Axxcess Capital and Winthrop Realty Trust to Provide Liquidity for Sponsors, Managers and Investors in Fractional Ownership Structures

NEWPORT BEACH, CA. (Mar. 22, 2011) –Axxcess Capital Ventures, LLC today announced an agreement with Winthrop Realty Trust (NYSE: FUR) to provide liquidity for acquiring  sponsors, managers, and investor interests in fractional ownership structures including Tenant in Common investments, Delaware Statutory Trusts (DST’s) and private non-traded real estate investment trusts (REITS).

Axxcess, together with Winthrop, plans to provide solutions for companies and investors that require capital, expertise, and institutional management for fractional ownership structures. 

Through its agreement with Winthrop, Axxcess will now have the ability to bring an array of capital sources, structuring knowledge, and management expertise to create tax-efficient solutions for sponsors and investors.

“We spoke to several potential partners, and Winthrop was the best fit for several reasons-- leadership, capital sourcing, and asset management capabilities,” says Dick Gee, chairman of Axxcess Capital.

Demand Grows for Capital and Expertise in Fractional Ownership Structures

"We have positioned ourselves so that we can provide options for cash strapped operators and investors, that may not be unable to provide the capital necessary to enable the property to succeed in a tough market," says Tim Snodgrass, president of Axxcess Capital.

"Success may turn on the venture’s ability to work with lenders to reposition the property, while concurrently injecting capital and providing strong management," says Snodgrass. “To accomplish this, it takes an entity with institutional leadership, relationships, creativity, and unparalleled trust in the community.” 

Fractional ownership structures are generally more complex than typical ownership structures and have a unique set of parameters distinguishing them from other types of ownership structures.

 “Understanding how all these parts interact, and how to navigate through them to provide an acceptable outcome for every situation, is the difference with this team,” says Eli Spiro, chief executive officer of Axxcess.

“The fractional ownership market today calls for a company and partner that can successfully address the needs of lenders, investors, and asset managers. We have the unique ability to work with all parties, from acquiring large corporate entities, to individual investors.

“Through our experience in this industry, and the strength of Winthrop, collectively we have the experience, capital, and transparency to overcome all obstacles in these types of transactions,” says Axxcess’ COO Craig Morris.

Friedman, Billings and Ramsey (NYSE: FBR) represented Axxcess Capital in the transaction.

Access Capital, LLC, based in Newport Beach, CA with offices in New York and San Diego, provides uncompromised advisory services in alternative investments, wealth building, real estate client services and acquisitions for institutions, corporations, individuals and foundations. Visit www.axxcesscapital.com.

Press Contact:  Chris Barnett for Axxcess Capital LLC,  415-921-5092 or cbarn@aol.com

EIS Executes 9 Leases in the Last Sixty Days in Metro Orlando

ORLANDO, FL - Equity Investment Services (EIS) is proud to announce the successful execution of 9 leases in the last sixty days; all of which were new leases totaling more than 16,400 square feet.

Notable leases include 4,900 square feet leased to the Dollar Store located at Publix at Southchase on South Orange Blossom Trail and 2,230 square feet leased to Phoenix Networks US located at Hovey Court in Delaney Avenue.

Other notable tenant signings include Indra’s Kitchen, Angels Resale and S7 Hair Studio.

Agent 60-Day Track Record:

Matthew Edmiston – 4 leases totaling 5,104 SF

Nathan Cutchin – 3 leases totaling 8,753 SF

Sebastian Smith – 2 leases totaling 2,600 SF

 EIS is a full service commercial real estate investment advisory company based in Orlando, FL. EIS represents owners in the dispositions and acquisitions, leasing and professional management of shopping centers, office buildings, industrial properties, single tenant net leased investments and multi-family properties. EIS concentrates its efforts in the southeast region of the U.S. with a core focus on the Central Florida marketplace.

 For more information, contact:

Christopher M. Savino Managing Director, 407.573.0711 (o) Csavino@EISRE.com

Estefania Enriquez |Marketing Coordinator, Phone: 407.573.0711 ♦ Fax: 407.573.0710, Email: EEnriquez@EISRE.com

Website: http://www.eisre.com/

Cambridge Processes 21 Loan Origination Requests in February Totaling $415.1 Million

CHICAGO, IL--Cambridge Realty Capital Companies reports processing 21 loan origination requests totaling $415.1 million during the month of February, or slightly fewer than the same month last year.

