00.000-08:00

Hanley Investment Groups Sells Single-Tenant NNN Red Robin Restaurant in Riverside County for $2,040,000
***
All Cash, 1031 Exchange Buyer Closes Escrow in 28 Days

IRVINE, CALIF. – Hanley Investment Group Real Estate Advisors, one of the most dominant retail investment groups in the western United States and a market leader in the sale of retail properties, announced today that Edward B. Hanley and William B. Asher represented the seller in the sale of the fee-simple ownership in the land leased to a single-tenant NNN Red Robin Restaurant in Menifee, Calif. The purchase price was $2,040,000.

Located in Riverside County at 30142 Haun Road in Menifee, the single-tenant Red Robin Restaurant is a pad building situated within the Countryside Marketplace, the dominant power center in the region anchored by Super Target, Lowe’s, Kohl’s, Best Buy, Staples and Michaels. Other notable tenants include Tilly’s, Old Navy, Petco, BevMo, In-N-Out, Wells Fargo, Chipotle and Starbucks. Built in 2008, Red Robin occupies a 6,050-square-foot free-standing building situated on a 1.37-acre parcel of land.

“Single-tenant NNN retail properties continue to be one of the most sought after investments in today’s commercial real estate market,” said Edward B. Hanley, president of Hanley Investment Group Real Estate Advisors. “Quality single-tenant NNN investments like the Red Robin are in high demand, selling quickly and to cash buyers.”

“The Red Robin benefits from an outstanding location within a power center that features a high quality mix of credit tenants that generate customer traffic from not only the local area but regionally as well,” said William B. Asher, managing director at Hanley Investment Group. “Single-tenant NNN retail properties will continue to experience the highest sales velocity in 2010.”

Asher notes the buyer paid cash and fulfilled a 1031 exchange with the purchase which closed escrow in 28 days.

The buyer, Lew 1st – Crenshaw Properties, LLC of Glendale, Calif., was represented by James Kwon of Coldwell Banker Best Realty in Fullerton, Calif. The seller was Donahue Schriber Realty Group of Costa Mesa, Calif.

About Hanley Investment Group Real Estate Advisors
Built on a solid foundation of performance, integrity and dedication, Hanley Investment Group Real Estate Advisors is a boutique retail investment advisory firm with a two billion dollar transaction track record that is comprised of innovative specialists delivering unparalleled service and superior results that consistently exceed client expectations. Hanley Investment Group’s expertise, commitment and unwavering focus of putting the client’s needs first have continued to set the company apart in the industry. Hanley Investment Group works closely with individual investors, developers, and institutional property owners in every facet of the transaction to insure that the highest value is achieved. Clients rely on Hanley Investment Group to be the most knowledgeable and trusted source for valuation services, market information and retail property acquisitions and dispositions. For more information, visit the Company’s website at www.hanleyinvestment.com or call (949) 585-7610.

2010-02-02T23:40:00.000-08:00

Investec Announces Acquisition of $21 Million Shopping Center The Plaza at Sunbow in San Diego
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Investec Continues to Seek Grocery Anchored Centers in California

SANTA BARBARA, CALIF. – Investec, specializing in the acquisition, development, management and leasing of retail properties in California, is pleased to announce its newest acquisition, The Plaza at Sunbow in San Diego, California. The 100,000-square-foot shopping center, which was purchased for approximately $21 million, is anchored by Ralphs and CVS, along with a host of national retailers including Starbucks, McDonald’s, KFC and T-Mobile. The transaction was sourced by Investec as an off-market acquisition opportunity from a private investor.

The Plaza at Sunbow was developed in 2002 by Kitchell Development in the suburbs of San Diego and has been the dominant neighborhood shopping center in its trade area. The center, which is 100 percent occupied, is situated on 11 acres at the northeast corner of Medical Center Drive and Palomar Street.

"We are always pleased when we can acquire quality assets like Sunbow, which provide us a quality center with a high performing grocer and pharmacy in strong in-fill markets," said Grant Harris, Investec's Director of Acquisitions. "Sunbow has performed very well since it was built, and we are confident it will continue to thrive with the quality and mix of tenants currently in place."

