by Peter Madrid | Sep 14, 2023 | News & Updates
PHOENIX, ARIZ. (Sept. 14, 2023) – The office market in Metro Phoenix is experiencing a surge in demand for owner/user deals. In the past six months, approximately 55 percent of all office sales have been sold to an owner/user. The 2-year historical average has hovered around 36 percent, according to CoStar.
These owner/user sale statistics are a macro-representation of the business friendliness within Metro Phoenix. The market continues to see a trend of businesses moving here or expanding to reap the benefits of the Valley’s labor pool, favorable tax structure, and economic benefits, and they often acquire commercial real estate to support their expanding footprint.
A deal in Gilbert, Arizona, closed by NAI Horizon, offers further proof of this continuing narrative.
Senior Vice President Don Morrow and Vice President Dylan Whitwer were entrusted with representing The Commerce Insurance Company, in the $10.58 million owner/user sale of 1555 N. Fiesta Blvd., in Gilbert.
Within six months, the NAI Horizon team was able to open escrow with a qualified buyer, closing the sale shortly thereafter.
The buyer, Graduation Solutions, will occupy the entire second floor of the building, which will serve as its corporate headquarters. Graduation Solutions is a Dropout Recovery Program that has assisted more than 3,000 students in online programs.
As is often the case in the Phoenix market, Graduation Solutions was facing a rapid-growth trajectory and will be expanding from its former 10,100 SF building in East Mesa, to the 29,000 SF second floor. Woodside Homes, the 28th largest homebuilder in the U.S, occupies the first floor of the building. The buyer was represented by Julie Hance with Rick Brandt Real Estate.
“What we’re hearing from our clients is that Phoenix is different,” Morrow said. “The Valley is a prime location for business expansion and attraction with many companies wanting to be here for the talented and deep labor pool, and to serve our rapidly growing population.”
When the building was first listed, it attracted an immediate interest from value-add investors, who would profit by dividing and leasing out the second floor. However, to capture the highest value for the asset, Morrow and Whitwer strategically rebranded the asset as an owner/user opportunity.
Interest quickly picked up and attracted the attention of multiple buyers, which ultimately led to selecting Graduation Solutions.
“Utilizing our personal databases, Real Capital Markets, and other marketing tools, we were able to make over 14,000 individual touch points to qualified owner/users, fellow commercial brokers, and value-add Investors alike, ultimately leading to a successful sale,” Whitwer said.
This sale, along with other recent owner/user sales in the Phoenix market, supports the continued theme that Metro Phoenix and its commercial real estate market present all of the tools necessary for a business to grow and thrive.
About NAI Horizon
Exceptional global commercial real estate solutions begin with local market leadership and expertise. Established in 1992, NAI Horizon is a full-service commercial real estate company serving Arizona with offices in Phoenix and Tucson. NAI Horizon is passionate about commercial real estate, providing Brokerage and Property Management Services for local, national, and international clients. NAI Horizon is a member of the NAI Global commercial real estate network providing real estate solutions to more than 300 offices worldwide. For more information, visit www.naihorizon.com.
About NAI Global
Advisory Services, Leasing, Property Management, Property & Note Sales, and Tenant Representation
NAI Global is a leading global commercial real estate brokerage firm. NAI Global offices are leaders in their local markets and work in unison to provide clients with exceptional solutions to their commercial real estate needs. NAI Global has more than 300 offices in 43 countries strategically located throughout North America, Latin America and the Caribbean, Europe, Africa, and Asia Pacific, with 5,100 local market professionals managing over 1.1 billion square feet of property and facilities. Annually, NAI Global completes more than $20 billion in commercial real estate transactions and gross revenue of $1.5 billion.
NAI Global professionals achieve extraordinary results for clients locally and globally through creativity, collaboration, and the consistent delivery of exceptional knowledge and service that only market-leading firms can provide. NAI Global provides a full range of corporate real estate services, including brokerage and leasing, property and facilities management, real estate investment and capital market services, due diligence, global supply chain, logistics consulting, and related advisory services.
To learn more, visit www.naiglobal.com.
