en-us Wed, 19 Jun 2013 17:52:28 -0400 Wed, 19 Jun 2013 17:52:28 -0400 landmarkrealestate.net http://landmarkrealestate.net/rss/Landmark_News_Articles.xml http://landmarkrealestate.net/rss/Landmark_News_Articles.xml info@landmarkrealestate.net (Managing Editor) 60 News and press releases for Landmark Commercial Real Estate As expected, Wichita has landed its second Menards store. Developer Paul Jackson on Thursday signed a deal with the Wisconsin-based company to anchor his Stonebridge development at the southeast corner of 37th and Maize Road. This follows Christian Ablahs deal earlier this month for Menards to locate at his development at K-96 and Webb Road. These are big, big deals, Jackson says. Its a real shot of confidence theyre opening two stores of this size in Wichita. Jackson and Ablah were close to final deals with Menards, a homeimprovement store, in late 2008 when the economy tanked. Even though there are continual signs of improvement, Jackson says the Menards deals are still a coup. Big box developments are just not happening around the country right now, he says. Most big box developers have kind of pulled in the reins and put the brakes on until the economy turns around. The west-side Menards will be 230,000 square feet and employ about 165 people. Menards has more than 250 stores in 12 states. Gary Snyder of Landmark Commercial Real Estate represented Menards in the Stonebridge deal. Ablah, who is with Classic Real Estate, also worked with Jackson on the deal. Now that the deal is done, Jackson will proceed with infrastructure work at Stonebridge, which will be a 37-acre retail development. What it means for us is we can go ahead with confidence, Jackson says. Menards likely will break ground in the next 30 to 60 days and open in the first quarter of 2011. Thats credibility (for) people coming to look at our development, Jackson says. Its an important turning point. Jackson says hes in talks with a number of businesses. Once infrastructure is in place, it will allow those businesses to move in quickly, he says. It puts us at that stage, which is a really nice place to be. try { // check protocol for not invoking the code for saved files // for Safari, when an html file is saved, to have all images in it, the file must be // saved as WebArchive. 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Central, and it may be a surprise to some. , a Mongolian grill, will sublease the space. Its going to be right in the middle of everybody, franchisee Terry Newman says of all the neighborhoods in that area. Newman and his partner, Frank Carney, opened Wichitas first Genghis Grill at the former space at Douglas and Rock Road in January 2009. The east sides doing phenomenal, Newman says. It beat our expectations. The former Krispy Kreme space is about 4,000 square feet, which Newman says is a standard size for Genghis Grill. It doesnt faze him that Krispy Kreme didnt succeed at that spot. Thats kind of the least of my worries, if someone was successful there before us or not. Besides, he says, Were not doughnuts. Were a full-service restaurant. of handled the deal. Brad Saville was very key in making this work for us, Newman says. Krispy Kreme first went up for lease in May and then closed in August. Saville called Newman to let him know he had a west-side property that might interest him. Newman said, Thats kind of funny, because I was just sitting in the parking lot of your west location. The new restaurant should be ready within about four months. I wish it was tomorrow, Newman says. Newman and Carney also are partners in , and Newman believes its their solid reputation over many years that has also helped Genghis to succeed. Our repeat business is unbelievable, he says. In all my years of being in restaurants, this is just a tremendous opening. I dont expect anything any different out of the west side. Wed, 10 Feb 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article8.php#1371678749 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article8.php WICHITA Theres a new development coming near the southwest corner of 21st and Maize Road behind . A group of as-of-yet unnamed developers are purchasing the former building, razing it and building a new 10,000-square-foot center for retail and restaurant space. Last year, New Medical moved to 21st and Ridge Road by . The new development group will have a total of almost three acres and may build a second phase for offices. There will be access to the development from both 21st Street and Maize Road, which makes this an extremely attractive property, says Cory Harkleroad, managing director of . Harkleroad is handling the sale of the property and has already landed two tenants. The locally owned Taco Shop will add a site there, and Harkleroad says theres a national breakfast company that will move there as well. A source says that restaurant is , but Harkleroad will not confirm thats the one. There are letters of intent for more than 70 percent of the center. That leaves 2,960 square feet to lease, which Harkleroad says can be used by a sole tenant or divided. He says tenants hope to be in no later than September. Harkleroad is feeling positive about the development. Since 21st and Maize is one of the busiest intersections in Wichita, he says, its very viable space. Wed, 17 Feb 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article5.php#1371678750 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article5.php The new year is starting off well for Steve Robl of Robl Construction , and it may bode well for others, too. I see just a general better attitude in real estate, Robl says. There are three new tenants for his Barrington Place on 21st Street west of Ridge Road, which is where Red Bean's Bayou Grill and Jason's Deli are. Sunflower Title is taking 1,800 square feet. Wells Fargo Home Mortgage is taking 1,400 square feet. And Advantage Partners , a real estate company, is taking 1,600 square feet. It creates a fantastic synergy having us three... next to each other, says Advantage owner and broker Eric Henderson . It's just a fantastic opportunity. He says that area has a prime housing market, too. It's such a great time to buy, which is one of the reasons we're moving to that west-side location, Henderson says. As far as visibility, it just makes sense for us. Advantage will open there in early April and also keep its space at Office This at 4031 E. Harry. Wells Fargo will open at Barrington Place next month. We will be expanding more, says Chad Laipple , branch manager for the state of Kansas. Sunflower Title is in a huge expansion mode. Barrington Place will be the company's seventh site within the past year. An eighth is almost complete at the Waterfront at 13th and Webb. We've got more expansion in mind, says president Richard Schodorf . We're all about convenience. He says Robl is a friend of his and also built two of his houses. It was just a natural fit, Schodorf says. I've always been a fan of Steve's. He says the site makes sense, too. The northwest is a booming area. Now may seem like a tricky time for a title company to expand, but Schodorf is confident. Everybody knows the business will come back, he says. Also, he says, Every business relies on its employees, and there's no better time to find some of the most wonderful, qualified employees... than when the unemployment is high. Commercial brokering isn't all that's working for Robl. His main business is selling houses. We've written about 15 contracts since the first of the year, which is really good, he says. There's some uptick. January is not a historically good month for houses, especially when you have the weather that we've had. But I've been real pleased. So does it give him hope for the rest of the year? It gives us a start. Fri, 12 Feb 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article6.php#1371678751 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article6.php WICHITA and are for opening next week in front of near 29th Street North and Maize Road. But that doesnt bother owner Larry Wilson, who is . Im going to beat em, Wilson says. This is his fourth Cinnamons in Wichita. I like the traffic count, Wilson says of the area. There may be a lot of other restaurants there, he says, but theres a lot of customers also. handled the lease. Wilson, who opened his first Cinnamons in 1986, hopes to open two more here and possibly one in Derby. Dont look for the new restaurants anytime soon, though. With a tight market for financing, Wilson says, Im going to have to pull back . . . for a little while. Read more: Wed, 10 Feb 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article7.php#1371678752 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article7.php When Smoothie King on North Ridge Road closed, some disappointed west-siders wondered what happened. The owners are simply changing locations. The new location is in the former Picture Perfect space at 8000 W. Central. Picture Perfect recently moved to NewMarket Square at 21st and Maize Road. Smoothie Kings Gillian Gorges likes her new space for its drive-through. Don Piros of Landmark Commercial Real Estate handled the deal. Theres no projected opening date, but Gorges says the North Rock Road Smoothie King is offering catering in the meantime. Publication:The Wichita Eagle; Date:Apr 23, 2010; Section:Business; Page:B6 Fri, 23 Apr 2010 00:00:00 -0400 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article10.php#1371678753 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article10.php BY BILL WILSON The Wichita EagleRibbit Computers is coming to north of 21st and Maize Road, as owner Alex Harb's plan to saturate Wichita with his computer sales and service stores nears completion. But it's not the end of Ribbit's growth, Harb said, as he puts the finishing touches on a plan to bring his stores to smaller Kansas communities. Ribbit will become the final piece in an 8,960-square-foot retail center at 26th North and Maize Road, home to Five Guys Burgers and Fries, Cinnamon's Deli and the first Long John Silver's on an end-cap of a retail center, developers said. Construction has not begun yet. I've been looking for a while around that area, Harb said. I'd talked to several landlords and almost made a couple of deals, but I wasn't convinced 100 percent. I didn't have that 'feeling' about the locations I was looking at. After a month's vacation, Harb spotted the Five Guys center. It just hit me right then, he said. I choose my locations by following my feelings. If I have that 'feeling' then I know it will go well. The 2,500-square-foot Ribbit will have nine employees 6 PC technicians and three Apple technicians, the latter a growing segment of Ribbit's business. Apple has been rapidly improving its product, Harb said. Used to be the cheapest computer they made was 1,500 to 1,600, but today you can get an entry-level Apple laptop for 800. Landlord Central Park Place was represented in the lease deal by Brad Saville, president of Landmark Commercial Real Estate, and Christian Ablah of Classic Real Estate. Ribbit was represented by Bradley Tidemann of J.P. Weigand Sons. Saville said the strip mall, which opened on Feb. 15, has been a success thus far, with restaurants ahead of projections. The new store leaves Harb one short of his goal to saturate Wichita. I'm thinking that we'll look at the 47th and Broadway area, but before there we're going to start our Hutchinson project, he said. Harb has targeted several Kansas cities at or near 20,000 population, including Hutchinson, Salina, Garden City and Dodge City. We want to get in all of them because we'll be able to provide them something they're missing, he said. None of the bigger stores want to go there, but we will. We don't want to be Super Walmart. We just want to have our stores. Read more: Wed, 31 Mar 2010 00:00:00 -0400 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article11.php#1371678754 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article11.php WICHITA Theres a new tenant for the former space at 8512 W. Central, and it may be a surprise to some. , a Mongolian grill, will sublease the space. Its going to be right in the middle of everybody, franchisee Terry Newman says of all the neighborhoods in that area. Newman and his partner, Frank Carney, opened Wichitas first Genghis Grill at the former space at Douglas and Rock Road in January 2009. The east sides doing phenomenal, Newman says. It beat our expectations. The former Krispy Kreme space is about 4,000 square feet, which Newman says is a standard size for Genghis Grill. It doesnt faze him that Krispy Kreme didnt succeed at that spot. Thats kind of the least of my worries, if someone was successful there before us or not. Besides, he says, Were not doughnuts. Were a full-service restaurant. of handled the deal. Brad Saville was very key in making this work for us, Newman says. Krispy Kreme first went up for lease in May and then closed in August. Saville called Newman to let him know he had a west-side property that might interest him. Newman said, Thats kind of funny, because I was just sitting in the parking lot of your west location. The new restaurant should be ready within about four months. I wish it was tomorrow, Newman says. Newman and Carney also are partners in , and Newman believes its their solid reputation over many years that has also helped Genghis to succeed. Our repeat business is unbelievable, he says. In all my years of being in restaurants, this is just a tremendous opening. I dont expect anything any different out of the west side. Read more: Wed, 02 Dec 2009 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article12.php#1371678755 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article12.php The commercial real estate industry took a huge economic hit in Wichita in 2009 as deals dried up in a commercial credit crunch. The year ended with few or no commissions for even the citys biggest brokers as the market froze, paralyzed by the lack of available loan capital. Commercial credit was available in 2009 and will continue to be for projects that cash flow and have sufficient equity, said Brad Saville, president of Wichitas Landmark Commercial Real Estate. Savilles company did deals during the downturn, most notably a new 8,960-squarefoot retail center in front of Lowes on North Maize Road anchored by Long John Silvers, Five Guys Burgers and Cinnamons Deli. Opportunities in 2010 Downtown revitalization will move ahead dramatically in 2010, and city officials believe that local entrepreneurs will be the first to begin snapping up available commercial space downtown. Some national tenants are continuing expansion plans in the economic downturn, Saville said. Downtown developers are targeting well-capitalized local businesses as they search for the first new retailing near Intrust Bank Arena, which opens Jan. 9. In addition, properties in default and foreclosure will be good opportunities for investors sitting on the sidelines, Saville said. Challenges in 2010 Without a thaw in the commercial credit markets, projects will be reduced in 2010 to those funded by significant cash down payments, as much as 40 percent of property value. Bottom line Next year will be a slow one for commercial real estate, with projects likely limited to well-capitalized investors able to put significant money into new projects. Speculative deals will be few and far between. Bill Wilson Thu, 31 Dec 2009 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article13.php#1371678756 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article13.php An apartment community with a built-in theater, free WI-fi and that's just for starters. Inwood Crossings sits along K-96 between Woodlawn and backing from the City of Wichita. Council Member Lavonta Williams helped push it through,It's not just affordable it's an attractive housing option for families and individuals who are seeking a safe, clean and permanent place to call home. Calling this place home costs between 585 and 895 a month, depending on resident's income. The complex is only for households with 60% or less of the area's median income. For the Bynums, the true of the place is not only is it spacious but also very safe. There's even a police substation on site. It's good to have a good neighborhood and a good school for the kids to go to. We really enjoy it and the kids really love it here, said Brenda. Those looking for a place to live can stop by or call. There are still units available. Wed, 09 Dec 2009 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article14.php#1371678757 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article14.php BY RON SYLVESTER The Wichita Eagle A new community police office is just what the neighborhood near 13th and Oliver needs to continue its rebuilding process, said the Wichita City Council member who represents the area. Lavonta Williams said Monday that the new police office is the next step in helping enhance the safety of the neighborhood surrounding the refurbished Providence Square shopping center. Dreams have led to plans and plans led to progress, and progress leads to more progress, and eventually that leads to success, Williams said as the office was officially opened by the Wichita Police Department in a ceremony Monday afternoon. The office will serve as a work station for community police officer Dan Oblinger, as well as a center for special patrol teams dealing with drug offenses and gang violence, Capt. Jeff Easter said. Easter said a conference room will also give neighborhood groups a place to hold meetings. Williams said the new police office in the former KenMar shopping center represents a step toward making the area, which has sometimes been plagued by crime, safer. The officers will also serve as role models for the young people in our community, Williams said. Mayor Carl Brewer told residents from nearby neighborhood associations that the new office is a prime opportunity to grow your neighborhood. For more information about community policing services, residents may contact Oblinger via e-mail at doblinger@wichita.gov or by phone at 316-350-3400. Wed, 09 Dec 2009 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article15.php#1371678758 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article15.php Commercial projects might be drying up, but theyre not gone. Witness Mukesh Dharods Genesh Inc., which is busily growing the companys Burger King franchises across the Wichita metro area. The latest is coming in an abandoned Taco Bueno at 200 S. Rock Road. Absorbing vacated retail space for scrape-and-builds and to renovate is a growing trend in the restaurant business, said one of the brokers involved in the Burger King deal, Brad Saville of Landmark Commercial, representing Taco Bueno. People are definitely doing deals, said Phil Hammond, vice president for sales at Kansas City-based Land Source, representing Genesh. Were looking for diamonds in the rough, so people who own properties where the demographics are already there, the traffics already there are fine. Theyll move it right. Hence the companys interest in the Rock Road location, which is across the street from Towne East Square. The 2,550-square-foot building was built in 2006 and went on the market in May 2008. Dharods Genesh owns 44 Burger Kings, including 11 in Wichita a number thats growing with a new store opening on South Meridian, the Rock Road store and one going in at 71st and K-15 in Derby. The company also operates an Augusta store and properties in Great Bend, Newton, Hutchinson and El Dorado. Don Arnold of NAI John T. Arnold in Wichita is the local broker for Genesh. Theres a common theme in the Genesh projects: high-traffic locations. If you look at the areas that Mukesh is putting Burger Kings, those areas are developed, he said. They have the demographics, the traffic count, and youre not having to count on future development to be successful. Weve opened four units throughout Kansas and Missouri and (have) just blown away projections because the areas are already developed. The Rock property is being renovated by Genesh, but the other locations have been leveled and new stores are being built, Hammond said. Those kinds of projects are a growing trend, Saville said, an alternative to more costly locations like the corners of strip centers. By renovating former restaurant locations, the upfront construction cost is significantly less, he said. Fri, 04 Dec 2009 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article16.php#1371678759 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article16.php Coffee and sandwich sales werent enough to keep Caffe Posto open near Douglas and Oliver, but new owners are hoping wine and food will be a hit. Jimmys Egg franchisee Whitney VinZant and some undisclosed partners plan to open Mikes Wine Dive in the former Posto space by March1. Theyre also taking the Hair Connection space next door for a total of 2,650 square feet. That business, which is still open, is losing its space after 24 years. Im really sad to see Hair Connection go, says James Smits, who owns Aspen Boutique and bought the center three years ago with his wife, Monica. Theres a lot of people there (who have) become our friends Jimmys Egg franchisee Whitney VinZant and some undisclosed partners plan to open Mikes Wine Dive in the former Posto space by March1. Theyre also taking the Hair Connection space next door for a total of 2,650 square feet. That business, which is still open, is losing its space after 24 years. Im really sad to see Hair Connection go, says James Smits, who owns Aspen Boutique and bought the center three years ago with his wife, Monica. Theres a lot of people there (who have) become our friends through the years, Smits says. On the other hand, nobody would sign a lease, and I got tired of operating without a lease there. What it did is it left this opportunity open. No one with Hair Connection could be reached for comment. VinZant doesnt want to share too many details on Mikes Wine Dive yet, but he says think eclectic. Were seeing some very neat concepts in the major markets, he says. We thought wed do something creative of our own in Wichita. Brad Saville of Landmark Commercial Real Estate is handling the transaction. So who is Mike? Mikes an arbitrary figure, VinZant says. VinZant likes College Hill because its such a tight-knit area. We want to be that type of neighborhood restaurant. He likes the residential density in the area. Its terrific, he said. VinZant and the Smitses are still working out details, but James Smits is confident about the change. This brings a lot of excitement to the center that I think will really be invigorating, he says. The 1,300-square-foot Myoptix Fashion Eyewear space will soon be vacant, too. Its a good, attractive little space right between Pink Saloon and Aspen Boutique, Smits says. I see a lot of women walking between our spaces now, which is exactly what wed hoped for. Smits says things are looking good for the center. Other than looking a little empty during Christmas, I couldnt be happier. Tue, 17 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article17.php#1371678760 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article17.php WICHITA A and in front of near 29th and Maize. will open in 2,400 square feet next to Five Guys, which will anchor the south end of the strip center there. Long John Silvers anchors the north end. Central Park Place Retail is developing the 8,960-square-foot center. Brad Saville of and Christian Ablah of are principals in Central Park. Cook Construction is the builder. They broke ground on the project Wednesday. At a time that not many strip centers are under construction and many are sitting empty Ablah thinks the exciting tenants that we have with this kind of location is why he and Saville are able to proceed with theirs. The center is 81 percent leased. Theres 1,680 square feet left to lease, and Ablah and Saville are open to either a restaurant or retail. Look for the new restaurants to open in early 2010. Mon, 02 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article18.php#1371678761 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article18.php Stuckys collapse sends industrial agent to LandmarkWichita Business Journal - by CHRIS MOON / WBJLandmark Commercial Real Estate President Brad Saville, left, says his firm is thrilled to add an industrial division to its company through the addition of Ted Branson, a former agent with Coldwell Banker Commercial Stucky Associates. After a failed attempt to acquire the franchise in Wichita, local broker Ted Branson has left that company to sign on as an agent with . Landmark President Brad Saville says Branson brings needed experience as a broker of industrial property, something Landmark has lacked since it was founded in 1993. Branson says the move gets him into a better situation than the one that had been spiraling downhill for the past three months at Coldwell Banker. Its a solid company, Branson says. To me, its a hand-in-glove fit. His switch was made official Tuesday. The move marks another step in the disintegration of , which still holds the franchise rights to Coldwell Banker Commercial in Wichita. In one of the biggest shake-ups of the local real estate market in years, Frank Stucky this summer was stripped of his Coldwell Banker residential franchise and has been sued by the Parsippany, N.J.-based firm for delinquent franchise fees. Stucky has held onto the commercial franchise through the tumultuous time that followed. Nearly all of his residential agents have left for other firms, and his commercial brokers scattered as well. Branson, a commercial broker since 1977, says he tried to assume the last two years of Stuckys franchise agreement with Coldwell Banker Commercial but was turned down by Coldwell Banker. He says the firm is seeking an existing company to take over the brand, rather than a single broker with plans to build the company gradually over time, which Branson says he wanted to do. I wasnt in a position to take on 10 agents, he says. Branson says Coldwell Banker Commercial wont continue with its franchise in Wichita. David Siroty, a Coldwell Banker spokesman, says its commercial franchise remains active with Stucky Associates Realtors, but he declined to comment further, citing its litigation against Stucky. Frank Stucky didnt return a call seeking comment. Finding a BrandBranson had spent 24 years at his familys firm, , before leaving for Coldwell Banker Commercial for a change of pace following his fathers death in 2002. Branson says he was drawn to Coldwell Banker by its national presence and his ability to get access to more deals with buyers and sellers from outside the Wichita metro. He says he was in charge of efforts to build the franchise in Wichita. It grew to six agents in 2008, and Branson says his business was coming to a culmination when the Stucky companies fell apart. But already Branson had been talking to Saville about joining forces. The two say they talked on and off during the past two years about Landmark taking over the Coldwell Banker Commercial brand. Saville about a year ago made a trip to New Jersey to investigate the possibility. He decided against it, but says the decision wasnt financial. In consideration of Wichita and the brand identity Landmark already has and careful conversations with our agents, ... were not sure it was as much a benefit to us as it would be to them, Saville says. Branching OutInstead, Branson landed at Landmark, Wichitas third largest commercial brokerage for number of agents. The independent real estate brokerage has specialized over the years in office and retail leasing, along with development. Saville says the company typically has only a half dozen industrial listings at a given time. With all the industrial owners and manufacturers, thats a full-time discipline, he says. Branson says 60 to 70 percent of his portfolio of business is industrial and land projects. He says hell work to bring 40 to 50 listings to Landmark. He says he has no pending contracts with Stucky. Jerry Gray, vice president and general manager of s commercial division, says the move isnt that significant to the overall brokerage scene in Wichita. Teds been a respected competitor for a long time. Hes got a good block of business, Gray says. Moving from Coldwell Banker to Landmark, I dont think that changes anything. He says the move into the industrial sector should be a good one for Landmark. That has been one area where they havent been as active. It makes sense for Brad Saville to do that, Gray says. From our perspective, it didnt change the competitive landscape because Teds been in the business for a long time. Fri, 04 Sep 2009 00:00:00 -0400 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article19.php#1371678762 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article19.php WICHITA Sit @ Thai Bistro is getting ready to open. Great Wall is going to open its 11th location in the greater Wichita area, this time in 1,300 square feet by the at 21st and Amidon. represented the center and said there were numerous Asian restaurants that looked at the space. I thought it was interesting, she says. , Kelleys colleague at Landmark, represented Great Wall in the transaction. Kelley thinks the restaurant will do well. Theres a great lunch crowd in that area. Tue, 01 Sep 2009 00:00:00 -0400 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article20.php#1371678763 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article20.php BY BILL WILSON AND KAREN SHIDELER The Wichita Eagle A Wichita commercial real estate firm has jumped full tilt into a new niche: developing and brokering medical real estate. Brad Saville's Landmark Commercial Real Estate has opened the city's first medical division out of the brokerage office at 156 N. Emporia. The goal is a one-stop shop for medical office building development, leasing and investment -- everything from financing to site and contractor selection. Landmark agent Austin Kinzle coordinates the division. We kept hearing from doctors who wanted to expand their practice, Saville said. Maybe they owned a building and wanted to lease a building. Maybe they don't want to be in the real estate business. They're making too much money in health care. Sometimes they get into the real estate side with partners and find out ownership isn't all it's cracked up to be. But if they have an investor, it's 'Please buy our building, and we'll lease the building back.' So we kept running into more and more clients needing assistance -- a builder, an investor, someone to select a site for them. Saville, Kinzle and new agent Lewis Kelley, who brings experience in health care management, are staffing the division. Landmark spent about six months marketing the division to prospective clients. They've devoted a portion of the company Web site, , to medical properties. The centerpiece of those offerings this month is a sale/leaseback deal for the Abay Neuroscience Medical Plaza at 3223 N. Webb Road, listed for 9.74 million. The 29,807-square-foot building adjacent to the Kansas Spine Hospital has a variety of medical tenants. The medical real estate business is a growth industry in Wichita, said Roger Weast, president of J.P. Weigand Sons, Landmark's primary competition in the field. There's been a tremendous amount of medical growth over the past few years, Weast said. It may have tailed off a bit recently, but it's definitely been strong. There's hospitals growing and expanding, doctors moving around, all these surgery centers and specialized offices. Weast said his company hasn't discussed forming a separate medical division. We've got a lot of agents who specialize in different types of commercial sales, and a lot of them deal with medical, Weast said. Kelley said the migration of medical services into the suburbs is driving much of that local growth. Other doctors with their practices went to smaller satellite offices in different areas of town rather than coming downtown or (going to) a different group of 30 to 40 doctors, Kelley said. Now a lot of them are talking about it, breaking up and going into satellite offices. Medical real estate needs are different from some other commercial real estate needs, said representatives of the Wichita Clinic and the Medical Practice Association at the University of Kansas School of Medicine-Wichita. It's just designed differently, said Gary Bue, Wichita Clinic's director of clinical operations. The flow of patients and the services you're going to provide direct how it's going to be laid out. The Medical Practice Association earlier this year bought 105 acres on the northeast corner of K-96 and Greenwich for a health care and commercial development. The association worked with an agency to find the site and is working with an architectural firm on master planning of it. Lorene Valentine, executive director of the association, said the practice, which is independent of the medical school, looked at lots of built property but they were not to the configuration or the location or the size. Bue said the Wichita Clinic has worked with several agencies to find land for new locations but usually proceeds on its own once land is purchased. The services that Landmark's providing -- it looks fairly comprehensive, everything from just obtaining the land, design-build, that type of thing, he said. Picture Below: (L-R) Austin Kinzle, Lewis Kelley and Brad Saville stand in front of their 10 million medical listing, Abay Neurosurgery. Saville's Landmark Commercial Real Estate company is getting a medical division off the ground to broker and develop health care facilities for doctors and other groups. Wed, 17 Jun 2009 00:00:00 -0400 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article21.php#1371678764 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article21.php Despite the residential melt-down and tightening of credit requirements, commercial financing is still available. It's just a little harder to find. Now more than ever, obtaining a commercial loan is based on a borrower's relationship with the lender and the fundamentals of the deal. If the borrower has the relationship with the lender, the fundamentals of the loan proposal are sound and the borrower has the ability to carry the loan for a period of time if the project flounders, borrowers will find financing. It may take time to locate the right lender. For instance, some lenders might decline bidding on a loan opportunity if they feel their portfolio is not balanced with their preferred percentage of retail, office, multifamily or industrial loans. In a recent focus group meeting I attended, Jeff Ronen of Value Place Hotel Group said it is not uncommon to visit with 10 to 15 lenders before finding one who is looking for hotel loans in certain sub-markets. Also, in preparing to get a new commercial loan, allow additional time for underwriting, approvals and time to provide additional information to the lender. For large projects, it simply takes more time to get all of the parties on the team comfortable with the project. The lender is part of the team. Another key consideration in commercial real estate development is construction costs. For years we have heard about the increases in costs of building materials. However, with the recession and major changes in economic indicators, contractors and developers may find that certain materials' costs have not increased as suppliers and vendors bid jobs or materials more competitively. Another question developers must answer is timing. When is the right time to start a project? How much time does it take to get the project from the cocktail napkin to producing income? Do the market and demand support the project? If the financing and construction costs are in order, the final element is the tenants. In Wichita, there are a lot of national tenants waiting for the right time to enter the market or to add locations. Reasons for a delay include soft sales systemwide or adjustments to expansion plans. Other national tenants have decided to continue expansion and negotiate the best deal they can in this volatile time. The retail demand in Wichita has slowed over the past 12 months, and we see that trend continuing for at least another six months. There are some great projects that when completed will define new sub-markets in north Wichita and south Wichita when the anchor tenants are ready to come to the table. Developers will continue to work on land, entitlements and zoning on certain tracts to be ready to make deals and start construction when the time is right. In the meantime, well-located real estate will continue to thrive as the remaining tenants seek out the best locations available. Brad Saville is president of Landmark Commercial Real Estate. Mon, 08 Dec 2008 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article22.php#1371678765 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article22.php Unlike a lot of markets where new stores have been put on hold, Wichita now has another large national retail store. Lowe's at Central Park Place on Maize Roadhad a soft opening this weekend (the grand opening is Friday), and there are other retailers on the way. The good news is... this was a site that Lowe's decided to open, says developer Brad Saville of Landmark Commercial Real Estate. They had stores on their list that they decided not to open. Saville and Christian Ablah of Classic Real Estate own Eastside Investments, which is developing the 26-acre Central Park Placeacross from SuperTarget at NewMarket Square. They're in negotiations with several other businesses that could locate at the center next year. The thing about commercial real estate in Wichita is, even in these economic times... there's still plenty of interest for good locations, Saville says. We're very proud of this location and think we've got a good piece of real estate. There will be a 10,000-square-foot center in front of Lowe's where we've got just all kinds of interest, Saville says. He's talking with several restaurants -- there's probably room for two -- and a couple of service businesses and a retail shop. Across Central Park Avenue, which divides the property, there will be about four buildings along Maize Roadwith more restaurants, retail and possibly a freestanding bank. In the back of the lot, adjacent to Lowe's, there's room for several smaller retailers or one large one. Saville says he's talking with one large retailer who might want all the space. They're going to look after the first of the year, he says. Most of the businesses Saville is working with are national retailers or restaurants. We're going to be in a good position to work with the prospects out there, he says. Mon, 24 Nov 2008 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article23.php#1371678766 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article23.php The national economic slowdown has had its affects among local retail developers, even as the Wichita economy remains strong. Developers say they've noticed prospects putting the brakes on their expansion plans, making signed leases and forward-moving projects more difficult. You have to divide it into two categories, says 's Gary Oborny, who is working on several retail projects in the metro. The bigger box stores, they've slowed down quite a bit. The smaller niche (stores), they're cautious, but still evaluating. It has made developers slow down on their own plans. Occidental recently began construction on a retail center near its Northrock office complex at 32nd and Rock Road. The center was about 65 percent leased when construction began. Several years ago, Oborny says, the company would have started work when the project was 35 to 40 percent leased. Under these conditions, we're more apt to pull the trigger at 50-60 percent. We, too, have become a little more cautious, he says. Tough Times Slow sales nationally have caused some retailers to pull back on their expansion plans and even close stores. is one example. and have announced fewer store openings. Other companies are seeing tougher financial times, leaving expectations among developers low. Chico's, a high-end clothing chain based in Florida, as of last week had seen its stock plummet 70 percent during the past year. , another high-end retailer, has seen its stock drop 67 percent. Both companies have stores in Wichita, making them potential targets for other developers here. Things have absolutely changed in the last couple years, says ' Mark McPherson, which is developing the Derby Marketplace project, featuring Dillons and stores. There is a lot of caution out there, more on the larger guys than the smaller guys -- and with the free-standing restaurants. Building on speculation is a thing of the past, developers say. And retailers who are out shopping for sites are expecting more, says 's Brad Saville. They're getting to the point that while there's so many developers wanting deals, they're asking for more incentives -- cheaper or free dirt. They're looking for special deals, because that's what's being thrown at them, he says. But as construction prices keep climbing, developers are less able to make those projects work, he says. The retail tenants, they don't really get it. Their sales are steady. They want the same rent, but the costs are up to build