Cambridge is one of the nation’s leading senior housing/healthcare lenders, with more than $3 billion in closed transactions since the mid-1990s. Chairman Jeffrey A. Davis (top right photo) said the company’s February loan origination requests were down from 28 loans totaling $478.2 million for the same month in 2010.

Since the first of the year, processed loan origination requests are down about 20 percent and dollar volume for the same two-month period is down as well, from $852.1 million in 2010 to $733.3 million a year later, he said.

Davis points out that lenders close a relatively small percentage of origination requests received. But Cambridge routinely tracks this information as an indication of market direction.

“Credit market restrictions are impacting the types of loans we can reasonably consider at this time, and this is causing us to be more selective in the types of loans that are entered into our system. The lower comparative totals are a bit misleading for this reason.

“For popular FHA-insured HUD loans, the demand continues unabated,” he said.

Contact: Evan Washington, Phone: (312) 521-7604,

Fax: (312) 357-1611, E-Mail:  ew@cambridgecap.com

HFF closes $18 million sale of Class A multi-housing community in suburban Indianapolis

 INDIANAPOLIS, IN –HFF announced today that it has closed the sale of Washington Quarters Apartments (top left photo), a 256-unit, Class A multi-housing community in Avon, Indiana.

                                                 

HFF marketed the property on behalf of the seller, Crossmann Properties, LLC. Washington Quarters was purchased by Thiemann Real Estate, LLC for approximately $18 million. 

HFF also worked on behalf of the buyer/borrower to secure new debt on the property through Freddie Mac. 

Washington Quarters Apartments is located in the growing suburban community of Avon, approximately 12 miles west of downtown Indianapolis. 

Constructed in 1999 and maintaining an occupancy rate of more than 95 percent, the property has a mix of one-, two- and three-bedroom units averaging 956 square feet each. 

The property offers an expansive clubhouse with a fitness room, billiards room and a swimming pool.  Additional community amenities include a car wash station, sand volleyball court, basketball court and picnic area.

The HFF team representing the seller included managing director John Sebree and senior managing director David Keller.

HFF managing directors Kevin MacKenzie (middle right photo) and Jon Everson (lower left photo) represented Thiemann Real Estate LLC in the financing side of the transaction.

Thiemann Real Estate, LLC is a multi-housing owner based out of St. Louis, Missouri.  This is their second acquisition in the Indianapolis area within the past six months.  In total, Thiemann Real Estate, LLC controls 3,500 multifamily units in Indiana, Illinois, and Missouri.

Contacts:                

John S. Sebree, HFF Managing Director, (317) 632-7502, jsebree@hfflp.com

Kristen M. Murphy, HFF Associate Director, Marketing, (713) 852-3500 krmurphy@hfflp.com,

                                             

Promotions and Honors at Marcus & Millichap

               

Phil Sambazis Promoted to Associate Vice President Investments in San Diego

SAN DIEGO CA, Mar. 22, 2011 – Marcus & Millichap Real Estate Investment Services, the nation’s largest real estate investment services firm, has promoted Phil Sambazis (top right photo)  to associate vice president investments.

This designation represents excellence in the development and servicing of long-term client relationships, according to Kent R. Williams, senior vice president and managing director based in the firm’s San Diego office.

Most recently, Sambazis held the position of senior associate.

“Phil continues to excel as a commercial real estate investment specialist,” says Williams. “His ability to execute transactions nationwide over the past few years – a challenging time for the industry – demonstrates his tenacity and dedication to providing superior client service.”

A retail investment specialist, Sambazis began his career with Marcus & Millichap in March 2006. He was named an associate in January 2007 and was promoted to senior associate in March 2009. Sambazis has received five internal sales awards from the firm, including a National Achievement Award in 2010

 Michaal Yu and Rahul Bijlani Named Top Hospitality Investment Specialists in Houston

 ENCINO, CA – Marcus & Millichap Real Estate Investment Services, the nation’s largest real estate investment services firm, has named Michael Yu (middle left photo) and Rahul Bijlani (bottom right photo) of the firm’s Houston office as the two top hospitality agents nationally for the second consecutive year.

