by Peter Madrid | Jul 29, 2019 | News & Updates
PHOENIX, ARIZONA (July 29, 2019) – MEB Commercial Group, a provider of comprehensive commercial management services throughout Metro Phoenix, is pleased to announce the addition of another industry professional at its Phoenix office.
Tyrel Williams has joined the commercial team as Vice President of Commercial Real Estate. Williams is a seasoned professional with a rich background in real estate management, risk management, and business operations and holds his Certified Property Manager (CPM ®) designation from the Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM ®).
“We are very excited to announce Tyrel Williams as our Vice President of Commercial Real Estate. Having Tyrel join our leadership team expands the depth of our expertise and therefore allows us to bring greater value to each of our clients. This comprehensive and accomplished team enables us to continue with our strategic growth plan,” said MEB Principal Libby Ekre, CPM ®.
Williams brings a wealth of experience from his professional career serving in several positions of high responsibility with leading companies such as CBRE, Coldwell Banker Commercial, University of Utah and Allstate Insurance Company. He has managed multimillion-dollar commercial real estate portfolios, overseen several large construction and development projects, and managed risk through insurance strategies for various property owners and businesses.
Williams holds a Bachelor of Science degree in facility and property management and holds active real estate and insurance licenses in Arizona.
by Peter Madrid | Jul 24, 2019 | News & Updates
PHOENIX, ARIZONA (July 24, 2019) – NAI Horizon represented the tenant, Phoenix Children’s Center, Ltd., in a long-term lease renewal at Camelback Arboleda located at 1661 E. Camelback Road, in Phoenix.
NAI Horizon Vice President Kevin Higgins negotiated the $1.317 million lease totaling 4,215 SF.
“The pediatric group has occupied space in the building since 2009,” Higgins said. “The landlord, Fenway Capital Advisors, recently started a major building renovation and the tenant is excited to continue to serve its patients in this centrally-located gem.”
Built in 1982, Camelback Arboleda totals almost 180,000 SF. It is located in the desirable Camelback Corridor with easy access to the SR-51 and is supported by more than 2 million square feet of retail amenities within a 2-mile radius.
Fenway Capital Advisors, based out of Solana Beach, California, has been an active owner of office properties throughout Maricopa County over the past 15 years.
by Peter Madrid | Jul 23, 2019 | News & Updates
PHOENIX, ARIZONA (July 23, 2019) – Libby Ekre, Principal of MEB Management Services, one of Arizona’s prominent women-owned firms, was among the winners of the 2019 Globe St. Women of Influence in commercial real estate.
Since 1983, Globe St. and Real Estate Forum have recognized women who significantly influence the real estate profession and drive the industry forward. Entries are evaluated based on a number of factors including professional reputation, career highlights, innovation, creative thinking and dedication to advancing the role of women in real estate.
Ekre, CPM®, was named a Woman of Influence in the Property/Facility Manager of the Year category. She is among eight Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM) members who were honored.
“I am truly honored to be recognized, along with my fellow IREM executives, as one of Globe Street’s Women of Influence of 2019,” Ekre said. “At MEB, our purpose is to enrich the lives of our clients, residents and team members by creating value. Our team exemplifies these values and owns this mission every day. This recognition is due in large part to this dedication and I’m grateful to be a part.”
Ekre is a Principal of MEB, an Arizona-based AMO® firm which manages multi-family and commercial properties as well as residential homes. Ekre oversees MEB’s quality assurance, training and human resources departments. She is the Executive CPM® for the firm and holds an Arizona real estate license.
Ekre has served in a variety of leadership positions in the industry including Regional Vice President for IREM and board member of the Turn Around Management Association. She is a two-term President for the IREM Greater Phoenix Chapter. She is a 2019 Executive Committee Member for IREM. Ekre is a regular volunteer for the House of Refuge in Phoenix.
The Women of Influence were recognized in the July/August issue of Real Estate Forum. They were also honored at the inaugural Globe St. ELITE Women of Influence conference July 10 in Broomfield, Colorado.
by Peter Madrid | Jul 23, 2019 | News & Updates
PHOENIX, ARIZONA (July 23, 2019) – NAI Horizon represented a national insurance provider in a pair of long-term leases at The Reserve at San Tan and Fiesta Tech Business Park in Gilbert, Arizona.
NAI Horizon Senior Vice President Isy Sonabend represented Progressive Casualty Insurance Co. of Mayfield Heights, Ohio, in two new lease signings totaling $4.18 million.