###
by Peter Madrid | Sep 12, 2023 | News & Updates
PHOENIX, ARIZONA (Sept. 12, 2023) – NAI Horizon professionals secured long-term leases for tenants including a pool supply company and a counseling firm and represented the landlord in additional long-term leases among their recent deals.
Lease Transactions:
Thomas Bean, CCIM, represented the tenant, ePool Supply, LLC in a 127-month retail/office lease for 15,552 SF at 2710 W. Bell Road, Phoenix, AZ. The landlord, GTT Bell Canyon, LLC, was represented by Cliff Johnston with Kidder Mathews.
Chris Gerow, Shelby Tworek and Gabe Ortega represented the landlord, The Weigel Family Legacy Trust, in a 120-month retail lease for 6,620 SF at 3280 Stockton Hill Road, Kingman, AZ. The tenant, WZ Asian Buffet was represented by Ming Chen with MI Real Estate.
Matt Harper, CCIM and Thomas Bean, CCIM, represented the tenant, Family Care Connections, LLC, in a 36-month office lease for 2,136 SF at 3101 N. Central Ave., Phoenix, AZ. The landlord, 3101 N. Central, LLC was represented by Robert Wilder with Boxer Properties (LL).
Thomas Bean, CCIM and Matt Harper, CCIM, represented the landlord, Huntington Square Baceline, LLC, in a 65-month retail lease for 1,115 SF at 3119-3227 S. Mill Ave., Tempe, AZ. The tenant, Players Café, was represented by Kevin Jarand/David Jarand with Avison Young.
Kevin Higgins represented the tenant, North Mountain Counseling, in a 37.5-month office lease for 1,740 SF at 1730 E. Northern Ave., Phoenix, AZ. The landlord, Northpoint Enterprises was self-represented.
Don Morrow and Dylan Whitwer represented both the landlord, Southwest Commercial Property, LLC, and tenant, Endeavor Home Health, in a 39-month office lease for 2,039 SF at 1990 W. Camelback Road, Phoenix, AZ 85015
Lane Neville and Cole Neville represented the tenant, Mark J Quinzi Insurance Agency, Inc., in a 38-month office lease for 1,309 SF at 8687 E. Via de Ventura, Scottsdale, AZ. The landlord, Ventura Management, LLC, was represented by Jason Reddington with LevRose.
Lane Neville and Cole Neville represented the landlord, CPLP 2944 N. 44th, LLC, in a 15-month office lease for 2,154 SF at 2944 N. 44th St., Phoenix, AZ. The tenant, Citizens For Free Enterprise, was self-represented.
Joe Pequeno and Troy Giammarco, represented the landlord, Falcon Corporate Center, LLC, in a 37-month office lease for 900 SF at 4711 E. Falcon Drive, Mesa, AZ. The tenant, Echo 4 Photography, was self-represented.
About NAI Horizon
Exceptional global commercial real estate solutions begin with local market leadership and expertise. Established in 1992, NAI Horizon is a full-service commercial real estate company serving Arizona with offices in Phoenix and Tucson. NAI Horizon is passionate about commercial real estate, providing Brokerage and Property Management Services for local, national, and international clients. NAI Horizon is a member of the NAI Global commercial real estate network providing real estate solutions to more than 300 offices worldwide. For more information, visit www.naihorizon.com.
About NAI Global
Advisory Services, Leasing, Property Management, Property & Note Sales, and Tenant Representation
NAI Global is a leading global commercial real estate brokerage firm. NAI Global offices are leaders in their local markets and work in unison to provide clients with exceptional solutions to their commercial real estate needs. NAI Global has more than 300 offices in 43 countries strategically located throughout North America, Latin America and the Caribbean, Europe, Africa, and Asia Pacific, with 5,100 local market professionals managing over 1.1 billion square feet of property and facilities. Annually, NAI Global completes more than $20 billion in commercial real estate transactions and gross revenue of $1.5 billion.