it. You really have to sharpen your pencil on this stuff, he says. Election Time Developers also say credit has continued to tighten. Banks in the area, which largely have avoided the loan losses seen in other markets, have reported heightened scrutiny of their commercial loan portfolios by federal regulators. Developers say that has caused banks to toughen their underwriting standards. And Oborny says some national retailers have said the November presidential election contributes to their caution. But he questions that logic. Certainly for the banking and energy sectors a new administration could bring major changes. But not necessarily retail development. I don't know if that's always the case, whether these business people will lock into that, Oborny says. I think you factor it in, but you always have to ask what impact is that in the decision process? I think it's a small percentage, at least in our industry. Thu, 06 Nov 2008 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article24.php#1371678767 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article24.php Jimmy's Egg franchisee Whitney VinZant and a group of partners have major expansion plans for the greater Wichita market. They've already announced their first location, which is at 21st and Rock. Next up is Central and Tyler in the former Godfather's Pizza space. It's a great entry point into the west side of Wichita, VinZant says. The location is optimal for a Jimmy's Egg. He thinks the entire market is optimal. Within the restaurant industry, breakfast is an underserved sector, VinZant says. Breakfast options are just terribly few. VinZant plans a total of about five Jimmy's Eggs by 2010. That likely will include sites in Andover and Derby. Don Piros of Landmark Commercial Real Estate handled the lease at Central and Tyler and is helping VinZant find other locations. Ink Construction is extensively remodeling the Godfather's space and will help with future construction as well. Ink owner Wink Hartman Sr. is one of the Jimmy's partners. So is Morrie Sheets, who is the real estate contact for the local franchises. The Rock Road Jimmy's opens Nov. 17. The Central and Tyler space should be ready in March. We're very excited, VinZant says. Look for an announcement about a third site within weeks. Mon, 03 Nov 2008 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article25.php#1371678768 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article25.php For the first time in its 25-year history, Kobe Steak House of Japan is getting a second Wichita location. The restaurant is taking the former Tokyo Steakhouse space in North Maize Place on Maize Road just north of 21st Street. We've always wanted to go out there and never found the right opportunity, says Jim Hamlin, who is partners with Jim West in Kobe Management Inc. We feel like there's been some exciting growth both in retail and in population on the west side, West says. The restaurant, which will be open by December, will seat 90 at its teppanyaki tables and another 40 or so in its lounge. That's slightly smaller than the Kobe at Carriage Parkway. Brad Saville and Nick Esterline of Landmark Commercial Real Estate Inc. handled the transaction. We will be bringing the same cuisine and things we've done for years, Hamlin says. Kobe has become a tradition in Wichita, West says. We're serving a third generation of customers. West and Hamlin have owned the restaurant for six years and also have Kobe Steak Houses in St. Louis and Omaha. They're looking for a new east-side location, too. We'd like to move our restaurant farther east, Hamlin says of the Carriage Parkway Kobe. They'd prefer the Rock Road or Webb Road areas, and they'd like the chance to build their own building. Over at North Maize Place, part of the appeal is that they wouldn't have to do much remodeling for their new space, which is part of what makes the move easier in tough financial times. If we were starting a new concept in a new area, it might be scary, Hamlin says. But he says there's great opportunity on the west side. It doesn't seem out of line to us at all. A trip to the Gym As Have You Heard? hinted last week, Bradley Fair's newest tenant is going to be Gymboree. The San Francisco-based chain, which has 600 stores in the United States and Canada, sells children's clothing and accessories from newborn to age 12. Gymboree is leaving its space in Towne East Square to move into 2,500 square feet of former Restoration Hardware space at Bradley Fair. That still leaves 6,000 square feet of former Restoration space for what likely will be a single tenant. The new store will open Oct. 23, which coincides with the 18th anniversary of Bradley Fair. Hello? Hello, hello? It's been one year almost to the day since Kelly Donham last talked with us regarding his plans to convert the former Caldwell-Murdock Building at 111 E. Douglas into a hotel. Like last year, people continue to ask questions. That's because Donham got as far as knocking structures down and putting a big hole in the ground, but not much further. At the time he said the project was still going to happen, but he didn't know when. Now? Donham won't say. When we called to ask what's happening, he hung up. You don't say We're maybe back to a 301(k) today. _ Mark Ralston of AGH Wealth Advisors, who has joked about 401(k)s turning into 201(k)s during the recent financial crisis but felt a bit more optimistic after Monday's jump in the market Wed, 15 Oct 2008 00:00:00 -0400 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article26.php#1371678769 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article26.php Friday, October 3, 2008 Wichita Business Journal - by Four patrons gathered Monday at Senor Tequila Mexican Grill for a late-afternoon lunch. Dozens of tables remained open, but the scene didnt bother co-owner Cesar Ayala. ayala, who opened the restaurant on Sept. 1, is taking his time with the new location near the intersection of Broadway and Pawnee. According to Ayala, the sign in front of the building in the Pawnee Place strip center is not right. The menu isnt quite what he wants, either. So even though the dine-in/carry-out restaurant has been open for a month, Ayala has yet to hold the grand opening. He wants things to be perfect. Its a good opportunity, he says. The location seems right, he says, a few hundred yards in front of the Wal-mart at 2750 S. Broadway, sharing Pawnee Place with national establishments like Game Stop, HR Block and Payless shoe source. But so far, restaurants, most recently China Buffet, have failed in the space. The landlord was very thorough, says Landmark Real Estates Scott Harper, who handled the property. He wasnt just going to let anyone come in there and throw up a sign and give it a try. A DIFFERENT FLAVORAyala learned the restaurant business from his uncle. Now, at 27, hes a co-owner of seven restaurants with an eighth on the way. Ayala says he and the group of Senor Tequila owners, one of whom is his father, Jose, ran as many as 13 restaurants at one time across the Midwest. They have since sold several locations. They opened their first Senor Tequila in Kansas seven years ago in Salina. Restaurants in Hutchinson, Lyons and now in Wichita have popped up. The group still owns two locations outside Kansas, as well. Ayala says Senor Tequila tries to be different, which has been a mindset that has worked at its past locations. He says the specialty is steak and fajitas. The restaurant includes a full bar in the 4,500-square-foot facility, and the decor is authentic, yet subtle. Ayala says he wanted to stay away from bright colors, which are traditional to Mexican restaurants. In two to three years, those will pass the style, he says. Mine is different. Its classier... Theres more calm colors. The chairs, the tables, everything matches. FINDING A NICHECathy Chase, owner of Lil Mexico Restaurant at 1601 E. Pawnee St., a few blocks east of Senor Tequila, is not concerned about another Mexican restaurant entering the south side. At least nine Mexican restaurants are in the area from Harry Street south to Pawnee, and Seneca east to I-135, including Lil Mexico. Its not changing anything (for us), Chase says. Senor TequilaAddress: 2570 S. Broadway St. Phone: 263-3888 Opened: Sept. 1. Operating Owner: Cesar Ayala. Mon, 06 Oct 2008 00:00:00 -0400 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article27.php#1371678770 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article27.php Big Lots is getting a new lot in Wichita. The company is opening an approximately 24,000-square-foot store at Central and Tyler where Fadler's Market used to be and Osco Drug before that. I'm really expecting great things, says Rob Claxton, senior vice president for marketing. There will still be three Big Lots stores in the Wichita area because the Big Lots at 21st and Amidon is closing. The new location will give Big Lots more exposure and visibility and get them closer to their customers, says Brad Saville with Landmark Commercial Real Estate Inc., whohandled the deal. The new store, which will employ about 30 people, will probably open in October. However, you never know when it comes to building, Claxton says. If it goes much beyond that, it wouldn't actually open until January or February, so keep your fingers crossed. Saville knows something about things taking longer than expected. We started working on this deal in 2004, believe it or not, he says. At that time we were talking about expanding the building to 30,000 square feet, Saville says. Unfortunately, Fadler Market leased the building for approximately three years. Since then, Saville says, The prototype store for Big Lots was downsized slightly so this time around the building was a good fit. Tasty addition Fans of Il Vicino in College Hill will be pleased to know the restaurant's owners are looking for a second location, this time in northeast Wichita. Owners Paul Hoover, Dave Murfin and their New Mexico partners aren't talking just yet, but it looks as if they're seriously eyeing the 13th and Webb and 21st and Greenwich areas. And that's not all. It sounds as if they have a new concept they'd like to try on the east side, too. Look for a decision on at least one of the new locations in a few weeks. Sleepy time The Sleep Medicine Center of Kansas is expanding. The center, which has two Wichita locations, is adding another sleep clinic and lab at the Kansas Heart Office Plaza on East 35th Street North by the Kansas Heart Hospital on North Webb Road. The center also has a location in Newton and in Pratt. Part of it's geography, says physician and center director Tom Bloxham. We wanted to be a little farther east, for one thing. The center has a lot of patients in Andover, Augusta and El Dorado. But the biggest part is just locating close to lots of people with cardiac problems, Bloxham says. There's just a huge amount of overlap between sleep apnea and cardiac problems. The new sleep clinic and office will open Sept. 1. The accompanying sleep laboratory will take longer to build because of all the technology that goes into it. We'll plan to expand and build the lab part within the next year, Bloxham says. Nutty idea Siena Plaza at 37th and Rock Road already has a sweet deal with Cocoa Dolce Artisan Chocolates. Now, it's going nuts for a new business called Sweet Nut-things, a gift shop that will feature about 80 varieties of nuts and 40 types of candy. In addition, the shop will feature local art and other items. Just lots of fun things, says Angie Hall, who is opening the business next month with Shelley Riggins. Hall has been in administrative accounting for 17 years. Riggins is a cosmetologist at Sola Salon Studios at Siena Plaza. Our great hopes are that this takes off, and I can wind down on hair, Riggins says. Hall says the two are trying to create somewhere where you walk into... and it feels good. She says she's always wanted to have her own business. It's pretty scary, but very exciting, Hall says. Siena Plaza developer Chuck Caro is happy to have another tasty business leasing space at the almost 3-year-old center. It was a goal that I was hoping to achieve, having that type of little niche, he says. It's creating more of the walk-in traffic... for the center, Caro says. This is starting to pan out pretty good. Still waiting Amici still hasn't reopened at Siena Plaza since a June fire caused 300,000 in damage. They're starting construction in about 30 days, Caro says. Caro says the owners will be restructuring a few things on the inside and building a courtyard on the west side of the building. It can't happen too soon, he says. It's a sad deal, he says. I get calls weekly: 'When's Amici's going to open?' You don't say Who would have thought this many people would have spent 75 to come see Dawson Grimsley when they could have stayed home and watched him for free? --Rene Steven of Spangles, who emceed the roast for DawsonGrimsley on Tuesday, which drew more than 400 people to the Broadview Hotel Wed, 30 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0400 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article28.php#1371678771 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article28.php The Wichita Eagle The Wichita Country Club has entered its next-to-last phase of renovation, which started with a more than 12 million master plan in 2006. It's pretty cool from our standpoint, chief executive and golf pro Cary Cozby says of the changes, which are leading to growth. Since renovation began, 90 people with an average age of about 43 have joined the club. While we're building everything for every demographic, the future of the club is (with) younger families, Cozby says. Renovation at the main club is mostly complete. This phase, for which the club recently took out a 2 million building permit, is to build a new fitness center and Club 4 Kidz. The center will be 3,700 square feet, not including a couple of massage rooms, new locker rooms and two studios for yoga, Pilates and aerobics. Cozby says it's a pretty good-sized deal, especially for a country club fitness center. The children's area will be upgraded as well and will be open most of the time the club is. Parents can drop off their kids for more structured activities than have been offered in the past. Cozby says country clubs aren't only competing against each other anymore. There's so much more competition for a family's time, he says. You've got to offer so much more. The final renovation, which will overhaul the pool area, won't happen until 2010. It originally was scheduled for next year, but Cozby says there were some extra expenses during other phases of renovation just to make sure the finish level is what we thought it should be. South of the border South-siders sometimes complain that all the new restaurant news is on the east and west sides of town. Well, here's one for them: A Mexican restaurant called Senor Tequila is going to open in 4,500 square feet in front of Wal-Mart at 2570 S. Broadway. Cesar Ayala, who is a partner in other Mexican restaurants in Salina and Hutchinson, is opening Senor Tequila. This is our first one, he says. The restaurant, which is not affiliated with the Senor Tequila chain of restaurants in other states, will have a full bar and should be open by September. Scott Harper with Landmark Commercial Real Estate Inc. handled the deal. Perfect solution Perfection Structural Components LLC, which is owned by Star Lumber and Dan Zimmerman, has purchased a few more acres for a total of more than 20 acres at Santa Fe Orient Industrial Park. The new acreage, which is a couple of blocks east of Meridian on Harry, will now connect the company's property to Harry, which, of course, is an arterial, says Star's Chris Goebel. Previously, trucks entered at 1732 S. St. Clair St. Perfection makes roof and floor trusses and wall panels for residential and commercial projects. Goebel says the new space also gives us some expansion room and some breathing room. Gary Snyder and David Leyh with Landmark Commercial Real Estate Inc. handled the deal. Park owner Phil Ruffin still has about 15 acres available at the park, which he has owned for more than 20 years. Over at Star Lumber's new store space at K-96 and Greenwich, Goebel says sales have doubled over what they were at Central and Woodlawn. Part of that is thanks to K-96 access, he says, and part of that is because of store improvements the company made. We're pretty happy, Goebel says. You don't say I wondered, 'Where are all the cars?' I expected there to be long lines. --Wichita resident Angela Addario's reaction when she passed the Phillips 66 at 3805 W. 21st, which has a digital reading that shows unleaded gas is free (there's a problem that's causing the station to temporarily be out of unleaded, and the owner can't switch off the reading) Sun, 13 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0400 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article29.php#1371678772 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article29.php Twin Lakes owners are talking to big tenantsBrad Barber and his father, David, have been silent partners in the renovation of Twin LakesShopping Center but have now taken over management of the project. It was in quite a bit of a mess, says Colorado-based Brad Barber, who owns TWD Properties with his father. I had to make a lot of phone calls and calm some people down, Barber says. We had to do a few months of damage control. That was after a couple-month halt to renovations over the winter. The whole deal basically had to be restructured, Barber says. That included restructuring the financing and management. There were, like, six or seven people you had to go through to get anything done, Barber says. He's trying to create a friendly environment for tenants. The biggest problem with this is, people for years were telling tenants the things they were going to do, Barber says. They just act like most landlords do, and that's take every penny out of it they can and run. Barber says he's talking to three or four potential major tenants for the 340,000-square-foot property. Don Piros with Landmark Commercial Real Estate Inc. is helping lease the space. About 1 million of the almost 2 million in renovations is complete. It's just really now taking shape, Barber says. I'm almost shaking I'm so excited about this property. Attention-getter It looks like there may be a sales contract pending on the property across from Twin Lakes where Big Lots is. No one with the center is talking, but Barber has heard about the sale, too. He says he would have been interested in the space if he didn't already have so much going on. If there is a sale along with some new tenants -- namely an occupant for the former Food-4-Less space -- it could be big news for that area. That intersection is going to catch a lot of attention shortly, Barber says. Big plans The owners of the new Amici Italian restaurant in Siena Plaza at 37th and Rock Road already have expansion plans -- and big ones at that. My idea was to expand this and expand very quickly, says co-owner Ryan Watenpaugh. I like money. He won't discuss immediate plans, but it looks like Andover (near the new library) and west Wichita are first on his list. We put together a very solid system for this, Watenpaugh says. His eventual goal is for something like 300 or 400 Amici restaurants nationally. I want to take on Outback, Watenpaugh says. He says restaurants are too corporatized these days. I believe that things can be done just a little bit better without compromising, he says. All it takes is a little bit of intelligence and some caring and heart. You don't say You know, whenever there's bad weather, I'm here. My poor dear wife and kids are the ones who have to deal with that. --Dave Freeman, the KSN, Channel 3, chief meteorologist, on the fact that he doesn't have a basement Tue, 13 May 2008 00:00:00 -0400 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article30.php#1371678773 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article30.php Lowe's to build near 29th and MaizeBY BILL WILSONThe Wichita Eagle Work will begin soon on the newest Wichita Lowe's, a centerpiece of the commercial development near 29th North and Maize Road. Lowe's officials confirmed plans Friday for a 148,000-square-foot store, four days before the Wichita City Council will consider three projects to blend in the development with an adjacent wetlands area. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers approved a plan late last month to develop the land, which will eliminate some federally protected wetlands in the body of Cadillac Lake. The new Lowe's, to open in the fall, will include 117,000 square feet of retail space, said company spokeswoman Maureen Rich. It will serve as the anchor for more than 321,000 square feet of retail and restaurant development on the east side of Maize Road. The new Lowe's will have 31,000 square feet of garden space and will create 175 jobs, most of them full time. The store will become the 11th Lowe's in Kansas. It becomes the fourth Wichita-area location, joining stores at 333 S. Ridge Road, 11959 E. Kellogg and 424 W. Patriot in Derby. The Corps action also clears the way for a 10-acre expansion on the north end of NewMarket Square, with an estimated additional investment of 18 million to 20 million, according to city officials. Tim Austin, one of Lowe's project developers, could not be reached for comment Friday. New Market developers also couldn't be reached late Friday. On Tuesday, council members will consider the dedication of 54 nearby acres for construction of wetland migration and storm water detention. Also before the council is a conservation easement to build additional wetlands on the Cowskin Creek Water Quality Reclamation Facility property. The council also is being asked to approve a project to construct an additional 20 acres of wetlands at the reclamation facility, using 300,000 donated by East Side Investments and NewMarket V. The city agreed to participate in the development in March 2007. Tue, 06 May 2008 00:00:00 -0400 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article31.php#1371678774 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article31.php Lexington Square sat empty more than six months after it was built. Co-developer Mike Hampton says businesses were reluctant to be the first to go into the empty four-front shopping center just south of the busy intersection of Maple and Maize Road. But once he opened in January, two more tenants were quick to move forward with leasing space. Now, and are headed for April openings. A Mexican restaurant could eventually call the last space home, too. Hampton says he is in talks with a restaurant operator, whom he declined to name, about locating there. Work on the interior of the sites is ongoing. It's done its job of helping to fill the center, Hampton says of the more than 3,000-square-foot liquor store that features 55-degree wine and beer caves. Rolling Hills is the first liquor store in the area to feature a wine cave, which ensures the product is shipped and stored at the same temperature, Hampton says. Having Kline Meats as a neighbor, he says, is a good fit for the Rolling Hills liquor store because of the one-stop convenience it could provide for customers. We're (the businesses) going to feed off each other, he says. Located at 375 S. Maize Road, Hampton says Lexington Square benefits from being near a busy intersection and looks forward to it being filled. Other developments around the area, such as the Lillie Medical Park farther south on Maize will help the center too. We're excited, Hampton says. Lexington Square is Hampton's first development in Wichita, but the president of -- a Valley Center-based company -- also dabbles in property management for various businesses. George Shammas is the shopping center's other developer. Hampton says development is a hobby that he is using to build a portfolio. Aztec is doing the work on the remaining three spaces in Lexington Square. Real Estate is handling the leasing. Reviving 'A Wichita Tradition' Scott Kline is no stranger to the meats business. A third-generation butcher, Kline has been in the business for more than 20 years, working for several different entities along the way. But now he is starting his own business. Bringing back a Wichita tradition, Kline says. He plans to open the 2,600-square-foot Kline's Meats in Lexington Square in early April. The business, which Kline describes as a neighborhood butcher shop, will feature a variety of meats and cuts ranging from prime beef to sausages. He says he will use high-quality Nature Source Angus beef in the store as well as pork from Yoder Meats in Yoder. You're going to get the best of both worlds, he says. In addition, Kline will sell a variety of smoked meats, lunch meats, cheeses and sausages -- using his own recipe. He says he is going to try to have a little bit of everything on hand. The main goal, Kline says, is to provide good, old-fashioned service and quality at his business. Kline's Meats will be open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and will employ four or five people. Kline says he could eventually employ between 10 and 15. Like Hampton, Kline says the business is in a favorable location with the Maize Road traffic, and being next door to a liquor store is a natural fit. He signed a lease on the site in January, but worked on his business plan for nearly two years. Starting a business wasn't without its challenges. But it's starting to really roll right now, Kline says. The Avon business is slated for 1,100-square-foot space next door to Kline's Meats. The owner declined to comment. Better Approach With shopping centers such as Lexington Square popping up all over town, some landlords struggle to attract tenants. But Don Piros, a realtor with Landmark Commercial, says the approach to filling these shopping centers is getting better. More and more sites are pre-leasing spaces before construction starts, he says. The ability to attract business to shopping centers, Piros says, depends on traffic flow and location. I think every sector is different, he says. With Lexington Square perched along Maize Road not far from Kellogg, Piros says the shopping center is in a good location. And with Lillie Medical Park poised to employ more than 300 people just south of the site -- and the increase in traffic that could accompany it -- he says the need for retail and restaurant spaces in that area is clear. Lexington SquareAddress: 375 S. Maize Road. Owner: Lexington Square LLC. Size: 10,570 square feet in one, four-front building. Anchor: Rolling Hills Wine Spirits. jheck@bizjournals.com | 266-6172 Fri, 21 Mar 2008 00:00:00 -0400 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article32.php#1371678775 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article32.php A group of investors led by Brad Saville will convert a former eatery at 21st Street North and Maize Road into a two-tenant retail center. will be the first to occupy the former site. The company will put a retail store in 3,500 square feet of the building. Another 2,500 square feet will be available for lease. ATT declined to discuss the specifics of its plans. But, said spokesman Don Brown, ATT is always looking for ways to offer more convenience to our customers. We have a definite interest in pursuing a retail outlet at that location. Taco Bueno's presence was short-lived, opening in November 2006 and closing seven months later. Saville remained unruffled about its rapid failure -- No sales at this particular location, he joked. But he says a group of investors that owns the property -- called North Maize Place -- plan to use the space for the second phase of its project there, which is equal parts redevelopment and new construction. Our goal all along is to make this one cohesive development, says Saville, president of Bowling Alley Blowout Already, developers lured Office Max and to the 10-acre site. The Taco Bueno project will create about 6,000 square feet of retail space. is doing the work, which was valued at 450,000. And later this year, the former Countryside West bowling alley will be converted to retail following a major demolition and expansion job. The front half of the 35,000-square-foot structure will be torn down to create better visibility for Office Max, which sits on its north side. The bowling alley then will be expanded to the south at a cost of 1.5 million. A brick plaza will be constructed nearby, and the end-cap space has been slotted for a restaurant. Saville says developers have been in talks with two retailers and three restaurants about the bowling alley project. We're trying to see what needs to be done to make it happen, he says. All the buildings will have some of the same architectural features, designed by Towers will be added to the former Taco Bueno building. Competition The project adds to the retail at 21st and Maize, where the monolithic NewMarket Square dominates the scene on the west side of the street. I think it's going to bring more traffic to the area, which is a good thing. Will it change NewMarket Square? I don't think so, says April Reed, of NewMarket owner She says NewMarket commands heavy traffic thanks to its and stores. Lease rates range from 20 to 23 per square foot. We are what we are. We can command the type of rents we are asking, Reed says. Saville says space in North Maize Place leases from 18 to 28 per square foot. Meanwhile, ATT's presence will add to the already heavy saturation of cell phone dealers near 21st and Maize. Within view are , , and stores. ATT wouldn't comment about the fate of its current store a mile to the east at 21st and Tyler. It's definitely an opportunity for customers to shop a little, says Holly Kalinowski, manager of the T-Mobile store at 2441 N. Maize. They just drive through the strip. Fri, 21 Mar 2008 00:00:00 -0400 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article33.php#1371678776 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article33.php Wichita Business Journal - by president Paul Jackson, will be taking off. We're definitely pleased with the progress on Kellogg, Andover mayor Ben Lawrence says. We fully intended on that being a regional shopping attraction in our long-range plans, and it's developing just as we'd hoped. Marketplace will feature the largest branch in the Greater Wichita YMCA system, a 115,000-square-foot facility that will have an outdoor water park and is on schedule to be open this time next year. will open a 122,000-square-foot store there this fall. Big Plans Jackson just announced plans for The Shops at MarketPlace, a 15,500-square-foot retail shopping center on the west end of the development with six to 10 tenants. He plans on the announcement of at least one big-box retail store there soon. I think with Augusta, Rose Hill, Towanda -- maybe even clear out to Leon -- you've got a population that this can draw from, Jackson says. It's very convenient for those folks. That's what we're trying to capture. The Shops at Marketplace will face Andover Road. is designing that project, which will be tenant-customized for space configurations. No tenants have yet been announced. Local and National Mix The idea really is to bring in local retailers and smaller retailers to mix in with the nationals that we have, Jackson says. It gives us some nice flexibility. Dennis Schoenebeck, CEO of the , says the Andover facility will have a similar look to the Northwest Y, which is Wichita's largest at 102,000 square feet. But the Andover branch will have a learning facility. The two have the same architect, , PA, and contractor, Coonrod and Associates Construction Company. It's going to be a great addition to the area, and very visible from (Highway 54), Schoenebeck says. It's definitely a destination Y that's going to pull people from a distance. I wish it was done today. Schoenebeck predicts Marketplace will create a new hub of activity for not only Andover, but the region. I live northwest, close to NewMarket Square, Schoenebeck says. I've seen what that has done to the west side. It really has changed the center of gravity there. I'm wondering if the same thing isn't going to happen with this. Jackson says he's not sure there's a comparison. NewMarket Square's such a behemoth out there, he says. Andover's a smaller community. I don't have delusions that this is going to be NewMarket Square. I do think it sets some services out in Andover that they need on a scale that they can support. But we're not trying to develop a lifestyle center. Also included in Marketplace will be Prairie Creek Elementary School, a 64,000 square foot facility with 31 classrooms scheduled to open this fall, and a 30-acre residential housing area. Lawrence, for one, would like to see at least one sit-down restaurant in MarketPlace. I don't think it's going to change Andover, the mayor said. I think it's going to greatly enhance the quality of life and amenities that we're trying to provide for our residents that are here, and those that are to come. Fri, 22 Feb 2008 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article34.php#1371678777 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article34.php BY BILL WILSON The Wichita Eagle A three-state tire store chain is expanding to Andover, the first of four new Wichita-area stores planned over the next five years. Kansasland Tire is the second retailer to join Vantage Point Properties' MarketPlace at Kellogg and Andover Road. Kansasland is the largest Goodyear dealer in Kansas, with four stores here and 30 statewide. The company also operates Nebraskaland and Missouriland locations. It's not so much about what's going on in the market, said Nick Phillippi, Kansasland's general manager and chief operating officer. What we see in the Wichita area is (there is) not a dominant player in our business. We feel like if we can get to eight stores, internally it will make better sense for us to advertise for eight stores and use the volume power that generates. It'll allow us to market that there's nowhere in the area you'll be more than 15 minutes from a Kansasland. Construction on the 7,000-square-foot facility, located on the west edge of MarketPlace on Andover Road, should begin in April, with a summer opening. Kansasland offers full-service automotive repairs in addition to tires. Kansasland is redesigning its chain of stores, using the Andover store as its prototype. The store's new customer waiting area is segmented, including a play area for children and work stations with wireless Internet. As the expansion develops, Phillippi said the company wants to add a motorist-assist vehicle roaming Wichita. But to finance those kinds of things, you've got to have enough market volume, he said. Right now, we're not in the place in Wichita we feel like the market leader needs to be. Brad Saville of Landmark Commercial Real Estate, who brokered the land deal, said market surveys show tire service and automotive repair is a need in Andover. We're looking to attract retail users to the project that can support a wide range of services, said developer Paul Jackson of Vantage Point Properties. We've heard the need for this kind of use frequently as we've planned MarketPlace. They're a good operator providing a service the community needs. It's a good catch for us. Other tenants at MarketPlace, a 140-acre mixed-use project at Kellogg and Andover Road, include a Dillons Marketplace that is under construction and a 50,000- square-foot YMCA. In addition, Andover's new Prairie Creek Elementary School is being built in the project. Vantage Point has been developing, managing and leasing properties for 14 years, developing more than a million square feet of commercial real estate in the Wichita area. Thu, 28 Feb 2008 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article35.php#1371678778 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article35.php By Bill Wilson The Wichita Eagle The Ryan's Grill, Buffet and Bakery on West Kellogg has been sold to local developers who plan to build a hotel on the site. The sale price was 1.1 million, according to the sale's broker, Brad Saville, president of Landmark Commercial Real Estate. Saville wouldn't immediately identify the developers. Landmark marketed the property for the past year, Saville said. Ryan's parent company, Minnesota-based Buffets Holdings Inc., said the national economic slowdown forced it into bankruptcy Jan. 22, when it filed for Chapter 11 reorganization. The company also owns a Ryan's on North Rock Road and Hometown Buffet on West Central. Company spokeswoman Victoria Weld said the chain is closing 50 poor performing locations as part of the reorganization. She wouldn't say if any Wichita restaurants are on that list. However, officials at the North Ryan's on Rock Road said Friday afternoon that their restaurant is meeting sales goals. A Hometown manager said she was unaware of any changes. Buffets Holdings isn't the only casual-dining restaurant chain worried about performance, said Jon Rolph, executive vice president of Wichita's Sasnak Management, which operates Carlos O'Kelly's and Applebee's restaurants. We're all in the same boat, he said. All the research across the industry shows that pretty clearly. Studies show that casual restaurant traffic is down 3.1 percent since the economic downturn began last summer. About 2 percent of the traffic is trading down to fast food, Rolph said. Don Sayler, president of the Kansas Restaurant and Hospitality Association, said Rolph is right. It's not a lot, but people aren't eating out quite as often or as much, Sayler said. Plus, with the rising cost of food, Sayler said buffets face the biggest challenges in the casual dining industry. He called them a tough business model to succeed with in tight economic times. Rolph said his company plans to attack the downturn aggressively. We've been on the road for the last three days, and the message we're giving our managers is that this is a down cycle, he said. We're well positioned for that. We have a great staff, and we're good operators. I think that what you're seeing with Buffets is that the companies positioned for growth are the ones that are going to survive. We'll come out of this and grow. Sat, 23 Feb 2008 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article36.php#1371678779 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article36.php BY BILL WILSONThe Wichita EagleGoodwill Industries Easter Seals officials closed Monday on a two-acre tract in Derby for a 15,000-square-foot retail store and training center. The store, opening in about a year in the Hilltop Plaza Addition at Rock Road and Windmill Road, will offer donated goods on the retail floor, which will double as a vocational training area for people with disabilities and employment barriers. Emily Compton, Goodwill's president and chief executive, said demographics brought the group to Derby. She said that while retail possibilities drove the decision, the move also brings Goodwill closer to some of Sedgwick County's 800 people looking for employment services. It's a vibrant community, she said. We're excited about the possibilities of moving to Derby. The new building, Goodwill's 13th store in the area, will include about 8,000 to 10,000 square feet of retail space, with 5,000 square feet for offices and donation processing. When open, the center will employ between 20 and 25 people, both full- and part-time, with preference given to people with disabilities and employment barriers, Compton said. Co-tenants include Wendy's, Applebee's and Tokyo Steakhouse. The site selection and sale was handled by Brad Saville of Landmark Commercial Real Estate in Wichita. It's a great fit for our city, Derby City Manager Kathy Sexton said. It's a great location because we've got a population here that will really benefit from their services. Sexton said the Goodwill facility will fit in nicely with the public transportation system started last year, the Derby Dash. We've had historically a strong group of families in Derby who've banded together for recreational activities and social networking for their kids with developmental disabilities, she said. This is a great opportunity to expand that into transportation to work. Goodwill officials have not selected an architect and contractor for the project. Tue, 29 Jan 2008 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article37.php#1371678780 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article37.php By: Chris Moon Wichita Business Journal WaterWalk developers are courting a St. Louis bowling alley and martini lounge to become the next major tenant in their downtown project. A deal hasn't been inked with the retro , but owner Joe Edwards says Wichita would be a good location for his 3-year-old business. Decorated with vintage pin-up posters, it features signature martinis and a dozen lanes of bowling. The Pin-Up Bowl so far has locations in St. Louis and Kansas City, Kan. There are a lot of possibilities for that concept. People really enjoy it, says Edwards, who has numerous other restaurant and entertainment venues in St. Louis. Kansas City was the right opportunity at the right time. Wichita really looks like it could be. The Pin-Up Bowl opened its second location during