by Peter Madrid | Aug 8, 2017 | News & Updates
PHOENIX, ARIZONA (August 8, 2017): NAI Horizon negotiated a long-term lease for Texas-based Varsity Tavern at 501 S. Mill Ave., in Tempe.
The NAI retail properties team of Senior Vice Presidents Shelby Tworek, Chris Gerow and Gabe Ortega and Associate Patrick Anthon represented the tenant, Ipsum Creative LLC of Tempe, in the transaction totaling $2.641 million.
Varsity Tavern will occupy the second and third floors of the retail property. It will take 10,925 square feet with 3,400 SF of patio space. Gringo Star occupies the first floor.
“We’re looking forward to seeing Varsity Tavern come to Arizona,” Anthon said. “It will be a great option in downtown Tempe for both good food and entertaining nightlife. The group is looking to revitalize the former Hooters space, and has some exciting plans in place to cater to students, those in the Tempe workforce, and nearby residents.”
The landlord, Century Drive Investments of Phoenix, was represented by Brian Gast of Velocity Retail Group.
by Peter Madrid | Aug 7, 2017 | News & Updates
TEMPE, ARIZ. (August 7, 2017) – Chelsea Peitz says one of her roles at Fidelity National Title Agency is to help successful real estate professionals use social media to build a memorable brand and boost their bottom line.
That has earned Peitz, Assistant Vice President, Director of Social Strategy, a prestigious top ranking by San Francisco-based Inman, an industry leader that covers social media aspects of the real estate industry.
Peitz topped Inman’s list of the 20 best real estate Snapchatters in the U.S.
Peitz is a frequent speaker on real estate marketing topics and will be a guest speaker this month in San Francisco at Inman Connect, a week-long event that brings together more than 4,000 top producing agents and brokers, real estate franchise CEOs, marketing executives, and tech entrepreneurs.
Her topic will be “Talking in Pictures: How Snapchat changed how we build our personal brand.” Fidelity National Title Agency is the only title company with a speaker at the event.
A graduate of Arizona State University, Peitz has more than 16 years of experience in the real estate space. She previously served as Director of Marketing at Fidelity National Title.
Peitz is an Inman News contributing writer whose pieces often focus on leveraging technology to grow business. She also educates real estate professionals and shares best practices to expand their careers.
“We are so excited and proud that Inman recognized Chelsea for this prestigious honor,” said Sharon Terhune, Vice President and Residential Sales Manager at Fidelity National Title Agency. “She is truly a thought leader in the industry and an asset to Fidelity. As a matter of practice, our team is always looking for the most innovative ways to help our best partners create a competitive advantage.
“Chelsea has helped the sales team create digital branding strategies and build authentic campaigns to enhance the businesses of our best real estate partners,” Terhune said.
According to Inman’s website, half of Snapchat’s new daily users in the U.S. are 25 and older. This group uses Snapchat 12 times a day for a total of 20 minutes. Users under 25 are visiting Snapchat 20 times a day and spending over a half hour on the app.
Says Inman: “Imagine all that reach to future homebuyers and sellers; it’s no wonder real estate has gravitated toward the platform.”
by Peter Madrid | Aug 3, 2017 | News & Updates
PHOENIX, Ariz. (August 3, 2017) – W&W Structural, Inc., a woman-owned structural steel subcontractor, has added Bobby Esmilla as a Senior Estimator to its growing team in its Tempe, Ariz., office.
Bobby Esmilla
Esmilla will be responsible for estimating and material take-off for complete steel bid packages. A native of Manila, Philippines, Esmilla previously worked at Ironco Enterprises, Senior Estimator; Maricopa Metals, Chief Estimator; and Schuff Steel, Detailer/Estimator.
“Bobby is a critical thinker with exceptional communication skills,” said W&W President/Owner Jodi Malenfant. “His more than 25 years of experience in steel fabrication, detailing, and estimating adds more expertise to our superior team.”
Esmilla holds a Bachelor of Science degree in architecture from Far Eastern University in Manila.
by Peter Madrid | Aug 3, 2017 | News & Updates
PHOENIX, ARIZ. (August 3, 2017) – Bryant Commercial Real Estate (BCRE), a woman/minority-owned company, has expanded its services, added staff, and moved into new headquarters at 5555 E. Van Buren St., in Phoenix.
BCRE is a diversified company focused on providing integrated commercial real estate solutions to businesses throughout the Valley.