Yu has been the firm’s top hospitality agent nationwide for the past four years.

 “We are proud to recognize Michael and Rahul as the firm’s top hospitality agents for the second year in a row, and to recognize Michael for being the firm’s top hospitality agent for four years consecutively,” says John J. Kerin, president and chief executive officer of Marcus & Millichap.

“Their consistency in attaining the highest level of achievement, especially during the past two years of unsettled market conditions, reflects the depth of their market knowledge, superior transaction skills and commitment to client service.”

Yu is a vice president investments and director of the firm’s National Hospitality Group. He joined Marcus & Millichap in July 2003. Bijlani, an associate vice president investments and also a director of the firm’s National Hospitality Group, joined Marcus & Millichap in June 2005.

Together, Yu and Bijlani have dominated the mid-market hospitality sector in Texas.

Contact: Stacey Corso, Public Relations Manager, (925) 953-1716

Bull Realty Signs State of Georgia to Expanded Lawrenceville, GA Office

ATLANTA, GA (Mar. 22, 2011) – Bull Realty, Inc said today the state of Georgia renewed and expanded its office lease for The 316 Business Center (top left photo) at 1000 Hurricane Shoals Road in Lawrenceville.

The state signed the 14,700 sq ft lease for the Department of Human Resources and Office of Child Support Services, which will continue to work out of the building.

The state needed additional space to increase efficiencies of the department’s field office. And because of recent budget challenges the state also was looking to reduce occupancy costs.

“We were able to work out an agreement that worked for both sides,” said Mark Stockwell, V. P. with Corporate Office Services at Bull Realty.

 “The landlord was able to keep his tenant improvement costs in check, while the state saved money on computer server issues. The space provides the right-sized environment for the department to better serve the public.”

Bull Realty handles leasing for the 98,000 sq ft office building representing the owners, Sun 316 , LLC et al (a Tenant In Common ownership).

Since beginning the assignment, Stockwell has finalized 13 renewals and 6 new leases totaling 70,535 sq ft bringing 316 Business Center to 82% occupancy. The average occupancy in the submarket is 62%.

  

Contact: Midd Read, mread@wilbertnewsstrategies.com

Essex Realty Group Brokers Sales of 2 Chicago Apartment Buildings

 Vintage Corridor-Style Apartment Building in Chicago Goes for $1 Million

 CHICAGO, IL-- Essex Realty Group, Inc. is pleased to announce the sale of a vintage apartment building the Rogers Park neighborhood of Chicago.  The property located at 1546 W. Jonquil Terrace consists of 27 units – 9 studios, 17 one-bedroom and 1 two- bedroom units.

Doug Fisher (top right photo) was the broker for the transaction. The sale price was approximately $1,007,825.

Essex Realty Group, Inc. specializes in the sale of investment real estate throughout the Chicago metropolitan area.

 41-Unit Apartment Building in Chicago Sold for $1.64 Million

 CHICAGO IL-- Essex Realty Group, Inc. is pleased to announce the sale of a 41-unit vintage corridor apartment building in the Rogers Park neighborhood of Chicago.  6818 N. Wayne consists of 39 studio and 2 one-bedroom units.

 Doug Imber (bottom left photo) was the broker on the transaction. The sale price was approximately $1,645,000.

Contact:  Douglas S. Imber, Essex Realty Group, Inc., 773.305.4902

dougimber@essexrealtygroup.com

HFF secures $44 million financing for Two City Place in Fort Worth, TX

DALLAS, TX – HFF announced today that it has secured $44 million in financing for Two City Place (top left photo), a 315,225-square-foot, recently renovated office tower in Fort Worth.

Working exclusively on behalf of Spire Realty Group, Inc. HFF placed the five-year, 5.72 percent fixed-rate loan with JP Morgan Chase Bank, N.A.  Loan proceeds were used to acquire the property.  HFF will also service the loan.

Two City Place is located at 100 Throckmorton Street and is part of the City Place development, a 1.2 million-square-foot twin tower landmark formerly called Tandy Center that spans four blocks in Fort Worth’s central business district. 

The property was originally built in 1976 and was fully renovated in 2008.  The Class A office tower is 82 percent leased to tenants including Range Resources and First American Payment Systems.