Progressive Casualty Insurance is occupying 25,193 SF at The Reserve at San Tan, 339 E. Germann Road, a 105,000 SF office/flex building in the highly sought-after Southeast Valley submarket. The new space will serve as a claim center.
Progressive is also occupying 42,149 SF at Fiesta Tech Business Park, 1395 N. Fiesta Blvd., a 73,283-SF building. Progressive plans to use this space for a training center. Fiesta Tech Business Park is located in the Gilbert submarket, which was ranked among the fastest growing cities in the U.S. It is less than one mile from the US 60 and Loop 101.
“To better serve their customers, Progressive Insurance has enlarged its footprint in Gilbert by expanding service and data centers in the Southeast Valley,” Sonabend said.
The Reserve at San Tan is within close proximity to Crossroads Towne Center which comprises more than 1.2 MSF of retail amenities including more than 32 restaurants. It is an ideal location for back office employment with access to more than 1 million people within a 30-minute commute. It features a full diamond interchange at San Tan Freeway (Loop 202) and Gilbert Road.
Reserve at San Tan 4 LLC of Phoenix, was represented by Mike Garlick of Newmark Knight Frank. AEI Fiesta LLC of Los Angeles was represented by Evan Koplan of CBRE.
by Peter Madrid | Jul 23, 2019 | News & Updates
TUCSON, ARIZ. (July 23, 2019) – The Tucson office of engineering consulting firm Terracon recently presented a $3,500 check from its foundation to Tucson Clean and Beautiful, which will use the money for its youth environmental leadership mentoring program.
The Terracon Foundation Board selected TC&B as its grant recipient. Terracon Senior Associate and Tucson Office Manager Derek Koller submitted the nomination. Koller recently was promoted to Senior Associate based on his exemplary leadership at Terracon and his community involvement.
The funds will be used to support the Youth Environmental Leadership, Learning and Action (YELLA) school mentoring program.
YELLA allows high school students to mentor school-based youth groups to develop and implement action projects that result in environmental improvements on campus and changes in environmental attitudes and behaviors of students.
“It was my honor and privilege to present this wonderful organization with a Terracon Foundation grant,” Koller said. “Our Tucson office has been involved with TC&B for more than 10 years. We have sponsored and maintained a 1-mile stretch of road where our employees help pick up litter.
“I became passionate about TC&B because they are a community-based environmental organization with an educational component. I am especially excited about the YELLA program because it will give high school students the opportunity to mentor younger students and encourage creativity and volunteerism,” Koller said.
Student leaders in YELLA will plan, recruit, execute, celebrate and evaluate projects.
“We are thrilled to receive this grant from the Terracon Foundation,” said Katie Gannon, Executive Director of Tucson Clean and Beautiful. “This funding will support two high school student mentors who will develop and lead service-learning projects to address real-world environmental challenges. We are grateful to Terracon for helping build 21st century environmental leaders while moving school campuses toward cleaner greener and more sustainable solutions.”
Terracon is an employee-owned consulting engineering firm with more than 4,000 employees providing environmental, facilities, geotechnical, and materials services from more than 140 offices with services available in all 50 states.
Terracon currently ranks 24th on the Engineering News-Record list of Top 500 Design Firms and is ranked No. 1 in Asbestos and Lead Abatement Design.
To learn more about Terracon visit terracon.com/offices/tucson/
by Peter Madrid | Jul 15, 2019 | News & Updates
SCOTTSDALE, ARIZ. (July 15, 2019) – Sigma Contracting is pleased to announce the re-hiring of Superintendent Ben Gorbea, who had previously worked for the Arizona-based general contracting company.
Currently supervising the addition to Legacy Traditional School in the City of Maricopa, Gorbea will oversee the operations of his construction site, from planning to completion. He will be responsible for daily scheduling, supervising all activities and tasks and ensuring the safety and compliance of the project site.
Gorbea possesses 25 years of industry experience and has served as a superintendent for various construction companies including Sigma Contracting and Balfour Beatty. He also worked as an industrial mechanic/industrial electrician for OMCO solar.
“Having previously worked for us, we are pleased to have the opportunity to rehire and welcome him back,” said Dan Hinkson, President of Sigma Contracting. “We are truly honored to have him back in the field.”