the past year at The Legends at Village West in Kansas City, near the . Its first location opened in 2003 in St. Louis. Edwards says no timetable has been established to hammer out a deal in Wichita. But the process provides a glimpse into the strategy of the WaterWalk developers who for years have been frustrated in their attempts to land major tenants to their public-private development, which has been priced at more than 100 million. Developers appear to be looking for more entertainment venues for the site. They also are targeting businesses that have landed recently at Village West. Brad Saville, retail leasing agent for WaterWalk, says he's negotiating with several prospects, including Pin-Up Bowl. I'd say that one's a little further along than most, he says. Kansas City Connection So far is the lone attraction to WaterWalk, which has been in the works for more than five years. But the development has gained steam this year with construction beginning on an upscale condominium tower. Also, ground broke nearby this fall on the new headquarters for the . Pat Ayars, vice president of , which is involved in WaterWalk, says developers are working on a whole scheme for a number of retail tenants, kind of a whole movement toward an entertainment district in WaterWalk. So far, the only dining establishment to commit to the mixed-use project is , a California-based Western restaurant chain with dozens of locations across the country. Saddle Ranch has a connection to the Pin-Up Bowl in that the two are neighbors at Village West. Brad Saville, president of , says he's targeted some Village West tenants as prospects. Those businesses already have experience opening shops in the Midwest. That's kind of natural, says Saville It's a little easier progression than coming from three states over. More Momentum Edwards says WaterWalk developers approached him after seeing one of his two Pin-Up Bowl locations. I'm real open to it, he says. Edwards in 2004 opened his Pin-Up Bowl concept in St. Louis' Loop area, a prominent arts and entertainment district in the city. He describes it as a good martini lounge that happened to have bowling. The location is near Edwards' top creation, , a restaurant and music club featuring live performers. Rock legend Chuck Berry still plays there. Edwards says he's been looking at several cities for additional expansion of the Pin-Up Bowl. We're interested in any place that is interested in us, Edwards says. It's still being talked about. Saville says the Pin-Up Bowl is modern and trendy, away from Friday or Saturday night league play. Edwards also has shown an ability to help rejuvenate urban areas. He understands those cycles, Saville says. The addition of a business like the Pin-Up Bowl conceivably would offer competition to the numerous Old Town bars and restaurants that control the nightlife in the city center today. and owner Melad Stephan says he'd never heard of the Pin-Up Bowl but notes entertainment has been slow in coming to WaterWalk. They need some kind of a bar down there or something, he says. Financing appears the biggest hitch in discussions to bring the Pin-Up Bowl to Wichita. Edwards says he is opening a new bowling alley this year in St. Louis, the Flamingo Bowl. He also plans to break ground later this year on a seven-story boutique hotel next door to his Pin-Up Bowl. I'm kind of tied up on what I'm doing, Edwards says. But he says he was open to a hybrid deal in which he would put some money up for a building, but not all of it. Current talks are for the Pin-Up Bowl to share a building with Saddle Ranch Chop House, Saville says. It's definitely a good fit for them to be there, he says. It's a matter of financing. WaterWalk Location: Waterman and Main, southwest corner. Phone: (316) 219-6060. Developers: City of Wichita in partnership with Dave Burk, Dave Wells and Jack DeBoer. Major tenant: Gander Mountain. Fri, 02 Nov 2007 00:00:00 -0400 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article38.php#1371678781 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article38.php Rose Hill Bank buys site at Ridge, 33rd N. By Jerry Siebenmark The Wichita Eagle Rocky Waitt has finally found a location for Rose Hill Bank's west-side branch. The president of the 160 million bank, which has branches in Wichita, Rose Hill, and Augusta, said this week the bank's newest branch will be locted on the northwest corner of 33rd North and Ridge Road. Wait thinks he found the best spot for the new branch after looking for two years. It's hard to find a good location on the west side, at least for me it was, Waitt said. The problem, he said, was finding a spot with steady traffic that would be easy for customers to get in and out of. I tried to make sure we had good ingress and egree, Waitt said. We're really excited because there's been some great growth on the west side and the demographics...fit the mold of our bank a lot. Construction on the new branch probably won't begin until early 2008. Waitt expects it to be finished that same year. Plans call for the branch to be 4,500 square feet, sitting on a lot that's just over an acre. Waitt said that the branch will have about eight employees, including two loan officers. It will also have drive-through teller lands and a drive-up ATM. Selection of an architeect and general contractor is pending. Brad Saville, president of Landmark Commercial Real Estate Inc., represented Rose Hill Bank, which bought the land from developer Jay Russell. Saville said Ridgeport Commercial, the development where Rose Hill Bank will be located, is a mix of retail, office and industrial spaces. Rose Hill's new branch will be in a ZIP code that has 281 million in deposits shared between eight banks and bank branches, according to Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. data. Intrust Bank leads the 67205 ZIP code with 119.5 million in deposits, the FDIC data said. Fri, 21 Sep 2007 00:00:00 -0400 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article39.php#1371678782 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article39.php By: Carrie Rengers The Wichita Eagle An 18,000-square-foot OfficeMax is going to be the main anchor of the new North Maize Place at 21st and Maize Road. That's the former Chadsworth Retail Village just north of Dillons and across from NewMarket Square. Nick Esterline and Brad Saville of ES Development, a subsidiary of Landmark Commercial Real Estate Inc., are developing the property's 10 acres. OfficeMax should be ready to open by October. There's a lot of businesses in that northwest part of town, Esterline says. There's really kind of a hidden need for office supplies. North Maize Place is also where the new Logan's Roadhouse will open in a freestanding building next month. Taco Bueno is already open next door. There will be two strip centers at the development as well. There's the existing center where the former B.G. Bolton's was. That's where a new Emerson Biggin's is opening. Sprint also has a store there, which recently expanded by 1,000 square feet. Tokyo Steakhouse and a state tag office will remain in the center. A new 30,000-square-foot strip center will be built where Countryside West Acres is. The bowling center will close in May and will be demolished shortly after. Esterline says he has letters of intent for future regional and national tenants, but he's not announcing anything just yet. Linda Hickam of Landmark will handle leasing at the development, which is managed by Esterline and Saville's 1Point LLC. Chad Glenn and Stan Shelden of Shelden Architecture are the architects on the development. Key Construction is the contractor. We think we've got one of the top locations in northwest Wichita, Esterline says, and the tenants that we're bringing in are kind of validating it for us. Thu, 12 Apr 2007 00:00:00 -0400 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article40.php#1371678783 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article40.php Developers are shopping for a large retailer -- perhaps a grocer -- to anchor Holland Place, a mix of shops and eateries that'll go in at Tyler and Kellogg. By Bill Wilson The WIchita Eagle It took Brad Saville five years to piece together a 12-acre jigsaw puzzle at Tyler and Kellogg. Today, the puzzle is complete, and plans are in place for a 20 million development on the northwest corner of Tyler and Kellogg. Holland Place, a 200,000-square-foot retail and restaurant project, is being developed by George Holland of Holland Paving and marketed by Saville, president of Landmark Commercial Real Estate. Job one is landing an anchor, Saville said. He's pursuing a major grocery chain to build a 100,000-square-foot store. Grocery stores are getting bigger, he said. Kroger is building 100,000 square-foot-stores, and there are other chains interested in coming into Wichita. Six pad sites along Kellogg and Tyler range between 21,000 and 40,000 square feet, with a variety of restaurant and retail uses possible. The project targets a rapidly growing demographic, according to a Landmark prospectus. Surveys estimate almost 50,000 people with a median income of about 60,000 will live within three miles of the development by 2008. About 90 percent of the residents are north of Kellogg and the access is very handy, Saville said. It's also a high traffic area with 56,000 cars a day, the prospectus showed. The land has been commercially zoned for two years, said John Schlegel, the city-county planning director, and was plagued by drainage problems that have bene corrected. Saville said developers needed that time -- and more -- to piece together the tract from home and business owners. It's been complex from the perspective of land assemblage, time consuming, he said. Owners at the Horn, a longtime local restaurant at 1255 S. Tyler, couldn't be reached for comment Monday. Holland Paving has a satellite office on site that will be relocated. Tue, 27 Mar 2007 00:00:00 -0400 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article41.php#1371678784 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article41.php BY DAN VOORHISThe Wichita EagleA Kentucky developer wants to build an apartment complex on 37th Street North between Woodlawn and Rock Road. LDG Properties of Louisville is seeking to build a 29.7 million, 260-unit complex. It would sit just west of a string of large retail stores lining North Rock Road. Eighty percent of the apartments would go to tenants who qualify for subsidized rent. LDG specializes in building complexes using federal tax credits aimed at building affordable housing. Rents for the subsidized units would be 700 for two-bedroom units, 820 for three-bedroom units and 925 for a four-bedroom unit. A single person can't make more than 25,700 a year to qualify to rent. A couple can't earn more than 29,400 and a family of four, 36,700. The other 20 percent of the units would rent at market rate. The company estimates that rate at 650 per month for one bedroom, 988 for two bedroom and 1,000 for three bedrooms. Planned amenities include a large clubhouse with fitness and business centers, swimming pool and patio area, a playground, and cookout areas with picnic tables. The complex will be pretty upscale, said Mark Stanberry, housing specialist with the Housing and Community Services for the city. The area is zoned for apartments, but the state requires the developer to get the consent of the local government. When the Wichita City Council considered the matter Tuesday, it deferred action on the project to hear from more neighbors. Some area residents voiced concerns about the project at Tuesday's meeting. Some neighbors are concerned about the traffic and density brought by the complex, said Nick Esterline, the project's coordinator. There is also some concern about having subsidized housing, he said. That's why he and others will meet with neighbors next week to talk about the quality of the development and the tax credit program. Wichita has a mixed record with accepting subsidized apartment complexes. Most recently, developer Gary Hassenflu failed in his attempt to convert the former Kellogg School into an apartment complex when neighbors objected to rezoning the site. A number of other projects, however, have been approved, including the Harvester Apartments in Old Town. In these projects, a developer is awarded federal tax credits through the state. The developer then sells the credits to corporations and uses the money to reduce the need for cash flow from the rents. Thu, 15 Mar 2007 00:00:00 -0400 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article42.php#1371678785 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article42.php By Ken Vandruff Doug Rogers decided he needed to make a move. He was spending too much time and gas money shuttling between his machine shop, Air Capital Machine Tooling Inc., in Augusta, and his material suppliers and aerospace customers in Wichita. It took fewer than 30 days to find a larger building at 2450 S. Leonine Road a location that Rogers believes puts him in a better geographic position to serve his customers, primarily other aerospace subcontractors, and win new contracts. Im kind of a long-range person, he says. You dont reap what you sow tomorrow, but if you sow the seeds right theres a lot down the road for you. The new 7,500-square-foot location solves a second problem. The one-man company that Rogers bought last summer has hired four additional employees, and theres no room to expand the existing 1,200-square-foot building. Tight Market Rogers worked with Brad Saville, president of Landmark Commercial Real Estate Inc., to hammer out the three-year lease. Terms were not disclosed, but Saville says it was within the going rate of 4 to 5 a square foot for an industrial-gross lease, where the landlord pays the property taxes and insurance on the building. Saville says the market for the type of industrial space Rogers wanted is getting tight. If you want to lease a 10,000-square-foot building, youd struggle to find three or four properties at any one given time that make any sense at all, he says. Air Capital will occupy 60 percent of the buildings 12,500 square feet with first right of refusal should another potential tenant consider moving into the empty space. Were hoping theyll expand into it, says Ted Branson of Coldwell Banker Stucky Associates, representing the property owner, who also owns several industrial buildings in the immediate area. The building has been vacant sine previous tenant Leading Technologies Composites Inc. moved to 2626 W. May Ave. more than a year ago. Making the Move Rogers will relocate his business as soon as he can make arrangements with a crane company to move machinery. He also is working on achieving AS9100B quality certification, which he says will make it easier to win contracts from customers such as the Boeing Co., Bombardier Learjet, Cessna Aircraft Co. or Raytheon Aircraft Co. Winning those contracts would mean adding machinery and employees. Ive been given a lot of very positive feedback from the people we do business with, both at the subtier level and the first-tier level, that would encourage me to try and expand our operations, Rogers says. Fri, 02 Feb 2007 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article43.php#1371678786 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article43.php By Chris Moon With two major commercial developments in the works, 47th Street South should be on the cusp of rapid growth. However, local officials say, the area between Interstate 135 and South Broadway may be just as likely to flop because of a deteriorating infrastructure. That particular area is just a quagmire of different problems, says Sedgwick County Commission Time Norton, who represents the area. If some bold action and risk isnt taken soon, well all deserve what happens down there. It can go one way or the other. For years, the area has been economically depressed. And for years, local leaders have talked about securing funding to improve it. But nearby developments are spurring a renewed effort to improve the area. At 47th Street and Broadway, there are plans for a Home Depot Store and another smaller commercial development. Meanwhile at 47th Street and I-135, 50 acres of ground are being cleared for a project by developer Jay Maxwell, who hasnt disclosed specific plans for the land. But as of today, there is no access to the ground. To have retail, youve got to have access, says Wichita City Councilman Jim Skelton, noting the Home Depot development. Thats only going to increase the pressure on the roadways. (Customers are) not going to fly in by helicopter. Skelton says he is planning to write letters to state officials asking for help in funding infrastructure improvements to the area. Last week, he was in Topeka lobbying local legislators for funding. The area marks the convergence of I-135 and the Kansas Turnpike. Just north of that is the 47th Street interchange. Still further north, I-235 merges with I-135. A key problem is the congestion created by cars trying to get off I-135 at the 47th Street bridge, which recently received minor upgrades. When I look at that bridge its holding the whole south side back economically, Skelton says. But state funding for upgrades remains elusive. No funding for 47th Street is in the current Comprehensive Transportation Plan that expires in 2009. Money for projects in the plan remains tight, says Terry Heidner, director of planning and development for the Kansas Department of Transportation. High Traffic Count Heidner says the department may begin work on future projects before 2009, but wasnt sure which ones. (47th Street is) certainly on our radar screen, he says. We hear about it every time we go down there. Without a full state commitment, Skelton says, the city and county should examine creating a transportation development district to aid the infrastructure needs of the area. He says the economic development potential for the area outweighs the public funds that would be needed for the infrastructure. But no formal talks have begun among city or council leaders. Local businesses have been waiting for improvements. The do need to do something there. Theres a pretty high traffic count, says Jim Brown, who owns three ABC Superstores in Wichita, one of them on 47th Street near I-135. He says traffic on I-135 backs up as vehicles try to exit onto 47th Street. I think it would help business. Thats the bottom line. It cant hurt it, Brown says. Linda Hickam, a real estate agent for Landmark Commercial Real Estate Inc., has been looking for tenants for a shopping center at 47th and Broadway. I have often thought that has been an ignored market, she says. The center, which already houses a K-Mart, has a 7,000-square-foot vacancy. In the past, traffic from Derby had frequented 47th Street for shopping and dining, Hickam says. But developments in Derby may be keeping those shoppers in their hometown. Still, Hickam says, improved infrastructure would help shore up 47th Street. I do think it needs to be done, she says. It is sort of convoluted there, if you drive it. Fri, 02 Feb 2007 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article44.php#1371678787 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article44.php BY BILL WILSON The Wichita Eagle A group of Wichita developers is targeting the intersection of Maple and Maize Road for growth, with four residential and retail projects set to open in the first half of this year. Three retail centers and 18 duplexes are being built in a high-traffic area that has swelled to about 40,000 cars a day, said Brad Saville of Landmark Commercial Real Estate, one of the developers. The corner is a distinct retail area that can serve the south part of Maize Road out to Goddard, said Stan Longhofer, director of the Center for Real Estate at Wichita State University. The challenge there is how long will it take the rooftops to build to support the retail, but that's a standard Wichita question, he said. The projects include: Oak Cliff Estates, an 18-duplex development. Each of 36 units is available for rent at 1,175 a month or for sale at 262,900. The project is being built northwest of the Maple and Maize intersection. Each residence is 1,740 square feet with three bedrooms, three baths, a kitchen, living room and recreation area. It's close to shopping and it seems to offer an ease of getting around town, said developer Larry Bottenberg, whose Mesa Construction is building the project. Eight units will be ready for occupancy in a month, he said. Bottenberg's company has owned the land for four years, originally signing a lease with Dickinson Theatres for a complex that fell through. Lexington Square, a 10,500-square-foot retail center southwest of the intersection. The center includes a drive-through on the south end cap. It's also near a building to the north occupied by Miller's Cleaners and a convenience store. Developer Mike Hampton, the owner of Aztec Stucco, said he and marketer Don Piros of Landmark hope to have a restaurant and coffee shop signed for the center by late spring. California developer George Shammas is a partner in the project. Smith Construction is the builder. An 8,750-square-foot retail center is being built near the northwest corner, north of the Spiffy self-service car wash built in 2005. It's scheduled for completion April 1 and has already landed a State Farm Insurance office. The former swimming club west of the intersection is being converted into an 11,200-square-foot retail center. The intersection has been a longtime development target, Longhofer said. For a lot of people, this intersection has always been a high-potential area, Longhofer said. Now, with the concentration of rooftops developing, that potential may be realized. Thu, 25 Jan 2007 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article45.php#1371678788 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article45.php By Bill Wilson The Wichita Eagle The recent rapid growth of Maize is rooted in a decision three decades ago to build the best school possible. Folks got together in the mid-1970s and decided if they built a great school, a great community would follow, said Bob Scott, owner of Prairie Pines Christmas Tree Farm. Now look at us. It has, hasn't it? The 6,300-student Maize district is still committed to the best teachers it can find, superintendent Craig Elliott said. It's also remodeling a middle school at 45th and Maize Road and planning for a bond election to build the second high school for a city of only 3,000 people. That school district is the foundation for a remarkable seven years of residential and commercial growth in Maize, where property valuation has doubled in a community that swells to 8,000 when school is in session. And there's more growth coming. Maize City Manager Richard LaMunyon thinks his community will be unrecognizable in 10 years as the Andover of the west. And everyone from a statewide utility to developers agree. Westar Energy officials are working on a major expansion of the city's electricity grid to accommodate an influx of residents -- up to 7,000 more by 2017 -- and the retail destined to follow. Coming attractions There are major housing projects -- Hampton Lakes, WynWood, Watercress, a Mennonite Housing project along K-96, Scott's Fiddler's Cove at Prairie Pines. There are apartment complexes: Fieldstone, which wants to almost double the 48 units it recently completed, and the Villas. There are three new restaurants with at least one more on the drawing board, the new headquarters for SecureNet Corp., a new Goodwill retail store and training center, the Northwest Dialysis Center. There's a new strip mall, Eagle Point, at 45th and Maize, and the planned expansion of Maize Center at 53rd and Maize. Driving the growth Why all that growth? The Maize school district and location, location, location, said two developers who have bought into the city's future. The driving force up there is clearly the school district, said Brad Saville, president of Landmark Commercial Real Estate. Saville is developing 40 acres on the southeast corner of 37th and Maize into a retail and office development. That's a great, great school district, second to none, said Marv Schellenberg, who is developing Hampton Lakes and the Villas. Great schools draw people. Secondly, it's just a great location, minutes from all the needs people have in the midst of a small-town atmosphere. The access to K-96 is a great plus, too. Electrifying Maize The city's rapid growth has the attention of Westar officials, who are accelerating the timeline for a new multimillion-dollar substation and transmission lines at 49th and Tyler. We were looking down the road outside two years, said Greg Roy, Westar's project manager. But with the latest developments, we're looking at inside those two years now. Currently, about 78 megawatts of electricity serve the northwest Wichita area. By 2015, as Maize approaches 10,000 residents, the minimum demand is expected to be 100 megawatts, or about 28 percent higher. It's unique growth for such a small Kansas town, Roy said. LaMunyon thinks it's the tip of the iceberg. The estimate is we'll double our population to 6,000 in 10 years, and I think that's conservative, he said. I don't think 10,000 people is a stretch at all. If the construction and the growth patterns continue as they are, it's not unrealistic at all. The reason for that optimism, LaMunyon said, goes beyond the current projects list -- to inquiries for industrial development around the Coleman Co. plant and Cranmer Grass Farm near 119th and K-96. And to office and residential possibilities near and west of 53rd and Tyler. It's heady stuff for Scott, with 33 years at his tree farm. You know, when we moved out here in 1973 from Wichita, Maize was so small and this was all open farmland, he said. I remember a guy came out here once from the state and said this would be some land for the new K-96 highway. I said, 'You gotta be kidding me.' Who would have thought in 1973 that this would be a hot spot for growth? Thu, 18 Jan 2007 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article46.php#1371678789 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article46.php WateWalk's first restaurant will have built-in attractions that draw out the dining experience. By Bill Wilson The Wichita Eagle Officials with the Los Angeles-based Saddle Ranch Chop House announced plans Tuesday to break ground in late spring or early summer on an 8,500-square-foot facility, the first destination restaurant in WaterWalk. Larry Pollack, Saddle Ranch president, said he hopes to be open at Water and WaterWalk Place late this year or in early 2008. The Eagle reported in August that Saddle Ranch had signed a lease at WaterWalk. We're not going to be your average restaurant where you're in and out, Pollack said. We're a restaurant where you come in to stay for two and a half or three hours. People will come in for cocktails and appetizers, have their breakfast, lunch or dinner, have cocktails and dessert and then hang around to watch people ride the mechanical bull. The restaurant will serve three distinct crowds from 8 a.m. to 2 a.m. seven days a week, Pollack said -- early morning breakfast-goers, the business-lunch crowd and the afternoon and evening diners who want to watch music videos or sporting events on big-screens. Saddle Ranch will offer a breakfast/brunch menu from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily, Pollack said, before its focus turns to both early and late dinners. Its signature dessert is the s'more, made by diners in outdoor pits. Saddle Ranch will employ about 120 in a restaurant with a mechanical bull ring in the center, an oval bar and tables and booths surrounding all the activity. The chain is growing rapidly, with restaurants already open in California and Kansas City, two opening before Wichita in Arizona and six more on the drawing board this decade. We came down to Wichita when we opened in Kansas City in the Legends development, and we were very excited by what we saw, Pollack said. We love the buildings of Wichita, the old-style architecture, and we think that with the offices, the shops and the condos, we will be an excellent partner. Wed, 10 Jan 2007 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article47.php#1371678790 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article47.php By Dan Voorhis The Wichita Eagle WaterWalk took a big step forward on Thursday as Key Construction quietly started work on the project's biggest building. The seven-story building, called WaterWalk Place, will house condominiums, a parking garage, offices and retail space. The building is set for completion in May 2008. It will run along Main Street between Waterman and Kellogg, to the east of the Gander Mountain store. The partners and the city are very excited about the next phase going into the ground, said Tom Johnson, president of WaterWalk. The 48 condominiums will range from 1,200 square feet to 4,600 square feet. The units will start at 180,000. On the first floor of the building will be 12,000 square feet of office space and 16,000 square feet of retail space. Also on the first floor, the Greater Wichita Convention and Visitors Bureau has signed a letter of intent for its new location. Bureau officials liked the building's visibility and accessibility, said bureau president John Rolfe. The center will include a shop selling Wichita-labeled merchandise. The 500-space parking garage will have space for residents, tenants and the general public. It is being paid for by the city of Wichita. At the end of the month, WaterWalk will reach another milestone: Johnson will finally announce exact construction schedules for the project's first phase. That phase includes WaterWalk Place, buildings for Saddle Ranch Chop House and the Wichita Area Association of Realtors, plus city-funded amenities such as the water fountains and amphitheater. WaterWalk has had trouble attracting tenants in the past because it lacked a schedule that businesses could count on, Johnson said. Since 2002, delays have stemmed from disputes with the city over funding, design changes, uncertainty over a location for the downtown arena, and the amount of sewer and street work on the site. Gander Mountain has been alone on the 25-acre site since it opened 18 months ago. We're anxious to get some neighbors in the area, said store manager Todd Barker. With construction actually starting on the buildings, there should be more of an air of optimism about the project, said Mayor Carlos Mayans. We have gotten a lot of the incertitude because the infrastructure was not in place and because of the rerouting of streets, but we've put most of that behind us, he said. We are going to start seeing buildings being built, so I'm very happy about that. Wed, 10 Jan 2007 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article48.php#1371678791 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article48.php Plans are off for the Minnesota guys to part with Triple Net Properties to sell business condominiums at Market Centre, but look for increased activity at the 155 N. Market address soon. Its a beautiful building, and its been overlooked a lot in the last couple of years, says Darryll Goodman of Triple Net, which owns the building. Each floor of the former Lassen Hotel has its own tax identification number, which was part of the attraction of doing condos there. It seemed like a perfect fit for us, Goodman says. It just didnt pan out. He may one day pursue it again. Its a class building, says the Las Vegas-based Goodman, adding, We like whats happening downtown. The occupancy rate is about 70 percent right now, but itll drop to less than 50 percent when Stelbar Oil Corp and the Adams Jones Chartered law firm make their planned moves east to the Waterfront, at 13th and Webb Road. Those are pretty big tenants that are moving out, says Brad Saville, president of Landmark Commercial Real Estate Inc. Saville is a Market Centre tenant and is handling leasing at the building. An open house is scheduled for Nov. 16 for the owners to kick off a push to reinvigorate the building. Were enthused that theyre willing to be realist and are going to be deal makers over the next few months, Saville says. That includes dropping the rental rates, refurbishing the building and offering higher commissions to real estate agents to show the space. One of the big pushes is to get a restaurant back in therejust to have that amenity, Saville says. He says its another area in which the owners are ready to deal, especially on the lease rate. It could be a very good opportunity for somebody. Carrie Rengers The Wichita Eagle Sun, 29 Oct 2006 00:00:00 -0400 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article49.php#1371678792 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article49.php A girls gotta accessorize. Most men may not understand it, but business owners do. Early next year, women will have 8,000 square feet of accessory shopping on Rock Road when Accessory City opens next to Best Buy. Its a neat, fun environment, says Ken Martin, general manager of DB Accessories LLC, which owns the store. Rocking music and lots of plasma TVs with runway footage greet shoppers as they enter. And theres a special section for husbands and boyfriends to watch football while their gals shop. So everybodys happy, Martin says. There are Accessory City stores in Tulsa and Little Rock, too. So why Wichita? We want to be the big gun in town, Martin says. In markets about the size of Wichita, he says, thats possible. The store offers merchandise 40 percent to 70 percent off of department store prices, Martin says. He likes that the store will be across from Bradley Fair. We hope to do really well there, Martin says. With cheap prices and a fun atmosphere, Martin says, its almost, like, therapeutic. You just feel good when you walk out. Brad Saville and Brad Iverson of Landmark Commercial Real Estate Inc. brokered the deal. Carrie Rengers The Wichita Eagle Sun, 22 Oct 2006 00:00:00 -0400 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article50.php#1371678793 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article50.php WaterWalk isn't going Western. President Tom Johnson confirmed this week that the cowboy-style -- famous for its mechanical riding bull and party atmosphere -- is planning to open a restaurant in WaterWalk. But, he says, there's no need to worry that the highly anticipated, 130 million downtown project will turn into another Cowtown. It has Western overtones, but the overall theme for the project will stay pretty much as we had planned, Johnson says. You can tastefully blend those things into the project. Johnson says he received an e-mail this week from someone wondering if WaterWalk -- tabbed as one of most upscale mixed-use developments in Wichita -- was going Western. Johnson says his goal is to create an environment that will attract a variety of visitors. Saddle Ranch, he says, hits the mark. It may be different from what some people were expecting as WaterWalk's first restaurant, but different can be good, says Wichita Mayor Carlos Mayans. I think it's great, Mayans says. Being downtown, I think that the Western theme is appropriate. This fits in there. Wichita City Council Member Jim Skelton says he doesn't know much about Saddle Ranch, but has faith in the decision to bring it on board. I think the city trusts these developers as professionals, Skelton says. They tell us this is a good choice, and I don't have any reason not to believe that. Skelton says what's most important to him at this point is seeing movement at WaterWalk. Most of the concern of the public is that nothing is happening, he says. I think now that something is happening. ... We just need to keep the ball rolling and hope that things keep their momentum. Johnson says he wants to sign three or four more restaurants. He's talking with restaurants that already have a presence in Wichita, but a big part of his focus is on those that aren't here and that offer unique entertainment. We're trying to be ambitious and go after restaurants that think Wichita is too small a market for them, he says. The goal, he says, is for visitors to come to the restaurants in WaterWalk for a meal, but have enough to do that they don't leave right away. What WaterWalk is really about is an urban village, if you will, with a real 24/7 atmosphere, Johnson says. It's kind of like a more compact Old Town, but new. That plan, Johnson says, is the same as it has been since WaterWalk's inception. Upscale and Casual What happens at WaterWalk makes a big difference to many business owners around downtown. Michael Elzufon, a partner in with several condo buildings under development, is trying to encourage people that moving downtown is a good idea. Elzufon says getting a commitment from Saddle Ranch helps his cause. At the end of the day, if they have a national restaurant, that is incredibly great and important to the overall improvement down there, Elzufon says. And if the concept isn't a hit? The bottom line is it will go on for a year, and if it doesn't work, they'll take it out and put something else in. Johnson says he's confident that the concept will work. They've been in southern California and have been successful for a long time, and I anticipate the same thing for us, he says. Curt Melzer, owner of the and -- both in the Delano District -- says anything WaterWalk does should bring more customers to his bars. And the more diversity, the better. You need a group of restaurants that appeal to families as well as the younger crowd, Melzer says. For a district to be truly viable, it needs a mixture of locally and nationally owned bars and restaurants. One of the groups negotiating to locate in the WaterWalk is the . CVB President and CEO John Rolfe says he thinks Saddle Ranch will be a good fit. And like Melzer, he's also hopeful that WaterWalk will sign a variety of styles of restaurants. I guess I saw this as the first of hopefully several types of restaurants in that entertainment district, Rolfe says. I'm hoping they'll have even more upscale restaurants, along with more casual restaurants. Melzer says he's happy to see WaterWalk moving further along and hopes that momentum continues. I really want them to follow through with what they've promised, he says. WaterWalk Where: Waterman and Main Street. Signed tenants: ; . Letter of intent: Saddle Ranch Chop House. Contact: Tom Johnson, (316) 219-6060. lmazzullo@bizjournals.com | 266-6191 Fri, 18 Aug 2006 00:00:00 -0400 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article51.php#1371678794 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article51.php The Saddle Ranch Chop House could soon be coming to the corridor, developers say WaterWalk in downtown Wichita is close to signing its first destination restaurant, Saddle Ranch Chop House. The restaurant is the first in a series of high-profile entertainment restaurants that WaterWalk officials hope to sign. They say it's just another sign that the project is taking off. WaterWalk developers expect to sign the lease by the end of the week, president Tom Johnson said. Saddle Ranch, based in Los Angeles, is a steak place but has a varied menu, including s'mores for dessert. It includes dancing, plentiful video screens and boot-shaped shot glasses. And while it might be western, it's not really country. A high-energy rock western chop house, is how official Ashley Casillas described it Monday. Saddle Ranch may be best known for its mechanical bull, which has made appearances on Desperate Housewives, American Idol, Sex and the City and other television shows, the company said. It's just a place you don't want to leave, said broker Brad Saville of Lnadmark Commercial Real Estate. You plan to go to dinner and the the movies, but there's so much to do there you wind up canceling your plans for the rest of the night. The company has three restaurants, including one that recently opened near the Kansas Speedway in Wyandotte County, and others under development. The first two Saddle Ranches are on the Sunset Strip and at Universal City in the Los Angeles area. Johnson said Saddle Ranch fulfilled the development's requirement of being fun, broadly appealing and unique. It's not your typical sit-down restaurant, he said. The key to bringing people downtown is the entertainment, say the developers, and Saddle Ranch has plenty of that. Saville, who is working to bring in restaurant and retail tenants, is talking with three other major entertainment restaurants and a number of non-destination restaurants and unusual retailers. WaterWalk's developers are counting on Saddle Ranch and the other destination restaurants to pull people into the development to eat, shop and perhaps even work. The project can't survive with just one, Johnson said. You've got to have a critical mass. Saddle Ranch is part of an acceleration of activity at WaterWalk. Now that the city has begun its reconstruction of streets and utilities through the project, the developers can start building. Work will begin this fall on the development's largest building, a condiminium building with retail and parking, and the adjacent amphitheater. Construction will start on the Board of Realtors building after that. All of