Investec Raises $130 Million for Acquisition of West Coast Retail

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

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

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

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

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.