Jarrad Holst’s Post

It has been a bit of a wild ride for commercial real estate in DC over the past year. There have been some losses, but we are looking forward to the new year. Meanwhile in November and December there have been several leases, expansions and deals announced. Here’s a list of some of the recent ones.   Companies that have announced expansions and relocations in #DC in the last 8 weeks include H&M – (back to the Woodies Building), Healthcare Legal Solutions (PA Ave.NW), Luxury furnishing brand Poliform (Cady’s Alley), BRANDGUILD LIMITED (Georgetown) and most recently FEMA (downtown). And Google already in downtown “is on the hunt for more space”. New leases announced include: @StateofPlay – (Downtown), Barnes & Noble, Inc. (Georgetown), Zen Renovations (Capitol Hill). New projects: Hoffman & Associates is nearing completion of The Westerly, a 449-unit apartment community in the Southwest neighborhood of Washington, EDENS has officially filed plans for two new residential buildings at Union Market. 13-Story Hotel Proposed in #MountVernonTriangle. Plans have been submitted for a 13-story hotel on a vacant lot at 917-921 6th St. NW Washington DC. And 250 Maryland Ave. SW (Portals) was sold to  Henderson Park. According to press the site is "optimally positioned for by-right residential conversion, expansion, and redevelopment. DowntownDC BID Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development Douglas Development Corporation Golden Triangle Business Improvement District DCBIA #GeorgetownDesignDistrict Georgetown Business Improvement District JLL CBRE Cushman & Wakefield

Docklands, the isolated suburb. https://lnkd.in/g3vQZUce The issues extend back to the lack of an initial vision or masterplan with Kennett era sentiment that "the developers will give us the answers" prevailing. There was a lack of vision and guidelines for the character of the streets, with the extension of Bourke and Collins Street, two of Melbourne's most important streets, left to developers determine what happened on their side of the street only rather than building on the established character of these streets as they are appreciated within the CBD. Another outcome of this approach was that the location of public infrastructure such as schools, and community medical centres and the like were not determined at the outset. The school has been an afterthought and its location compromised, the excellent library is not located more centrally as a drawcard. The Stadium was a blessing and a curse, distracting from the need to create a 24/7 mixed us suburb. There has been an idea of connecting Lonsdale Street across the rail corridor as a pedestrian bridge which would potentially change the perception of isolation. The Harbour front parallel with Harbour Esplanade is undoubtedly the most under-utilised asset to the area but with great potential to install some character to Docklands. It's a pity that a proposed Art Gallery with private support didn't eventuate as a much needed drawcard. Developments such as Collins Square with their stacked together towers and lack of open space do not do enough to contribute the character of Docklands. More development around the stadium is only part of the answer. Yes there is work to do, but needs the right collection of minds and better governance.

STANDING OUT FROM THE CROWD 👀 It’s been a while since I had been to The Churchill Arms in Notting Hill but I managed to go back there this weekend and have a pint in the sun (when the cloud cover disappeared). Is it the best pub I have ever been to? No. However, it always stood out to me because of its unique look and it is that which made me want to go back. That being said, it is not cheap to keep this building looking the way it does; apparently they spend thousands of pounds each year on the flowers on the outside of the building! It got me thinking: what could landlords do to make their properties stand out from the crowd in the first place? No landlord wants their properties to be empty so it may mean being open to experimental ideas from aspiring tenants to become and remain attractive. Is it investing in technology to make buildings ‘smarter’ which can also lower costs for tenants? Is it a case of ‘spend money to make money’ - spending the money in order to find a better quality of tenant to appeal to (who can then market this space to their clientele and bring more people to the area)? Additionally, while people want their money to stretch further, they may be willing to pay that little bit more if they feel that what they are getting is a unique experience. There are a lot of pubs in Notting Hill but it is the aesthetic of The Churchill Arms that drew me back. Are there any pubs in London that you know of that are worth a special trip? I know it’s the popular answer to say right now but I love The Devonshire in Soho. Let me know below 👇 #property #landlord #tenant #pubs