that construction will allow Saville and other agents to sell the development more successfully, Johnson said. We hope to see a lot of stuff come together a lot quicker than it has, Johnson said. Dan Voorhis The Wichita Eagle Tue, 15 Aug 2006 00:00:00 -0400 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article52.php#1371678795 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article52.php Brad Saville, owner of Landmark Commercial Real Estate, is one of the city's up-and-coming commercial brokers and developers. He continues to add agents to Landmark Commercial, which is the third-largest commercial agency in Wichita. He has also moved from pure brokerage into development, helping develop a number of retail and restaurant buildings, particularly on West 21st Street and North Maize Road. He started in 1991 by working at Transamerican Management, the property management firm owned by his father, Ken Saville. Brad Saville, 35, is married to Tiffany and they live near Andover. He has four children. The Savilles also own a small ranch near Augusta where they raise horses and cattle. Why did you start in real estate? My earliest memories were my father being in the property management business, and after work, we would listen to the days events that he went through. What is it about commercial real estate that keeps you interested? It's not the money.... I was with (my father) for a couple years. Then I went off and did some restaurant site selection work and just found that to be very exciting, to construct a retail building or restaurant and see that from beginning to end, to watch them open their doors that was always exciting to me. Commercial real estate is an intense business and you have been described that way. How do you separate work time from home time? With the family at home I try go relax and turn off the switch. It doesn't happen the hour I get home. It takes several hours. I turn the BlackBerry off. Every time it vibrates, it's a phone call or an e-mail coming in, and you become kind of a victim of that.... I have to unplug. West-side commercial development has hit a higher gear as growth has moved north on Ridge and Maize roads. Why is that? The catalyst was Wal-Mart, when they made their move. That is when things really turned up a couple notches. That really demonstrated we had that two to three miles of area to work with between where it was already hot at 21st and Ridge to 21st and Maize. That really changed things. It changed things from the standpoint of who would consider looking out there. If Wal-Mart would be out there, there must be a reason. It changed the type of prospects we could talk to. Will Maize Road grow to look like North Rock Road? It sure seems like everybody is a lot smarter now since Rock Road was done.... (Rock Road)' s great, but it's a hodgepodge of signage and curb cuts and lots of stuff crammed together. The city and most developers will tell you that Rock Road is commendable, but nobody wants another Rock Road. Retailers understand they don't need a curb cut every 100 feet. They understand access management, and they just understand how to keep the corridor beautified. You are recruiting the tenants to WaterWalk. What will they look like? Our focus is entertainment value, family value, not necessarily retail. With what is happening with the arena, we think we'll draw people downtown. What is the future of Landmark Commercial? We're going to grow more. We've got interest in more agents that are going to join us.... There are several areas of the business we haven't touched on yet. There is a lot more in industrial we can do. We could do a lot more with business brokerages, and we're not doing a lot with agricultural (land) yet, or recreational properties. Recreational ground is one of the fastest growing segments in the country right now. Doctors and lawyers are out buying acres outside town to take their family on or for company retreats. That's one of the hotter things right now. Reach Dan Voorhis at 316-268-6577 or . The Wichita Eagle Sun, 09 Jul 2006 00:00:00 -0400 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article53.php#1371678796 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article53.php Jack Gindi says there's a motto at his company. The chief executive of the Colorado-based IPS LLC (which stands for Income Property Specialists) says: We buy older, ugly shopping centers. And that's just what he did last week when his negotiations to buy Twin Lakes finally ended. IPS bought the center at 21st and Amidon for 10.3 million from Virginia-based SugarOak Properties. Brad Saville of Landmark Commercial Real Estate Inc. brokered the deal. Gindi plans 3 million in renovations to what once was Wichita's premier mall. Basically, we're going to be doing a facelift, Gindi says. He wants more like a stucco-and-stone look, like what you see in some of the newer centers. Also, he says, We're going to be making it more of a mixed-use project. The center has an occupancy rate of more than 90 percent, except for the former Sears building, which is mostly vacant. Gindi wants to attract service-oriented businesses, such as dry cleaners and beauty shops, along with medical and legal offices. To do that, Gindi will divide the former Sears store's 100,000 square feet. Just above the lower-level courtyard that faces the lake, Gindi will replace a brick facade with glass to make it more attractive to new businesses. We're going to be transforming it, he says. Gindi plans to organize a group of tenants to market Twin Lakes. We're just very excited to be part of... the rejuvenation of that center, he says. Carrie Rengers The Wichita Eagle Wed, 07 Jun 2006 00:00:00 -0400 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article54.php#1371678797 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article54.php WICHITA Why spend the evening merely eating and drinking with your friends when you can paint, too? Thats Jessie Sterlings attitude, and its why shes opening at at 21st and Webb in August. Sterling will offer painting packages where groups, with the help of an artist at the shop, can paint on canvases while visiting, too. Its not necessarily all about the painting, Sterling says. Its more about socializing and hanging out with friends and having a good time. Sterling envisions friends gathering for fun or children having parties there. She was inspired to start the shop after she went to a similar one in San Antonio. It was just a blast, Sterling says. A two-hour session is 35. A three-hour session is 45. With Cinnamons Deli and Christies Wine Spirits also at Cambridge Market, Sterling says party planning should be easy for customers. Don Piros of handled the lease. Sterling says she likes the east side in general and Cambridge Market in particular. Its just kind of a busy area. Read more: Thu, 01 Jul 2010 00:00:00 -0400 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article55.php#1371678798 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article55.php WICHITA The is coming to Wichita on air and at . The Overland Park-based companys business is built on its radio show, which founder Adam Bold hosts weekly. Our business model is a little bit unique, says Jeff Roper, who is the franchisee opening the store here. Basically, 100 percent of our clients come from a call-in radio show that is on Saturday mornings. The show will debut in Wichita at 9 a.m. July 10 on . We could never go to a market where we couldnt get on the air on Saturday mornings, Roper says. He says the company manages 5 billion in assets with its 80 stores nationally. Roper has stores in Fresno and Seattle and is a minority partner in a store in Harrisburg, Pa. He says Wichita is an ideal market. The store does very well in Midwestern-type cities. The Mutual Fund Store will have 1,400 square feet at Cambridge Market, which is at 21st and Webb. Don Piros of handled the deal. Read more: Thu, 24 Jun 2010 00:00:00 -0400 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article56.php#1371678799 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article56.php WICHITA Theres a good chance youve had one of Ghassan Gus Srours desserts and just dont know it. Srour and his wife, Therese, used to have Patisserie Maurice near Harry and Rock, which supplied pastries to restaurants around Wichita, Oklahoma City and Tulsa. They also offered catering from that site until April when a fire at a nearby business forced them to close. The Srours now are opening their own restaurant, Cafe Maurice, at at 21st and Webb Road. Im going to keep doing wholesale and catering, and I would like to add a cafe, Gus Srour says. He likes the traffic in that area, which he says is heavy but not as congested as Rock Road. Srour, who is from Lebanon, says the cafe will have a Mediterranean flair but wont concentrate on any one type of food. The menu will include Lebanese dishes, French dishes and other cuisines. The cafe is named for his late father, who was in the pastry business for more than 40 years in Lebanon. Gus Srour has been in the business more than 25 years. He plans to open sometime around September and will share more details about his business then. Read more: Fri, 04 Jun 2010 00:00:00 -0400 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article57.php#1371678800 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article57.php WICHITA Dale Walker of is working on plans for a new 4,500-square-foot Tyler Office Park near the northwest corner of Douglas and Tyler. Its at the architects right now, so well probably get started in the next couple of weeks, Walker says. He currently leases space for his office at 4715 W. Central. Walker plans to move his office to 1,500 square feet at his new property. Hell have two more 1,500-square-foot spaces to lease, or hell lease the entire remaining 3,000 square feet to one tenant. Don Piros of represented Walker in the transaction. Landmarks David Leyh and Gary Snyder represented the seller. is the builder. I just want to own my own office building, Walker says. Hes not sure how easy it will be to find tenants. Thats a tough question. In this economy, I dont really know what to expect. Walker has owned office buildings in the past. And with construction costs down, he says it makes it easier to build. This is as good of time as any. Read more: Thu, 08 Jul 2010 00:00:00 -0400 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article58.php#1371678801 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article58.php WICHITA Sedgwick County has purchased property at 636 N. St. Francis for a new building for . There are 15 permanent EMS posts in Wichita and the county. EMS Post 10 currently is at 704 N. Emporia in space the county leases from . Via Christi eventually needs that space back for expansion plans. We were in need of a bigger facility anyway, says Scott Hadley, operations manager for . The new building will be 5,000 square feet. There are two ambulances that operate out of Post 10. Don Piros of handled the deal for the new space. is designing the remodeled space. When thats complete by the end of this year, there will be a bid for the 500,000 construction of the facility. The new facility probably wont be ready until fall of 2011, which Hadley says isnt a problem. Theres no rush for us to go out of the (building) were currently in. Read more: Thu, 08 Jul 2010 00:00:00 -0400 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article59.php#1371678802 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article59.php WICHITA A couple of tenants at Lakeridge, one of the strip centers behind at 21st and Ridge, now own the building. Greg Feldman and Zach Henson, who own , and Kelley Arnold, who has , bought the 7,200-square-foot center. We were able to get it at a very reasonable price, and we felt like it was good business sense, Feldman says. Don Piros of handled the transaction. Hell also help lease the property. With Dons help, it should probably happen pretty quickly, Feldman says. Piros has already done a deal for to take 1,500 square feet at the center. Regal owner Johnny Congleton, who does custom orthotics, diabetic shoes and braces, wanted to leave downtown for a couple of reasons. Congleton says he wants more visibility so it would be easier for the patients to find. Also, he says, Downtowns kind of complicated sometimes with the one-way streets. Parking is better, too, he says. At the west-side center, Congleton says, They can pull basically up to the door. That leaves a 1,500-square-foot space and a 1,200-square-foot space left to lease at Lakeridge. Theres also an 1,800-square-foot area that Arnold has decided to expand his business into as well. Read more: Mon, 19 Jul 2010 00:00:00 -0400 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article60.php#1371678803 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article60.php Want to own a piece of Wichita history? Now you can. Tommy D'Annunzio is selling his Tommy's Restaurant Lounge at 21st and Tyler. I'm 62 years old, he says. I've been in the business 40-some years. He's had Tommy's for 20 years. Before that, he had a couple of restaurants, including Tom Sonny's with his friend Sonny Glennon, who now is a co-owner of Scotch Sirloin. Tommy's seats almost 300. D'Annunzio is trying to sell the restaurant. The lease at the space is separate. Lewis Kelley and Gary Snyder of Landmark Commercial Real Estate are handling the sale of the business. D'Annunzio can't say what he'll do next. I don't know. I'm still here, so it's hard to say. And if it doesn't sell? I don't know. I'll be here. Fri, 27 Aug 2010 00:00:00 -0400 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article61.php#1371678804 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article61.php Premium content from Wichita Business Journal - by Chris Moon Date: Thursday, October 21, 2010, 6:55pm CDT Developer Brad Saville says additional streets will go in this winter at Central Park Place. Wichita developers Brad Saville and Christian Ablah say they are preparing to begin work on streets and sewers for the next phase of their Central Park Place retail development on North Maize Road. Construction will start this winter. The sewer work will be paid for through special assessments at the site. The streets will be privately funded, says Saville, president of . The cost of the project hadnt been finalized. The work comes as the developers seek to maintain momentum for the project located across the street from Slawson Cos. NewMarket Square. Central Park Place is anchored by a Lowes store. Recently, Saville and Ablah were able to lease up an 8,960-square-foot strip center on a pad site that contains Five Guys Burgers and Fries and three other tenants. And Saville says hes gotten a commitment although its not yet finalized from restaurant Panda Express for one of three pad sites on the second phase of the development. The streets and sewers will provide access to Panda Express, which also is expected to go under construction this winter. The second phase also has room for 120,000 square feet of retail space for an anchor and junior anchor tenant toward the back of the site. Saville says hes working with one potential anchor tenant that hed like to announce by the end of the year. Id like to see the whole thing completed by the end of 2012, he says. Strip center sale To generate capital for the street work, Saville and Ablah recently sold the Five Guys center to Wichitas The price wasnt disclosed. Builders Inc. broker Dennis Fitzroy has said the real estate firm plans to hold the center for the long term. Saville says he and Ablah generally want to retain ownership of the buildings and land at Central Park Place but considered the sale necessary. The sale of that strip center made it possible to proceed on the developing of the infrastructure for that north 12 acres, he says. Design work for the road is expected to be complete Dec. 1. Kansas Citys is the designer. Also at play with the development is a proposed community improvement district that Saville and Ablah want to create to allow for a one-cent tax on retail sales at the development. The revenue would pay for land acquisition and infrastructure construction. The Wichita City Council is in the process of finalizing its policy for CIDs. Saville says the tax district will be critical for the next phase of Central Park Place. He says deals are difficult to put together as tenants get more aggressive in seeking favorable terms on land and build-to-suit leases. We wont be able to develop unless we have it, he says. Across the street, a NewMarket Square broker says the large retail center doesnt compete much with Central Park Place. April Reed says the two target different markets NewMarket for soft-goods retailers; Central Park Place for hard-goods sellers. We really havent run into it too much where people have put that over our heads, she says. The fact that we built up such a large center and this is where the soft-goods stores are, and if youre in the soft-goods category, they like to be with their friends. Thu, 21 Oct 2010 00:00:00 -0400 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article62.php#1371678805 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article62.php Date: Thursday, October 28, 2010, 6:25pm CDT You wont see IHOP at 21st Street North and Maize Road after all.Wichita developer Austin Kinzle has jettisoned his plans to buy the former New Medical Health Care building at 10525 W. 21st N. He had wanted to scrape it and build a new strip center for the restaurant. But the numbers didnt work. Kinzle says the doctors who still own the property wanted some value out of the building. For a retail developer, there isnt any. Theres a little bit of a disconnect there, Kinzle says. Now, developer Brad Saville has the property under contract. He says he has two scenarios for it, one that would leave the 7,700-square-foot building in place and one that would remove it. If the building stays, it would be converted to retail with new glass, a raised facade and a new parking lot. There would be room for an additional fast-food restaurant. We are receiving a tremendous amount of interest, Saville says. We hope to have some announcements before the end of the year. Read more: Thu, 28 Oct 2010 00:00:00 -0400 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article63.php#1371678806 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article63.php WICHITA A new lease at the building at First and Emporia will bring the building to 100 percent occupancy. Landmark and 1Point LLC have 7,920 square feet of the space, which Landmark renovated and moved into in 2007. A new group of independent lawyers are forming an entity not a law firm to share the remaining 3,912 square feet on the buildings first floor. The new group is Cleary, Wagle, Soderberg and West, which includes Mike Cleary, Karen Barry West, Jennifer Wagle, Ann Gottberg Soderberg and Stephen Turley. Floodman, Wagle and West has been sharing space at 323 N. Market for more than four years. With the new entity, West says the group needs more room. She says there are a lot of things they like about the Landmark building, including that the group will be easily accessible on the first floor with plenty of parking not far from courthouses. We need to be able to get in the car and go, and so that was very appealing, West says. She says the group also has an appreciation for how Landmark president Brad Saville renovated the 1919 building. We loved what he had done there, West says. Landmarks Lewis Kelley and Gary Snyder handled the lease. Landmark and 1Point still have room to expand in their area with four to five more agents and staff. The attorneys all practice family law, including divorce, custody and paternity cases, juvenile law and adoptions. Wagle and Soderberg also handle mediations and limited case management. West specializes in collaborative law. Cleary does mostly criminal work in addition to domestic cases. I think were going to be a very powerful entity, West says. With the diversity of fields the attorneys practice, she says, We offer a lot. West adds, though, Its always a little nerve-wracking when you move your business. Especially thinking clients might not know where they went. The attorneys will move into the Landmark space Aug. 1. So, West says, if anybodys trying to find us, thats where well be. By Wed, 19 May 2010 00:00:00 -0400 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article65.php#1371678807 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article65.php WICHITA As expected, Wichita has landed its second store. Developer Paul Jackson today signed a deal with the Wisconsin-based company to anchor his Stonebridge development at the southeast corner of 37th and Maize Road. This follows Christian Ablahs for Menards to locate at his development at K-96 and Webb Road. These are big, big deals, Jackson says. Its a real shot of confidence theyre opening two stores of this size in Wichita. Jackson and Ablah were close to final deals with Menards, which is a home-improvement store, in late 2008 when the economy tanked. Even though there are continual signs of improvement, Jackson says the Menards deals are still a coup. Big box developments are just not happening around the country right now, he says. Most big box developers have kind of pulled in the reins and put the brakes on until the economy turns around. The west-side Menards will be 230,000 square feet and employ about 165 people. Menards has more than 250 stores in 12 states. Gary Snyder of represented Menards in the Stonebridge deal. Ablah, who is with , also worked with Jackson on the deal. Now that the deal is done, Jackson will proceed with infrastructure work at Stonebridge, which will be a 37-acre retail development. What it means for us is we can go ahead with confidence, Jackson says. Menards likely will break ground in the next 30 to 60 days and open in the first quarter of 2011. Thats credibility (for) people coming to look at our development, Jackson says. Its an important turning point. Jackson says hes in talks with a number of businesses. Once infrastructure is in place, it will allow those businesses to move in quickly, he says. It puts us at that stage, which is a really nice place to be. By Thu, 22 Apr 2010 00:00:00 -0400 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article66.php#1371678808 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article66.php Real EstateLandmark Commercial Real Estate Inc. announces that Nick Esterline has been inducted as a member of the Society of Exchange Counselors Board of Directors. Landmark Commercial Real Estate Inc. announces that David Leyh has been elected as a 2011 director of the Wichita Area Association of Realtors Board of Directors. Esterline Leyh Read more: Mon, 18 Oct 2010 00:00:00 -0400 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article70.php#1371678809 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article70.php The Wichita Eagle By WICHITA - There's more happening near K-96 and Webb Road than just the new . Investors also have purchased the former Fritz Co. Grille space, which has been empty since the restaurant closed in May 2007. They're working with a prospect, says Don Ablah of , who handled the deal for the buyers. The prospect is another restaurant. That's what we're hoping for, Ablah says. When Fritz closed after less than two years in business, a real estate broker said he expected a new business would open there not long after the Menards deal closed. Then, deals fell through for the Wisconsin-based home improvement chain to bring two stores to Wichita. This year, the deals were back on, and Menards is under construction near K-96 and Webb and 37th North and Maize Road. We're just thrilled that the bank was willing to hang in there during this time while Menards was under construction, says Brad Saville of . He handled the deal for , which owned the Fritz building. In 2008, the building was appraised at 1.78 million. In 2009, that was reduced to 1.1 million after the building sat empty. I just really feel like they got a great value, Saville says of the buyers. I feel like their timing is perfect with Menards opening in the next 60 to 90 days. We'll keep you posted on a possible new tenant and the Menards opening date. Read more: Thu, 30 Dec 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article71.php#1371678810 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article71.php Cabela's, the Nebraska-based giant national outdoor retailer, is coming to Wichita's Regency Lakes shopping center at 21st and Greenwich in spring 2012. Cabela's can go to any city in America, and they decided to come to Wichita, America, said George Laham, president of Laham Development and the Regency Lakes developer. That says a lot about Wichita. Construction on the 80,000-square-foot store will start this summer. Competition is good for everybody, said Todd Barker, manager of Gander Mountain at downtown's WaterWalk development. We'll keep doing what we're doing, Barker said of the Wichita store, which is one of the chain's highest-producing stores. Gander Mountain opened at WaterWalk in 2005 after an effort to lure Bass Pro Shops fell apart over public financing of the project. City Council member Sue Schlapp was involved in trying to lure Bass Pro. I am a person who believes downtown is your center, she said. Still, Regency Lakes is in her district, and she's thrilled Cabela's is going there. Cabela's is a fabulous attraction, Schlapp said. It's a wonderful thing. She doesn't quibble with the chain's selection of northeast Wichita over downtown. If they feel that that's a better place for them ... who am I to tell them something different? Cabela's, which was represented by Brad Saville of Landmark Commercial Real Estate, will locate along K-96 north of the 20,000-square-foot World Market at Regency Lakes. There will be room for a 50,000-square-foot retailer between the stores. Regency Lakes opened in 2005 with a 175,000-square-foot SuperTarget. World Market opened the following year. There's also a 110-room Hampton Inn at the development along with Chili's, Subway and Kanza Bank. Progress has been very steady in spite of ... economic times, Laham said. Still, he said, Cabela's will change the landscape of Regency Lakes. In addition to the 50,000-square-foot space next to where Cabela's will go, there are two remaining pad sites along Greenwich for either retail or restaurant use and a 15,000-square-foot retail center at 21st and Greenwich. The Cabela's announcement will help fill those vacancies. It will change the direction of retail in northeast Wichita, Laham said. He said he designed Regency Lakes to be a regional retail center and calls Cabela's a major draw. The retailer's approximately 190,000-square-foot Kansas City, Kan., store is one of the state's leading tourist attractions. John Rolfe, president and CEO of Go Wichita Convention and Visitors Bureau, said he expects the same for the Wichita Cabela's. It's going to be a great addition for our local residents but also certainly ... a tourism draw, he said. It would be great to have another venue such as a Cabela's downtown, but we're certainly glad to see it coming into our city. The store will have the traditional Cabela's design, with log construction, wood siding, stonework and a metal roof. A glass storefront will allow customers to see a lot of the store's interior as they approach. Inside, customers will be immersed in the outdoors with trophy animal mounts and conservation-themed wildlife displays. Kansans are no strangers to Cabela's or the outdoors, Cabela's CEO Tommy Millner said in a statement. It's because of their loyalty to our brand and their passion for sports like hunting, fishing and camping that we're able to build another store in the Sunflower State. The chain, which sells thousands of products related to fishing, hunting, camping, boating, hiking and wildlife-watching, celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. Cabela's has 31 stores across the United States and Canada and five more, including Wichita, in the works. John Parsons, owner of Parsons Taxidermy in Derby, designs a line of functional art products for Cabela's and is thrilled the retailer is coming to Wichita. It's great news for anyone who likes the outdoors and hunting and fishing, that's for darn sure, he said. Parsons said that when he told his employees the news, They just threw up their arms and said, 'Outstanding!' They're excited. Read more: Wed, 19 Jan 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article73.php#1371678811 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article73.php Wichita Business Journal - by Chris Moon Family Dollar is looking to open up for business at 13th Street North and Broadway. Brad Saville and Nick Esterline, of Landmark Commercial Real Estate, are representing the Charlotte, N.C.-based discount chain as it tries to put together a deal on a vacant city-owned lot at 1402 N. Broadway. The company is looking for an investment group to build and own an 8,000-square-foot building that it would like to lease at the site. We dont know who the end owner is going to be at this point, says Esterline, who says hes put together similar deals for Family Dollar in the past in Kansas. The brokers are seeking approval for the project from the Wichita Historic Preservation Board. They also plan to get the site approved by the Wichita Area Metropolitan Planning Department. We kind of would like to have everything put to bed so someone can come in and it would be ready to go, Esterline says. Family Dollar would sign up to a 10-year lease to operate the building thats eventually constructed there. The ground at 13th and Broadway is under contract by FD Development, an entity formed by Saville and Esterline. The site is on the northeast side of the intersection, just across the street from St. Pauls United Methodist Church. Tue, 30 Nov 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article67.php#1371678812 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article67.php Craig Peterson acknowledges that there are already some good mattress stores in Wichita, but thats not stopping him from opening Bedtime Mattress Outlet later this month. I believe that theres a need for it here, he says of a mattress store that sells quality mattresses at discount prices. Im just the alternative to whats out there right now. Competitors such as Mattress Hub are good companies, and they are selling great beds. but they are on a higher-end scale. Mark Barrientos of Mattress Hub takes exception to that. We have mattresses that start at 59 and go all the way up, he says. Peterson is a former Rent-A-Center district manager who most recently has been operating two discount mattress stores in Oklahoma City. He wanted to be able to bring that back to my hometown. His first store is set to open by Jan. 27 at the northwest corner of Harry and Rock Road. Im trying to hit for tax season, says Peterson, who is hoping to attract customers with some disposable income. Don Piros and David Leyh of Landmark Commercial Real Estate handled the deal. Peterson likes Harry and Rock because of all the apartments in the area and the proximity to McConnell Air Force Base. He says people living there for only a few years might prefer to spend less on a mattress. Peterson hopes to expand outside of Wichita one day. For right now, I would focus on the east and then eventually a west-side location. Thu, 13 Jan 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article72.php#1371678813 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article72.php WICHITA After working for for a couple of years, Bradley Monahan is now preparing to open his own clinic, Monahan Chiropractic. My own clinic was always the end goal, he says. The idea is to be my own boss. . . . Take the blame or take the credit. One of the two. Monahan will open in about 1,600 square feet Dec. 1 at 3876 N. Woodlawn just north of 37th and Woodlawn. and of handled the deal. Monahan wanted to work for another clinic before opening his own to learn the business side of owning a practice. We dont get a lot of the business side of business, he says of chiropractic school. Thats why I went with a group to see and learn a little bit more than what school could provide. I got a good learning base. Monahan says he handles all kinds of cases, from typical back and neck pain to sports injuries to pregnancy care, and he says he can adjust his treatments to suit individual patients. Ive always wanted to help people. By Thu, 07 Oct 2010 00:00:00 -0400 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article68.php#1371678814 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article68.php WICHITA In todays economy, its a gamble to build a speculative shopping center and hope to find tenants for it, but its a move thats paying off for Paul Jackson. The developer has Andover MarketPlace, a 140-acre development on the southeast corner of Kellogg and Andover Road in Andover. In May, Jackson began building the Shops at MarketPlace, a 14,000-square-foot center next to . He now has four tenants to announce: , which will have 1,400 square feet and a drive-through on the north end of the center. , which will have 1,400 square feet. , which will have 1,400 square feet. Spa Pedicure, which will have 1,200 square feet. We have a nice amount of interest in the remaining space, Jackson says. We feel like its been a good decision to build that. When Jackson first bought the property several years ago, his plan was to hold it for the long term. We werent looking to develop it immediately. Dillons wanted to expand with a Marketplace concept, though, and the decided to build a new branch about the same time. They just came into play a lot earlier than we expected them, Jackson says. Once those started, we started full speed into the development process. , and have also located at the development. The spaces at the new center will be ready by Nov. 1, though HR Block wont open until January. HR Block is relocating from the center where Dillons used to be. All the traffic basically left our center, says Elizabeth Lindquist, the companys in-house real estate representative. Scooters used to be in Andover under different ownership. Valerie and Andy Koenigs saw an opportunity with the Shops at MarketPlace. Its just something that weve always wanted to do, Valerie Koenigs says of opening a coffee shop. Its like on our bucket list. Brando Dao and his wife, Kimberly Truong, like the area for their Spa Pedicure, which will offer a range of nail services. The Andover Martinizing Dry Cleaning will be Nancy and Mark Staals third site. They have one at Siena Plaza at 37th and Rock and one at at 135th West and Maple. Weve always had our eye on Andover because thats where we live, Nancy Staal says. She likes that theyll be near Dillons. It seems to us to be a great location for everyone. is the project architect, and is the general contractor. is handling leasing. Landmarks Brad Saville says hes close to two other leases for the center. Its great for Andover, he says. Jackson says the idea is to offer a lot of different reasons for a shopper to visit Andover MarketPlace. I feel like that corner, the more we put there, the better it gets, he says. Were starting to get a momentum that makes it a very strong corner, a very tough corner to compete with anywhere in Andover. By Wed, 01 Sep 2010 00:00:00 -0400 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article69.php#1371678815 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article69.php At first we were kind of joking about the weekly yogurt report, but it looks like thats the reality. Yes, there are another couple of yogurt franchises coming to town. Hongs Landscape Nursery owner Ilsik Hong and his brother, Jaesik, are opening a Peachwave Self Serve Frozen Yogurt at 2404 N. Maize Road. Thats across from NewMarket Square in the same building where ATT and Frozen In Time, A Scrapbook Boutique are. I happen to know the people who (are) distributing this yogurt franchise, Ilsik Hong says. His brother, who also works at the nursery, will own the yogurt business, but theyll both operate it. He wants to have a side business, so Im working with him, Ilsik Hong says. The nursery is on 31st Street South between Rock and Webb, which Hong says he realizes is a long way from the Peachwave that will be way out west. Once he and his brother get the business open, which should be early July, theyll leave it to high school and college kids to run, Hong says. This is a young (persons) business, he says. Don Piros of Landmark Commercial Real Estate handled the deal. Last month, Have You Heard? reported that Tammi and Scott Kuthan are opening a Peachwave next to their Doc Greens at the Waterfront. The Kuthans also plan a west-side Peachwave next year. Hong isnt trying the yogurt business out of necessity. He says his nursery business is fantastic. This year the retail and landscape both are better than the last year. Hong and his brother are planning an east-side Peachwave next. Carrie Rengers Wed, 11 May 2011 00:00:00 -0400 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article78.php#1371678816 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article78.php Wichita Business Journal - by Chris Moon Date: Thursday, May 19, 2011, 2:50pm CDTCabela's is moving forward with its plans for an 80,000-square-foot store in northeast Wichita. The WBJ learned this week that the Nebraska-based retailer of outdoor gear has released its building plans for the store to a select list of general contractors. That happened on Tuesday. Six firms are on that list, four of them based in Wichita - Key Construction Inc., Dondlinger Sons Construction Co., The Law Co. Inc. and Martin K. Eby Construction Co. Inc. The other two firms are Minneapolis, Minn.-based Kraus-Anderson Construction Co. and Jefferson, N.C.