The HFF team representing Spire Realty Group, Inc. included senior managing director Wally Reid (middle right photo), director Travis Anderson and real estate analyst Corby Chaffin.

Spire Realty Group, LP is a privately-held real estate investment and management company based in Dallas, Texas. The company currently owns and manages a diverse portfolio including commercial office buildings, retail centers, multifamily projects, parking facilities, and land development sites. 

Contacts:

Wallace Reid, HFF Senior Managing Director, (713) 852-3500 

wreid@hfflp.com

Travis Anderson, HFF Director, (214) 265-0880, tanderson@hfflp.com

 Kristen Murphy, HFF Associate Director, Marketing, (713) 852-3500. krmurphy@hfflp.com

Rhodes+Brito Architects Commissioned to Design New Gateway Monument to 125th Anniversary of Historical Eatonville

ORLANDO, FL. --- Rhodes+Brito Architects, based in Orlando, was recently commissioned to design the gateway monument that will mark the 125th anniversary of the historic Town of Eatonville.

Maximiano Brito,  co-founder and partner at Rhodes+Brito Architects, said $1.4 million in funding for the project will be provided by the Florida Department of Transportation.

The 60 foot gateway monument will feature a clock and the town seal, Brito said. A custom steel truss supported by brick pilings will span Kennedy Blvd. and welcome visitors to the Town of Eatonville’s historic district.

For more information contact:

Ruffin Rhodes (top right photo), Rhodes+Brito Architects, 407-648-7288 x103 ruffin@rbarchitects.com

Maximiano Brito, Rhodes+Brito Architects, 407-648-7288 max@rbarchitects.com

Larry Vershel or Beth Payan, Larry Vershel Communications 407-644-4142 (fax: 4410)

TD Wood Brokers $6.35 Million in Loans for 2 Florida Shopping Centers

SARASOTA, FL, Mar. 21, 2011— Thomas D. Wood and Company, a Strategic Alliance Mortgage LLC member, secured financing in the amount of $6,350,000 for Shoppes of Atlantis and Tamarac Center.

Brad Cox (top right photo), Senior Vice President, CCIM, CPM, secured financing for the Shoppes of Atlantis through Thomas D. Wood and Company's correspondent relationship with The Standard in the amount of $3,400,000.

 The borrower needed to refinance his current CMBS loan that had matured.  The fixed-rate loan has a term of 10 years, based on a 25-year amortization and an interest rate of 6%.

 The 70,104 square-foot retail center was built in 1987, and is home to tenants You Fit, Rosalita's Mexican Restaurant, and Atlantis Bar and Grill.  The Shoppes of Atlantis is located at 5805-5949 South Congress Avenue, Atlantis, Florida.

Cox also secured financing for the Tamarac Center with The Standard in the amount of $2,950,000.

 The borrower needed to refinance his current CMBS loans that had matured.  The fixed-rate loan has a term of 10 years, based on a 25-year amortization and an interest rate of 6%.

 The 66,403 square-foot retail center was built in 1982 and is home to tenants American Jewelry and Diamonds and University Fitness.  Tamarac Center is located at 7118-7186 North University Drive, Tamarac, Florida.

The website may be accessed through http://www.tdwood.com/

.For further information, please contact:

Brad Cox, CCIM, CPM (941) 552-9731   bcox@tdwood.com

Jessica Kinnee    (407) 937-0470   jkinnee@tdwood.com

 

Sceptre Hospitality Resources Names Will Loughran VP of Revenue Management & eCommerce Solutions

   

DENVER,  CO,  Mar. 21, 2011—Officials of Sceptre Hospitality Resources, a leading revenue generation and eCommerce firm specializing in the hospitality industry, today announced that Will Loughran (top right photo) has joined the company as vice president of revenue management.

 He is responsible for optimizing top line revenues for the more than 500 Sceptre client hotels through cutting-edge revenue management programs.  

“Revenue management arguably is the most complex and fastest changing component of hotel operations,” said Bill Linehan, (middle left photo) Sceptre’s chief operating officer. 

 “With the industry recovering at a steady pace, top-line revenue gains are critical, especially an improving room rate.

“ Will is a key addition to our team, bringing more than 20 years marketing and revenue management experience at the property, regional and corporate levels. 