NAI Global professionals achieve extraordinary results for clients locally and globally through creativity, collaboration, and the consistent delivery of exceptional knowledge and service that only market-leading firms can provide. NAI Global provides a full range of corporate real estate services, including brokerage and leasing, property and facilities management, real estate investment and capital market services, due diligence, global supply chain, logistics consulting, and related advisory services.
To learn more, visit www.naiglobal.com.
###
by Peter Madrid | Sep 11, 2023 | News & Updates
PHOENIX, ARIZONA (Sept. 11, 2023) – NAI Horizon represented the tenant, a community bank, in a long-term sublease of office space at Scottsdale Centre in Scottsdale, Arizona.
NAI Horizon First Vice President Joan Krueger represented Republic Bank of Arizona in the $319,345 sublease of Suite 195 at 7373 N. Scottsdale Road. The community bank is taking 3,545 SF.
Scottsdale Centre, a highly-visible office/medical property along Scottsdale Road, is located at the center of Scottsdale and features new common areas, lobbies, and restrooms. The building is also in proximity to casual cafes and high-end restaurants.
“It was a pleasure to assist Republic Bank of Arizona in taking advantage of today’s growing sublease opportunities,” Krueger said. “The Metro Phoenix office market continues to experience record-high sublease availability. The timing was just right and this is a beautiful location for this outstanding community bank.”
According to market research, the available sublease office space in the Metro Phoenix market this summer hit an all-time high of 7.5 MSF.
The two-story office building totals 163,311 SF. It was built in 1984 and renovated in 2019. It features 140 surface parking spaces and 584 covered parking spaces.
Chris Jantz with Kidder Mathews represented the sublessor, First Citizens Bank & Trust Company of Raleigh, North Carolina.
About NAI Horizon
Exceptional global commercial real estate solutions begin with local market leadership and expertise. Established in 1992, NAI Horizon is a full-service commercial real estate company serving Arizona with offices in Phoenix and Tucson. NAI Horizon is passionate about commercial real estate, providing Brokerage and Property Management Services for local, national, and international clients. NAI Horizon is a member of the NAI Global commercial real estate network providing real estate solutions to more than 300 offices worldwide. For more information, visit www.naihorizon.com.
About NAI Global
Advisory Services, Leasing, Property Management, Property & Note Sales, and Tenant Representation
NAI Global is a leading global commercial real estate brokerage firm. NAI Global offices are leaders in their local markets and work in unison to provide clients with exceptional solutions to their commercial real estate needs. NAI Global has more than 300 offices in 43 countries strategically located throughout North America, Latin America and the Caribbean, Europe, Africa, and Asia Pacific, with 5,100 local market professionals managing over 1.1 billion square feet of property and facilities. Annually, NAI Global completes more than $20 billion in commercial real estate transactions and gross revenue of $1.5 billion.
NAI Global professionals achieve extraordinary results for clients locally and globally through creativity, collaboration, and the consistent delivery of exceptional knowledge and service that only market-leading firms can provide. NAI Global provides a full range of corporate real estate services, including brokerage and leasing, property and facilities management, real estate investment and capital market services, due diligence, global supply chain, logistics consulting, and related advisory services.
To learn more, visit www.naiglobal.com.
###
by Peter Madrid | Sep 6, 2023 | News & Updates
TEMPE, ARIZ. (Sept. 7, 2023) ‒ When golfers tee off at the Greater Phoenix Chapter of IFMA Annual Charity Golf Classic on Sept. 22 at the Arizona Biltmore Golf Club, it will be more than a spectacular fall day of networking on the links.
Four organizations – Girls Can Build, Lokahi Teams, the IFMA Foundation, and IFMA Student Chapter of Phoenix – will benefit from this year’s sold-out event.
“I am so proud of our Golf Committee, which has supported community charities for more than 20 years,” said MJ Nagarajan Gomathi with Terracon, President of the Greater Phoenix Chapter of IFMA said. “The charity golf event represents not only a delightful opportunity for our members to showcase their golfing prowess but also a powerful way for us to come together in support of our community. By merging our passion for facilities management with our commitment to philanthropy, we aim to make a profound impact that resonates far beyond the golf course.”