-based Vannoy Construction. Now the wait is on to see who gets the job, which will be a large one for the retail sector in Wichita. Bids are due June 7. We're planning to break ground in late June or early July, with construction to be complete around mid-January in time to prepare the store for a spring 2012 opening date, says Cabela's spokeswoman Kristin Lauver. The architect is Seattle-based Callison LLC, which also did design work for recently opened Cabela's stores in Allen, Texas, and Springfield, Ore. Callison also is doing work on a Canadian store, located in Edmonton, Alberta, that Cabela's is slated to open in August. Cabela's has a total of 33 stores. We are moving forward on schedule, Lauver says. The design process has progressed efficiently, and we have been able to incorporate improvements to those made in stores that opened over the past couple months. Read more: Four local contractors to bid on Wichita Cabela's store | Wichita Business Journal Thu, 19 May 2011 00:00:00 -0400 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article79.php#1371678817 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article79.php HOME IMPROVEMENT CENTER OPENS West-side Menards store is among chain's largest BY BILL WILSON The Wichita Eagle West Wichita shoppers can now get a gallon of milk and a two-by-four under the same roof. Menards, the national home improvement retailer, opened the first of its two Wichita stores this morning at 37th and Maize Road. A second Wichita location at K-96 and Webb Road is scheduled to open in mid-April. The west-side Menards is a megastore, according to store manager Mike Anderson - about 240,000 square feet including overhangs. The store will have between 130 and 180 employees, depending on the season. It's the largest layout at Menards that we do, Anderson said. We get to have everything in it. The Menards opening is further proof that west Wichita isn't finished growing commercially, said the area's city councilman, Jeff Longwell. I think it just exemplifies what we've been trying to accomplish by encouraging growth out west, Longwell said. They recognize the climate is perfect for businesses to come into west Wichita and be successful, even during some of the worst economic times. Menards trumpets itself as a low-price home improvement retailer. We want to be able to provide people with everything they need, Anderson said. And lots of things in between. That includes a necessities grocery store that includes just about everything but a fresh meat market and produce, Anderson said. Yes, you can get a gallon of milk and a two-by-four here, and lots of people have done that over the years, he said, laughing. And a house. Or a commercial building. Or a tree. Departments include building materials, pet supplies, appliances, housewares and paint. The store has a full outdoor lumber yard. There's an in-house estimator for projects. And a full garden center, with trees and shrubs in stock at the opening. What you won't find at Menards, Anderson said, is the blank stare from clerks when a shopper needs assistance. We work really hard at staffing our stores, at the staff and the amount of help, Anderson said. Guest services is very important to us. Clerks are heavily trained in each department about the products they sell, he said. And the company is intent that shoppers get in and out quickly. There are huge signs at every register pledging that if two or more customers are waiting to pay, Menards will open another cash register. The end of your visit is as important as anything here, Anderson said. A family-owned company formed in 1960 to sell pole buildings, Menards operates 255 stores in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Ohio, Wisconsin and Wyoming. Hours at the west Wichita store are 6:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sundays. Reach Bill Wilson at 316-268-6290 or . Tue, 01 Mar 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article75.php#1371678818 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article75.php Borders will close 75 more stores Wichita Business Journal - by Philadelphia Business Journal, Philadelphia Business Journal Date: Monday, March 14, 2011, 11:52am CDT Borders will close 75 stores on top of the 200 closings it had previously announced, according to a report. No word on whether any of its Philadelphia area sites are on the list. The president of the bookstore chain has said that the company will close an additional 75 stores on top of the 200 it previously announced would be shuttered, according to a in the Detroit Free Press. The chain announced it had filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on Feb. 16 and announced it would close roughly one-third of its stores nationwide, at 1715 Rock Road in Wichita. There was no word on which additional stores would be closed. Borders has a second Wichita location in NewMarket Square, and so far, that store appears slated to remain open. Read more: Mon, 14 Mar 2011 00:00:00 -0400 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article76.php#1371678819 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article76.php Wichita Business Journal - by Chris Moon Date: Tuesday, April 5, 2011, 3:56pm CDT - Last Modified: Tuesday, April 5, 2011, 4:19pm CDT Read more: Chris Moon Reporter Email: It looks like marketing is being ratcheted up for pad sites near the newly opened Menards home improvement store in west Wichita. Landmark Commercial Real EstatesBrad Saville, who is marketing on the ground at 37th Street North and Maize Road, is distributing a new site map showing the potential uses for the 10 or so pad sites. The ideas include typical retail users that would surround a large anchor from a bank to a pharmacy to fast food to a car wash. The Menards store. Weve been talking to restaurants, retail, gas just different uses, Saville says. We put together our ideal uses for each pad. Basically, were getting a little more interest since Menards opened. In a Monday e-mail to real estate brokers and investors, Saville noted Anderson Management has begun work on its 400-unit. The site called Stonebridge is being developed byPaul Jackson, of Vantage Point Properties. Saville says he has a small interest in the project. Read more: Tue, 05 Apr 2011 00:00:00 -0400 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article77.php#1371678820 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article77.php Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage will be a full-scale grocery store with a deli WICHITA The newthatsspace at 1715 N. Rock Road will be a complete grocery store in addition to a vitamin shop. A great many of our customers do just that they only shop for groceries at our stores, says co-presidentKemper Isely. We offer our products at everyday affordable pricing. The Denver-area family business started in 1955. When it opens here Dec. 13, the Wichita store will be the companys 51st. The chain used to be calledVitamin Cottage by Natural Grocers. Since we sell more groceries, we changed our name, Isely says. He says the company sells only 100 percent organically grown produce and fresh and frozen meat that is hormone and antibiotic free. Also, he says, theres a line of frozen natural foods in addition to 100 percent organic produce and bulk items. We do it a little bit differently, Isely says of the bulk items. Theyre prepackage to avoid contamination, he says. We also refrigerate all our nuts and seeds and flowers that can go rancid. The store will be 24,000 square feet. About 1,500 of that will be for a seminar room, which Isely says nonprofits can use for free. Another 1,500 square feet will be for a natural food deli. Isely says the company will try and find someone outside the company to open the deli. We would like to partner with somebody local rather than a national chain. Mark McPhersonof Kansas City-basedandJames Craddockof Colorado-basedCraddock Commercial Real Estaterepresented Natural Grocers in the 10-year lease agreement. New York-based, andScott Harperofrepresented the building owner. Isely says in Wichita, Natural Grocers most closely resembles. Were fairly unique in what we do, he says. We dont really compete with a conventional grocery store. Were more complementary to them. The company is planning to open a store in Lawrence, which is what got it interested in Wichita. You know, I think we could actually open two stores in Wichita, Isely says. It depends on whether the right site comes available. Read more: Fri, 10 Jun 2011 00:00:00 -0400 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article80.php#1371678821 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article80.php DonPirosof Landmark Commercial Real Estate has been busy doing a lot of leases lately, including a couple that will help beautify Wichita. He and Andrea Cavgalar of Prudential Dinning-Beard Realtors handled a deal to bring Twice As Nice Barbershop to the 21st and Woodlawn area by MobileComm. Owner Jeremie McGlory will open in early June with eight barbers, but he's looking for some stylists, too. The goal for me is to try to get to where we can have a whole family come in, he says. McGlory has been cutting hair for a while and just graduated from the Old Town Barber College this spring. On the west side of town, Denelle Farber is moving her First Class Hair from Reflection Ridge Plaza at 21st and Ridge where the salon has been for 11 years to Lakeridge Business Park across the intersection at 2260 N. Ridge Road. It's kind of bittersweet, but things change, Farber says. The new space, which will be ready at the end of June or beginning of July, is 1,200 square feet compared with the salon's 3,200 square feet. We really expanded our salon, but . . . times change and hairdressers get older, too, you know, Farber says. This will be a great space for us also. Piroshandled this deal as well. We've got a very good clientele, Farber says, and I think most of them are going to be moving with us, which we are very happy about. Not all the stylists are coming, though. There will be six stylists and two massage therapists at the new space, which compares with eight stylists, two massage therapists and a nail technician at the current space. Although the salon is downsizing, Farber says, Things are really busy right now. Wed, 01 Jun 2011 00:00:00 -0400 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article81.php#1371678822 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article81.php A third Smoothie King is opening in Wichita, which will make it the second one on the east side. Neil Bhakta, his wife, Gillian Gorges, and a third partner, Shetal Bhakta (who is not related), are opening a 1,700-square-foot store on the northeast corner of Douglas and Rock Road. Unlike the Smoothie Kings at 3236 N. Rock Road and 8000 W. Central, this one won't have a drive-through. On Rock, it's so hard to find, Neil Bhakta says. He wanted that corridor, though. I like location over a drive-through in an off-location. Don Piros of Landmark Commercial Real Estate and Ish Tamas of J.P. Weigand Sons handled the deal. There's a plus to not having a drive-through as well, Bhakta says. If people have to come into the store, they're more likely to buy Smoothie King's nutritional supplements, he says. Ultimately, the drive-through is better. Bhakta is going to try to drive people into the store, which will have about 10 seats. The idea, he says, is let's just create a nice ambiance inside. Look for the newest Smoothie King to open in October. The Wichita Eagle Carrie Rengers Thu, 23 Jun 2011 00:00:00 -0400 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article82.php#1371678823 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article82.php A third Avon Beauty Center is opening in Wichita. It used to be just door-to-door, and Avon opened the opportunity for any representative who wanted to . . . get a license to sell in a store setting, says Christine Watkins, who is opening the new store. Watkins, who has been selling Avon products for a decade, is opening her store early next month in front of the Walmart on the southeast corner of Pawnee and Broadway. It's a great opportunity to increase my sales, she says. With Avon Beauty Centers already in the northeast and west parts of Wichita, Watkins says she had to go south to make sure she didn't take sales from the other stores. It's going to be a really good opportunity for the south part of Wichita, and a great opportunity to expand Avon, Watkins says. Craig Ablah of Classic Real Estate represented Watkins in the deal, and Scott Harper of Landmark Commercial Real Estate represented the landlord. Watkins doesn't expect to take business from others who sell Avon in the area. People who have representatives are going to be loyal to their representatives. She does, though, expect to attract new Avon customers. I just love helping people find their products. Sat, 09 Jul 2011 00:00:00 -0400 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article83.php#1371678824 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article83.php Wichita Business Journal - by Date: Wednesday, July 27, 2011, 12:32pm CDT Jay Maxwell has closed on the purchase of the former Southwest Office Supply building near Old Town. Maxwell plans to renovate and expand the 14,000-square-foot building at 301 N. St. Francis so that it can house his company, . Latest from The Business Journals The deal was delayed a couple of months after the Wichita City Council in May of industrial revenue bonds and tax exemptions for the 3 million project. Pixius didn't qualify for those incentives because not enough of its sales came from outside the metro area. Maxwell says the project got a little smaller as a result. We had to pull a lot of costs out of the deal. We just downsized some ideas. Nothing catastrophic, he says. But the project will receive a 900,000 facade improvement loan from the city. Construction is expected to begin in September. Latest from The Business Journals is the general contractor. Spangenberg Phillips Tice Architecture has designed the space. Maxwell says the building, as originally planned, will add a second-level mezzanine, which will expand the space by about 9,000 square feet. The building will house about 35 Pixius employees. Ted Branson, of Landmark Commercial Real Estate, brokered the sale. The price wasn't disclosed. The deal closed Monday. Keith Stevens, of Latest from The Business Journals , and Dave Burk, of Marketplace Properties, were the sellers. Maxwell says he expects his company to move into the building by March or April. Wed, 27 Jul 2011 00:00:00 -0400 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article84.php#1371678825 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article84.php WICHITA Overland Park-based is opening its 11th center, this time in Wichita. Frankly, we should have had it opened a year ago, but we struggled to find talent, says Brian Stewart, chief marketing and acquisition officer. Stewart says employers, insurance companies, case management firms and physicians have been asking the company to come here. We are a healthy workforce company that does a lot of things related to injured workers, he says. We have been asked for the last couple of years to look at Wichita as a potential growth center. That includes physical and occupational therapy, work conditioning, functional testing, on-site services and wellness programming. The company is taking 5,000 square feet in a new building at 6803 W. Taft, which is behind the near Kellogg and Dugan. Stewart expects to open in early January. A Springfield, Mo., clinic opened in October. There are also seven of the clinics in the greater Kansas City area, one in St. Joseph, Mo., and one in Topeka. The west-side Athletic and Rehabilitation Center isnt likely to be the only one in Wichita, Stewart says. If the opportunity presents itself, wed love to have two or three clinics. Stewart anticipates finding more space wont be an issue. The real estate market down here is super aggressive, he says. There are a lot of people who are hungry to have business in Wichita. Read more: Wed, 09 Nov 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article87.php#1371678826 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article87.php WICHITA The new has a Wichita connection dating to the 1800s, but even co-president Kemper Isely wasnt fully aware of it until the Colorado chain . The store opens the day before Thanksgiving in the former Borders Books space at 1715 N. Rock Road. Iselys parents, Philip and Margaret Isely, started the chain as a regional grocery in 1955. Philip Isely is a Montezuma, Kan., native. Kemper Isely knew that, but he didnt realize his great uncle William Henry Iselys importance to . At the April 1973 dedication of Isely Lane at WSU, then-president Clark Ahlberg praised Isely and Nathan Morrison, who was president of Fairmount Institute, which became Fairmount College the forerunner of WSU. Were it not for Dean Isely and for his colleague, President Morrison, who came in the following year, we might not now be enjoying this beautiful campus with its enduring and encompassing educational advantages and facilities, Ahlberg said, according to a transcript of his speech. Henry Isely The transcript says Isely began his career at Fairmount in 1894 as a history and political science teacher. He became principal within a month. The story is told that immediately following his arrival in Wichita with his wife and youngster, Merrill, he heard that Fairmount Institute was to be closed, Ahlberg said. With Merrill in his arms, he pleaded with the trustees to preserve Fairmount. Ahlberg said Isely was the stabilizing force and the academic leader at the college. The transcript says Isely once wrote, The college is not going to stop more than the moon is. This history is news to Kemper Isely. I was kind of surprised by it, actually, he says. Isely says his father was estranged from that side of his family for a while. Just recently our dad started talking about that side of the family again, he says. Now that hes old, hes started thinking about them again. Much as Isely is surprised by his familys Wichita roots, his father is similarly surprised Natural Grocers will be opening here. He thought it was really interesting that we were coming back to the state he was born in, Isely says. He said, Wow, thats kind of amazing, actually. Hes kind of astonished weve come full circle back. Read more: Tue, 15 Nov 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article88.php#1371678827 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article88.php BY CARRIE RENGERS The Wichita Eagle This is the moment west-side Chick-fil-A fans have been waiting for. Yes, the restaurant is coming to your area. Landmark Commercial Real Estate's Brad Saville , who handled the deal, says the Atlanta-based chain has signed a contract for a freestanding site with a drive-through near the southwest corner of 21st Street and Maize Road. I'm expecting them to be very well received, Saville says in what is likely an extreme understatement. Chick-fil-A devotees have been eagerly awaiting west-side news since before the chain confirmed in February that it's coming to the east side at Central and Rock Road. It looks like that restaurant will open in early 2012 possibly just a couple of weeks into January. There's also a small Chick-fil-A at Wichita State University . This spring, developer NW Centre LLC purchased the 3-acre property near 21st Street and Maize Road where the former New Medical Health Care building is. That's just west of Bank of the West . Essentially, the existing building will be demolished, Saville says. The property has a much higher use than what it currently is. After Chick-fil-A is built, there will still be about an acre left for another restaurant or retail user. Chick-fil-A won't allow another restaurant that has a drive-through, so we kind of have our sites set on retail, Saville says. He says Chick-fil-A generates an unbelievable amount of traffic. If there were two drive-throughs there, he says, It would be a mess. Saville expects the Chick-fil-A deal to close by the end of the year. The west-side restaurant could open by next summer. Though, as hungry Chick-fil-A diners have learned with the east location, it could take longer. Read more: Thu, 08 Sep 2011 00:00:00 -0400 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article86.php#1371678828 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article86.php Advanced Physical Therapy is moving its east Wichita location, which also serves as its company headquarters. Owner will move Advanceds clinic at 5119 E. Kellogg, east of Oliver, to a larger space he has leased at 4415 E. Central, west of Oliver. of Latest from The Business Journals was the leasing agent. Todd plans to open the new 2,000-square-foot clinic in January. He says the reason for the move is simple. We needed more space and more parking, Todd says. He says he plans to add another therapist to the new location next year. For now, the existing staff will relocate. Todd, a Latest from The Business Journals graduate, started Advanced Physical Therapy in 2004 in the East Kellogg location and has since expanded to include 14 locations in Kansas and Missouri, including three in Wichita and one each in Haysville and Newton. Advanced is opening its East Central clinic in a 4,100-square-foot building that Kings Treatment Center, a substance abuse recovery facility, occupied before moving to 830 S. Hillside. Kelly, the leasing agent, says because Advanced Physical Therapy is leasing just half the building, the hope is to lease the remaining space to another health care practitioner to establish a referral network. It would be something where you would have a physician who would refer patients to Advanced Physical Therapy, Kelly says. He says several medical providers have expressed interest in locating in the other half of the building, but nothing has been finalized yet. Greater volume Activity in the health care industry has been one of the bright spots of commercial real estate, brokers say. Kelly says much of the activity centers on practices moving to new locations or medical providers starting their own practice. Its just a lot of people moving around, Kelly says. A lot of people are focusing on their own practices. For Advanced Physical Therapy, the move was a chance to serve more patients and add services, Todd says. The business provides outpatient physical and speech therapy for hospitals, such as Latest from The Business Journals and Latest from The Business Journals . Advanced also works with Wichita State students on job-shadowing programs. Advanced does pre-employment screenings and has started providing more physical therapy for home health care providers. Todd says many of advanceds patients come in for treatment before or after a surgery, and lower back problems are the most common ailment he sees. Other physical therapists are seeing an increased patient load as well. , owner of Palmer Physical Therapy for Women, says her business is seeing a greater volume of patients, but the number of visits per patient has decreased because of the associated out-of-pocket expenses. She says volume increases are tempered by reductions in reimbursements on the provider side, which makes budgeting more challenging. Still, she says, people need services, and providers have to do what they can to take care of their patients. There are people out there who need the service, Palmer says. Advanced Physical Therapy Moving to: 4415 E. Central, Wichita, Kan. 67208. Square footage: 2,000. Targeted opening: January 2012. Founded: 2004. Other area locations: Three in Wichita and one each in Haysville and Newton. Premium content from Wichita Business Journal by Josh Heck, Reporter Date: Friday, November 18, 2011, 5:00am CST Fri, 18 Nov 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article89.php#1371678829 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article89.php WICHITA Nick Esterline, a Wichita-based commercial real estate broker and entrepreneur, opened a Freddys Frozen Custard Steakburgers franchise Saturday in Broken Arrow, Okla., the first step in his partnership with the restaurant franchise that should yield at least 16 new stores in the Tulsa and St. Louis metropolitan areas. Its the first of several stores Esterline and his partners plan to open in the Tulsa area, according to Freddys co-founder Bill Simon. The Esterline franchise also will open between eight and 10 stores initially in greater St. Louis. Freddys Wichita corporate office operates one other existing Tulsa store at 9311 E. 71st. Its simple stuff, Esterline said. Its great food, its excellent hospitality and people who care about what theyre doing every single day. With emphasis on the people who care at Freddys corporate, Esterline said. They understand the franchisor-franchisee relationship because theyve been on both sides of the table, he said. They understand people. Simon said Esterline, who also operates two Value Place franchise hotels, is the kind of franchise holder Freddys has historically sought. Were very pleased to have Nick in our list of franchisees, Simon said. Hes proven himself in a variety of other ventures to date and he seems like the caliber of person weve been fortunate enough to attract since the beginning. Esterlines stores will be operated by JRI Management, an experienced restaurant management firm operating Freddys stores in nine other locations. Its the 55th store to open in the growing restaurant chain founded in Wichita in 2002 by Scott Redler and Bill, Randy and Freddy Simon, the latter the face and namesake of the chain. Simon said plans call for three more stores this year, and a minimum of 25 next year, driving the chains expansion above 80 stores by its 10th anniversary. At times when we predict something like this, bureaucratic red tape and other obstacles get in the way, Simon said. The companys niche higher-quality fast food focusing on steakburgers and custard has helped Freddys prosper during a down economy. It doesnt seem to be hurting us, Simon said. Weve got a niche that is working. Read more: Wed, 07 Dec 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article90.php#1371678830 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article90.php WICHITA A new restaurant is opening where closed this spring. Were going to remodel it and open it as a , says owner Jack Davidson. Davidson and his wife, Linda, purchased Jimmies at 3111 N. Rock Road in 2007. We want to continue to take this legendary store and spread it out to more than one location, Jack Davidson says. Jimmies was one of the first things on North Rock Road back in 1987, he says. As a matter of fact, it sat out here all by itself on a two-lane road. The history of Jimmies, Kings-X Diner the restaurant at 21st and Amidon the Davidsons also bought in 2007 and Tocs goes back even farther. We have a direct line back to in Wichita, Davidson says. Jimmie King was a White Castle employee when the chain, which was founded in Wichita, was here in the 20s and 30s. He started as a fry cook and eventually became a manager but chose not to leave Wichita when White Castle did. Instead, he purchased several White Castle locations and turned them into Kings-X restaurants. He operated them, along with Tocs, for decades. Davidson says Kings son, Wayne, and developer George Ablah built Jimmies Diner as a tribute to King. The Davidsons now hope to further continue the Jimmie tradition, if you will, he says. The new restaurant will open in the first quarter of 2012. There could be more, but not for a while. We just do them one at a time, Davidson says. If this one works and our model works, I would say thats a distinct possibility. Lewis Kelley of represented building owner Sean Klenda and handled the lease agreement. Im really excited, Klenda says. Thats who I wanted in there from the start. Read more: Wed, 14 Dec 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article91.php#1371678831 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article91.php UPDATED With any luck, by this time next year, shoppers in east and west Wichita will have two new stores to shop at. It looks like the Massachusetts-based retailer is working on two possible deals here. Parent company owns Marshalls and sister store T.J. Maxx, which is in Eastgate Plaza at Kellogg and Rock and in the Westgate shopping center at Kellogg and Dugan. Marshalls is similar to T.J. Maxx. Marshalls is known for carrying designer clothing and homeware at discount prices never pay full price for fabulous is the current tagline though shoppers often have to wade through merchandise to find those deals. No one with TJX returned calls for comment, and no one else involved in the deals is talking. Sources, though, say heres whats in the works: On the west side, Marshalls is considering locating at at 21st and Maize. The former Borders Books space is the likely new home. On the east side, the retailer is negotiating at at 21st and Greenwich. Theres about 50,000 square feet between and where the new is going to open in 2012. One retailer could take the entire space or it could be divided. Theres also a pad site available in front of Cabelas. is marketing the project. It looked like TJXs concept was briefly considered for Regency Lakes, but it sounds like thats now off the table. This isnt the first time Marshalls has appeared close to a deal here, so theres still a chance it may not happen. Well let you know. By Published by Fri, 16 Dec 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article92.php#1371678832 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article92.php By Bill WilsonTHE WICHITA EAGLE Published Thu, 12 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article93.php#1371678833 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article93.php Capital Express Inc. opens 8,000-square-foot Wichita warehouse WICHITA , an Omaha-based courier and logistics company, is now operating in Wichita. We have a large customer who asked us to come into this market, says presidentJack Johnson. Johnson says he cant say who the customer is. The 25-year-old company has offices in a dozen greater Midwest cities, including a recently opened Dodge City office. Johnson says in addition to delivery services, Capital Express helps customers put together systems among various departments in order to streamline processes for deliveries. We help them figure out what they need. The companys new Wichita warehouse is in 8,000 square feet at 2544 S. Leonine. Ted BransonofandJeff Englertofhandled the deal. Johnson thinks the company has all the square footage it needs in Wichita. We dont generally require a huge amount of space, he says. Its not like anything sits in the warehouse overnight. Previously, Capital Express handled the Wichita market from its Kansas City office. Johnson expects the companys business to continue to grow here beyond the initial large customer that requested it come. Absolutely, he says. We have a tremendous customer following and support, and we have added several customers to the Wichita office. Br Carrie RengersPublished byPostedTags:,,,,,Filed under, Fri, 20 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article94.php#1371678834 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article94.php SpringClean Laundry owner to open what he thinks will be the third-largest Laundromat in the countryPublished in the Wichita Eagle 2/2/2012 By Carrie Rengers WICHITA Perry Duncanis, perhaps arguably, the Laundry King of Kansas. Hes owned many himself, built plenty of them for others and now is working on what he says likely will be the third-largest Laundromat in the country. Duncan owns, which in 2009 he toldHave You Heard?he wanted to develop into a chain of large, upscale laundries with large dryers, flat-screen TVs and carpeting. His newest SpringClean will be in the formerSpears Restaurant and Pie Shopspace at 1930 N. Woodlawn, which is just south ofBrittany Centerat the corner of 21st and Woodlawn. Duncan is adding to the building for a total of 13,000 square feet. So how does he know this might be the third-largest? Ive been doing it 30 years, he says. Duncan says hes quite familiar with the business nationwide. His first two SpringClean sites, at 416 N. Ridge and 1224 S. Webb, are about 9,000 square feet each. Duncan says hes inspired by cinema entrepreneurBill Warrenof. He kind of set the example, and I watched him, Duncan says of having large, pleasant facilities. People will pay more and appreciate it if you build a really nice laundry. He offers free WiFi two kinds in case one breaks down large aisles and a playground. Scott SalomeofandTed Bransonofhandled the deal. Duncan already is thinking of other possible future sites, which he says take two or three years to develop from the time he picks an area and studies it. Northwest Wichita could be where he eyes next. The newest SpringClean will open this summer, Duncan says, If I get my way about it. Read more here: http://blogs.kansas.com/haveyouheard/2012/02/01/springclean-laundry-owner-to-open-what-he-thinks-will-be-the-third-largest-laundromat-in-the-country/#storylink=misearch#storylink=cpy Read more here: http://blogs.kansas.com/haveyouheard/2012/02/01/springclean-laundry-owner-to-open-what-he-thinks-will-be-the-third-largest-laundromat-in-the-country/#storylink=misearch#storylink=cpy Thu, 02 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article95.php#1371678835 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article95.php Golden Bay to open in former Mama-Sans Japanese Steakhouse spacePublished in The Wichita Eagle By Carrie Rengers WICHITA Now, for the final restaurant report of the day BrianandJing Kitchensare openingGolden Bayin the formerMama-Sans Japanese Restaurantspace near 13th and West. Shes been in the industry for a long time, Brian Kitchens says of his wife, and has really been wanting to open one. The restaurant will be a fusion of sushi, Japanese and Chinese cuisine. Brent Madisonofhandled the deal. Brian Kitchens says after some remodeling, the restaurant should open in about a month. Read more here: http://blogs.kansas.com/haveyouheard/2012/01/04/golden-bay-to-open-in-former-mama-sans-japanese-steakhouse-space/#storylink=misearch#storylink=cpy Wed, 08 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article96.php#1371678836 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article96.php FDA to move to new Wichita officePublished in The Wichita Eagle By Carrie Rengers UPDATED Theis moving to a new Wichita office. The FDAs lease is up at 1861 N. Rock Road, so its moving to 1,700 square feet at 8440 E. 29th St. Scott Harperofhandled the deal. The Wichita FDA office, which is one of six offices associated with the FDAs district office in Kansas City, is part of the FDAsOffice of Regulatory Affairs. That division is responsible for inspecting manufacturers and regulating their products to ensure the safety of such things as food, drugs and medical devices. Read more here: http://blogs.kansas.com/haveyouheard/2012/01/25/fda-to-move-to-new-wichita-office/#storylink=misearch#storylink=cpy Read more here: http://blogs.kansas.com/haveyouheard/2012/01/25/fda-to-move-to-new-wichita-officPe/#storylink=misearch#storylink=cpy Wed, 08 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article97.php#1371678837 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article97.php Empire Barber Salon to move to Oxford Square near 21st and WoodlawnPublished in The Wichita Eagle By Carrie Rengers WICHITA Tyron Bowenis returning toOxford Squarenear 21st and Woodlawn to do hair, but this time hell own the barber shop and salon instead of working for someone else. Bowen is moving hisEmpire Barber Salonfrom 13th and Pershing to whereTangles Unlimitedonce was near the northwest corner of 21st and Woodlawn. I know the potential of it, he says of the space, where hes knocking down walls to open it up. He already has five people, including himself, on staff, and he has four more who will be joining. The shop will offer barber and salon services. Bowen has been working professionally for a dozen years, but hes been cutting hair since he was 9 out of necessity. I got tired of my mom letting our uncle cut our hair bald, he says. I had her get me some clippers for Christmas. He started by cutting hair for family members. Eventually, he went to barber school. Bowens former shop at 13th and Pershing has been closed for three weeks, so hes hoping to have his new site open as soon as possible. Don Pirosofhandled the deal. Read more here: http://blogs.kansas.com/haveyouheard/2012/02/08/empire-barber-salon-to-move-to-oxford-square-near-21st-and-woodlawn/#storylink=misearch#storylink=cpy Read more here: http://blogs.kansas.com/haveyouheard/2012/02/08/empire-barber-salon-to-move-to-oxford-square-near-21st-and-woodlawn/#storylink=misearch#storylink=cpy Wed, 08 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article98.php#1371678838 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article98.php Dragon Estate investors buy floors in Sutton Place and Broadway Plaza and plan more purchases downtownPublished in The Wichita Eagle By Carrie Rengers WICHITA What started as a real estate search for a law office has ledAbdul Arifto become a new investor in downtown along with several of his friends and business associates. The members of the group, who operate under the nameDragon Estate, are Asian immigrants. This is our home, Arif says of how they now view Wichita. This is where we believe in. The other investors areMui Nguyen, who owns;Vinh Le, aengineer; andTariq Azmi, a systems engineer with. This group of guys (is) who I normally hang out with, Arif says. Theyre always looking to do something. Boeing has told Le he has to move to Seattle. He doesnt want to, though, so thats part of the groups motivation. Theyre looking for investments and things to keep him here, Arif says. So far, theyre investing in downtown one floor at a time. Someone told us theres a good deal atSutton Place, Arif says of the building at Market and William. Real Developmentowns several floors there. Two floors that others own are in foreclosure. So far, Arif and his associates have purchased the first floor of Sutton Place. Arif says hes in negotiations to buy the foreclosed floors as well. Once the group has more floors, its plan is to develop residential condos there. Thats also where Arif will move hislaw office. Arif says the first floor of Sutton Place will remain office space. Hes also in negotiations for a new restaurant to move into the formerDaily Grindspace on that floor. Im supposed to sign a lease fairly quickly. All About Business, a marketing and consulting firm, also is moving its office there. There are still two office spaces left to lease. Arif says immediate plans at Sutton Place include facade improvement and the addition of green canopies to match the ones at theORourke Titlebuilding next door whereis. There will be some new paint as well. It just need a fresh coat of paint, and its a beautiful building, Arif says. Craig Simonofhandled the Sutton Place deal along with Dragon Estates purchase of the fourth floor ofBroadway Plazaat Broadway and Douglas. Thats another property where Real Development owns floors as well. It was just a good deal to buy, Arif says. If more floors become available, the group is interested in those as well. Arif especially likes the extensive remodeling thats already happened at the building. The fourth floor is about 50 percent occupied. Arif says Dragon Estate plans to price the Broadway Plaza property a little under market to attract tenants quickly. Arif says he appreciates all the new activity in downtown, especially with people such asRobert EysterandMichael Ramseypurchasing older buildings to redevelop them. Arif doesnt put his group in the same category, though. Were not in any way, shape or form developers, he says. We dont have any grand plans to call ourselves developers. Arif says he doesnt like that label, either. Were just local guys with ties and businesses, he says. Theyre happy to be part of downtowns rebirth, though. Weve received some tremendously good deals in downtown, Arif says. Its like a hidden treasure. Read more here: http://blogs.kansas.com/haveyouheard/2012/02/13/dragon-estate-investors-buy-floors-in-sutton-place-and-broadway-plaza-and-plan-more-purchases-downtown/#more-17720#storylink=cpy Read more here: http://blogs.kansas.com/haveyouheard/2012/02/13/dragon-estate-investors-buy-floors-in-sutton-place-and-broadway-plaza-and-plan-more-purchases-downtown/#more-17720#storylink=cpy Tue, 14 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article99.php#1371678839 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article99.php A Box 4 U expands into finishing work for its blast-resistant modulesPublished in The Wichita Eagle By Carrie Rengers WICHITA Wichita-basedis expanding its blast-resistant module business. Since the mid-1990s,Jeff Langescompany has sold and leased blast-resistant modules for petroleum refineries and chemical plants. We create a safe haven for employees, saysJohn Potts, who is in sales for the company. The modules could be an office, a factory or even a restroom. Now, instead of solely using a third-party fabricator to make the boxes, the company is going to begin doing its own finishing work to help with the process. Were just assisting . . . because weve got so much work going, Potts says. In addition to the companys office at 4340 S. West St., A Box 4 U is also now leasing a 20,000-square-foot warehouse at 4225 W. Bounous to do the finishing work. Ted Bransonofhandled the deal. Potts says it will still rely on another company to do most of the work, but he says it made sense for A Box 4 U to take on some of the work itself. Were growing pretty quickly here. Read more here: http://blogs.kansas.com/haveyouheard/2012/02/08/a-box-4-u-expands-into-finishing-work-for-its-blast-resistant-modules/#storylink=misearch#storylink=cpy Read more here: http://blogs.kansas.com/haveyouheard/2012/02/08/a-box-4-u-expands-into-finishing-work-for-its-blast-resistant-modules/#storylink=misearch#storylink=cpy Tue, 14 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article100.php#1371678840 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article100.php RBP Auto to open on Southwest BoulevardPublished in The Wichita Eagle By Carrie Rengers WICHITA Ryan Peaveyhas been wanting to get into the car sales business, but to get his dealers license, he says first he needed a building. So hes signed a lease for 1,100 square feet at 1707 1/2 Southwest Blvd. Its pretty little, Peavey says. Its the start of hisRBP Auto, though. Peavey plans to sells cars and specialize in distressed ones that he repairs. He may fix other cars on the property as well. Ted Bransonwithhandled the deal. I expect to have more space eventually, Peavey says. He says he needed to start somewhere, though. I had to take a chance on something. Read more here: http://blogs.kansas.com/haveyouheard/2012/02/14/rbp-auto-to-open-on-southwest-boulevard/#storylink=cpy Read more here: http://blogs.kansas.com/haveyouheard/2012/02/14/rbp-auto-to-open-on-southwest-boulevard/#storylink=cpy Tue, 14 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article101.php#1371678841 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article101.php Council votes to set up STAR bond district for fieldhouse project in northeast Wichita Published in The Wichita Eagle By Bill Wilson A multi-use destination entertainment STAR bond project at K-96 and Greenwich Road cleared its first major governmental hurdle Tuesday. Wichita City Council members voted unanimously to establish a 400-acre STAR bond district at the eastside Wichita intersection, anchored by a 53,000-square-foot sports fieldhouse and surrounded by a series of destination hotels and retailers. The 270 million project, which would be partially funded by the STAR bond revenues in an amount to be determined by the state, now goes to the Kansas Department of Commerce for a qualification determination, which would set the stage for a project plan using sales tax revenues from the sports and entertainment retailers making up the district. Were very excited that the project will move forward, said Korb Maxwell, a Kansas City attorney representing GoodSports Enterprises, developers of the project. Were looking forward to working with the city and the state bringing this project to reality. The group is proposing a 53,000-square-foot indoor sports fieldhouse, part of a tourism and shopping destination district that includes the Cabelas store under construction. The development group has ties to the