A native of New York, N.Y., Gorbea is married. He and his wife have young boys. Away from the construction site, he enjoys off-roading and camping. He also enjoys working around the house, teaching his sons how to fix things “so I won’t have to one day.”
by Peter Madrid | Jul 8, 2019 | News & Updates
PHOENIX, ARIZONA (July 8, 2019) – The NAI Horizon Manufactured Housing Investments team of Russ Warner, Andrew Warner and Victoria Filice negotiated the $5.4 million sale of Palms Mobile Home Park, 1050 E. Broadway Ave., in Apache Junction, Arizona.
NAI Horizon represented the seller, Christine G. Weech Testamentary Trust & Hyrum Newell Weech Testamentary Trust of Safford, Arizona.
Built in 1970, Palms Mobile Home Park is a senior living community with 89 spaces. Amenities include a clubhouse with meeting space and a kitchen; shuffleboard courts; and lighted streets.
The price equates to a 2.6 percent cap rate using 2018 actual income and expenses.
“This was an older but extremely well-maintained senior park with upgraded infrastructure and extremely low rents,” said Russ Warner, a Senior Vice President in Manufactured Housing Investments. “The buyer was in a position to integrate the park with his adjacent property, White Sands Mobile Estates.”
Andrew Warner is an Associate at NAI Horizon. Victoria Filice is an intern in the Investment Sales Division.
The buyer was First Exchange Company as Qualified Intermediary for White Sands MHC LLC c/o MHC Management Services LLC of Tampa, Florida.
by Peter Madrid | Jul 8, 2019 | News & Updates
PHOENIX, ARIZONA (July 8, 2019) – Longtime ULI leader Heidi Kimball, Senior Vice President with Sunbelt Holdings, has been selected as the new Chair of the Urban Land Institute, Arizona District Council (ULI Arizona), serving on a voluntary basis for a two-year term that started on July 1.
Kimball, a full member of the Urban Land Institute, has been actively involved in ULI since 2007 and was previously Vice Chair with responsibility for Mission Advancement. Her extensive volunteerism at ULI locally includes District Council Treasurer, Trends Day Chair, and a Partnership Forum Mentor. At the ULI national level, she is Vice Chair of the Responsible Property Investment Product Council.
Mark Winkleman
Kimball is highly engaged in real estate development endeavors through her professional work as well as her volunteer efforts with ULI and the Arizona State University’s Real Estate Advisory Board. Her charitable work includes positions within the Mesa Arts Center Foundation, East Valley Partnership, and serving as a Trustee of Valley Partnership’s Political Action Committee. She received a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology from the University of Wyoming and earned a Master of Business Administration from Arizona State University.
Kimball succeeds Charley Freericks, Senior Vice President with Catellus Development Corporation, who will move into the Governance Chair role for ULI.
“Our district and national councils are the foundation for ULI’s collective impact,” said ULI Chief Executive Officer Ed Walter. “They make an incredible difference in the quality of our work and the fulfillment of our mission.”
Kimball is a recognized leader in real estate development, management and investment throughout the Southwest since 1979. Over the course of its 40-year history, Sunbelt has developed a strong presence in commercial development and asset management, as well as the developer of some of the Valley’s most beloved residential communities including McDowell Mountain Ranch in Scottsdale, Power Ranch in the East Valley, Vistancia in the Northwest Valley and Marina Heights in Tempe.
Heather Personne
Recent acquisitions have provided unique opportunities in commercial development in urban centers, including the Brown and Brown Chevrolet dealership site in downtown Mesa and several mixed-use projects in Phoenix.
“I look forward to this opportunity to serve ULI Arizona, and advance ULI’s tradition of knowledge sharing and mentoring through the district council network,” Kimball said. “As a neutral convener, ULI creates forums for highly effective information exchange where members representing vastly different markets can share ideas and best practices. It is one of ULI’s great offerings.”
ULI Arizona also announced the following industry professionals will be rounding out the District Council leadership team: Mark Winkleman, a ULI full member and President of MGS Realty Partners, is the incoming Vice Chair. Heather Personne, a ULI full member and Managing Principal of Evolve Ventures, is the incoming Treasurer. Both have been extensively involved in ULI leadership positions locally and Personne is Vice Chair of the ULI National Placemaking Product Council.
