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.

Downtown Walnut Creek to Debut First New Live-Work-Shop-Play Condo Homes
* * *
Developed By Thompson Dorfman Partners and Designed By KTGY Group and Kwan Henmi

IRVINE, CALIF. - Award-winning KTGY Group, Inc., Architecture + Planning, architect for 555YVR, announced today that Downtown Walnut Creek's first live-work-shop-play residences, 555YVR, are nearly completed.

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. Most homes have spacious private decks or patios.

Owing its name to its convenient location at 555 Ygnacio Valley Road in Walnut Creek, Calif., this exclusive address offers an innovative blend of stylish and sophisticated living in a central location within steps of downtown's hippest restaurants, trendiest boutiques, various cultural activities, and transit links to the rest of the Bay Area. It is the epicenter of effortless living with all the benefits of an exciting urban lifestyle in a thriving suburban setting.

"We are thrilled to complete 555YVR and advance a growing trend toward downtown living in Walnut Creek," said Bruce Dorfman, principal of Thompson Dorfman Partners, whose partners have been active Bay Area developers for more than two decades. "Residents of 555YVR will be able to enjoy great restaurants, nightspots, shopping and attractions within walking distance. And it is a block from the BART station. There is nothing like this in downtown Walnut Creek or in the I-680 corridor."

"555YVR's architecture is decidedly contemporary," said Stan Braden, AIA, NCARB, chairman and principal of KTGY. "The clean lines and a simple but elegant palette of materials and carefully executed common spaces signal a well-appointed community that is comfortable today and into the future."

Rising four-stories, these tasteful residences are topped by the Sky Lounge, an amazing rooftop terrace with an outdoor kitchen, fireplace, and breathtaking 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, ideal for tech-savvy professionals. There is also plenty of parking and ample storage in a gated 170-space subterranean garage.

555YVR's thoughtfully-planned homes offer exquisitely detailed basics, including expansive low-E energy-efficient floor-to-ceiling windows, which allow natural light and provide dramatic views; hardwood floors; European-styled kitchens with CaesarStone counter tops and premium stainless steel appliances from Bosch and Thermador; and, bathrooms in serene tones of taupe, bronze and ivory, Kohler Ladena sinks with polished chrome Kohler faucets, Italian tile floors and TOTO dual flush toilets. Most of the units have private outdoor decks or patios, 9' or 10' ceilings, and generous closet spaces with walk-in closets in the master suites.

Located on the former site of the JFK University, some of 555YVR's additional sustainable "green" features include innovative, energy efficient lighting; passive solar heating; water efficient landscaping; a "cool" roof deck, intended to reduce heat island and to minimize the impact on the microclimate, human and wildlife habitat; bicycle storage and bike racks available to residents; low-flow, water-efficient showerheads, lavatory sinks and kitchen faucets; use of low-VOC construction adhesives for all interior adhesives; environmentally-friendly interior trim and shelving; use of low-emitting paint meets the highest air quality standards; and light pollution reduction to improve nighttime visibility, night sky access and to reduce impact on nocturnal environments. The developer also diverted 50 percent of construction and demolition waste to promote recycling and reduce landfill waste.

"The 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 Braden. "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."

"555YVR offers tremendous value in this marketplace and combines the best features of modern, luxury condo living, energy efficiency, and the outstanding benefits of a highly desirable location at the commercial, entertainment, and cultural heart of the city, along with easy freeway and BART access to anywhere in the Bay Area and beyond," said Dorfman.

He continues, "The city leaders encouraged us to include the six live-work units. It is a great way to take advantage of the prime visibility along the Ygnacio Valley Road. Each of these units has a separate entrance to commercial storefront on Ygancio Valley Road with a separate residence in the back or up a flight of stairs - they are perfect for service-based businesses."

The homes range in size from 763 square feet to 1,308 square feet with a wide variety of floor plans. Prices range from the low $300,000s to mid-$700,000s with initial occupancy slated for October 2009. To date, more than a quarter of the units have either been reserved or sold.

According to Paul Zeger, president of Pacific Marketing Associates, the Bay Area real estate marketing firm leading the development's sales activities, 555YVR "appeals to first-time homebuyers and empty nesters, and especially young professionals seeking style, convenience and fun in an urban setting, whether they commute to work in San Francisco via BART, or walk to work at Kaiser Permanente or John Muir Medical Center, just blocks away.

"555YVR is helping to establish a 24/7 rhythm in Downtown Walnut Creek," added Zeger. "For people not interested in big home maintenance and yard work, there's a real movement to simplify your way of living and take advantage of unique attractions only found downtown."

555YVR is within walking distance to trendy restaurants and nightclubs, world-class shops and a weekly Farmers' Market; and popular cultural, civic and entertainment destinations such as the public library, Civic Park, the Lesher Center for the Performing Arts and the Century Theaters. Also nearby are the 90 stores at Broadway Plaza, including Macy's, Nordstrom, Tiffany & Co., The Apple Store, and a proposed Neiman-Marcus. For easy commuting, the BART station is only two blocks away, with connections to Caltrains and local buses. Additionally, I-680 and I-24 access is close-by.

Contemporary interior finishes were selected by Kimberlee Colvin Interiors of Mill Valley, Calif. and Zen-inspired landscape design was completed by Cliff Lowe Associates in San Francisco.

For more information about 555YVR, visit the sales center (with on-site garage parking), located at 555 Ygnacio Valley Road, Walnut Creek, CA 94596 or call 925.280.8888 or visit online at www.555yvr.com.

About 555YVR
555YVR is Downtown Walnut Creek's new boutique condominium residences with occupancy fall 2009. Developed by Thompson Dorfman Partners and designed by noted Bay Area architects from Kwan Henmi and KTGY Group, 555YVR is a modern four-story structure featuring 87 one-bedroom, one-bedroom plus den and two-bedroom homes, as well as townhomes and live-work units. Residents share amenities such as a courtyard, private fitness center, state-of-the-art media room and Sky Lounge, a roof top terrace with outdoor kitchen and fireplace surrounded by spectacular 360-degree views of the valley and Mt. Diablo. 555YVR is conveniently located near downtown's trendy restaurants and nightspots, world-class shopping and weekly Farmers' Market, as well as civic and cultural attractions such as the public library, Civic Park, Century Theaters and Lesher Center for the Performing Arts. Residents have easy access to local transit and BART, as well as I-680 and I-24, connecting them to the rest of the Bay Area. 555YVR is marketed exclusively by Pacific Marketing Associates. The 555YVR Sales Center, open daily from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., is located at 555 Ygnacio Valley Road in Downtown Walnut Creek, between Broadway and Main, just blocks from BART and I-680/I-24. For more information, call (925) 290-8888; or, visit online at www.555yvr.com.

About Thompson Dorfman Partners
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 housing industry and Thompson Dorfman have collectively developed 10,000 multi-family homes in 40 California apartment and condominium communities. They have also expanded their services to provide development advisory, management and investment expertise to institutional and corporate land owners to assist on underperforming assets. In 2004, Thompson Dorfman formed Education Housing Partners, a California nonprofit public benefit corporation, in order to facilitate school districts and public agencies to build workforce housing for their employees. For more information, please visit www.thompsondorfman.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.