Village West project around the Kansas Speedway in Johnson County. The centerpiece of the funding behind the project is the states STAR bond law, which allows the states 6.3 percent sales tax on purchases to be captured for certain development costs in a district. The funds can be used for horizontal expenses, including land acquisition and public and private infrastructure. The GoodSports project is the first STAR bond proposal to come before the council since Bowllagio, a bowling-themed multi-use attraction proposed for west Wichita. It died before the council in 2010 amid public protests that it would misuse public tax money and threaten the financial viability of longtime private bowling alleys. The only other city STAR project is the riverfront improvement plan. The first phase of the GoodSports project, including the fieldhouse, would be built just north of K-96 east of Greenwich, with the bulk of the district including Cabelas, Target and other retailers running along both sides of Greenwich south to 21st Street. The proposed tourism district also includes an undeveloped tract owned by Slawson Cos. just southeast of the 21st and Greenwich intersection. The developers say the sports facility would target a broad range of events, including national-caliber Amateur Athletic Union basketball tournaments. It also would target the one-of-a-kind restaurants and retailers that drive traffic to the Kansas City development. Allen Bell, the citys urban development director, said that the project also would use half of the citys share of newly generated sales taxes in the area, but would not use any property tax monies. Maxwell, the Kansas City attorney, said hes confident his group can meet state requirements for 50million in capital investment and 50million in annual sales on the 140-acre chunk of land the group controls in the district. We feel good that the 50 can be done, so much so that we think it can be as much as four times over in this district, he said. City Council members lined up behind the project, saying the success of the Kansas Speedway had influenced them. This thing has a lot of legs under its stool that are pretty solid, council member Pete Meitzner said. Council member Jeff Longwell said its time for Wichita to begin collecting some of the state economic development dollars it largely devotes to northeast Kansas, in this case the state sales tax revenues that will be used to help finance the project. We dont always get enough coming back to us, Longwell said, saying the city gets only 30 or 35 percent of the dollar back for projects such as the GoodSports proposal. The STAR bond project drew fire from supporters of free-market-driven economic development, who called on the council to put off establishment of the district until the Feb. 28 guest tax vote on the Ambassador Hotel project, a challenge to the citys allocation of 2.25 million in guest taxes over the hotels first 15 years to the project. Taxation ought to be a public function to pay for public services, said Wichitan Bob Weeks, who publishes a free-market blog. We shouldnt turn this very important thing over to private citizens for private gain. If the project is qualified at the state level, it would come back to the City Council for action on a project and financing plan before final state approval. Read more here: http://www.kansas.com/2012/02/15/2215656/council-votes-to-set-up-star-bond.html#storylink=misearch#storylink=cpy Read more here: http://www.kansas.com/2012/02/15/2215656/council-votes-to-set-up-star-bond.html#storylink=misearch#storylink=cpyPublished Thu, 16 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article102.php#1371678842 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article102.php Plexus Inc. opens and leases space near Intrust Bank ArenaPublished in The Wichita Eagle By Carrie Rengers WICHITA Business partnersShawn SpaenyandNick Holthave startedPlexus Inc.to sell high-definition surveillance cameras. High-quality surveillance is what we do, Spaeny says. The two have been in the business previously but decided to open their own place in almost 3,000 square feet at 535 S. Emporia. Seems prime, doesnt it? Spaeny says of being located just south of. Ted Bransonofhandled the deal. In addition to offering new cameras, Spaeny says Plexus will offer service on other surveillance cameras as well. Were ramping up all areas of that operation. Read more here: http://blogs.kansas.com/haveyouheard/2012/02/15/plexus-inc-opens-and-leases-space-near-intrust-bank-arena/#storylink=cpy Read more here: http://blogs.kansas.com/haveyouheard/2012/02/15/plexus-inc-opens-and-leases-space-near-intrust-bank-arena/#storylink=cpy Mon, 20 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article103.php#1371678843 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article103.php Planet Fitness signs two new dealsPublished in The Wichita Eagle By Carrie Rengers WICHITA There are deals for two new Wichitasites, though the chain still isnt talking about its plans here. Have You Heard?is working on locations in the formerspace atNormandie Centerat Central and Woodlawn, atMarina Lakesat 21st and Amidon where a newis and also at the 21st and Maize area. Since then,Scott HarperofandGrant Tidemannoffinalized a deal for the Marina Lakes space. On Friday, Tidemann and LandmarksNick Esterlinefinalized a deal for the former bowling alley space at 2350 N. Maize Road. Thats whereCountryside West Lanesclosed in 2007. It looks like there may already be demo work going on at the possible Planet Fitness space at Normandie. Planet Fitness isnt the only new gym coming to the city. alsohere. In fact, it appears it was negotiating for some of the same space Planet Fitness nabbed. Earlier this year, Have You Heard? reported that a Golds deal at Harry and Rock may already be done. Both companies are being similarly silent. We should hear something from them soon, though. Read more here: http://blogs.kansas.com/haveyouheard/2012/02/20/planet-fitness-signs-two-new-deals/#storylink=cpy Mon, 20 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article104.php#1371678844 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article104.php Citys retail market ready to take off, brokers say Published in the Wichita Eagle By Carrie Rengers After a particularly lean three years, Wichita finally saw significant retail activity in 2011. Commercial brokers say that gives them a lot to build on in 2012. Read more here: http://www.kansas.com/2012/02/24/2224654/retail-market-ready-to-take-off.html#storylink=misearch#storylink=cpyBy After a particularly lean three years, Wichita finally saw significant retail activity in 2011. Commercial brokers say that gives them a lot to build on in 2012.Were just getting ready to take off, said Brad Saville, president and CEO of Landmark Commercial Real Estate. The first sign was that almost all the junior box and big box vacancies have gotten filled up, he said. Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage took the former east-side Borders Books space. Sephora opened at Bradley Fair, Ulta Salon, Cosmetics Fragrance stores opened on the east and west sides, and several Walmart Neighborhood Markets, Dollar General and Family Dollar stores opened throughout Wichita. The last three years, the national retailers were looking for deals and bargains, and now were back to, Weve got to build, Saville said. The most obvious example: Cabelas. The Nebraska-based giant national outdoor retailer is building an 80,000-square-foot store at the Regency Lakes shopping center at 21st and Greenwich. It opens March 15. Later this year, the Fresh Market upscale grocery chain will open in the former Ultimate Electronics space at Bradley Fair. This is the farthest west the Greensboro, N.C.-based chain has come so far. Ross Dress For Less also is entering the Wichita market with two stores: one at the Eastgate shopping center at Kellogg and Rock, and one at Westgate at Kellogg and Dugan. Doug Malone, a broker with J.P. Weigand Sons who helped handle the west-side Ross deal, said there are a lot of national retailers that arent in Wichita that eventually will come. Its a function of when, he said. Malone said its also going to take time for the retail market to build back up to what it was. We have a long ways to go to get it back to where it was in 2007. Still, he said, It feels better than it did a year ago. His colleague, broker Leisa Lowry, said shes definitely busier these days. Im far busier this year than the previous three years, she said. Lowry, who does a lot of restaurant deals, said several fast-casual concepts are looking to possibly come to Wichita. There are several done deals, too. Pita Pit is returning to the market with a new restaurant at 3242 N. Rock Road. Mooyah will be opening at least one restaurant here in 2012, most likely on the west side. Then theres the restaurant generating the most buzz: Chick-fil-A. Its east-side site at Central and Rock Road will open March 15. A west-side site near the southwest corner of 21st and Maize Road will open later this year. At that same intersection, NewMarket Square has attracted a slew of new retailers. Kay Jewelers, Carters and Mens Warehouse are just a few of the new national tenants. Marshalls, a sister store to T.J. Maxx, is seriously eyeing the former Borders Books space there in addition to an east-side site. A couple of gyms, Planet Fitness and Golds Gym International, are finalizing deals for several Wichita sites each. Local retailers are busy, too. Dondlinger and Sons Construction is opening two Williams Ace Hardware stores in coming months. The first will open in late March in the former Whites Foodliner building in Goddard. A second store will open in the former Ace Hardware in Andover at 642 N. Andover Road about a month later. Brokers say there have been a lot of renewals in the market as well. Its a testament that retailers are filling these spots up, Saville said. Read more here: http://www.kansas.com/2012/02/24/2224654/retail-market-ready-to-take-off.html#storylink=misearch#storylink=cpy Fri, 24 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article105.php#1371678845 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article105.php Laham: Opening of Cabelas in Wichita is a game-changerBy John Stearns In the Wichita Business Journal Thursday, March 15, 2012The turnout forCabelasin Wichita on Wednesday could have filled 10,500-seat Koch Arena and then some. In fact, by some estimates, it could have filled most of 15,000-seatIntrust Bank Arena. Not only does this town have Shocker fever, it has Cabelas fever (and alsoChick-fil-Afever, which began sweeping east Wichita with Thursdays 6 a.m.). We were incredibly blown away at the turnout, says Cabelas spokesman. It goes to show why we chose that location. That location is K-96 at Greenwich Road, in the Regency Lakes Shopping Center, which also is home to Target, World Market and others. Cabelas will change the landscape of 21st and Greenwich Road, says, president ofLaham Development, which is a partner in developing Regency Lakes. Its wonderful for the other businesses in the area and will be a continued generator of growth for new development in the area, Laham says. Revenue from Cabelas will help finance an 8 million on-ramp and off-ramp project that will create more complete access to Greenwich Road from K-96, which is important to continue the development of that part of town, he says. This is economic development. Talks began with Cabelas more than five years ago, Laham says, who is quick to credit, president and CEO ofLandmark Commercial Real Estate Inc., as being instrumental in landing Cabelas. We do work hard (and) listen to our customers and what stores and restaurants they want in Wichita, Laham said. So we were very pleased by the turnout yesterday. Wichita has wanted Cabelas for a lot of years, and now we have one. Laham notes the Wichita store is Cabelas 35th. That says a lot about retail in our community, being one of only 35 stores, he says. Any city in America would love to have a Cabelas. Apparently, such turnouts at Cabelas grand openings are the norm. Cabelas grand openings are always a spectacle, Remmer says. A turnout like that is not a huge surprise, but its always nice when the crowds come. Generally, we like to create a buzz like that. The company knew it had a lot of local followers, based on tracking catalog and online customers, but then to actually see it come to fruition is great, Remmer says. Next up for Cabelas, a new store in Tulalip, Wash., about 30 miles north of Seattle. That will open April 19. Tue, 20 Mar 2012 00:00:00 -0400 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article106.php#1371678846 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article106.php Academy Sports Outdoors helps fill out center near 29th and MaizeTwo retail sites remain in Central Park Place developmentFrom The Wichita Business Journal by John Stearns, Reporter Date: Friday, March 23, 2012 A commercial development in northwest Wichita will take a major step toward completion with last weeks announcement thatAcademy Sports Outdoorswill build a 73,000-square-foot store immediately north of Lowes on Maize Road, near 29th Street North. All that remains for the 24-acre Central Park Place development is construction of up to a 32,000-square-foot space for a junior box tenant north of Lowes and a 6,600-square-foot space for a fast-food or casual-dining restaurant north ofPanda Express, according to, president ofLandmark Commercial Real Estate Inc. Saville andofClassic Real Estateare partners in Eastside Investments LLC, which sold Academy its 6.4-acre site and is the developer of Central Park Place. Academy was represented byof Concordia Equity LC of Plano, Texas. There wont be any further development from Central Park Place to 29th Street North on the east side of Maize Road because the area is a protected wetland. On the west side of Maize Road, however, Slawson Cos. plans to develop a strip it owns between NewMarket Square and 29th all part of what has become a hot retail corridor stretching from 21st Street north beyond 37th. Two groups are looking at the junior-box site, says Saville, who will attend the International Council of Shopping Centers show in Las Vegas in May to network with potential tenants. Saville says two groups also are looking at Central Park Places restaurant site. I really think the retail market in Wichita is strengthening, he says. Weve had some nice tenants enter the market. That includes Academy competitorCabelas, which Saville was instrumental in landing, according to, president ofLaham Developmentand a partner in the Regency Lakes Shopping Center, the east-side development where Cabelas is located. Academy Sports new to marketKaty, Texas-based Academy plans to open the Maize Road store its first in Kansas late this year, by the holiday shopping season, according to, a spokeswoman for the retailer. The company has more than 135 stores, concentrated in Texas and the Southeast. It is owned by the equity firmKohlberg Kravis Roberts Co. LP. The stores philosophy is selling the right stuff at everyday low prices, according to its website. That stuff includes categories for apparel, footwear, team sports gear, recreation and leisure, fitness, golf, hunting, fishing, boating and marine, camping and outdoors, patio and barbecue, and electronics. Its just an incredible store, and theres so much that we offer, Hasbrook says. The store will be almost as big as Cabelas, which is 80,000 square feet, and more than twice the size ofSports Authority, a competitor situated across Maize Road at NewMarket Square. We think its good for the community to have options for shopping, Hasbrook says. The store will hire about 150 people. Meanwhile, across maize ..., vice president-commercial development for Slawson Cos., developer and owner of NewMarket Square, wasnt necessarily surprised that Academy picked the location it did. If a major retailer is going to come into this market, they are probably going to look up in this area, Jones says of the growing Maize Road corridor. But Jones says he was surprised that Academy would choose to enter a market that seems saturated with sporting-goods retailers, mentioning Cabelas, Sports Authority,DicksandGander Mountain. Across Maize from the Academy site, immediately north of NewMarket Square and south of 29th, Slawson has about 10 acres available for development. Jones anticipates a mix of tenants there, including offices, restaurants and potentially a hotel. He cant project when it might be developed, noting its contingent on tenants, but hopefully sooner as opposed to later. Theres more activity, things have picked up, Jones says of the area. We do have prospective tenants that were talking to about this tract. I think one thing thats unique about it, it has a lot of Maize Road frontage and visibility, Jones says. Thats similar to NewMarket Square, where what is built is virtually full, Jones says. Central Park Place Location: East side of Maize Road south of 29th Street North. Already built: Lowes; Panda Express; LongHorn Steakhouse; strip center with Five Guys Burgers and Fries, Long John Silvers, Ribbit Computers and Cinnamons Deli. Coming late this year: Academy Sports Outdoors. Available: Two sites, one for up to a 32,000-square-foot junior box tenant, another for a 6,600-square-foot fast-food or casual-dining restaurant. Fri, 23 Mar 2012 00:00:00 -0400 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article108.php#1371678847 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article108.php Furnish My Nest coming at 21st and Rock Published in The Wichita Eagle By Carrie Rengers A new home furnishings store with a contemporary flair is coming to theShops at Tallgrassnear 21st and Rock Road. Furnish My Nestis taking the 2,240 square feetCox Communications Kansas/Arkansasused to be in before moving across the parking lot. Chance ShipmanandJosh Rulandare opening Furnish My Nest to sell furniture, accessories and lighting. Shipman says theyll offer a mix of classic and contemporary styling, but very functional. We want it to be usable furniture for everyones lives. Shipman used to have a shop in Topeka. He says he noticed that there wasnt a lot of variety in the home furnishings stores here. Also, he says, The contemporary choices were gone. He and Ruland also will offer a redesign-in-a-day service for 399 in which, after a few meetings with a client, theyll redesign a room with existing furniture and accessories and add some new ones as needed as well. Theyll send the customer for a three-hour lunch and do the work. Its a really affordable, fun service for people to do, Shipman says. Even though theyve not opened yet, Shipman and Ruland are already thinking about a possible future expansion. Shipman says thats what theyre hoping, anyway. April ReedwithSlawson Cos.andDavid LeyhofLandmark Commercial Real Estatehandled the deal for Furnish My Space. Look for the store to open sometime in May. Read more here: http://www.kansas.com/2012/03/23/2267448/furnish-my-nest-coming-at-21st.html#storylink=misearch#storylink=cpy Read more here: http://www.kansas.com/2012/03/23/2267448/furnish-my-nest-coming-at-21st.html#storylink=misearch#storylink=cpyPlublished Mon, 26 Mar 2012 00:00:00 -0400 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article109.php#1371678848 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article109.php Bann Thai Restaurant to open in former Siam Cuisine space Published in the Wichita Eagle Written by Carrie Rengers A new restaurant is going in the formerSiam Cuisinespace near 21st and Woodlawn. Tui Jacksonhopes to openBann Thai Restaurantat 6249 East 21st Street North by April 3. I think it will be OK, Jackson says of opening by then. She plans to be open seven days a week for lunch and dinner. My slogan is the taste of Thai, Jackson says. She says all of her food will be made from scratch. Jackson says she wont use any canned ingredients for sauces or anything else. Eventually, she intends to add alcohol to the menu, but the restaurant wont have it initially. Don Piroswithhandled the deal. Jacksons mother and sister will arrive from Thailand in May with special Thai uniforms for her employees. She plans to hold a grand opening celebration May 17, 18 and 19 while theyre here. Read more here: http://blogs.kansas.com/haveyouheard/2012/03/27/bann-thai-restaurant-to-open-in-former-siam-cuisine-space/#storylink=cpy Wed, 28 Mar 2012 00:00:00 -0400 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article110.php#1371678849 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article110.php ByMolly McMillinThe Wichita Eagle PublishedThursday, March 15, 2012, at 7:59 a.m.UpdatedThursday, March 15, 2012, at 8:07 a.m. Read more here: http://www.kansas.com/2012/03/15/2256464/hawker-beechcraft-to-keep-wichitas.html#storylink=cpy In a move that will save hundreds of Wichita jobs, Hawker Beechcraft will keep Plant 1 open rather than close it as previously announced. The decision came as part of a joint partnership between the company and the Machinists union forged during contract negotiations last year. As of today, it is expected that current Plant 1 operations will essentially remain unchanged, a memo to union stewards, team leaders and crew chiefs said this morning. The memo is signed by the HBC Joint Partnership Steering Committee. Last year, Hawker Beechcraft CEO Bill Boisture said the company would close Plants 1 and 2 and move the work to outside suppliers and to its facility in Chihuahua, Mexico, a move that would eliminate hundreds of jobs. The company and union anticipate that there will be movement of work between Plant 1 and suppliers. However, some work may return to the plant, and other work may move, the memo said. Assuming aircraft build rates remain at current levels, the overall volume of work performed in Plant 1 is expected to be maintained while this revised strategy is developed and implemented, the memo said. Workers in Plant I perform fabrication work, such as the production of small part assemblies. The companys manufacturing operations is emphasizing quality and on-time performance. An intensive lean/continuous improvement initiative will be launched as meaningful efficiency and cost improvements are required for Plant 1 to be in a more cost competitive position, the memo said. Read more here: http://www.kansas.com/2012/03/15/2256464/hawker-beechcraft-to-keep-wichitas.html#storylink=cpy Thu, 15 Mar 2012 00:00:00 -0400 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article111.php#1371678850 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article111.php Art Frame to move from NewMarket Square to 13th and Maize Road areaPublished in The Wichita Eagle Written by Carrie Rengers WICHITA Jack Wilsonand hisshop was one of the first businesses ina decade ago, and he says hes now reluctant to leave. Due to another deal, though more about that coming soon Wilson is moving. His new shop, which likely will open in June, will be just south of 13th and Maize Road at 1317 N. Maize. The core of our business is custom picture framing, Wilson says. He also does digital photo enhancements, photo restoration and large-format printing in addition to selling art. The new space will have a little bit more of a showroom than the current one, which is nice, Wilson says. His current space is 1,091 square feet, and the new space is 1,480 square feet. Don Pirosofhandled the deal. Wilson says his business officially has been open since 1999, but hes been doing the work for much longer. Art Frame will remain open at NewMarket until the move. Read more here: http://blogs.kansas.com/haveyouheard/2012/03/29/art-frame-to-move-from-newmarket-square-to-13th-and-maize-road-area/#storylink=cpy Tue, 03 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0400 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article113.php#1371678851 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article113.php InMotion Spine Muscle Joint Clinic to open at Hampton LakesPublished in The Wichita Eagle Written by Carrie Rengers WICHITA New chiropractorsMeryl MillerandJared Shoemakerare opening their first practice inat 37th and Maize this summer. We just decided we wanted to stay in Kansas, says Miller, who graduated from thein Overland Park in December. Shoemaker graduates next month. The practice,InMotion Spine Muscle Joint Clinic, will be in 1,750 square feet and should open in June. We just want to get started and get a year under our belt and see what happens, Miller says. She and Shoemaker wanted to work in a small town near a big city, and they decided Maize would work. We didnt want to be too far out, Miller says. Also, she says, We just like that it was a newer area. . . . We always see people out being active. Don PirosofandCurt Robertsonofhandled the deal. Miller says she and Shoemaker plan to bring a different model of care to everyone. We . . . bring the best of not only chiropractic but also physical therapy and manual therapy, she says. We like a new, functional approach. That means in addition to traditional chiropractic adjustments, theyll incorporate soft tissue work, functional rehabilitation and active care. Our whole goal is to teach the patients how to make themselves better so they dont have to depend on us, Miller says. So, rather than passive care, were big promoters of active care. Read more here: http://blogs.kansas.com/haveyouheard/2012/03/28/inmotion-spine-muscle-joint-clinic-to-open-at-hampton-lakes/#storylink=cpy Tue, 03 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0400 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article114.php#1371678852 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article114.php A-OK Pawn Shops owner Bruce Harris to start Better Living lease-to-own businessPublished in The Wichita Eagle Written by Carrie Rengers WICHITA ownerBruce Harrisis starting a new lease-to-own furniture business that he hopes will become a chain of stores. Its a brand-new concept were coming up with, he says ofBetter Living. The first store will open in 35,000 square feet at theMarina Lakes Shopping Centerat 21st and Amidon next to where Harris is opening a new pawn shop, jewelry store and phone store along with a tax services, payday loans and check cashing center. Other large chains of pawn shops around the country are starting to do this, he says. Harris says he wants to give people a better choice on furniture, appliances and TVs. Were going to try to upscale that, he says. Harris says hes starting the concept in response to customers requests. Were giving them an additional option, he says. Its very similar to the retail side of our pawn business. Most of the first Better Living will be in the formerspace at Marina Lakes. An additional 10,000 square feet for storage will come from the strip center next door. If the business is successful, Harris says hell add a Better Living to his pawn shop complex at Harry and Oliver next. Eventually, he says he wants to expand the centers including the Better Living stores to Hutchinson and the Kansas City market. Were becoming a developer rather than just a pawn shop. Harris andLarry Cookhave already been redeveloping Marina Lakes, where theres a new. Aalso is coming to the center. Theres 70,000 square feet left to lease at the 115,000-square-foot development. Its going to become a very great place to go right in the middle of Wichita, Harris says. Were going to revitalize that area of town. He says the 21st and Amidon intersection used to be the hottest place in town but has suffered from blight for about two decades. We want to make it pop again, Harris says. He and Cook are renaming Marina LakesNew Leaf Plaza. We wanted to give 21st and Amidon a new look, a new leaf and a new lease on life, Harris says. Im not going to just put a Band-Aid on (it). Were going to redo the whole damn thing and make it first class. Were going to bring it back to life. Read more here: http://blogs.kansas.com/haveyouheard/2012/04/10/a-ok-pawn-shops-owner-bruce-harris-to-start-better-living-lease-to-own-business/#storylink=misearch#storylink=cpy Read more here: http://blogs.kansas.com/haveyouheard/2012/04/10/a-ok-pawn-shops-owner-bruce-harris-to-start-better-living-lease-to-own-business/#storylink=misearch#storylink=cpy Wed, 11 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0400 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article115.php#1371678853 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article115.php Once too small a market, now Wichitas on a national retail roll Published in The Wichita Eagle By Bill Wilson Costcos possible entry into the Wichita market would be the latest prize for the city, which has seen two years of surprising retail growth. On the surface, it doesnt make a lot sense: Wichitas trademark airplane building industry continues to struggle and the departure of a major icon, Boeing, is set for next year. Unemployment is still hovering at just under 8 percent while housing sales have just begun to rebound. But at the same time, the number of new national retailers coming to town is mounting: two Menards stores, Cabelas, Fresh Market and Chick-fil-A, just to name a few. The new retailers and restaurants are the product of two decades of momentum and aggressive investment, according to city officials, marketers and businessmen momentum and investment that has and will continue to transform Wichita, they said, from a struggling secondary market into an attractive home with a regional market of more than 1 million people for national retailers. Clearly there is an increased interest in Wichita on the part of the national retail chains, said Allen Bell, the citys urban development director. Part of that is that the expansion strategies of national retailers have changed, and they are now more interested in mid-sized markets. Part of it is that Wichita has proven itself to be a more dynamic retail market than its size would imply. We have George Laham and Bradley Fair to thank for that. Cindy Claycomb, a marketing professor at Wichita State University, said the change in those expansion strategies is driven by market saturation: Many national retailers have already landed where its easy to be successful, she said. Then, they all tend to look around and see that others in the country will buy their products, she said. Bradley Fair has been very successful, and all that started with one national retailer coming to Wichita and realizing that our demographic actually meets their demographic. It grows from there. SubhedIn the first half of the 1990s, Wichita wasnt attractive to national retailers seeking a sure bet, said Bell and Laham, president of Wichitas Laham Development. I remember in the mid-1990s trying to interest Starbucks in coming to Wichita, Bell said. The response was that Wichita was too small. Now we have several Starbucks. Success first one national brand, then others drives that momentum, Laham said. Besides a big box like a Wal-Mart or a Target, retailers typically went to the malls here prior to 1990, Laham said. In the late 1980s and the early 1990s, I remember going to the annual shopping center convention and talking about bringing national retailers here. It was difficult to get anyones attention. But in 1992, the success of Lahams Bradley Fair and its eclectic collection of local speciality retailers got the attention of Talbots, a leading national retailer of womens shoes and apparel. That started the momentum, Laham said, as Gap and Banana Republic followed. The success of those early retailers in a market of this size is what has created the succession of speciality retailers coming to Wichita, Laham said. That success was interrupted a bit by the recession, but Laham said retailers and restaurateurs are poised to move again as the national economy improves. The national retailers all share and compare information, and if a new retailer comes to Wichita ... its because of location, he said. About 98 percent of the time, theyll come into a specific location or theyre headed to another town. SubhedCostco fans shouldnt lose patience if the store doesnt make an immediate announcement. It doesnt mean a lack of interest in Wichita, just a lack of interest in current options. On the average, from when the retailers start talking seriously to us to the day they open, the average is three years, Laham said. Company officials said they have no immediate plans to open one of their membership warehouses, which sell brand-name merchandise, here. But sources told The Eagle a deal is close enough that a 2013 opening is a possibility. Another key factor in Wichitas recent retail resurgence is when companies think the best economic time is to expand. That was the driver behind fast-food giant Chick-fil-As decision to build on Wichitas east side, a decision so successful in the early-going that a west-side store is moving along quickly for a July opening. Its a lot like stocks, said Brad Fuller, the owner and operator of the east-side Chick-fil-A at 7990 E. Central. We dont look for necessarily short-term gains, but long-term investments and buy low, real estate-wise and investment-wise. It was a great time to do this, and if we had to build the brand here, now was the right time to do it. Right enough, Fuller said, that sales are 2.5 times initial projections. Its been interesting, he said. Cabelas CEO Tommy Millner said his companys Wichita store, which opened last month, has had the same reaction Kansas customers. Kansans are among our most loyal customers which became increasingly clear after we opened the Kansas City location in 2002 so we wanted to extend our footprint across the state, Millner said. One visit to Wichita was enough for us to say, This is a place we have to be. We see the Regency Lakes Shopping Center as a retail destination on the rise, now and well into the future, which ultimately is great for Wichitas economy. That kind of optimism from national retailers is a credit to Wichitans and their neighbors, Laham said. It says so much for Wichita, and the appetite of the people in Wichita for speciality retail shops and restaurants, Laham said. I dont see that wavering. Read more here: http://www.kansas.com/2012/04/12/2293208/once-too-small-a-market-now-wichitas.html#storylink=omni_popular#storylink=cpy Read more here: http://www.kansas.com/2012/04/12/2293208/once-too-small-a-market-now-wichitas.html#storylink=omni_popular#storylink=cpy Thu, 12 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0400 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article116.php#1371678854 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article116.php Local commercial real estate looking upByBill WilsonThe Wichita Eagle The clouds are beginning to lift a little on Wichitas largely stagnant commercial real estate market, with retail growth leading the way. But the citys brokers are clear about this: Were a long way from the skies clearing, thanks to flat job growth and consumers who are still jittery about the citys aviation future. Yes, we are optimistic, said Tom Johnson, president of Grubb Ellis/Martens Commercial Group. One of the things we look at is the underlying economy. Where is that going? We just dont have the rise in any real positive signs that were going to get a big bump in job growth. Given that, theres some niche opportunities out there, primarily for retail. More of the same, said Rod Stewart, a veteran commercial broker with Keller Williams Signature Partners. Nothing a lot better, nothing a lot worse. Im not anticipating big changes in the marketplace. The commercial market isnt a lot different nationally, said George Ratiu, the commercial real estate specialist for the National Association of Realtors. Theres broad improvement, with vacancy rates on the decline and rents perking up. Consumer spending is still positive, Ratiu said. There are indicators that confidence and demand are slowly rising, but we recognize thats fairly volatile because the news out of the business sector, the international sector and the political environment is buffering public confidence and opinion. But when you look at business trends, employment, spending, you get a clear sense people arent at the same level of retrenchment. Wichitas vacancy rates remain a little higher than the national average, according to the NAR: 19.8 percent in office, with national rates at 16.6; retail at 14 percent, higher than the 12.5 percent national rate; and multi-family housing, 4.9 percent in Wichita, compared to 4.5 percent nationally. And while credit has eased somewhat for larger projects, loans remain tight for small businesses. Heres a look at the various Wichita commercial sectors: RetailMy feeling about retail is similar to office, said Brad Saville, president and CEO of Landmark Commercial Real Estate. Theres a glut of Class C space, a little bit of leftover A space in B locations. A lot of the big box and junior big box has filled up. Thats one reason why youre starting to see all this new construction again. Theres not a lot of junior and big box stuff left. Office and retail spaces are rated A, B or C based on cost, accommodations and quality. The retail market is big enough to be competitive, Stewart said. If I were shopping for a space, Id have people to bid off of to get the best deal possible, but even the best deal is going to be expensive in this market. Saville and Johnson cited four big potential growth areas: the K-96 and Greenwich area near Cabelas in Regency, the Waterfront at 13th and Webb, downtown Wichita and the Maize Road corridor. Weve got quite a litany of people interested in and continuing to watch the progress on the STAR bonds out there at 96 and Greenwich, anxious to see if thats approved, Saville said. Theres quite a bit of land out there, between the stuff were doing and the Slawson land behind Sonic and Arbys. Theres lots of viable commercial land out there. Johnson said the quick development of projects downtown like the Ambassador Hotel and the Kansas Health Foundation expansion have it on developers radar. Office and industrialBoth sectors are plagued by limited inventories. Most quality Class A space has been absorbed into the market. I dont see a lot of opportunities in office for new development. Itll continue to churn and well see the same progress we have, Johnson said. The industrial market is very good. We could lease a lot of buildings if we had the buildings, but theyre not there. There are large space office complexes available, Stewart said. For significant money at 3,000 to 10,000 square feet, he said. Not a lot available, though, in the 700 to 1,500 square feet range, but theres a fair amount of 2,500. But those leases are going to be costly, Stewart said 12 to 18 per square foot triple net, or the taxes, insurance, and maintenance expenses plus the lease, roughly about 7 per square foot. Multi-familyThis is where Wichita is best positioned for the biggest rebound, Ratiu said. Local vacancy rates are close to the national average and positioned to shrink, Ratiu said, as home foreclosures continue and new household formation rebounds from historic lows to norms of about 1.2million. Its enough to make a broker wistful about the good old days, Saville said, chuckling. How optimistic? Since before I was wrong about the downturn in 2008, he said, laughing. Now, our investors, people who buy stuff and people in real estate finally see some optimism. The banks locally are out shaking people down trying to loan money again. Theres so much cash on the sideline. Its finally looking better. Read more here: http://www.kansas.com/2012/05/03/2320528/local-commercial-real-estate-looking.html#storylink=cpy Read more here: http://www.kansas.com/2012/05/03/2320528/local-commercial-real-estate-looking.html#storylink=cpy Thu, 03 May 2012 00:00:00 -0400 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article117.php#1371678855 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article117.php Sonic to open this summer at Paul Jacksons Stonebridge development at 37th Street North and Maize RoadPublished by The Wichita Eagle By Carrie Rengers WICHITA StonebridgedeveloperPaul Jacksonnow confirms whatHave You Heard?reportedin March. is coming to his development at 37th Street North and Maize Road. The long and short of it is the real estate markets picking up a little bit, and were getting activity out at that Stonebridge site, says Jackson, who has. is the anchor tenant at the 40-acre development. Sonic is taking the first pad site at Stonebridge. Jackson says there are about 12 acres left to develop with nine more pad sites for retailers, restaurants and service-oriented businesses. Jackson says Sonic has a strong Wichita presence with 24 restaurants in the area. The Stonebridge Sonic is expected to open in late August. Theyre moving awfully fast, Jackson says. Hes working on getting another deal under contract at the development. Weve seen a real change in the retail world, Jackson says. I dont want to be too optimistic, but it sure feels like its going the right direction now. Look for Andover news from him next. I suppose its largely just confidence, Jackson says of the market. Things are getting better, and so its time to do business again. Read more here: http://blogs.kansas.com/haveyouheard/2012/05/09/sonic-to-open-this-summer-at-paul-jacksons-stonebridge-development-at-37th-street-north-and-maize-road/#storylink=misearch#storylink=cpy Thu, 10 May 2012 00:00:00 -0400 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article118.php#1371678856 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article118.php McCurdy auctioning four visible properties in, around WichitaWichita Business Journal by John Stearns, ReporterDate: Tuesday, May 1, 2012, 2:00pm CDTMcCurdy Auction next week will hold three absolute auctions on high-visibility properties in around the Wichita metropolitan area. The properties are at Pawnee and Webb Road, off U.S. 54 between Andover and Augusta, and near 21st and 159th Street East. A fourth land auction at I-235 and North Meridian will occur on May 15, with the price subject to seller confirmation. Theyre all right in the path of progress, says, associate broker. In terms of accessibility, theyre all fantastic. McCurdy saysthe absolute auction route, where theres no minimum and whatever the last bid is, it sells, regardless of price. Five to seven years ago, absolute auctions were rare, McCurdy says. Today, theyre about a third of the properties his company auctions. Very few are distressed scenarios, he says. Typically, sellers are just ready to move on, he adds. Following are details about the parcels being auctioned, as described in McCurdys news release. For more information, visit. 