Founded in 2013 by Adrienne Bryant, BCRE provides site selection, sales/lease negotiation, landlord/tenant representation, and real estate consulting services. BCRE also has created a unique Resource Coordination Service to address the complex needs of its clients. This service includes franchise consulting, facilities management, architectural design, and construction management delivered through collaboration with its growing list of strategic partners.
“Our company is providing a full scope of solutions for our clients that will range from starting a business to disposition and providing resources that extend from Bryant’s decades of relationships with local business owners,” said Bryant, Designated Broker and co-owner with her daughter Jonvieve.
Franchises and businesses that BCRE has recently been working with include FLO Hot Yoga & Cycle, opening in Downtown Chandler; Office Evolution, opening soon in the Southeast Valley; Compatible Homecare, in Chandler; Wow Wow Hawaiian Lemonade; Club Pilates; and All In One Posters Company located in Chandler.
BCRE’s unique approach includes its companion company, Franchise Me Next, which provides consultation, franchise research, data analysis, and franchise selection assistance
“Offering franchise services is a natural evolution for BCRE,” said Reginald Thompson, Franchise Consultant with Franchise Me Next. “We are building on the relationships and hard work that BCRE has become known for over the years.
“Through Franchise Me Next, we will offer franchise consulting, brokerage, and development services. We are excited to assist entrepreneurs in accomplishing their dream of successful business ownership through franchising,” Thompson said.
The City of Phoenix has recently certified Bryant Commercial Real Estate as a Small Business Enterprise (SBE) /Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE). This certification will allow BCRE to serve the local community through contracting and procurement opportunities with the City of Phoenix and Maricopa County.
BCRE is a growing company with a staff that now numbers 12 employees.
by Peter Madrid | Jul 31, 2017 | News & Updates
PHOENIX, ARIZ. (July 31, 2017) – Scottsdale-based investor and attorney Zach Sakas sold a 40-acre parcel of land in North Scottsdale for $5.5 million to Toll Brothers, a Pennsylvania-based luxury home builder.
Sakas, through his company Copper Sky Land LLC, acquired the land in February 2015. The property is located near 120th Street and Jomax Road. The property features dramatic boulder outcroppings and is adjacent to the Scottsdale McDowell Sonoran Preserve.
Rezoning of the property was completed in June.
Bret Rinehart, Ryan Semro, and Ben Heglie at Land Advisors Organization represented the seller.
“The property has gorgeous views of the Preserve, and it’s one of the few large pieces left in that area,” Sakas said.
Toll Brothers has not announced a name for its project or when development might begin. Public records indicate Sakas sold the property in excess of a 90 percent gain over his acquisition price.
“My co-investors are pleased with the outcome, and I’m grateful for their trust and confidence in me,” Sakas said.
Sakas owns another residential land project in North Scottsdale and is seeking additional residential land acquisition opportunities in Cave Creek, Carefree, Fountain Hills, and Scottsdale.
For more information contact Sakas at (602) 499-9999; the Land Advisors brokers at (480) 483-8100; and Jeff Nielsen at Toll Brothers at (480) 596-5815.
by Peter Madrid | Jul 28, 2017 | News & Updates
The Mexican Winter Baseball League’s version of “Spring Training” will return to the Valley for the sixth consecutive year. The Mexican Baseball Fiesta will return to Sloan Park, 2330 W. Rio Salado Parkway in Mesa.
This year’s games will be on Sept. 30 and Oct. 1. Three of the top teams from the Liga Mexicana del Pacifico will participate: Los Naranjeros de Hermosillo, Águilas de Mexicali, and the Cañeros de Los Mochis.
Schedule:
>> Saturday, September 30, 7 p.m., Hermosillo vs. Los Mochis
>> Sunday, October 1, 2 p.m., doubleheader – game schedule TBD
“The Mexican Pacific League, is as popular in Mexico as Major League Baseball is in the U.S., if not more so,” said Francisco Gamez, Mexican Baseball Fiesta, founder, and LLC partner.
Gamez played over 10 years in the Mexican Pacific League as well as in the Milwaukee Brewers organization in the states. Constant excitement is the best way to describe the Mexican Baseball Fiesta.
“The energy of the fans, the music and fun make this a unique experience for all baseball fans. This event embraces our Mexican friends and visitors,” Gamez said.
Mike Feder, President of the Mexican Baseball Fiesta, said: “We are extremely excited that the Mexican Baseball Fiesta continues to grow. Last year’s Saturday night game drew in excess of 3,000 passionate fans.”
Feder was a general manager in minor league baseball for 30 years (15 years in Tucson).