A look at each of the beneficiaries:
- Girls Can Build: This Arizona-based initiative is powered by woman-owned Sharp Construction with a mission to break down barriers to women in the industries of construction, design, and engineering. By spearheading and support projects, opportunities and mentorship in these industries, it aims to inspire young women to be “Bold to Build.” Visit Girls Can Build at us.
- Lokahi Teams: This organization emerged out of a pursuit to inspire and support the community through youth athletic programs, both recreational and scholastic. It ensures that every child has the opportunity to participate in as many athletic endeavors as possible. Lokahi Teams lends it support by providing participant fees, equipment, uniforms, and facilities. Visit Lokahi Teams at org.
- IFMA Foundation: The foundation works for the public good in support of facility management higher education, students studying facility management and related fields, research critical to the profession, and increasing awareness of facility management and making facility management a career of choice. For more information visit ifma.org.
- IFMA Student Chapter of Phoenix: Recognizing the significance of fostering the next generation of facility management leaders, the Greater Phoenix Chapter is dedicated to providing guidance, mentorship, and resources to its student members. Through various initiatives, events, and collaborative endeavors, the chapter aims to bridge the gap between academic learning and real-world industry practices, empowering students to thrive in the field of facility management. This partnership not only strengthens the local facility management community but also reinforces a shared commitment to excellence and innovation in the built environment.
About IFMA
Founded in 1980, IFMA is the world’s largest and most widely recognized international association for facility management professionals, supporting more than 24,000 members in 105 countries. The association’s members, represented in 134 chapters and 17 councils worldwide, manage more than 37 billion square feet of property and annually purchase more than $100 billion in products and services. IFMA certifies facility managers, conducts research, provides educational programs and produces World Workplace, the world’s largest facility management conference and exposition.
The Greater Phoenix Chapter of IFMA, formed in 1985, is one of the top association chapters in the world and winner of IFMA’s Large Chapter of the Year in 2012. It is dedicated to continuous improvement of the facility management profession by providing relevant educational and networking opportunities for its membership while supporting the community as a whole. For more information about the Phoenix chapter ifmaphoenix.org.
###
by Peter Madrid | Sep 5, 2023 | News & Updates
PHOENIX, ARIZONA (Sept., 5, 2023) – NAI Horizon’s Church Realty Solutions practice represented the seller in the disposition of 4.567 acres in North Scottsdale.
NAI Horizon Senior Vice President Thomas Smith represented the Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’i of Scottsdale in the $850,000 sale of the land at 10575 N. 130th St.
“Northeast Scottsdale remains a market with a high demand for land parcels that can be developed for residential projects,” Smith said. “In spite of the challenging city conditions/restrictions imposed on our site, the owners and I never lost the belief that the right buyer would come along and embrace this unique opportunity to construct custom homes under the current zoning in this unique and much sought after community in one of America’s greatest cities.”
There was very strong demand for the site from a variety of user and investor types, Smith adds, but in each case, a general plan amendment and a rezoning would have been required in order to construct any type of project other than a one-to-the-acre single-family residential community or possibly a church campus.
Since COVID impacted many churches extremely negatively over the past 2 ½ years, no church entities ever came forward to seriously consider building a new property even at this ideal location.
“For me, the Church Realty Solutions practice is part business and part ministry and serves as my driving purpose to create and deliver world-class professional real estate services to communities of faith,” Smith said. “Although it took two years of constant efforts, we were ultimately able to meet the sellers’ objectives in this land sale.”
The buyer, Leiat LLC of Scottsdale, was represented by Moe Hegazy with Hegazy Realty.
About NAI Horizon
Exceptional global commercial real estate solutions begin with local market leadership and expertise. Established in 1992, NAI Horizon is a full-service commercial real estate company serving Arizona with offices in Phoenix and Tucson. NAI Horizon is passionate about commercial real estate, providing Brokerage and Property Management Services for local, national, and international clients. NAI Horizon is a member of the NAI Global commercial real estate network providing real estate solutions to more than 300 offices worldwide. For more information, visit www.naihorizon.com.