About ULI
The Urban Land Institute is a 501[c][3] nonprofit research and education organization supported by its members. Founded in 1936, the Institute has more than 42,000 members worldwide, representing the entire spectrum of land use and real estate development disciplines working in private enterprise and public service. As the preeminent multidisciplinary land use and real estate forum, ULI facilitates an open exchange of ideas, information, and experience among local, national, and international industry leaders and policy makers dedicated to creating better places. Learn more about ULI Arizona at arizona.uli.org.
by Peter Madrid | Jun 26, 2019 | News & Updates
PHOENIX, ARIZONA (June 26, 2019) – NAI Horizon represented Alva Pinchot, LLC (Frederic Winssinger, Principal), in the $4.63 million disposition of 2944 Plaza, a 28,312 SF office property located at 2944 North 44th St., in Phoenix.
NAI Horizon Senior Vice President Lane Neville and Associate Logan Crum represented the seller. Tenants at 2944 Plaza include NAI Horizon, RW Partners, ORB Architecture, Freestar LLC, Salt Digital and the office of U.S. Congressman Greg Stanton.
The building near the intersection of 44th Street and Thomas Road was designed by award-winning architect Eddie Jones. It earned two prestigious design awards: the American Institute Honor Award and the AIA Western International Design Award.
“The property is strategically located in the heart of the 44th Street corridor with immediate proximity to the acclaimed Arcadia neighborhood, one of the most sought after residential areas in the City of Phoenix,” Neville said.
Jeff Conrad with Lee & Associates was the broker for the buyer, Curran Properties, L.P. of Washington, represented by Michael Dolan, Scott Carson and Carrie Carson.
by Peter Madrid | Jun 25, 2019 | News & Updates
PHOENIX, ARIZONA (June 25, 2019) – A stellar group of 19 protégés was honored recently as the NAIOP Arizona Developing Leaders Young Professional Group (YPG) Mentor Program hosted graduation for the 2018-2019 class at Citizen Public House.
Mentors and protégés gathered June 10 in Scottsdale for a reception, presentations and dinner. The 19 protégés, grouped into four teams, pitched development proposals on their choice of two sites: Cactus Commerce Center, an industrial development; and Summit Business Park, an office development.
Teams were matched throughout the 9-month program and created a development and business plan for the site. The program culminated with project presentations to equity sources, pitching them to invest in their respective deals.
NITTA Commerce Center took home top honors. The proposal was to take down the site in four phases and develop a combination of industrial, flex space and retail. Future phases incorporated self-storage and cold storage.
Team members included Ryan Donahue, Lovitt-Touche; Mark Esslinger, Colliers, Matt Field, Ryan Companies US; Lauren Fisher, Deutsch Architecture Group; Jake Hanvey, Willmeng Construction; and Aaron Kimberlin, McShane Companies. John Orsak of Lincoln Property Company was mentor of the winning team.
“This program is truly a great opportunity for the participating protégés to gain a better perspective of the various aspects of real estate development,” said mentor Cathy Thuringer of Trammell Crow Company. “I have served as a mentor for the last four years, and continue to be a huge advocate of the program for the valuable insight it provides young professionals into the complicated world of development.”
Additional mentors were Megan Creecy-Herman, Prologis; and Molly Carson, Ryan Companies US. Serving on the Investment Committee (judging panel) were Cooper Fratt, CBRE; Gary Anderson, Cushman & Wakefield; Pat Devine, Artis REIT; and Jeanine Jerkovic, City of Surprise Economic Development.
Program chair was Cullen Mahoney of Trammell Crow Company. Co-chairs were Josh Tracy, Ryan Companies US; and Mollie Zemer, Barclay Group.
“The YPG program is educational, collaborative and offers participants a better understanding of how all the pieces of a development come together,” Zemer said. “We had four great presentations this year, all groups chose industrial for this site and each pitch was unique in its offering.”
The rest of the protégés include Alyssa Altosino, Cushman & Wakefield; Justin Arnitz, Lincoln Property Company; Shane Coppedge, Brycon; Tanner Ferrandi, CBRE; Connor Maloney, Transwestern; Matthew Miceli, Midfirst Bank Juan Montoya, Okland Capital; Michael Mulé, Wells Fargo; Cody Pillsbury, Layton Construction; Nico Rochwalik, JOKAKE Construction; Patrick Schrimsher, Cushman & Wakefield; Massimo Sommacampagna, CIMA Holdings, LLC; and Drew Wenger, FCI Constructors, Inc.
Applications for the 2019-2020 NAIOP YPG Mentor Program will be available in September. All NAIOP members who are age 35 or under qualify to participate in the Developing Leaders program, whether they joined through the DL membership category or as part of a corporate membership.