Harris said the addition of Sunbow brings Investec's retail portfolio to nearly 2,000,000 square feet of retail space in California, valued at over $620 million. Investec represented itself in the transaction, while the seller was advised by Mark Lucescu of Lucescu Realty.

According to Kenneth Slaught, President of Investec, "Contrary to the general gloom about retail real estate, not all retail real estate is the same. Much of the adverse retail press has been focused on discretionary retail or the woes affecting large niche chains. In contrast, all of our existing grocery anchor tenants have shown sales increases averaging 2.9 percent over the past 12 months. With the grocery and drug stores typically accounting for approximately 60 percent of the leasable area of our centers, we are confident that our gross sales increases will continue at all of our shopping centers."

Traffic and sales are increasing at Investec's necessity-based shopping centers as consumers return to basics by eating at home more often and by searching Investec’s discount retailers for bargains. "Knowing this type of real estate in California, particularly Coastal California, is performing well during this severe downturn has us excited about the future," Slaught stated. "We plan to continue buying the same type of properties in Coastal California, but during the next few years, we are going to have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to buy this exclusive asset class at below replacement cost."

In October 2009, Investec completed the development of Gene Autry Plaza, a new $17.5 million 60,000-square-foot shopping center in Palm Springs, Calif. and celebrated the grand opening of the first ground-up Smart & Final Extra! store in California. The center also includes Staples and 11,500 square feet of shop space.

For more information about Investec's acquisition criteria, please contact Grant Harris at 805-962-8989 x343 or grant@investecre.com.

ABOUT INVESTEC
Since its inception in 1983, Investec has handled more than one billion dollars in real estate transactions. Having thrived in one of the nation's most competitive real estate markets for more than 25 years, Investec remains ideally positioned for continued growth in this dynamic and challenging industry during turbulent economic times. Investec's current portfolio includes more than 2.5 million square feet of commercial properties under management in California including shopping centers, office buildings and self-storage facilities. Investec's acquisition and development strategy is primarily focused on necessity-based, recession-resistant market/drug anchored neighborhood shopping centers. For more information, call 805.962.8989 or visit www.investecre.com.

2010-01-18T13:18:00.000-08:00

Hanley Investment Group Sells Two NNN Pad Buildings at Stater Bros. Shopping Center Totaling $5,850,000 in Chino, CA
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All-Cash Buyer Closes Pad Building in 16 Days

IRVINE, CALIF. – Hanley Investment Group Real Estate Advisors, one of the dominant retail investment groups in Southern California and a market leader in the sale of retail properties, announced today that Edward B. Hanley and William B. Asher of Hanley Investment Group, along with Phil Berry of Commercial West Brokerage, Inc. of Corona del Mar, Calif., represented the seller, Euclid Plaza, LLC of Palm Desert, Calif., in the sale of two NNN pad buildings in Chino, Calif., for a total consideration of $5,850,000.

The pad buildings are located within Stater Bros. Plaza, a community shopping center located at the southwest corner of Schaefer Avenue and Euclid Avenue and anchored by Stater Bros. The center also includes notable tenants Carl’s Jr., Chase Bank, Juice It Up, Fantastic Sams, Pacific Dental and Subway.

The first pad building sold at Stater Bros. Plaza was a single-tenant, 4,400-square-foot free-standing building leased to Pacific Dental. Built in 2008, the building sits on a 0.59-acre parcel at 6961 Schaefer Avenue within the Stater Bros. Plaza. The purchase price was $2,150,000, representing $489 per square foot. The buyer was a private investor from Glendale, Calif., represented by Scott Hook at Marcus & Millichap in Irvine, Calif.

The second pad building sold was a 6,276-square-foot free-standing building leased to Chase Bank and Juice It Up. Built in 2008, the building sits on a 0.75-acre parcel at 7033 Schaefer Avenue within the Stater Bros. Plaza. The purchase price was $3,700,000, representing $590 per square foot. The buyer was JMA Investment, LLC from Long Beach, Calif., represented by Mona Fang at Re/Max 2000 Realty in the City of Industry, Calif.