“We will continue to add significantly to this department as we build on our competitive advantage of being the only ‘one-stop shop’ that provides a full range of sales and marketing services worldwide.”

Previously, Loughran was vice president of revenue for Sage Hospitality Resources, where he was responsible for the highest market share gains and performance in company history.  Prior to Sage he spent 17 years with Marriott Corporation rising to market and area leadership roles in sales and revenue management.

Additional information about Sceptre and hospitality industry marketing trends and tools may be found at the company’s website:  http://www.esceptre.com/

.

 Contact:  Jerry Daly, Patrick Daly or Chris Daly, (703) 435-6293

Marcus & Millichap Sells 51-Room Hotel in Norcross, GA for $1.36 Million

NORCROSS, GA – Marcus & Millichap Real Estate Investment Services, the nation’s largest real estate investment services firm, has announced the sale of the Country Inn & Suites (top left photo), a 51-room hotel located in Norcross, Ga, according to Bryn D. Merrey, Regional Manager of the firm’s Tampa office. The asset commanded a sales price of $1,365,000.

Jonathan S. Ruprai, a hospitality specialist in Marcus & Millichap’s Tampa office, had the exclusive listing to market the property on behalf of the seller, a financial institution.  

 John Leonard (bottom right photo)  broker, in the firm’s Atlanta office, assisted in closing this transaction.

The Country Inn & Suites is located at 5970 Jimmy Carter Boulevard.  This 51-room interior-corridor hotel was built in 1999 and upgraded in 2007. 

 Press Contact:  Bryn D. Merrey, Regional Manager, Tampa, (813) 387-4700

Jamie B. May Named One of Marcus & Millichap’s Top Investment Specialists Nationwide

 ENCINO, CA – Marcus & Millichap Real Estate Investment Services, the nation’s largest real estate investment services firm, has announced its top investment specialists for 2010. Jamie B. May (top right photo), a senior director in Tampa, ranked No. 6 out of more than 1,200 investment specialists nationwide

“We are proud to recognize Jamie as one of our top investment specialists nationwide,” says John J. Kerin (lower left photo), president and chief executive officer of Marcus & Millichap. “Jamie’s accomplishments in the multifamily sector reflect his superior transaction expertise and unwavering commitment to client service.”

May is a senior director of the firm’s newly formed boutique brokerage platform, Institutional Property Advisors (IPA), which serves the needs of institutional and major private investors. He provides investment advisory and brokerage services exclusively within the multifamily sector. Focused primarily on Florida and the Southeastern United States, he and his team have closed an aggregate value exceeding $5 billion.

May has received eight internal sales awards from the company, including one of the firm’s top honors, the Chairman’s Club award, in 2010. Prior to joining the firm, May was founder, chairman and CEO of JBM Realty Advisors Inc. His experience draws upon three generations of May family apartment brokerage and development business dating back to 1939.

Contact: Stacey Corso, Public Relations Manager, (925) 953-1716

Cohen Real Estate Capital Participates in 4 Central Florida Deals Valued at $86 Million

Pacifico Place Apartments Secures $9.5 Million Loan Purchase

ORLANDO, FL--Todd Cohen, founding Principal of Orlando-based Cohen Estate Capital, LLC  represented and advised the purchaser of a defaulted loan having a UPB of $9,500,000. 

The buyer, Miami-based Pensam Capital, LLC, purchased the loan at a discount from a large national bank.  The loan is secured by Pacifico Place Apartments (top left photo), a 188-unit multifamily development in Orlando that is 98% occupied.

 The property was previously purchased in 2005 for $9,950,000  and has had over $2,000,000 in improvements since then.  Cohen was able to negotiate the purchase of the note, conduct due diligence and close in 20 days.

  

Marina Grande in Daytona Beach Sold for $60 Million

Cohen represented and advised the seller of 414 luxury condo units at Marina Grande On The Halifax in Holly Hill / Daytona Beach (middle right photo) for $60,000,000, or around $145,000 per unit. 

The seller was Miami-based Holly Hill Associates, which is an entity controlled by NY-based Cerberus Capital Management.  The building contains 486 condominiums in twin 25-story buildings. 

At the height of the market in 2007, the developer sold 72 units at an average price of over $550,000 per unit or over $300 per square foot.   Cohen acted as the Owner’s Representative for a period of six months preparing for and facilitating the sale to a Florida condo developer.

