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

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

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
* * *
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/.

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

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

* * *

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

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

Investec Raises $130 Million for Acquisition of West Coast Retail

* * *

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.