35+/- acres and 43 lots near Pawnee and Webb will be offered absolute together and separate at noon on May 10. The land is zoned single-family and agricultural and falls within the Derby school district. The 43 platted lots cover 11.29 acres. Special taxes for sewer, water and storm sewer are already paid on 20 lots. Longtime builder Ray Jacoby had planned to develop the land, but it is now going to be auctioned with no minimum, no reserve, due his retirement. 13+/- acres at 10033 SW Diamond Rd (on US-54) between Andover and Augusta will be auctioned absolute at 2 p.m. on May 10. The land is zoned commercial, located across US-54 from Ford of Augusta and has great Kellogg visibility. Robert and Beverly McCalla, former owners of White Eagle Antique Mall, which was adjacent to this 13 acres, are auctioning the land with no minimum, no reserve so they can continue their travels. This auction is being conducted in conjunction with Jeff Englert Troy Farha of Grubb Ellis | Martens Commercial Group. 11+/- acres is located just South of 21st N. on 159th St. East and surrounded by Andovers well developed subdivisions Caywood and Quail Crossing. This absolute auction will take place at 10:00 am on May 12. This parcel offers a development opportunity and contains a 2,365 SF home, 2,500 SF shop and outbuildings. Lastly, Kansas Department of Transportation has selected McCurdy to auction a five acre tract at the corner of North Meridian and I-235 at 12:00 p.m. on May 15. The land is zoned multi-family. This auction is being conducted in conjunction with Brad Saville of Landmark Commercial Real Estate. Thu, 10 May 2012 00:00:00 -0400 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article120.php#1371678857 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article120.php Friends University to renovate two Delano buildings for art departmentByDan VoorhisThe Wichita Eagle Friends University today announced a 3.5million plan to renovate two buildings in Delano and move its art department there.The 1911 Farmers State Bank Building and Odd Fellows Hall at 930 W. Douglas and the concrete warehouse behind it at 122 N. Walnut are about a mile from the college campus. The college unveiled its plans at news conference and building tour in the main room of the old brick bank building. The university expects to have the buildings ready by the start of the 2013-14 school year. The move will give Friends art students more space and put the program in the heart of the Delano neighborhood, said Friends President T.J. Arant. We know that we will able to turn this beautiful building into a destination, both for our students and for the community, Arant told the assembled officials and neighborhood residents. The first floor will become a gallery, offices and a lecture hall. The open, sunny Odd Fellows meeting hall upstairs will become art studios. The warehouse next door will become studios for sculpture and ceramic programs, and it also will provide storage space. The art program has been cramped at Friends, Arant said. The university has been looking for a way to give it more space for five years. Moving to the new space will be the painting, sculpture, graphic arts, photography and ceramics programs. There are 13 faculty, 74 current and 13 incoming art majors, and 150 non-major students taking art classes. Art professor Ted Krone said that having different disciplines in the same spaces has become a chore because of the cleanup required. This solves all of that, Krone said. Arant also said that the move connects the college and its students to the reviving Delano commercial district. The art department will become part of community events, such as the Final Friday gallery crawl. We think of ourselves as part of Delano, he said. It is our neighborhood, and we are really delighted to have a street-front business in the district. That makes us very happy at the university. Dan Unruh of InSite Real Estate Group, who represented the college in its search for space, said Friends move illustrates the gathering momentum of redevelopment in Delano. His company redeveloped space just down the street in 2010. The public sector invested quite a bit in infrastructure here, and the private sector has shown that it has really seen the vision, he said. Howard and Helmer Architecture is the architect on the project. Ted Branson of Landmark Commercial Real Estate and Don Ablah of Classic Real Estate also helped on the deal. Read more here: http://www.kansas.com/2012/05/17/2338549/friends-university-announces-35.html#storylink=misearch#storylink=cpy Read more here: http://www.kansas.com/2012/05/17/2338549/friends-university-announces-35.html#storylink=misearch#storylink=cpy Thu, 17 May 2012 00:00:00 -0400 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article121.php#1371678858 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article121.php Friends University to purchase, renovate buildings in Delano Wichita Business Journal by Josh Heck, Reporter Theart department will move off campus next year following the 3.5 million purchase and planned renovation of the historic Farmers State Bank building in the Delano District. Friends Presidentannounced Thursday afternoon that the university is purchasing the building at 930 W. Douglas and a connected warehouse space at 122 N. Walnut. The money is coming from the universitys capital reserve funds. The buildings sit at the northeast corner of Walnut and Douglas, a block east of Seneca. Combined, the buildings will give the Friends art department 23,500 square feet, a significant increase from the 13,278 square feet it has now. The new site also gives the department access to 30 parking stalls close by. The purchase puts to rest a space dilemma that Friends has been looking to alleviate for the past five years. Finding a way to solve this problem became a real priority, Arant said. With the addition of these two buildings, we will significantly expand our art department just one mile from the main Friends University campus. Howard + Helmer Architecture will be working on building plans that preserve much of the historic look and feel of the site, built in 1911. The first floor of the building will be transformed into an art gallery, and studios will be created on the second. Our job as architects on this project is to take what is here and enhance it, said, president of Howard + Helmer. A second stairwell and an elevator will have to be added to ensure the building is up to code, White said. Construction is expected to begin this fall and is expected to be completed before the start of the fall 2013 semester. A general contractor has not yet been selected. The deal was brokered by, InSite Real Estate;, Classic Real Estate; and, Landmark Commercial Real Estate. Those involved said the location will put the Friends art department in the heart of the Delano District and allow it to better participate in events such as Final Friday. Delano is just gaining an incredible synergy, White said. Andcoming in here is an incredible bump to that. Friends will vacate its existing on-campus space, but nothing has been decided yet as to how that space will be utilized. Friends has about 150 art students per semester. Fri, 18 May 2012 00:00:00 -0400 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article122.php#1371678859 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article122.php Artist at Large Tattoo owner Dennis McPhail plans creative look for his buildingPublished by The Wichita Eagle By Carrie Rengers WICHITA ownerDennis McPhailis now also a landlord at large. He has purchased the more than 8,000-square-foot building, which looks like three buildings, where his business is at the southwest corner of Douglas and Laura. Thats whereandUp N Smokealso are. I didnt think I could do it, but we did it, McPhail says of himself and his wife,Bunni. I just be creative and hand her the money, McPhail says. She makes me look legitimate. They were on a budget when they opened the shop eight years ago. More recently, they wanted to upgrade their space. I was getting ready to drop some money, McPhail says. I was just thinking, why should I do this on a place I dont own? His landlord wanted to sell, and McPhail says he was nice enough to wait on him to be able to buy it. I always had it in the back of my mind, McPhail says of owning his own space. Brent MadisonandScott Harperofhandled the deal. McPhail has a vision for his building, which attracts attention because of the gorilla sculpture atop it. This is the. Maybe we ought to get a T. rex or a giraffe for the other buildings. He says the Karma Konnections owners would like a revolving peace sign. Yeah, Im not that liberal. McPhail also wants to paint the building. Theres a mural of a circus side show in the works on his space. Were going to try to make it a more creative look down here, McPhail says. The idea, he says, is just try to make this area cooler. Read more here: http://blogs.kansas.com/haveyouheard/2012/05/03/artist-at-large-tattoo-owner-dennis-mcphail-plans-creative-look-for-his-building/#more-19560#storylink=cpy Tue, 29 May 2012 00:00:00 -0400 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article123.php#1371678860 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article123.php City Council approves amended STAR bond district for K-96/Greenwich project ByRICK PLUMLEEThe Wichita Eagle Read more here: http://www.kansas.com/2012/06/05/2360630/city-council-approves-amended.html#storylink=newsletter#storylink=cpyThe Wichita City Council on Tuesday unanimously approved an amended STAR bond district for a multi-destination entertainment project at K-96 and Greenwich Road. The council had approved the same bond district in February, but that ordinance didnt include the districts proposed 50 million athletic complex. State law didnt require that it be in the ordinance, but the citys bond counsel wanted it to be in there. Last month, the council approved the amended ordinance, but another public hearing was required. The 270-million, 370-acre project also must seek final approval from the state. The Kansas Department of Commerce approved the project in concept in March and has said it qualifies under STAR bond guidelines. That state action sets the stage for a project plan using sales tax revenue from the sports and entertainment retailers making up the district. GoodSports Enterprises, developer of the project, is proposing a 53,000-square-foot indoor sports fieldhouse, part of a tourism and shopping destination district that includes the Cabelas store, which opened in March. In making the motion to approve the district, council member Pete Meitzner said hes been told restaurant owners in the area of the project have told him their business has picked up since Cabelas opened. The STAR bonds issued by the city would be paid from the states 6.3 percent sales tax, plus the citys portion of the 1-cent, countywide sales tax that doesnt go for bond payments on the Kellogg freeway work. That amount is .29 of each 1 cent collected in Sedgwick County, Allen Bell, the citys urban development director, has said. The bonds can pay for certain development costs in the district, including land acquisition and public and private infrastructure. The developers say the sports facility would target a broad range of events, including national-caliber Amateur Athletic Union basketball tournaments. Read more here: http://www.kansas.com/2012/06/05/2360630/city-council-approves-amended.html#storylink=newsletter#storylink=cpy Tue, 05 Jun 2012 00:00:00 -0400 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article124.php#1371678861 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article124.php One of nations top mortgage lenders, PrimeLending, sets up Wichita officeWichita Business Journal by John Stearns, Reporter Add another new name to the evolving roster of Wichita mortgage lenders: PrimeLending. While new, PrimeLending has familiar faces running its office in former Countrywide andrepresentativesand. The two have worked together on and off for 21 years. Were the same people doing the same thing working for a different company ... and wearing a different uniform, Reiners says. With Leeser, he co-manages the PrimeLending branch that opens Monday in the Hinkle Law building near 21st Street and Bradley Fair Parkway. PrimeLending is at least the third new mortgage lender in Wichita since late 2011 thats opened with established brokers in the industrys post-housing bubble shakeout. In November, Houston-based Envoy Mortgage opened with former Allied Home Mortgage staff. In January, Inland Home Mortgage Co., a subsidiary of Oak Brook, Ill.-based Inland Bank and Trust, opened with former MetLife staff. PrimeLending has operated in Wichita since the start of the year in temporary space but delayed its announcement until its permanent office was ready. Dallas-based PrimeLending was recently named the No. 1 closely held mortgage company in America by Mortgage Executive Magazine, which ranked companies by 2011 mortgage volume. PrimeLending did 8.8 billion in closed loan volume last year in 45,233 loans, the magazine says. PrimeLending will close 9 billion in total volume this year, says, the companys senior vice president-Midwest. Approximately 64 percent of that will be purchase transactions, which he calls much higher than industry standards. Purchase business, rather than the cyclical refinancing business, is the key to long-term success, he says. The PrimeLending office has seven staff members with 142 years of combined experience, Reiners says. All are formeremployees. Inland Home Mortgages, among the trio who opened Inlands Wichita office earlier this year, says Reiners and Leeser have extensive experience in the local mortgage business. Theyre going to be another formidable player here in the Wichita market, he says. Reiners expects his team to be productive. Were just looking to carve our share of the existing market out and try to grow that, he says. Midwest strengthPrimeLending, which has offices from coast to coast, chose Wichita based on the past successes of the managers in this market, Velasco says. As we have expanded in the Midwest, we have seen that Midwest markets often rebound faster than markets that saw accelerated appreciation, Velasco says. He says PrimeLendings business model is based on outperforming larger lenders in service and speed of loan closure. The company has two other Kansas offices, in Lawrence and Leawood. PrimeLending hopes to open a west Wichita office as well, Reiners says. Timing depends on hiring the right people. Reiners says the Wichita resale market has picked up in the past couple of months. Wichita homes have held their value compared with markets like Omaha, Oklahoma City and Kansas City and is as vibrant a real estate market as there is in the Midwest, he says. There are still people coming to Wichita with very strong and supportive companies that are hungry to buy a house, Reiners says. , president of Vantage Point Properties Inc., which manages the building PrimeLending will operate in, also sees momentum in the local real estate market. Were encouraged by the things were seeing right now, and thats just a good example of what were seeing in the market, Jackson says of PrimeLendings entrance. While the recession took its toll on mortgage brokers, the market has notable competitors, Reiners says. With price parity in interest rates and fees in the mortgage industry, offices have to stand out with service, he says. Its the ability to get the loan closed and funded on time that is essential to your success, Reiners says. Leeser, Reiners co-manager, says the competition among lenders in Wichita is good and requires them to be nimble. You want to take care of the Realtors, and you want to take care of the customers and you want to do it right, she says. PrimeLendings lease brings the Hinkle Law building to 100 percent occupancy. ofrepresented PrimeLending in the deal, andwith Vantage Point Properties represented Vantage Point. Icon Structures Inc. was the contractor that made improvements to the space that were designed by architect Spangenberg Phillips Tice. Tue, 05 Jun 2012 00:00:00 -0400 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article125.php#1371678862 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article125.php Freddys to open Garden City restaurantPublished by The Wichita Eagle By Julie Doll A Freddys Custard Steakburger franchise is expected to open on the east side of Garden City as part of a commercial development planned there. Landmark Commercial Real Estate today announced the sale of a Home Depot outparcel to GC Custard LLC, a Freddys Custard Steakburgers franchisee. The outparcel is located just off East Kansas Avenue, which was previously home to an AW Restaurant. The sale was brokered by Brad Saville and Brent Madison of Landmark Commercial Real Estate Inc. GC Custard LLC has started construction and intends to have the new Freddys completed by late summer. Read more here: http://blogs.kansas.com/business/2012/05/30/freddys-to-open-garden-city-restaurant/#storylink=misearch#storylink=cpy Read more here: http://blogs.kansas.com/business/2012/05/30/freddys-to-open-garden-city-restaurant/#storylink=misearch#storylink=cpy Tue, 05 Jun 2012 00:00:00 -0400 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article126.php#1371678863 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article126.php Chiropractors sign lease at Hampton Lakes Retail CenterWichita Business Journal by John Stearns, Reporter A pair of newly graduated chiropractors have signed a five-year lease for 1,750 square feet of space ins Hampton Lakes Retail Center on North Maize Road.Dr.and her fianc, Dr., will open InMotion Spine Muscle Joint in mid-July, Miller says. The address is 4041 N. Maize Road, Suite 220, Maize. of Landmark Commercial Real Estate in Wichita andof Industrial Realty Inc. in Kansas City represented Miller and Shoemaker.Curt Robertson represented Hampton Lakes. InMotion Spine Muscle Joint will specialize in chiropractic functional rehabilitation and acupuncture, Miller says. Miller and Shoemaker graduated from Cleveland Chiropractic College in Overland Park in December and April, respectively. She grew up in Bonner Springs and he grew up in Minneapolis, Kan. Both liked the smaller feel of Maize but the close proximity to Wichita, plus the retail centers closeness to NewMarket Square and Maize South High School, Miller says. Wed, 13 Jun 2012 00:00:00 -0400 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article127.php#1371678864 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article127.php Recovery slow for Wichita hoteliers ByDan VoorhisThe Wichita Eagle Wichita hoteliers are struggling to recover after hitting bottom in 2010 because the market keeps adding hotel rooms. The good news is that demand for hotel space in the market is rising, although slowly, according to STR Global, an industry research firm. The first four months of 2012 were up 2.9 percent over the same period of 2011 and 7.1 percent over the same period of 2010 about 40,000 more hotel room nights. Even better for hoteliers, they have been able to raise rates because there has been some tight occupancy on some days. The key metric in the hotel business, revenue per room per night, rose in 2011 and again, so far, in 2012. That accords with the slow national recovery in the industry. What makes Wichita different is that new hotels keep popping up in the market, expanding the number of rooms, reversing gains in occupancy rates, according to STR. Since 2008, the Wichita market has added a net 13 hotels with nearly 1,000 new hotel rooms, more than 10 percent more, despite a dramatic tightening of credit by lenders that is only now starting to ease. When the recession started, many expected a massive wave of foreclosures as hoteliers were unable to refinance their construction loans and mortgages. It didnt happen, said Jan Freitag, senior vice president of STR. Its called extend and pretend, he said. The banks pretended that it was going to work out because they didnt want to take back the property and try to sell it at fire sale prices. The tactic has largely worked because commercial real estate asset values have partially rebounded allowing the banks to begin working their way through their troubled hotel loans without devastating losses. You wont see any major impact on the hotel industry, he said. There might be some independents who shut down, but the chance of that happening to a branded property is not very high. Several Wichita area hotels have gone into foreclosure or forced sales over the last three years. But, for the most part, hotels are getting by. Johnnie Parmar opened the Hampton Inn in Derby in 2009 and is a partner in the Holiday Inn Express Hotel and Suites which opened last year on north Maize Road. Neither hotel is losing money, he said, but neither is making him rich, at this point. The new Holiday Inn has a good location, but its only seeing 50 percent occupancy. He needs 70 percent occupancy and the ability to charge 100 a night to make a good return on the new building and equipment. But customers are getting lower rates, which is eating up hoteliers profits. Its just paying the bills, with no return for the owners, he said of the new hotel. DowntownHotels downtown are seeing a lot of new or upgraded rooms in the last three years with the assistance of local and state tax incentives. These include the 11.5million Fairfield Inn Suites Wichita Downtown, which opened last year; and the 29million renovation of the Drury Plaza Hotel Broadview, also completed last year. Jim Korroch, owner of the Fairfield Inn, as well as 6-year-old Courtyard Wichita at Old Town, acknowledged that the downtown market is pretty saturated. Its our own fault and, frankly, the upgrade of the Drury, he said. Even when it was the Broadview, it wasnt really competitive, but with the reopening, we think thats largely why weve seen a drop in occupancy. That oversaturation will likely only grow worse with the December opening of the 117-room Ambassador Hotel, a 22million renovation of the 14-story Douglas Avenue Building at Douglas and Broadway. Hotels aimed at boosting downtown redevelopment are often one of the few categories reliably getting funded, Freitag said. Otherwise, there is very, very little new supply, he said. Banks are very skittish. Owners have to put up a lot of equity. Boeing, Hawker concernSaturation is more than a downtown phenomenon, say hoteliers. Over the last three years new hotels have risen all over town, with more planned. That, combined with the looming loss of Boeing and the troubles at Hawker Beechcraft, worries many hoteliers. Steve Miller, director of hotel operations for Lighthouse Properties of Salina, said he is generally pleased with the performance of the companys Homewood Suites by Hilton at the Waterfront. But, he said, he is concerned by the economic challenges. We are still worried about Boeing and Hawker and those big companies, Miller said. Were concerned with the supply of rooms and that, as more keep coming, we will be overbuilt. Korroch, who also owns two east-side hotels, said he is seeing some gains from an unusual sources: guests connected with the boom in oil drilling in southern Kansas, and others visiting because of the planned closure of the Boeing plant. With Boeing thats short-short term, he said. With the oil and gas development, thats a little longer, but its still short term as other hotels start to get developed closer to the those areas. The other demand generators on the east side are stagnant. Read more here: http://www.kansas.com/2012/06/14/2373025/recovery-slow-for-wichita-hoteliers.html#storylink=misearch#storylink=cpy Fri, 15 Jun 2012 00:00:00 -0400 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article128.php#1371678865 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article128.php Three Wichita developers weighing apartment projects downtown ByBill WilsonThe Wichita Eagle Three of Wichitas most successful developers Jack DeBoer, Steve Clark and Colby Sandlian are eyeing potential apartment projects downtown. All three think that significant housing growth is essential downtown before the area can successfully land retail shops and restaurants. Why in the world would I look at apartments? Because I love it and its what I do, DeBoer said Monday. DeBoer thinks downtown also needs more office space to provide work for those who might to live downtown. With the city poised to help with infrastructure like parking projects, downtown has become more inviting to the local developers, who have successful resumes in residential and commercial development in Wichita and nationally. Local developer interest is a huge boost to the credibility of the downtown effort, said Jeff Fluhr, president of the Wichita Downtown Development Corp. These developers know Wichita, and they know success in Wichita, he said. They have a proven track record, and we would welcome that success downtown. DeBoer is eyeing the west bank of the Arkansas River for his projects; Clark and Sandlian said they are in the idea phase at this point. But the trio agrees on one key point: Revitalization cant work without more people living downtown. I believe the solution is not more public projects, not more restaurants and more attractions, DeBoer said. Downtown needs more housing, plain and simple. If we get more people downtown the rest of it will follow, and it will not happen in the reverse. Clark said his group has something in mind in multi-family housing downtown that he didnt want to elaborate on, but its too early to tell whether the project is feasible. Talks have been ongoing with the city, he said. There are certainly some opportunities downtown, like there are out east on our ground out there and out of town, too, for that matter. Sandlian, who has developed apartment complexes in the past, said flatly, I look at everything. Hes interested particularly in new designs of the three-story walkup apartments popular in Wichita a half-century ago, most built on the small 50-foot lots that are everywhere downtown. Sandlian also sees potential for downtown apartments between Kellogg and Lincoln. Clark, a longtime opponent of public subsidies for private development, said he wont follow the traditional project path downtown of historic renovations, fed by tax credit packages. He said his group will pay its own way and will build new. Ive indicated to the city for a long time that the best thing is to clean out the old projects, the old buildings, because of the lower cost and the shorter lifespan, Clark said. Its not as good a starting point as a blank piece of ground. DeBoer wants to build Class A or high quality office space downtown, space that is essential, he said, for downtowns growth. The other (retail) stuff doesnt attract what we need right now, he said. I strongly believe what downtown needs is more places to live and office. Places where people live and work. DeBoers downtown interest was reinforced by the success of the Spring Parade of Homes at WaterWalk, where he said seven condos were sold the biggest one-shot sale since he took over the flagging development in November 2009. Its a huge deal, something Im very excited about, he said. So much so that were going to raise the prices on them. Like Clark, DeBoers not ready to announce committed projects. But hes engrossed in his return to apartment building where he got his start as a developer five decades ago. DeBoer teamed up with his father to build homes in the 1950s. In 1966, DeBoer began building apartments and in 1973, his company had built more than 16,000 apartments in 30 cities across 25 states before DeBoer went broke and shifted his focus to the hotel industry. So its about coming full-circle, said DeBoer, who pledged to keep developing until he dies. Here I go again, he said, laughing. Read more here: http://www.kansas.com/2012/06/18/2378538/three-wichita-developers-weighing.html#storylink=misearch#storylink=cpy Read more here: http://www.kansas.com/2012/06/18/2378538/three-wichita-developers-weighing.html#storylink=misearch#storylink=cpy Tue, 19 Jun 2012 00:00:00 -0400 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article129.php#1371678866 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article129.php City OKs bond issue for restoration of south Wichita apartments ByBill Wilson The Wichita Eagle City Council members on Tuesday approved a 5 million industrial revenue bond issue to begin the restoration of a historic south Wichita apartment development. The bond issue to the Residences at Linwood will jump-start what council member James Clendenin called the restoration of a ghost town. It will allow restoration work to begin on the first 46 buildings and 184 units of the 90 four-apartment buildings in the 22-acre complex at 2002 S. Hydraulic. The IRBs will be placed with Murfin Inc., one of the developers behind the Residences at Linwood. Id like to thank the partners for infusing their own cash into this development that is a ghost town in south Wichita and can be seen as a ghost town from the highway, Clendenin said. I want to thank them publicly for what theyre doing. The Linwood group purchased the facility in December 2011. The first phase of work includes the installation of new hardwood floors and carpet, new countertops, new vanities, new bathroom mirrors and fixtures, new cabinets and hardware, new interior walls, upgraded plumbing and electrical systems, new washers and dryers, new roofing, new landscaping, new fencing and signage, brick repair, new windows, and new heating and air conditioning. The new owners have already qualified for 9 percent low-income housing tax credits and have applied for historic tax credits. Allen Bell, the citys urban development director, said the group intends to seek IRBs from the city for a second phase, for the remaining 44 buildings at an estimated cost of about 6 million. Linwood was built by the Garvey family in the 1940s and 1950s to house aircraft workers and soldiers returning from World War II. City officials said the property has changed hands several times since 1999 and has fallen into serious disrepair, with more than 60 of the 90 buildings currently vacant and boarded up. Read more here: http://www.kansas.com/2012/06/19/2379692/city-oks-bond-issue-for-restoration.html#storylink=misearch#storylink=cpy Read more here: http://www.kansas.com/2012/06/19/2379692/city-oks-bond-issue-for-restoration.html#storylink=misearch#storylink=cpy Wed, 20 Jun 2012 00:00:00 -0400 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article130.php#1371678867 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article130.php Momentum builds on Maize Road near 37th Street North, developers and brokers sayWichita Business Journal by John Stearns, Reporter Several projects are pushing commercial real estate development farther north on North Maize Road. In particular, the area around 37th Street North, whereopened in March 2011, is getting more attention. Credit a better economy, thawing bank lending, good demographics and, now, the city of Maizes commercial incentive plan, among other factors, say local developers and brokers. Among the activity: hree dental specialist offices are teaming up on a 15,000-square-foot building under construction on the west side of Maize Road, north of 37th, ins Hampton Lakes medical park. cross Maize Road, a new Sonic Drive-In is planned for one of the 10 pad sites in the Stonebridge development anchored by Menards. letter of intent for a non-restaurant business is in place for Stonebridges corner at 37th. ork will start this summer on anstore just south of the Goodwill thrift store on the west side of Maize Road south of 37th. In the last 90 days, weve had more inquiries than weve had in the last 18 months, says Schellenberg, who also has the Hampton Lakes Retail Center north of the medical park. That center just signed a new tenant, InMotion Spine Muscle Joint, a chiropractic and acupuncture clinic that will open in mid-July. Its leasing 1,750 square feet. Terms werent released. Schellenberg says traffic in the area has risen sharply since Menards opened. of Keller Williams Commercial likens Maize Road to Rock Road. Were on the cusp of seeing it really explode, he says. , of Landmark Commercial Real Estate, which markets Stonebridge and has an ownership interest in it, sees momentum building. The activity breeds activity, he says, especially with the appearance of national retailers, known for doing extensive homework on their locations. Saville worked on the OReilly deal, and Landmarks, worked on Sonic. More plans to pop soonCommunity Bank of Wichita bought a parcel at the northwest corner of 37th and Maize back in 2010 for a third branch. The bank has west-side customers but no west-side location, Presidentsays, and it sees the budding development along North Maize Road. We want to be a part of that growth, Carr says. A new branch could be operating within a couple years, he says. Properties north of 29th are listed for about 10 to 12 per square foot, but there have been some sub-10 deals, saysof. Prices south of 29th have run higher. Schellenberg says hes in talks for the last 3,262 square feet at Hampton Lakes Retail Center and for pad sites. The Hampton space, which could be divided, starts at 14.50 per square foot, triple net. Lassley represents about a dozen parcels in the Wyn-Wood development northeast of 37th and Maize. He says hes talking to numerous people, including national companies. Prices for the parcels range from about 175,000 to 960,000, depending on size and location. While hed like business to be better, it keeps improving, he says. And theres no denying the areas appeal. Its a gold mine waiting to happen, he says. Fri, 22 Jun 2012 00:00:00 -0400 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article131.php#1371678868 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article131.php Waterfront developers to break ground on 4.3 acre development, including 2-story Class A office space and possible restaurantPublished by The Wichita Eagle By Carrie Rengers WICHITA Steve ClarkandJohnny Stevensare preparing to develop another 4.3 acres at theirdevelopment at 13th and Webb. The chief part of the project is a 24,000-square-foot, 2-story office building that will be betweenand. There are some people looking for space right now that want an unusual location, Clark says. There are a couple of major tenants. Clarks son,Stephen Clark II, is managing the project, and he says those potential tenants there are no signed deals yet are the reason Clark and Stevens are looking to do the office building. There is some interest in the market thats kind of sparked up recently, Stephen Clark says. People have been waiting so long to do something because of the economy. He says the economy isnt necessarily that much better, but businesses cant wait any longer. Some people are outgrowing their space or need to upgrade their space, Stephen Clark says. He says the existing office space at the Waterfront is full and that there has not been much new Class A office space thats been built in Wichita in recent years. He says business owners want a location thats going to last many years, and I think weve established the Waterfront is that kind of location. It costs the same to build the building somewhere else. Youre going to get better long-term residual value in a place like the Waterfront. Stephen Clark says the building will have incredible identity from Webb Road. Its very visible from Webb Road, but it also enjoys the lake in the rear. The developers are adding a second fountain at the lake, which the office building will overlook with a patio and balcony. designed the building. Its just going to be a very nice building, Steve Clark says. A second part of the project is a restaurant pad site that also will back up to the lake. The restaurant, which can be as large as 5,000 square feet, will be just north of Chesters. Stephen Clark, who says the restaurant will have one of the top patios in town, says hes not talking with any potential tenants for the space yet. There are a few other things in the works at the Waterfront, including another building near the 2-story office building, but the immediate focus is on that space. Construction likely will begin in the next three or fourth months, and the building will be ready in the first or second quarter of 2013. Look for more information on the other projects in the coming weeks. Read more here: http://blogs.kansas.com/haveyouheard/2012/06/27/waterfront-developers-to-break-ground-on-4-3-acre-development-including-2-story-class-a-office-space-and-possible-restaurant/#storylink=misearch#storylink=cpy Read more here: http://blogs.kansas.com/haveyouheard/2012/06/27/waterfront-developers-to-break-ground-on-4-3-acre-development-including-2-story-class-a-office-space-and-possible-restaurant/#storylink=misearch#storylink=cpy Thu, 28 Jun 2012 00:00:00 -0400 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article132.php#1371678869 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article132.php Waterfront expects new retail space to lure marquee tenantsNew retail section envisioned for west side of Webb Road Wichita Business Journal by John Stearns, Reporter A wave of office and retail activity appears ready to sweep across the upscale Waterfront development in northeast Wichita in coming months, filling prime undeveloped land on both sides of Webb Road north of 13th Street. Two Class A office buildings one 24,000 square feet and two stories, the other 5,500 square feet and one story will get the ball rolling north of, but a couple of marquee national retailers could make headlines for the parcel across Webb Road, abutting The Foliage housing development. We hope that one or two of those will announce within the next couple months,says. Its a piece of what he says could be a summer of big announcements for northeast Wichita, not just The Waterfront. Hopefully it will be a good year for Wichita, he says. Good for us and good for some other areas. The northeast should see some fairly significant uptick in activity. Wichita is making believers out of national companies, he says. When retailers and restaurants come here, theyre surprised at how well they do, mostly, Clark says. The retailers eying the northwest corner of 13th and Webb would help anchor a new retail center, which could be as much as 78,000 square feet. The project would be built out over time, not all at once, says Clark, who manages projects at The Waterfront for its two principals his father,, and. The talks with retailers are in progress, and its too early to consider possible construction dates, but the younger Clark says hes optimistic the pieces will fall in place. The best I can say is thats a great corner. Its one of the best corners in town, he says. Offices to start in 3-4 months While timing of activity on that corner remains uncertain, work is progressing on development of the 4.3 acres of remaining land between Chesters andon the east side of Webb. will occupy the smaller office, to be located behind the bank, moving from its longtime offices at 13th and Rock. Clark hopes to break ground for that and the larger office in three to four months. The larger office will be roughly in the middle of the parcel toward the lake. Plans eventually call for a 5,000-square-foot restaurant on the lakes edge just north of Chesters. Clark says interest is high in office space in the larger building. He expects to have half the space committed by the time the work breaks ground. The Waterfront doesnt publish lease rates, which vary based on several factors, but Clark says theyll reflect the buildings high-profile location within a prominent development. The building could house eight businesses, but he expects three to four and says three parties, all existing businesses in Wichita, are pretty far