Relocating London’s City Hall - 1 Solution to 3 problems London has a unique opportunity to help resolve the housing crisis, downtown vacancy, & stretched municipal funds. Namely, by relocating its’ City Hall to 3 fully vacant adjoining buildings, 383-391 Richmond Street and 151 Dundas St. How? See below. 1. Housing crisis: i) 60% of the purchase price is to be paid through credits to development charges (DC charges). a)This means the Seller can only obtain 60% of the payment from the deal if he develops his properties/lands in London. NO DEVELOPMENT = LOSS OF PAYMENT ii) The current city hall can be renovated into apartments and the adjacent lands can house additional Londoners through new multi-family developments 2. Downtown London’s vacancy rate of 27.1% (CBRE Office Figure, Q1 2024): i) Relocating to these building would reduce London’s downtown vacancy rate by occupying ±337,000 SF of vacant office in London’s core 3. Help London’s tax dollars go further: i) The cost savings could be over ±$70 million CAD, when compared to the option of expanding & renovating City Hall's current location ii) Create synergy & reduce cost by locating ±1,000 municipal employee in one location iii) Would facilitate easy access to City Hall, with proximity to public transit iv) Spur business development in the core through city employees utilizing downtown London’s shops, restaurants, businesses, and entertainment, creating additional tax dollars London’s decision of where to locate and develop its City Hall with have ripple effects for generations. Hopefully, all decisions are given equal measure to help the City have a bright and successful future. https://lnkd.in/g5BhEcsb #ldnontario #ldnont

*** High resolution photos, 3D Virtual Tour and floor plans in the comments *** Welcome to #114- 30 Hickory Street East, Waterloo – an exceptional 2-level condo that offers solid investment potential,boasting 3 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, and a balcony with a storage locker. Positioned just steps from Wilfrid Laurier University, this property is a prime opportunity for parents with university-bound children. Imagine your child thriving in their academic pursuits while you rent out the additional two rooms, generating consistent rental income and building equity. This condo not only serves as a comfortable residence but also as a strategic investment with potential for significant future cash flow and appreciation. One of the standout features of this home is its enviable location on main transit routes, ensuring effortless connectivity to the entire city. Whether commuting for work, school, or leisure, residents will appreciate the convenience of seamless transportation options right at their doorstep. Additionally, the University of Waterloo is just a short walk away, further solidifying this property's appeal to the academic community. The vibrant lifestyle of Uptown Waterloo is just a stone's throw away, offering an array of amenities including diverse dining options, trendy shops, and entertainment venues. For daily essentials, numerous grocery stores are within close proximity, making errands a breeze. The nearby parks provide ample opportunities for outdoor recreation and relaxation. A balcony overlooking the street adds a touch of charm to this home, providing a perfect spot for morning coffees or evening unwinding. The thoughtful layout of this 2-level condo maximizes space and comfort. For those considering a long-term investment, 30 Hickory Street East presents a prime option. The strong rental demand driven by the nearby universities ensures a steady income stream. Don't miss the chance to own this property in one of Waterloo's most sought-after student locations!

FULLY LEASED - FOR SALE - 15,999 SF Class B office building in Douglasville, GA. This property is occupied by several long term tenants, many with recently renewed leases. Recent updates include HVAC and plumbing. For more info: https://lnkd.in/gqQH-RqR Donald B. Edwards, Jr., KW Commercial | DBE Properties Cell: 770-324-3457 Direct: 678-298-1612 Office: 678-298-1600 Douglasville, GA: A city on the rise! Exciting growth and opportunities are transforming this vibrant community. Large economic developments like Sam's Club new fulfillment center in Douglas County, creating 600 jobs and investing over $142 million will significantly boost the local economy and increase the need for new thriving businesses and expansions. Douglasville is also becoming a destination for movie magic. Lionsgate has chosen the city for its new film and TV complex. Covering 40 acres and costing $160 million, this state-of-the-art facility features 11 sound stages and serves as an epicenter for creativity and a haven for filmmakers. Amidst this wave of development, Douglasville, GA maintains its charm and sense of community. The historic downtown offers unique shops and delightful dining options, while just a short way to Atlanta's city life. #community #growth #douglasville #atlantametro #CRE #officeforsale #NNNinvestments #commercialforsale #DBEproperties #kwcommercial #realestate #atlcre #atlantarealestate #southeastinvestments #investmentproperty

Witnessing the realization of your projects is always a gratifying experience.