“The Mexican Baseball Fiesta is a rare opportunity for baseball fans in the U.S. to experience authentic Mexican baseball games, which features a festive atmosphere including live music and authentic regional Mexican cuisine. The Mexican Baseball Fiesta is not just a baseball game; it’s a party,” Feder said.
Mesa is one of a number of cities taking part in this year’s Mexican Baseball Fiesta. The other cities finalized are Tucson and Las Vegas.
Tickets to the general public go on sale in early September online. Ticket prices are box seats – $15 and general admission – $10, kids (6-16) $6. Fans will be able to purchase tickets online at MexicanBaseballFiesta.com, at Food City, MV Snack & Sushi and Taqueria Cajeme in Mesa, La Gran Bota, Restaurant Sinaloa, or at Sloan Park the week of the games.
by Peter Madrid | Jul 25, 2017 | News & Updates
PHOENIX, ARIZ. (July 25, 2017): The NAI Horizon investment sales team of Senior Vice Presidents Barbara Lloyd and Lane Neville represented the buyer in the $4.444 million acquisition of the CVS Pharmacy located at the NEC of Warner and Dobson roads in Chandler, Ariz.
The buyer is the Michael S. and Mary M. Cho Family Trust and was represented by NAI Horizon. The seller was Babytail III, LLC and was represented by Brad Richardson of Stan Johnson Company.
“After the successful sale of their Tempe mobile home park they owned for more than 40 years, we were able to assist our client in completing their 1031 exchange and acquire the CVS at Dobson and Warner,” Lloyd said.
“This was an ideal situation for our out-of-state client to 1031 exchange into a NNN leased, single-tenant retail investment,” Lloyd added.
A properly structured 1031 exchange allows an investor to sell a property, reinvest the proceeds in a new property, and defer all capital gain taxes.
“Our client’s 1031 exchange objective was to acquire a high-quality asset with limited downside risk,” Neville said. “Their acquisition of the CVS Pharmacy fulfilled their requirement. Our client has S&P BBB+ credit with CVS Health Corporation (NYSE: CVS). This helps ensure long-term stability for our client.”
by Peter Madrid | Jul 25, 2017 | News & Updates
TUCSON, ARIZ. (July 25, 2017) – The Tucson office of NAI Horizon recently closed on $4.696 million worth of long-term leases and $2.016 million worth of property sales as it continues to expand its presence in Southern Arizona.
Top sales:
- Paul Schloss negotiated the $976,250 sale of Carlotta’s Kitchen, 847 E. 18th St., Tucson. NAI Horizon represented the buyer, 1966 Partners, LLC of Tucson.
- David Blanchette, CCIM, negotiated the $950,000 sale of office buildings at 301-311 E. Fort Lowell Rd., Tucson. NAI Horizon represented the seller, Doyle Beckham of Tucson and Paul Hooker at Cushman & Wakefield-PICOR represented the Buyer, E.C. Environmental.
Top leases:
- Ben Craney negotiated a new lease of 20,500 square feet on behalf of Planet Fitness at Swanway Plaza, 4722 and 4724 E. Broadway Blvd., Tucson. NAI Horizon represented the tenant and Greg Furrier with Cushman & Wakefield PICOR represented the landlord
- Scott Soelter and Ben Craney negotiated a new lease for Chuy’s Mesquite Broiler at Block 4, Marana Main Street, Tucson. NAI Horizon represented the landlord, Marana Main Street, LLC of Tucson.
- Andrew Sternberg negotiated a new lease for a financial services company at Ina Corporate Park, 3017 W. Ina Rd., Tucson. NAI Horizon represented the landlord, 3017 W. Ina, LLC of Tucson and Robert Nolan from Oxford Realty Advisors represented the tenant.
- Ben Craney negotiated a long-term lease for One Stop Nutrition at Cottonwood Properties, 7292 N. Oracle Rd, Tucson. NAI Horizon represented the tenant, OSN Tucson, LLC of Tucson and David Carroll of Romano Real Estate represented the landlord.
- Andrew Sternberg negotiated a new lease for MISOM Technologies, Inc., at Rooney Ranch Professional Offices, 10445 N. Oracle Rd., Tucson. NAI Horizon represented the tenant and Buzz Isaacson from CBRE represented the landlord.
- Scott Soelter and Ben Craney negotiated a new lease for the Eyrie Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Studio at Placita del Rio, 918 W. Irvington Rd., Tucson. NAI Horizon represented the landlord, PDR Investments, LLC of Tucson.