About NAI Global
Advisory Services, Leasing, Property Management, Property & Note Sales, and Tenant Representation
NAI Global is a leading global commercial real estate brokerage firm. NAI Global offices are leaders in their local markets and work in unison to provide clients with exceptional solutions to their commercial real estate needs. NAI Global has more than 300 offices in 43 countries strategically located throughout North America, Latin America and the Caribbean, Europe, Africa, and Asia Pacific, with 5,100 local market professionals managing over 1.1 billion square feet of property and facilities. Annually, NAI Global completes more than $20 billion in commercial real estate transactions and gross revenue of $1.5 billion.
NAI Global professionals achieve extraordinary results for clients locally and globally through creativity, collaboration, and the consistent delivery of exceptional knowledge and service that only market-leading firms can provide. NAI Global provides a full range of corporate real estate services, including brokerage and leasing, property and facilities management, real estate investment and capital market services, due diligence, global supply chain, logistics consulting, and related advisory services. To learn more, visit www.naiglobal.com.
###
by Peter Madrid | Sep 5, 2023 | News & Updates
PHOENIX, ARIZ. (Sept. 5, 2023) – AZCREW has elected the officers and directors that will lead Metro Phoenix’s premier commercial real estate organization in 2024. AZCREW exists to transform the commercial real estate industry by advancing women globally.
The 2024 Board of Directors comprises Jenny Liles, Director Market Operations, CRESA, President; Lynette Dreitz Fort, Partner/Director of Finance & Administration, Cawley Architects, President-Elect; Samantha Pinkal, Vice President, Business Development, Greater Phoenix Economic Council, Past President; Heather Skinner, Real Estate Business Partner, McKesson, The US Oncology Network, Treasurer; and Nicole Solar, Business Consultant, Olsson, Secretary.
Directors for 2024 are Lindsey Brist, Vice President, Senior Energy Innovation Consultant, APS, Chapter Champion Director; Kristen Hernandez, Digital Marketing Manager, RED Development, Communications Director; Jacqi Marth, Director of Business Development, CCS Facility Services, Membership Director; Stephanie Handley, Vice President, Economic Development, Clayco, Programs Director; Serena Wedlich, First Vice President, CBRE, Special Events Director; and Savannah Carbine, Account Manager, Climatec, Sponsorship Director.
“We are excited to welcome these exceptional individuals to our board and committee leadership,” Liles said. “These visionary women bring passion and diverse perspectives that will undoubtedly enhance our ability to serve our AZCREW chapter and contribute to the continued growth and success of our organization.”
AZCREW’s focus remains on providing unparalleled membership value, focusing on quality programming, and leadership development. AZCREW is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion as evident by its CEO-driven pledge for action in CRE, signed by more than 100 company leaders.
AZCREW’s 2024 strategic initiatives to further its mission include:
- Provide professional development and leadership training
- Cultivate purpose-driven events that will grow the CRE pipeline and leaders in the Valley;
- Create unparalleled business, networking, and deal-making opportunities;
- Elevate member and sponsor achievements and projects organization-wide;
- Continue to advocate and drive change of DEI within the CRE industry;
- Foster connections between business leaders and decision-makers in the market.
“After 18 months of concentrated effort by our Board of Directors to deepen our leadership bench, I’m pleased to share that we received more nominees than we had positions available for next year. We’re so grateful to the overwhelming response from our members,” Pinkal said
“It has been my privilege to witness the growth of our members during their committee and board service over the course of this year. Every single one of them has made an impact on our chapter through their creativity, tenacity, and commitment to our strategy and mission to advance the success of women in commercial real estate. They’ve helped each other grow in more ways than they realize. I hope when they look back on their careers they point to their time in AZCREW as a catalyst to their success.”
About AZCREW:
AZCREW is the local affiliate of CREW Network. CREW Network is the premiere business network dedicated to transforming the commercial real estate industry by advancing women globally. Membership offers unparalleled business development, leadership opportunities and networking both locally and globally with over 12,000 professionals in 75+ markets worldwide, representing all disciplines of commercial real estate. Learn more and apply for membership at arizonacrew.org.