Grove Park in Orlando Refinanced for $1.525 Million

 Cohen represented Orlando-based Watson Real Estate & Management Inc. in the refinance of 89 condo units in Orlando for $1,525,000.  Grove Park (middle left photo) contains a total of 184 units, 125 of which were sold at an average price exceeding $125,000 per unit at the height of the market in 2006 and 2007. 

Since then, the developer has been acquiring previously foreclosed units at bargain basement prices from mostly Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae and now owns for the 50% of the project.  

Joint Venture Buys 375 Developed Lots for $15 Million

Cohen advised Charlotte-based Mountain Real Estate Capital in their $15 million joint venture with Shea Homes.

The joint venture purchased about 375 developed lots and excess land within the Cascades community (bottom right photo) located on U.S. Highway 27, just west of Orlando, from Bank of America.

 About 250 homes were previously developed and sold by Levitt Homes prior to their Bankruptcy.   Cohen was able to assist Mountain to underwrite and close the joint venture in 30 days.

 Cohen Real Estate Capital, LLC is a five-year old firm specializing in commercial real estate acquisitions, debt and equity financing, loan acquisitions and restructuring, asset management and valuations.

 Contact:  Todd Cohen, Principal, COHEN REAL ESTATE CAPITAL LLC

(407) 956-2544

TCOHEN@COHENRECAP.COM

Marcus & Millichap Sells 20-Unit Apartment Property in St. Petersburg, FL for $365,000

ST. PETERSBURG, FL – Marcus & Millichap Real Estate Investment Services, the nation’s largest real estate investment services firm, has announced the sale of Sherwood Arms (top left photo), a 20-unit apartment property located in St. Petersburg, Fl-, according to Bryn D. Merrey, Regional Manager of the firm’s Tampa office.

The asset commanded a sales price of $365,000.

Michael P. Regan, an associate vice president investments, Francesco P. Carriera, a senior associate and Nicholas Meoli, a multifamily investment specialist all based in the Tampa office, had the exclusive listing to market the property on behalf of the seller, a limited liability company. 

The buyer, a limited liability company was secured and represented by Regan, Carriera and Meoli.

Sherwood Arms was built in 1979 and is located at 2729 4th Street South.  “This property was a structured short sale and an all-cash transaction. Throughout the marketing process, we were able to procure over 10 offers” comments Meoli. 

 Press Contact: Bryn D. Merrey, Regional Manager, Tampa, (813) 387-4700

Beech Street Capital Provides $4.55 Million in Financing for Manufactured Home Community in Mesa, AZ

BETHESDA, MD – In partnership with Fannie Mae, Beech Street Capital, LLC announced that it has provided $4.55 million in financing for the acquisition of Mesa Village (top left photo), a manufactured home community (MHC) in Mesa, Arizona. 

The age-restricted 55+ community consists of 201 single- and double-wide home sites.  Beech Street is a Fannie Mae DUS® lender, a Freddie Mac Program Plus® Seller Servicer, and an FHA Multifamily Accelerated Processing (MAP) lender.

“This is the first of many MHC transactions we hope to complete,” said Grace Huebscher (middle left photo), president and CEO of Beech Street Capital. “We have a great deal of experience in this area, a number of deals in the pipeline, and a real commitment to grow this business.”

 An occupancy rate of just 74.88% was a hurdle that Beech Street overcame in structuring the deal.

 “We made the case that the borrower is a veteran MHC operator who would bring experienced management to the property,” said Damon Reed, the loan’s originator. 

 “It’s potentially a very attractive community, with a host of amenities.”

  In addition to a clubhouse with exercise room and billiards area, Mesa Village features a swimming pool, spa, and miniature golf course. 

 The fixed-rate loan has a term of seven years, 6.5 years of yield maintenance and a 30-year amortization schedule payable on an actual/360 basis.

  Web site: http://www.beechstcap.com/

Contact: Jenifer Bernardi,   jbernardi@beechstcap.com
  

Charlie Engel Joins RealtyTrac as Director of Business Development—Real Estate

IRVINE, CA – RealtyTrac™ (www.realtytrac.com), the leading online marketplace for foreclosure properties, today announced the hiring of real estate veteran Charlie Engel  (top right photo) as the new Director of Business Development – Real Estate. Engel will lead the company’s efforts driving additional real estate professional partnerships.