“The demand for single- and multi-tenant retail investments in a price range of $5,000,000 or less in southern California continues to pick up momentum,” says Edward B. Hanley, president of Hanley Investment Group. “There is a lack of supply for these types of properties right now. Demand increased in the second half of 2009 and is on track to continue in 2010.”

“Both sales represent a reoccurring theme in today’s market of private investors that are not in a 1031 exchange investing into retail properties that generate a better overall return on their money than what they would make in a savings account or CD,” says William B. Asher, managing director of Hanley Investment Group.

Asher notes the buyer of the Pacific Dental property closed all cash in 16 days, while the buyer of the Chase Bank/Juice It Up property financed the transaction.

About Hanley Investment Group Real Estate Advisors
Built on a solid foundation of performance, integrity and dedication, Hanley Investment Group Real Estate Advisors is a boutique retail investment advisory firm with a two billion dollar transaction track record that is comprised of innovative specialists delivering unparalleled service and superior results that consistently exceed client expectations. Hanley Investment Group’s expertise, commitment and unwavering focus of putting the client’s needs first have continued to set the company apart in the industry. Hanley Investment Group works closely with individual investors, developers, and institutional property owners in every facet of the transaction to insure that the highest value is achieved. Clients rely on Hanley Investment Group to be the most knowledgeable and trusted source for valuation services, market information and retail property acquisitions and dispositions. For more information, visit the Company’s website at www.hanleyinvestment.com or call (949) 585-7610.

2010-01-16T22:06:00.000-08:00

Hanley Investment Group Sells Single-Tenant NNN PETCO for $7.8 Million in Denver, CO
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1033 Exchange Buyer Closes Escrow in Three Days

IRVINE, CALIF. - Hanley Investment Group Real Estate Advisors, one of the most dominant retail investment groups in the western United States and a market leader in the sale of retail properties, announced today that Edward B. Hanley and William B. Asher of Hanley Investment Group represented the buyer and seller in the sale of a single-tenant PETCO in Denver, CO. The purchase price was $7,800,000.

The property is located at 4100 E. Mexico Avenue in Denver, and is situated within a community shopping center anchored by Best Buy. Other notable tenants in the center include DSW, Ross and Village Inn. Built in 1993, PETCO occupies a 23,057-square-foot building on a 1.4-acre parcel of land.

"The property is situated at one of the most high traffic retail locations in Denver," said Edward B. Hanley, president of Hanley Investment Group Real Estate Advisors. "The buyer acquired an asset with a new 15-year lease that included rental increases every five years."

"We completed the entire deal from start to finish in two weeks, including a three-day escrow," said William B. Asher, managing director at Hanley Investment Group. "We were able to close the transaction quickly due to seller financing, which has become a more frequently utilized method to transact deals; a sign of the times given the challenges in obtaining traditional financing in today's market."

Asher adds, "The seller's ability to provide financing was the key to being able to close the transaction and satisfy a 1033 exchange requirement for the buyer."

The buyer was a private investor based in San Diego, Calif. The seller was Denver Mexico HAH, LLC based in Beverly Hills, Calif.

About Hanley Investment Group Real Estate Advisors
Built on a solid foundation of performance, integrity and dedication, Hanley Investment Group Real Estate Advisors is a boutique retail investment advisory firm with a two billion dollar transaction track record that is comprised of innovative specialists delivering unparalleled service and superior results that consistently exceed client expectations. Hanley Investment Group's expertise, commitment and unwavering focus of putting the client's needs first have continued to set the company apart in the industry. Hanley Investment Group works closely with individual investors, developers, and institutional property owners in every facet of the transaction to insure that the highest value is achieved. Clients rely on Hanley Investment Group to be the most knowledgeable and trusted source for valuation services, market information and retail property acquisitions and dispositions. For more information, visit the Company's website at www.hanleyinvestment.com or call (949) 585-7610.