###
by Peter Madrid | Sep 5, 2023 | News & Updates
SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA (Sept. 5, 2023) – Harvard Investments, a real estate investment and development company based in Scottsdale, Ariz., closed on the $87.85 million disposition of one of its signature build-to-rent (BTR), single-family-style rental communities, FirstStreet Happy Valley.
The sale of the 212-residence community at 1717 W. Happy Valley Road in Phoenix, fetched an impressive $414,000 per unit. The buyer was Spruce Capital Group of Omaha, Nebraska, a private family-owned investment firm.
“It’s good for the market to get that kind of price; it shows there is still strong demand for high-quality multifamily properties in good locations,” said Robert Trujillo, Vice President of Harvard FirstStreet. “Another key advantage our properties have is our best-in-class amenities, both the property amenities and the neighborhood amenities, and FirstStreet Happy Valley has both.
“FirstStreet Happy Valley is walking distance to the Shops at Norterra, it’s in proximity to strong employment corridors, neighborhood services, entertainment, and great transportation access to I-17 the Loop 101,” Trujillo said.
Just east of the SEC of Happy Valley Road and 19th Avenue, FirstStreet Happy Valley offers one-, two-, and three-bedroom floor plans with attached and detached garages. A limited number of carriage units above the garages have private garage access and include soundproofing.
FirstStreet Happy Valley was completed two years ago and is 94 percent occupied, according to Trujillo. The average size of the units is 1,904 SF. The entire community covers 232,000 SF of interior space.
The pet-friendly community features a dog park and washing station, and doggie doors in each residence. Additionally, a luxury resort-style pool, spa, fitness center, and clubhouse are showcase amenities.
Harvard Investments is developing three additional BTR communities in Metro Phoenix. Each is at a varying degree of construction. FirstStreet Ballpark Village in Goodyear (251 units) is scheduled to begin leasing in October, Trujillo said.
FirstStreet Skyline in Buckeye (222 units) has a construction start date of 1Q 2024; FirstStreet Verde Trails in Avondale will feature 110 platted lots for two-story, single-family rental homes. Harvard Investments is planning another single-family rental community in its Bella Camino master plan in San Tan Valley.
Harvard Investments is developing a 165-unit BTR community in North Las Vegas, Nevada, and two more in Texas and New Mexico.
“We believe BTR is a preferred living environment for the privacy it offers – no neighbors on floors above or below you and a private fenced yard,” Trujillo said.
About Harvard Investments
Harvard Investments, Inc. is a real estate investment and development company with real estate holdings throughout the western United States. Harvard combines experience, integrity, and financial stability to create high-quality, environmentally sensitive, profitable communities including both large-scale master-planned communities and build-to-rent neighborhoods. Harvard’s Canadian parent, the Hill Companies, is a privately held diversified company involved in real estate development including construction and leasing of commercial office buildings and retail properties, oil and gas production and distribution, broadcasting, surety bonding, and insurance. The Hill Companies celebrated its 120th year of continuous family ownership and operation in 2023. To learn more visit harvardinvestments.com.
###
by Peter Madrid | Sep 5, 2023 | News & Updates
HOUSTON, TEXAS (Sept. 5, 2023) – The International Facility Management Association (IFMA) is pleased to announce that Marshall MacFarlane has been distinguished as an IFMA Fellow. MacFarlane is one of three highly respected IFMA members who have been recognized this year with the association’s highest honor.
IFMA’s Fellows program was established in 1992 to honor association members whose professional achievements, contributions, and dedication to IFMA and the facility management (FM) industry are transcendent. Only 0.5 percent of IFMA membership may hold the title; and as of 2023, only 134 individuals have been honored as IFMA Fellows.
In addition to excelling in their professional careers, IFMA Fellows volunteer countless hours and serve in a number of capacities to support and advance the facility management industry and IFMA programs and initiatives. IFMA Fellows serve as advisors and ambassadors, frequently called upon for their unmatched knowledge of the FM profession.
“Being named an IFMA Fellow is the professional pinnacle of our industry,” said IFMA’s Global Board of Directors Chair Dean Stanberry, CFM, SFP. “Marshall isn’t just an innovator within the built environment, but leads by example and shares the wealth of knowledge and experience he’s attained with others.”