“We are delighted that Charlie has joined the RealtyTrac family,” said James J. Saccacio (middle left photo), chief executive officer of RealtyTrac.

 “Charlie brings the kind of forward-thinking, fast-paced decision making qualities that we look for in our senior management.

“He has the national sales experience and business development know-how we are always seeking in talented professionals.

“Charlie will help us expand the RealtyTrac brand among our real estate professional partners who are a key component of our growing customer base. His sales experience will help us expand our affiliate partnership programs with the nation’s leading real estate franchises.”

Engel brings more than 10 years of sales management and business development experience to RealtyTrac.

He has held senior sales positions in a diverse group of companies, including Oodle.com, Network Communications and UBM Canon. He most recently was vice president of real estate sales at Oodle.com, the second largest online classified website. Prior to Oodle.com, Engel was the director of business development at Network Communications, where he was responsible for developing and increasing online sales for the largest fully integrated real estate media company in North American.

 “I am excited about joining an industry leader like RealtyTrac,” said Engel, who will spearhead new business development and sales activity with the leading real estate franchises. “I look forward to building relationships and expanding new business opportunities with senior management at the leading real estate brokerages nationwide.”

Engel earned a Bachelors degree in Economics from the University of Arizona in Tucson.

Media Contact: Michelle Sabolich, Atomic Public Relations.

(415) 593-1400 ext. 1233, michelle.sabolich@atomicpr.com

Wilson Commercial Real Estate Complete 12,000-SF Lease to Dollar Tree in Palm Desert, CA

PALM DESERT, CA– Wilson Commercial Real Estate, one of Southern California’s leading retail brokerage firms, has completed a 12,000-square-foot lease with Dollar Tree Stores, Inc. at Monterey Shore Plaza located at 72630 Dinah Shore Road in Palm Desert, Calif. 

In the past two years, Wilson Commercial has completed approximately 30 Dollar Tree leases in Southern California.  Dollar Tree Inc., with over 4,000 stores, is the nation's leading operator of discount variety stores selling everything for $1 or less.

Scott Burns (middle right photo) of Wilson Commercial Real Estate and Lea Clay Park of Studley Retail Services represented the Dollar Tree in the transaction.  The landlord, STB Properties, was represented by Abraham Kahen of Medallion Investment & Development Co.

Built in 1990, Monterey Shore Plaza is ideally located at the I-10 Freeway and Dinah Shore Drive, one of the area’s busiest intersections.  The center is anchored by PetSmart, Ethan Allen and Arizona Tile.

 For more information, please visit http://www.wcre.net/.

Contact:  David Ebeling, Ebeling Communications, (p) 949.861.8351

(c) 949.278.7851, david@ebelingcomm.com

Carter to Complete Interiors Projects for Kilpatrick Townsend, LLP

ATLANTA, GA – When Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton, LLP decided to renovate 10 floors in the Atlanta office at 1100 Peachtree (top left photo), the firm called on Carter, one of the country’s leading commercial real estate service providers, advisors and investors, to complete the six phase project.

A 24 month project, the design phase was completed in September 2010, and Carter began the construction and implementation that is scheduled to be finished in November 2011.

With LEED certification in mind, Carter is managing Kilpatrick Townsend’s restack consolidation. Once completed, the firm will occupy a 10 floor 206,000-square-foot space instead of its current 13 floor 270,000-square-foot space.

Kilpatrick Townsend’s new layout will include seven practice floors, one floor for administrative support and two client special function floors that include a dining room, library and conference center.

Carter has also begun work on Kilpatrick Townsend’s new Raleigh, N.C. office. The design phase has been completed and construction is scheduled to begin this month.

“Carter has been working with Kilpatrick Townsend since 1991,” said Nan Loudon, senior vice president with Carter. “It is exciting to continue our relationship with the firm and work on these two projects.”

Carter has completed projects for Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton at other locations including Charlotte, N.C. and Washington D.C.

For additional information on Carter, please visit http://www.carterusa.com/.

Contact: Laura Dudebout, (678) 642-4301,

ldudebout@wilbertnewsstrategies.com