🔆 Spotlight on Vancouver City Hall 🔆 City Hall has been all over social media recently. But have you ever wondered about the history of Vancouver City Hall? The journey started in 1886, after the Great Fire, in a makeshift tent. The first permanent city hall was erected soon after the fire at 125 Powell Street. Later, the offices moved to various locations, including 425 Main Street and 16 East Hastings Street, each with their own unique stories. 🏛️ But it was in 1935 when things got really interesting. Vancouver became the first Canadian city to relocate its city hall outside the downtown core. Nestled at 12th and Cambie, this strategic move aimed to strengthen ties with newly annexed South Vancouver and Point Grey. The architectural marvel we see today was designed by Fred Townley, personally selected by Mayor Gerry McGeer. Despite being built during the Depression, its grandeur reflects the resilience and ambition of the city. It's not just a building; it's a symbol of the newly enlarged city. 🏗️ Opening its doors on December 4, 1936, Vancouver City Hall was designated a heritage building in 1976. So, next time you're passing by, take a moment to appreciate the rich history behind this landmark. It's more than just a city hall; it's a testament to Vancouver's evolution. #VancouverCityHall #CanadianHistory #Architecture (Sources: Places That Matter, City of Vancouver, Miss604)

Even by my usually hectic standards, January 2024 was an incredibly busy yet successful month. Quite a way to start the year: • Development Review Board approval for Mack Real Estate Group's Mack Industrial Park in the City of Scottsdale. This is the first phase of 125 acres along the Loop 101 at Bell Road; • City of Phoenix City Council approval of a signature mixed-use development for Pivotal Group, Inc. This will be an architectural gem for live, work and play on Central Avenue at Indian School Road; • Phoenix City Council approval for a new, infill apartment community at 36th Street & McDowell Road designed by an award-winning architect on a micro parcel; • Phoenix City Council approval for a unique business park to be developed by Trammell Crow Company. This case was a challenging land use which was initially voted down by Village Planning Committee, but ultimately approved by Planning Commission and the City Council due to strong citizen and staff support; • Village Planning Committee approval for a PUD allowing improvements and signage to the Norterra Shopping Center along I-17 and Happy Valley Road; • Village Planning Committee approval for an innovative apartment community near the airport and light rail at 56th Street & Van Buren for Alliance Residential Company; and • Town of Fountain Hills Town Council approval of a hotly-contested 316-unit apartment building intended to revitalize the Target-anchored shopping center. Quite a month! This isn't including a handful of neighborhood meetings, dozens of lobbying meetings and, oh yeah, a five day follow-up mission to Israel including a visit with the President and a briefing with the Minister for Strategic affairs. More on that trip in a later post! #landuselaw #entitlements #realestatelaw #wins #WitheyMorrisBaugh

During a recent Bisnow panel discussion, prominent developers in Downtown Jacksonville discussed the significance of city incentives in driving real transformation. Alex Sifakis, from JWB Real Estate Companies, highlighted the impact of the City of Jacksonville Downtown Preservation and Revitalization Program in renovating historic and underutilized buildings. “There’s been 20-plus projects that have been approved, and that’s 20-plus historic buildings that never would have been renovated. Some of them might have been torn down," Sifakis added. “Those historic buildings are so important to the fabric of our Downtown...That sense of place which drives rents are the ultimate financial success of our Downtown.” We believe the collaboration between public and private sectors, fueled by city incentives, plays a crucial role in ensuring the financial success and livability of our city. We've been honored to play a part in the renovation and salvation of some of these historic structures. #CityIncentives #UrbanDevelopment