Known for his affable teaching style and dynamic leadership, IFMA Fellow Marshall MacFarlane’s passion for giving back to the FM profession has led him to actively support the IFMA Foundation, taking an instrumental role in furthering the objectives of the Global Workforce Initiative.
He is a constant fixture in Metro Phoenix, speaking with and representing local economic and workforce development and advocating Accredited Degree Programs, mentorships, apprenticeships, certificate programs and IFMA courses to local schools, colleges and universities.
“To say this is an honor is an understatement,” MacFarlane said. “But in some ways, my IFMA journey is just beginning. Becoming a Fellow just highlights my commitment to continue teaching, mentoring, and advancing the profession. I am very grateful to the Phoenix Chapter and a number of individuals who not only supported me, but were an active part of the nomination process.”
As president of IFMA’s Greater Phoenix Chapter, he led the organization through the COVID-19 pandemic and after, using his professional position as parks and facilities manager for the town of Gilbert, Arizona, to enhance his ability to support membership. With the aid of a strong board, the chapter experienced near-record metrics in membership, sponsorship, community outreach and programs.
His accolades include Committee Member of the Year and Professional Member of the Year by IFMA’s Greater Phoenix Chapter. MacFarlane’s selflessness has extended to lead IFMA’s FM Consultants Council as Special Projects Committee Chair, which improved engagement levels globally; and as a veteran, he was an early supporter and member of IFMA’s newly formed Military Community.
The 2023 Class of IFMA Fellows will be inducted officially on Sept. 27 at the opening session of IFMA’s World Workplace® 2023 Conference and Expo in Denver, Colorado.
About IFMA
Founded in 1980, IFMA is the world’s largest and most widely recognized international association for facility management professionals, supporting more than 24,000 members in 105 countries. The association’s members, represented in 134 chapters and 17 councils worldwide, manage more than 37 billion square feet of property and annually purchase more than $100 billion in products and services. IFMA certifies facility managers, conducts research, provides educational programs and produces World Workplace, the world’s largest facility management conference and exposition.
The Greater Phoenix Chapter of IFMA, formed in 1985, is one of the top association chapters in the world and winner of IFMA’s Large Chapter of the Year in 2012. It is dedicated to continuous improvement of the facility management profession by providing relevant educational and networking opportunities for its membership while supporting the community as a whole. For more information about the Phoenix chapter ifmaphoenix.org.
###
by Peter Madrid | Sep 5, 2023 | News & Updates
PHOENIX, ARIZ. (September 5, 2023) — The Arizona Chapter of NAIOP, the commercial real estate development association, today announced the hiring of John Baumer as Director of Government Relations. This new addition to NAIOP’s team marks a significant step forward in the association’s public policy advocacy.
“With major policy issues such as water supply, energy costs and reliability, and infrastructure funding on the horizon, now is the right time for NAIOP to have a dedicated presence at the state capital,” said NAIOP Arizona President and CEO Suzanne Kinney. “John’s experience as a contract lobbyist, legislative staffer, and director of government relations at an industry association has prepared him well to represent commercial real estate at multiple levels of government.”
NAIOP has long been known as the leading voice for commercial real estate at the Arizona State Legislature. With this new hire, the association is poised to take on a broader array of important issues at the state and local levels. Additionally, with NAIOP’s recent expansion into multifamily housing, the association plans to engage more frequently at the municipal level to expedite zoning and approval processes for projects that meet community needs.
“It is an honor to join the Arizona chapter of NAIOP,” Baumer said. “I’m excited to use my experience in government and public affairs to elevate policies that will benefit Arizona’s economy and promote development throughout the state.”
Going into the 2024 election, NAIOP plans to strategically engage in campaigns to elect pro-business legislators and council members and to support initiatives, especially the Prop. 400 transportation funding extension, that will prepare our market for continued growth.