- Andrew Sternberg negotiated a new lease for a marketing firm at 2432 E. Broadway Rd., Tucson. NAI Horizon represented the landlord, 2424 E. Broadway, LLC. of Tucson.
- Scott Soelter negotiated a new lease for Trident III, 250 S. Craycroft Rd., Tucson, AZ NAI Horizon represented the tenant and Phil Skillings and Ben Craney, NAI Horizon represented the landlord.
- Dave Dutson and Gordon Wagner negotiated a new lease for James Anderson Insurance Agency, 4695 N. Oracle, Suite 115, Tucson, AZ, NAI Horizon represented the landlord and John Hammer with KW Commercial represented the tenant.
- Dave Dutson negotiated a new lease for a reflexology salon at 12152 N. Rancho Vistoso Road at the Safeway Rancho Vistoso Center, NAI Horizon represented the tenant.
by Peter Madrid | Jul 25, 2017 | News & Updates
Renovation plan attracts new entertainment, dining tenants, bringing new concepts to the Sedona community
Sedona, Ariz. (July 25, 2017) – Sedona Vista Village announces that the Majestic Theatre & Speakeasy Supper Club will be opening soon, occupying the 6,500-square-foot building which formerly housed the IMAX Theatre in the rear of the property.
The Majestic Theatre, which will accommodate 170 guests, will feature comedy on Thursday nights, a Friday Follies burlesque/variety show, live music on Saturday nights, and classic movies on Sundays. It is slated to open in September.
The Speakeasy Supper Club, which has seating for 100 in its unique 1920s designed theme dining room and outdoor back patio, will serve dinner and drinks Wednesday through Sunday. The Speakeasy Supper Club is expected to open to the public in August and its main menu features will include steaks, seafood, burgers, and flatbreads accompanied by a beautiful global wine selection. For additional details and the event schedule for the new entertainment and dining venues, visit: www.majestic-speakeasy.com.
“Our plan for this property is to update its tired look, and to attract unique and interesting new businesses that will provide residents of the Sedona area new options for dining, entertainment, and shopping,” said Marty Aronson, an owner of Sedona Vista Village. “With the addition of these two concepts, we are on track for achieving our vision.”
The Majestic Theatre and Speakeasy join current tenants of the development, which include Famous Footwear, Tuesday Morning, L’eggs•Hanes•Bali•Playtex, and Kitchen Collective.
Also joining the development will be Westin Hotels’ Element Concept, which is expected to open in late 2018, and will be located on the north end of the Sedona Vista Village development. Additional storefront space on the south side is available for lease immediately.
The chief leasing agent for Sedona Vista Village is Jack McMahon of John D. Miller Commercial Real Estate Services, in Sedona. He can be reached at 928-224-2709 or jack@johndmiller.com.
by Peter Madrid | Jul 24, 2017 | News & Updates
PHOENIX, ARIZ. (July 24, 2017) – Fidelity National Title Agency is pleased to announce the promotion of Assistant Vice President Jodi Ayala to the position of Escrow Branch Manager of the newly formed Biltmore Lakes branch office, 2720 E. Camelback Rd., Suite 100, in Phoenix.
Jodi Ayala
Ayala, who has been with Fidelity National Title Agency for nine years, most recently served as Assistant Branch Manager of Fidelity’s Scottsdale Kierland office.
Ayala is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the branch, overseeing the overall profitability of the branch, as well as training and coaching her team. As an escrow officer, she specializes in the residential segment of real estate, focusing on resale, refinance, investor, and builder transactions.
Recognized as a top performer for Fidelity National Title Agency, Ayala has received the 2011 Top 2 Percent Residential Escrow Western Operations Award and the 2012 Top 5 Percent Residential Escrow Officer Award. In addition, she has been honored as a Fidelity National Title Agency’s Star of the Month four times since 2014.
A graduate from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln with a Bachelor of Arts degree, Ayala has used her education in business management to enhance her customer service skills.
“Jodi is not only a skilled escrow professional whose clients are her priority, but she is also an exemplary role model for her co-workers and a welcome addition to our team of escrow branch managers,” said Diane Day, Fidelity National Title Senior Vice President, Operations Manager.
Giving back to the community is important to Ayala. She supports Heart for the City, a mentoring program for inner city children and is a 10-year camp director for Project Kindle, a non-profit organization serving children with illnesses and special needs.
Ayala and her husband have a daughter and a son, and most of her time away from work is spent with her family.
“The most rewarding part of my work is interacting with first-time home buyers and sharing my expertise with clients and staff,” Ayala said.