About NAIOP
NAIOP, a 20,000+ member organization in North America provides unparalleled industry networking and education, and advocates for effective legislation on behalf of its members. It is the leading association for developers, owners and related professionals in office, industrial, retail, multifamily and mixed-use real estate. The Arizona Chapter represents over 1,000 members and is among the largest in the 50+ network.
###
by Peter Madrid | Aug 30, 2023 | News & Updates
PHOENIX, ARIZ. (August 30, 2023) – For two decades, Beth Katz has helped turn her clients’ visions into reality. Whether it’s a cheese shop, a casino sportsbook, an upscale restaurant, or a cookie dough shop, Katz has positioned her firm to provide design solutions that highlight her clients’ brand personalities.
Katz, Founder and Principal of KatzDesignGroup, is celebrating the 20th anniversary of her award-winning company that specializes in hospitality-inspired interior design. KatzDesignGroup focuses on restaurant interiors, casino and hotel design, medical offices, and workplace interiors.
Beth Katz
“We take intangible ideas such as branding and create tangible high-concept physical spaces,” she said.
Katz began her interior design career in Boston where she worked for Visnick & Caulfield Associates. A relocation to Arizona created an opportunity when several of her clients convinced her to open her own firm, telling her they would hire her to work on their national projects.
With much of her experience in workplace interiors, but a passion for restaurant interiors, Katz asked a friend to allow her to design the new restaurant that they were opening in Old Town Scottsdale. The restaurant became a huge success, which led to Katz designing four additional restaurants for their restaurant group.
KatzDesignGroup signature projects spanning the past 20 years include Café Carumba, .406 Ventures, Arizona Organix, Casino Del Sol sportsbook, The Gladly, Latha, ISOS Technology, Mochilero Kitchen, The Parlay Kitchen and Cocktails, Scoopwell’s Dough Bar, Shea Cheese, Territory Dispensary, Arizona Transplant, Arizona Integrative Medicine & Spa, St. Amand Kitchen & Cocktails, and East Valley Urology.
KatzDesignGroup provides space planning, FF&E specification, custom furniture and millwork design; construction documents; construction administration; art specification, visual rendering and 3D animation; finish selection; and digital concept and presentation boards.
“My goal is to create spaces in which special things can happen. Every part of my design exudes new concepts of creativity, connectiveness, and personal excellence,” Katz said. “When I meet with a client to discuss their goals and space, I always make sure I meet with a cross-section of employees. For a restaurant, it may be that I meet with the proprietor, the chef, a bartender, cook, and the bussers.
Shea Cheese in Phoenix
“I want to enable everyone to be successful in their positions. Their input makes the restaurant better and me better as a designer. That also goes for subcontractors. I ask questions about how they can take my design and make it better and more efficient. They are so happy to share their expertise and it results in a better product,” she said.
Katz has been recognized on both national and local levels for her design work and business leadership. The Network of Executive Women in Hospitality (NEWH) has recognized her with three awards – 2021 Best Stand-Alone Restaurant, 2022 Best Spa and Wellness Center, and the prestigious 2022 Top ID.
The 2022 Top Interior Design (Top ID) award is determined by individual NEWH chapters and regional boards to recognize design excellence and promote design firms engaged in supporting NEWH and its mission of scholarship and education. The Top ID award is presented annually to three firms in the region. Katz was also named to AZRE magazine’s 2018 Most Influential Women in Commercial Real Estate.
Katz is also active among Valley industry groups. She has been an active member of AZCREW for 13 years and has served on the Special Events Committee since 2015. Katz has served on the NEWH Board since 2020. She serves on the Board for Scholarship and Student Relations and mentors’ students at Arizona State University, Northern Arizona University, and Grand Canyon University.
Katz gives back to the community. She has served on the Board and Executive Board of UMOM New Day Centers for 10 years, is a TGEN Ambassador, and founder of Team Frank, raising money to fight pancreatic cancer yearly since 2008.
“I have always said that my ‘superpower’ is being a connector. I want my peers, my competitors, and my colleagues to excel. There is room for all of us to be successful.”
For more information visit katzdesigngroup.com.
###
St. Amand Kitchen & Cocktails in Chandler, Arizona.