along in talks for the space. is designing both buildings. The projects on either side of Webb Road, once built out, will complete that portion of The Waterfront, Clark says, but the larger development is far from finished. It has approximately 40,000 square feet to develop on the projects east and northeast sides and has announcements anticipated there, too, Clark says. Those areas are mixed use: residential, offices and retail. The residential hasnt been defined, but its likely to be higher density. The Waterfront just signed Landmark Commercial Real Estate to market the development, including 7,600 square feet vacated by Brooks Brothers and two other spaces of 2,100 and 1,400 square feet. Landmarkswill work on marketing and leasing the offices,on retail. The caliber of retail tenants Waterfront is seeking on the west side of Webb will set the tone for the rest of the development, says Landmarks. What theyre working on is, as you would expect, very high end, Saville says. Its not going to be comparable to anything else in east Wichita. Pent-up demand for valueLess than a mile to the north,is preparing to break ground on a Class A office project on the south side of 21st Street just east of Webb. Occidental CEOsays his project is different from The Waterfronts. I think were both fulfilling two different niches within the Class A structure, Oborny says. The first phase of Occidentals 60,000-square-foot project will be about 22,000 square feet and take about a year to complete. Work should begin later this month. Oborny sees some pent-up demand for the Class A space in the right location at the right price. Hes planning a rate of about 20 per square foot, including taxes, insurance and common-area maintenance. Its got to be good value for what youre building, he says. For that price range ... there is some good demand. Mon, 09 Jul 2012 00:00:00 -0400 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article133.php#1371678870 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article133.php Ad agency Brothers Co. entering Wichita market with WaterWalk officeWichita Business Journal by Josh Heck, Reporter Tulsa-based Brothers Co. has already made a splash in Wichita with its Bravely Onward campaign for, and now the advertising agency is establishing a physical presence here. The company has signed a one-year lease on a 1,300-square-foot space in WaterWalk Place.of Landmark Commercial Real Estate brokered the deal. is Brothers only local employee for now. The Wichita office, in the space being vacated by V Wealth Management as it moves to its permanent WaterWalk office, is slated to open Aug. 1. Financial terms of the lease were not disclosed. Brothers is opening its Wichita office using the agencys two-year-old Oklahoma City location as a model. There, Brothers started with one employee and has since grown to 13. The agency has 67 employees overall. In Wichita, Vogel will serve as an account manager and will handle the agencys local clients, including Fidelity Bank and the Kansas Oil Gas Resources Fund. Nationally, Brothers Co. clients include Toyota Trucks and Under Armour. Brothers Co. gives Wichita another nationally recognized advertising agency and provides advertisers another option in whats already a competitive market. Agency Presidentsays if his firms experience in Wichita is anything like its experience in Oklahoma City, the local market will respond to a new advertising player favorably and the office will grow. Brothers describes Wichitas existing advertising community as outstanding. Bryan White, managing partner at Howerton White, says another advertising agency in Wichita will push the citys other ad groups to be better. Were always going to be competing against other agencies for work, White says. Thats the nature of the beast. , managing partner at Wichitas largest advertising firm,, says new businesses coming to Wichita, regardless of their industry, bring new talent to the city and help to create a stronger work force. Williams says having a local presence helps agencies better serve the needs of their clients. Feeling the energy, father, started Brothers Co. in 1974, and the agency has grown steadily since. says he first started considering a Wichita location about a year ago to provide more of a local presence for clients. Vogel, the Wichita offices first employee, previously worked in marketing and product development with The Coleman Co. She decided to leave Coleman and stay in Wichita when her position was moved to Denver. She says Brothers is a natural fit because of her previous advertising agency experience in Overland Park and because of her experience with Colemans outdoor focus. Many of Brothers Co.s clients are outdoor-related, including national brands like Bushnell binoculars and Remington rifles. Brothers says hes excited about the opportunity to have a presence in Wichita because of all that is going on in the citys core. Theres an energy there, Brothers says Mon, 23 Jul 2012 00:00:00 -0400 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article134.php#1371678871 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article134.php Closet Junkie to open at Cherry CreekPublished by The Wichita Eagle by Carrie Rengers WICHITA Sandy Harrishad been in the resale business for 22 years when she left it in February. I told myself, no, thats it, I want to do something else, says Harris, who was atTrends Fashion Exchangeon West Maple for the last 15 years. Instead of changing careers as planned, though, Harris is now openingCloset Junkiein theCherry Creekshopping center at Harry and Rock Road. Theres just a lot of traffic out here, Harris says of choosing the center. She says there also arent many shops like hers on the east side. Harris will buy used, trendy clothing and accessories from customers along with some furniture and housewares to sell in the shop. Its what I love, and its what I know, and Im good at it, Harris says. Im ready to get back in it. Don Pirosofhandled the deal for the 1,400-square-foot space. The shop will open Aug. 4. Harris says she misses her customers, many of whom she could predict exactly when theyd come to shop or what they would buy. Its weird how after that many years, you make friends, she says. I kind of miss that. Read more here: http://blogs.kansas.com/haveyouheard/2012/07/24/closet-junkie-to-open-at-cherry-creek/#storylink=misearch#storylink=cpy Read more here: http://blogs.kansas.com/haveyouheard/2012/07/24/closet-junkie-to-open-at-cherry-creek/#storylink=misearch#storylink=cpy Wed, 25 Jul 2012 00:00:00 -0400 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article136.php#1371678872 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article136.php Willowbend Animal Hospital to open on the east side in AugustBy Carrie Rengers Published by The Wichita Eagle WICHITA VeterinarianMichael Johnson, who has practiced in the Wichita area for 17 years, is opening his own animal hospital next month. Willowbend Animal Hospitalwill open Aug. 8 at 7606 E. 37th St. North, which is between Rock Road and Woodlawn. I just wanted a facility that I could provide the services that I want to for my clients and my pets, Johnson says. Specifically, Im very passionate about managing chronic pain with pets. Johnson says pet owners often are unaware their pets are in pain. They expect the pet to act like we do when theyre in pain, and thats not how they act, he says. For instance, he says, dogs are pack animals who wouldnt want to show pain to others. Theyd be hiding it if they could. Johnson says cats go into seclusion, which may be difficult to differentiate from their regular behavior. Some issues, he says, owners may chalk up to the aging process, when actually their animals are in pain. I just believe that our pets can not speak for themselves, Johnson says. They suffer quietly for years with undiagnosed and untreated pain, and they never enjoy life as fully as they could. Johnson will treat dogs, cats and what he calls pocket pets, including reptiles and amphibians. It always starts with a thorough physical exam, he says. We do that on every pet on every visit. Johnson uses a therapeutic laser for pain control, which he says is a hot topic with veterinarians right now. Its just really opened the door on addressing this with pet owners and making a difference. Willowbend Animal Hospital will be in 2,650 square feet. Brent MadisonandBrad Savilleofrepresented Johnson in the deal, andDoug MaloneandMarty Gilchristofrepresented the landlord. Paul Cavanaughofis the architect and contractor. Initially, Johnson will be the sole veterinarian practicing at the clinic. My plan is to expand over time when business gets to that level, he says. There wasnt a particular incident or a series of things that led Johnson to want to specialize in pain management. I feel its my responsibility as a doctor to look for it, he says. Whats led me there is just the fact that at the end of the day, Im just an animal lover, and I dont like to see animals hurting. Read more here: http://blogs.kansas.com/haveyouheard/2012/07/24/willowbend-animal-hospital-to-open-on-the-east-side-in-august/#storylink=cpy Read more here: http://blogs.kansas.com/haveyouheard/2012/07/24/willowbend-animal-hospital-to-open-on-the-east-side-in-august/#storylink=cpy Wed, 25 Jul 2012 00:00:00 -0400 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article137.php#1371678873 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article137.php Two Wichita Learning Connection centers to open to help former students get diplomasBy Carrie Rengers Published by The Wichita Eagle WICHITA Theis opening two new sites in Wichita. What we do is we try to provide cost-effective ways to provide education services to school districts, says executive directorBrad Pepper. The south-central branch, which is based in Clearwater, serves 28 school districts and is one of seven education service centers in Kansas. The center provides services such as integrating technology in classrooms, helping further professional development and arranging for reduced-rate equipment. Basically, if theres a need that a school district has, well provide that service, Pepper says. Theyre school districts without students, is how he describes the centers. At least thats generally the case. The two new Wichita sites will be part of a network ofWichita Learning Connectioncenters around the state that offer degree completion programs. Pepper says the center partners with local school districts to help former students age 18 and older receive their high school diplomas. Its an actual high school diploma, Pepper says. He says that can carry more weight in the career world than a GED. Were kind of targeting the Hispanic population, Pepper says. He says theres a higher drop-out rate in that community, though Wichita Learning Connection is open to anyone. One site will be in 1,550 square feet inNew Leaf Plaza, formerly theMarina Lakesshopping center, at 21st and Amidon. The other will be in 2,200 square feet atat Lincoln and Oliver. Aug. 13 is the official opening date for both centers. Don Pirosofhandled the deal at New Leaf Plaza. Dennis Fitzroyofhandled the Parklane deal. There are similar programs in Pratt, Rose Hill, Andover, El Dorado, Clearwater and Mulvane. Topeka has two as well. Whether Wichita gets any other new ones depends, Pepper says. If it happens to take off, we may expand, he says. The goal is to serve as many students as we can. Read more here: http://blogs.kansas.com/haveyouheard/2012/07/25/two-wichita-learning-connection-centers-to-open-to-help-former-students-get-diplomas/#more-20935#storylink=cpy Read more here: http://blogs.kansas.com/haveyouheard/2012/07/25/two-wichita-learning-connection-centers-to-open-to-help-former-students-get-diplomas/#more-20935#storylink=cpy Wed, 25 Jul 2012 00:00:00 -0400 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article138.php#1371678874 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article138.php Whole Foods Market to open in Wichita at the new Waterfront PlazaBy Carrie Rengers Published by The Wichita Eagle UPDATED A new phase of thedevelopment will be the home ofwhen it arrives in Wichita next year. Its very big for us, saidStephen Clark II, who is managing the project, of landing the organic and natural food chain. It could be beneficial for the whole market, Clark said. He said retailers such as Whole Foods Market and the newthat entered the market earlier this year attract other big names. The more of that you can get, the more interest there is from others. Clarks father,Steve Clark, and fellow Waterfront developerJohnny Stevensare building a new 70,000-square-foot retail center calledWaterfront Plazaon the northwest corner of 13th and Webb Road, which Stephen Clark says is part of the larger Waterfront development on the northeast corner. Whole Foods will anchor the development with a 30,000-square-foot store that Clark said will open in November 2013. We just feel that its really going to pair well with the community, saidBen Friedland, executive marketing coordinator of the Rocky Mountain region for Whole Foods Market. One of the things that were most excited about is were a very decentralized organization, which allows us to build stores that are very specific to the communities in which they live, he said. He said the chain partners with local producers who meet Whole Foods Market standards to sell their items so the store is going to be endemic to the community, and its going to take on its local flair and its local flavor. Were just really excited about the abundance of local products available. Friedland said the Austin-based chain, which has 325 stores in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom, has been looking at Wichita for a couple of years. Its another feather in the cap of Wichita for bringing the big names that wouldnt touch us two to five years ago, saidDon Pirosof. Its the domino effect. You bring one or two here, and the rest think, geez, maybe we should be here. Piros is handling leasing at the remaining 40,000 square feet at Waterfront Plaza in addition to retail and office leasing within the larger Waterfront area east of Webb Road. That includes a newnorth ofwhere two new office buildings are slated to be under construction soon. Piros said hes close on a few potential Waterfront Plaza tenants. Clark said landing Whole Foods helps. People want to be next to Whole Foods, and we expect a lot more activity out there. Wichita has seen a lot more grocery activity in the market in recent years. Firstandbrought their superstores here. More recently,opened atin June andopened on North Rock Road in November. When you get a city like Wichita being overstored, it puts a pressure on all the retailers, saidJon McCormick, executive director of the. We have members down there, and Im sure it will affect them from a sales standpoint, he said, adding that existing stores are the ones that are in jeopardy. McCormick said if the economy improves and Wichitas population grows, stores would have a better chance of succeeding. We think theres room for everyone, Clark said. Friedland said that ultimately the customers are going to win because they get more choice. In a 2010reader survey of what stores and restaurants Wichitans would like to see here, Whole Foods ranked No. 6. Its worth the trip even if were not grocery shopping, said WichitanCassandra Schwartzof shopping at Whole Foods in her native Seattle. Its fun to see the things we dont get here. Shes looking forward to now getting those products, such as an exotic pepper that she was freaking out over not finding for a dinner party recently. Were looking forward to not having to worry about that. Read more here: http://blogs.kansas.com/haveyouheard/2012/07/25/whole-foods-to-enter-wichita-market/#storylink=cpy#storylink=cpy Read more here: http://blogs.kansas.com/haveyouheard/2012/07/25/whole-foods-to-enter-wichita-market/#storylinkkk=cpy#storylink=cpy Thu, 26 Jul 2012 00:00:00 -0400 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article139.php#1371678875 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article139.php Tri-Dim Filter of Virginia enters Wichita with warehouse leaseWichita Business Journal by John Stearns, Reporter Louisa, Va.-based Tri-Dim Filter Corp.,as offering innovative filtration systems, has leased 10,200 square feet of first-class warehouse space at 1854 S. Florence, near Pawnee and West Street, from DeWitt Land Co. Inc. , industrial division director for, negotiated the lease for the parties. Its Tri-Dims entrance into Wichita. It needed the distribution warehouse space to handle a new contract with Spirit AeroSystems. Were very excited, says, vice president for corporate distribution at Tri-Dim, which also will use the warehouse for shipments to other customers. Supply trucks were to begin arriving Wednesday from Tri-Dims manufacturing plants in Virginia and Elgin, Ill. Tri-Dim makes a full line of commercial-grade filters, including for ventilation and paint systems, clean rooms and more for many industries. Tri-Dims building has drive-in and truckwell dock access and ceiling height exceeding 20 feet. Fri, 27 Jul 2012 00:00:00 -0400 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article140.php#1371678876 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article140.php Waltons Inc. moving to larger facility in northeast WichitaWichita Business Journal by John Stearns, Reporter Wichita meat processing equipment and supply company Waltons Inc. has purchased a 32,000-square-foot building in northeast Wichita from Comotara Partners LLC and plans to expand the building by 15,000 square feet. The transaction was a simultaneous exchange in which Waltons current 25,000-square-foot building at 430 N. Mosley was traded to Comotara Partners, according to, industrial division director for, who represented Comotara in the deal. of Coldwell Banker Plaza Real Estate Inc.s commercial division represented Waltons. With the addition, Waltons will nearly double its space. It plans to open there by Aug. 13. Ownersaid the company had outgrown its Mosley location, where it has been for seven years. We just looked around and looked around for the last year trying to find someplace that would give us the right mix of office and warehouse, he says. The new building sits on 5 acres at 3639 N. Comotara, near 37th Street North and Rock Road. The building previously has been home to a Best Western call center,and. It had been vacant since WATCs move to the National Center for Aviation Training in June 2010. Walton says the lots size will allow additional future growth if necessary. The upcoming expansion, of 15,000 square feet, will occur in 2013, he says. The new location will allow a larger retail store, too. Well have a much larger showroom, including additional lines of grills and accessories, Walton says. Branson calls the new location first-class. Its an institutional quality building, he says. Waltons, formerly Mid-Western Research Supply Inc., had been looking at land to build a new site before picking the Comotara location, according to Branson and Walton. , a partner in Comotara Partners, called Waltons a great group to work with. Fri, 27 Jul 2012 00:00:00 -0400 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article141.php#1371678877 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article141.php Whole Foods Market coming to The Waterfront next yearWichita Business Journal by John Stearns, Reporter The Waterfront has landed its big fish: The well-known natural and organic foods retailer said in an investor conference call Wednesday that its coming to Wichita, and The Waterfrontsconfirmed that Whole Foods Market will be the anchor tenant for The Waterfronts new retail center on the northwest corner of 13th and Webb Road. The stores target opening date is Nov. 16, 2013. Its huge, Clark says of Whole Foods Markets plans, which he expects to entice additional tenants to Waterfront Plaza, the new retail center across Webb Road from the existing Waterfront development. Everybody wants to be next to Whole Foods. Its huge for all of Wichita, he adds. Retailers that wouldnt have considered Wichita will see this, and theyll think about Wichita now, says Clark, who manages projects at The Waterfront for its two principals his father,, and. has been working on landing Whole Foods Market for about two years, Stephen Clark says. Whole Foods Market will be across 13th Street across from the Country Club Plaza office building and just east of. Proximity to the school proved attractive for Whole Foods, Clark says. Thats our customer, Clark says of the parents dropping off their children each day at the private school. In a written statement,, executive marketing coordinator for Whole Foods Markets Rocky Mountain Region, says: We are thrilled to be coming to Wichita and especially to locate at The Waterfront. We believe Wichitans will be very pleased with their store. No two Whole Foods Markets are the same this store will be a direct reflection of the local community and will be unlike any other in the company. will build the 30,000-square-foot store for Whole Foods Market, which will lease the space. Clark Investment Group also will build a 5,000-square-foot space immediately north for another tenant and another space of 15,400 square feet immediately north of that for as many as 11 shops. Those three buildings, comprising 50,400 square feet, will cost 7 million to 8 million to build and comprise Waterfront Plazas first phase. Future phases will include a north-end anchor space of 16,000 square feet, a 4,000-square-foot pad-site building, and a separate bank building at 8,000 square feet. Clark Investment Group is talking to possible tenants for the 5,000-square-foot space next to Whole Foods, national tenants that would be new to Wichita, Clark says. The Waterfront will be bustling on both sides of Webb Road over the next year. Earlier this month Clark Investment Group announced plans foron the east side of Webb Road, and work there could begin in three to four months. Waterfront Plaza is being designed by architectural firm Law Kingdon. of Landmark Commercial Real Estate will be marketing the retail space being built alongside Whole Foods Market. According to Whole Foods news release, plans call for the store to have its traditional fresh, organic produce; fresh meat and seafood markets; other groceries, including a bulk food area; a coffee bar; a bakery; and an extensive prepared foods section. The store will have an inside dining area as well as an outdoor caf. Asked about Whole Foods Market's entry into an area of Wichita that is suddenly crowded with new competitors like The Fresh Market, Green Acres Market, Natural Grocers and Dillons Marketplace, Clark says, Whole Foods is Whole Foods. And theres enough room in the market for them, he says Fri, 27 Jul 2012 00:00:00 -0400 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article142.php#1371678878 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article142.php Global PDR Solutions goes local with work at three new Wichita sitesPublished The Wichita Eagle By Carrie Rengers WICHITA After traveling the world, the owners of Wichita-based are now going to concentrate on paintless dent repair and other work here. Basically what weve always done is just traveled and chased hail storms, says Brian Patton, who is partners in the business with Hamendra Bhakta and Scott Dietz. We just never concentrated or focused our energies here. Thats changing in part, Patton says, because were starting to get a little older. The company is opening three new Wichita sites. That includes a 1,600-square-foot corporate office at 764 N. Tyler, which is near Central and Tyler, that will have room to pull a car into for quick work. We can fix it right on the spot, Patton says. Don Piros of handled the deal for the space, which Global PDR Solutions will move into this weekend. A second site opened four weeks ago at 5600 W. Central, which is on the northeast corner of Central and I-235. And four years after buying a 3,000-square-foot building downtown at 160 N. Kansas, the company has now opened there as well. Hail storms had kept the owners too busy to do it before now. Patton says next the partners want east-side space. Weve got our eye on a nice big building out there. Patton says their plans include more than hail repairs for the new shops. Our ultimate goal is to open them up as body shops in the near future. Read more here: http://blogs.kansas.com/haveyouheard/2012/07/31/global-pdr-solutions-goes-local-with-work-at-three-new-wichita-sites/#storylink=misearch#storylink=cpy Read more here: http://blogs.kansas.com/haveyouheard/2012/07/31/global-pdr-solutions-goes-local-with-work-at-three-new-wichita-sites/#storylink=misearch#storylink=cpy Wed, 01 Aug 2012 00:00:00 -0400 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article143.php#1371678879 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article143.php Mathnasium to open at the WaterfrontBy Carrie Rengers Published by The Wichita Eagle WICHITA SinceRachel Allenopenedatat 21st and Maize Road in February, parents have been driving their children from the east side to get math help. Now, they wont have to. Allen is opening a second Mathnasium, a franchise known as the Math Learning Center, at theat 13th and Webb Road. Ive had a lot of interest from the east side, Allen says, and so theyre pretty excited about us opening over there. Allen is an accountant and a former middle school math teacher. Her husband,Paul, is one of the principals of theaccounting firm. This is really a perfect fit for my background, Allen says. I just really love working with kids and helping them, and this seemed like a great opportunity. She says Mathnasium, which teaches a range of math from beginning skills through calculus, gives children help with math concepts in a way that makes sense to them. We say we help kids catch up, keep up and get ahead, Allen says. Mathnasium even helps some adults, such as those returning to school to complete degrees. When Allen became a franchisee, she acquired the rights for sites on the east and west sides. She says she found the 1,500-square-foot NewMarket location first. The 1,400-square-foot Waterfront location is in the formerButter Beanchildrens boutique space. Don Pirosofhandled the deal. Math is a subject a lot of students struggle with, but Allen says parents says they notice a difference in their childrens feelings about it after going to Mathnasium. Theyre just amazed by the kids confidence and their attitude towards math. Read more here: http://blogs.kansas.com/haveyouheard/2012/08/02/mathnasium-to-open-at-the-waterfront/#storylink=misearch#storylink=cpy Fri, 03 Aug 2012 00:00:00 -0400 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article144.php#1371678880 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article144.php Mathnasium times 2 Accountant, ex-teacher to open second Wichita Math Learning Center for kids at the Waterfront ByCarrie RengersThe Wichita Eagle Read more here: http://www.kansas.com/2012/08/03/2433797/mathnasium-times-2.html#storylink=misearch#storylink=cpy SinceRachel AllenopenedMathnasiumatNewMarket Squareat 21st and Maize Road in February, parents have been driving their children from the east side to get math help. Now, they wont have to. Allen is opening a second Mathnasium, a franchise known as The Math Learning Center, at theWaterfrontat 13th and Webb Road. Ive had a lot of interest from the east side, Allen says, and so theyre pretty excited about us opening over there. Allen is an accountant and a former middle school math teacher. Her husband,Paul, is one of the principals of theAllen Gibbs Houlikaccounting firm. This is really a perfect fit for my background, Allen says. I just really love working with kids and helping them, and this seemed like a great opportunity. She says Mathnasium, which teaches a range of math from beginning skills through calculus, gives children help with math concepts in a way that makes sense to them. We say we help kids catch up, keep up and get ahead, Allen says. Mathnasium even helps some adults, such as those returning to school to complete degrees. When Allen became a franchisee, she acquired the rights for sites on the east and west sides. She says she found the 1,500-square-foot NewMarket location first. The 1,400-square-foot Waterfront location is in the formerButter Beanchildrens boutique space. Don PirosofLandmark Commercial Real Estatehandled the deal. Math is a subject a lot of students struggle with, but Allen says parents say they notice a difference in their childrens feelings about math after going to Mathnasium. Theyre just amazed by the kids confidence and their attitude towards math. Read more here: http://www.kansas.com/2012/08/03/2433797/mathnasium-times-2.html#storylink=misearch#storylink=cpy Fri, 03 Aug 2012 00:00:00 -0400 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article145.php#1371678881 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article145.php Rachel Allen to open Mathnasium at Waterfront, second location this yearWichita Business Journal by Josh Heck, ReporterIts sooner thanoriginally anticipated, but she will have an east-side Mathnasium open sometime this fall. Allen, who opened a Mathnasium math tutoring centerin NewMarket Square, is opening a 1,400-square-foot location in The Waterfront in a space most recently occupied by Butter Bean Childrens Boutique, next to Gentry Ltd. Mathnasium is an international chain of centers where children can improve their math skills. There are 300 centers in the United States, and this will be the. Allen is the centers director and a former teacher. She is married to, who leads Wichitas largest accounting firm, Allen Gibbs Houlic LC. The Allens bought the exclusive rights to franchises of Mathnasium in Wichita. Rachel says her plans included eventually opening a location in east Wichita, though she didnt anticipate it being this soon. Our west site has done really great, Allen says. Weve had great results and positive feedback. Feedback that Allen says has also come from a number of parents who use Mathnasium but live in east Wichita. She is targeting a Sept. 1 opening for the east-side Mathnasium. With it comes the addition of five or six employees, similar to the staffing at her NewMarket Square location. is doing the build-out, which Allen says will cost 15,000 to 20,000. Allen signed the lease Monday.with Landmark Commercial Real Estate brokered the deal. Allen says The Waterfront gives Mathnasium another high-profile location. I think The Waterfront is a really good location, Allen says. Its a very safe area for kids, very family-friendly. Fri, 03 Aug 2012 00:00:00 -0400 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article146.php#1371678882 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article146.php Wichita considers big tax breaks on speculative industrial spaceWichita Business Journal by John Stearns, Reporter Wichita economic development officials hope up to 10 years of property tax breaks will spur developers to erect large, speculative industrial buildings and help the city attract businesses that are now passing it by. A proposal tentatively going before the City Council on Aug. 14 would incentivize the construction of modern industrial space of at least 50,000 square feet with at least 28-foot ceilings. When companies call looking for those types of structures, officials say they too often have to turn the callers away. That means lost opportunities for Wichita to compete for new businesses, jobs and tax revenue. The need that were trying to address in terms of our inventory of economic development tools, or product, is large industrial buildings. This is what were being told we need, says, director of urban development for the city. Thats sort of a missing ingredient in our quiver of arrows. Under the proposal, the larger the building, the larger the property tax abatement. For the first five years, for example, a 50,000-square-foot building would get an abatement of 50 percent, an 80,000-square-foot building an 80 percent abatement, and so on. Spec buildings of 100,000 square feet or more could receive 100 percent tax abatements for the first five years. For the second five years, the rate of abatement would be based on the jobs created by the building and the developer and tenants capital investment in real property improvements and equipment. Tenant or landlord improvements after the initial construction could add to the initial investment, Bell says. Developers would have to apply for the abatement by Dec. 31, 2014, and use industrial revenue bonds to finance the project. Lowering risk, commercial specialist with Grubb Ellis | Martens Commercial Group LLC, likes the incentive plan. Theres a limited availability of modern, functional industrial space right now, Wessel says. Spec building is tough now because low market rents dont support construction costs, let alone the unknown time the building might sit empty, he says. I think the citys concern from an economic development standpoint, and its a valid concern, is that were missing opportunities for new companies to come to town if that company is not willing to build ground up and wait the time it takes to do that, he says. I dont see a downside for the city. The proposal would help reduce developers risk by lowering their holding costs, which could entice more developers to do speculative construction, he says. Wessel says hed feel much differently if many such buildings were sitting empty on the market. He sees a lack of buildings available with high ceilings and a good land-to-building ratio that allows room for trucks and future expansion, something he says a lot of potential users seek. , industrial division director for, has two opinions on the proposal one personal, one professional. Personally, I like to see less government involvement, and Im for more constitutional government and free enterprise, Branson says. Let the market go its course. Investors will step up at some point. But professionally, he understands the competition the citys facing for companies needing such space, and hed welcome the new inventory. If its there, Ill work it, he says. City Councilmansays spec buildings would at least put Wichita in consideration when companies call. They want answers quickly on space, but we say no right off the bat, he says. As a result, the city never knows if it could have competed for the business. Meitzner knows there are people with land that would build under the program. So is it a good use of public money, or, in this case, just forfeited tax revenue? Meitzner says hed evaluate each proposal on a case-by-case basis. Bell assists the Greater Wichita Economic Development Coalition on deals and knows what companies want. A large majority of the prospects that come through GWEDC ... most of them have as their highest priority an empty existing building, Bell says. Wichita misses out on opportunities dozens of times a year to entertain companies looking for spaces of at least 50,000 square feet, he says. Most of them are looking for even larger 100,000 and up. Mon, 13 Aug 2012 00:00:00 -0400 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article147.php#1371678883 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article147.php Slow growth, spotty activity continue, but action evident in some areasWichita Business Journal by John Stearns, Reporter Go northeast, young man. If Horace Greeley were a commercial real estate broker in Wichita today, thats what hed probably tell clients, particularly national retailers. Hed point to the latest pioneers like Cabelas, The Fresh Market and now Whole Foods Market, among others, who have settled on spots primarily north of 13th Street and on or east of Rock Road. Could Costco be next? An Apple Store? A Cheesecake Factory? The northeast area also has three Class A office projects planned totaling 90,000 square feet two along Webb Road at The Waterfront and another, The Offices at Cranbrook, on 21st Street just east of Webb. And it continues to see medical projects and could see significant development in the K-96/Greenwich Road area related to the proposed GoodSports project that includes a sports complex and hotel. But Greeley also would encourage a scouting mission to the northwest, where NewMarket Square at 21st and Maize radiates energy for at least a mile in all directions, includes most of the big names in food and shopping and, like the northeast, has plenty of land left to colonize, particularly to the north along Maize Road. Near 29th Street, Academy Sports Outdoors is building a 73,000-square-foot store that will open later this year. And for others, Greeley would encourage a scouting mission downtown, where energy is rising on the residential front and where big-name developers are considering building new apartments to complement the many renovations that have turned dead buildings into sought-after living spaces all of which catch the attention of commercial interests. Hed also cite theand other projects creating a buzz in and around a newly branded area called Block 1, bounded by Douglas, Broadway, William and Topeka streets. More than 40 million is being poured into that block. But opportunities, as in the West that Greeley pointed to, run throughout the metro area, both in established markets like the industrial southwest and new areas like the Bel Aire Industrial Park, the former Echo Hills golf course in Park City and to the south around 47th and Broadway. Patience for deal-making is key, though. Transactions are taking longer and tenants are driving hard bargains in a still uncertain economy that some say will stay that way until at least after the November election. Among 10 experts the WBJ spoke with, most see subtle improvement in the commercial sector but still an overabundance of caution on the part of many companies. Others say calls pour in, then taper off. At least one other, who deals primarily in offices, doesnt see improvement. Slow growth will be the mantra for a while yet, says, CEO of, which owns 15 retail centers in the area and also has office and industrial properties. Whether retail or office, this is going to be a slow march and slightly to the positive side, but its going to be slow, he says, predicting another one to three years at this pace. On the industrial side, theres a little tighter supply, especially for newer buildings, but theres still a fair amount of inventory among older buildings, he says. Across all three categories, its going to be a buyers market for quite a while, he says. , who specializes in retail at Landmark Commercial Real Estate, says that it continues to be a tenants market and that developers are being stretched thin to make build-to-suit deals for national retailers. Retailers are expecting turn-key finishes and low base rents, and sometimes incentives from the city or state, he says. All that can make the return on investment for retail developers almost unbearable to stomach considering the risk involved, Saville says. That being said, several national tenants not yet in Wichita are circling, looking for the best site and terms they can find. Retail generally improving; big names stoke interestRetail seems to gradually keep improving, says Jerry Gray, vice president and general manager forcommercial division. New national retailers have started to enter the market in the last year, some of them big names, including Cabelas, Whole Foods Market, The Fresh Market, Sephora and Chick-fil-A. Some are asking for help with multiple sites, which is new we havent seen that for a while, Gray says. But its not easy. National site selectors are under pressure to make almost perfect decisions, he says. Theyre very, very particular right now. If it doesnt meet their criteria, there typically isnt a Plan B. Still, once big-name retailers do settle in, it helps get the attention of other national names. A national retailer new to Wichita is expected to be announced by years end for a 7,000-square-foot space at Bradley Fair next to The Fresh Market, according to, president of, which owns Bradley Fair. , projects manager at The Waterfront, is optimistic hell have one or two more big announcements this year, following on Julys blockbuster announcement that Whole Foods Market will open there in November 2013. Waterfront developers over the next year will build 30,000 square feet for Whole Foods, plus another 20,400 adjoining it for tenants yet to be announced. Laham says talks are under way with two retailers for pads of 25,000 square feet each at Regency Lakes between Cabelas and World Market, and something could be announced in 2013. Laham also is talking to smaller retailers and restaurants for a planned 15,000-square-foot retail center planned at 21st and Greenwich in front of SuperTarget, another project that could come together next year. Slawson Cos. has office and retail property southwest and southeast of the intersection and is getting a lot more interest in that area, driven by Cabelas and the GoodSports project, says, vice president/commercial development for Slawson, which also has NewMarket Square. Nothing is inked yet, but the activity is encouraging, he says. A mile south, on the southwest corner of 13th and Greenwich, work is under way on the new Scholfield Buick-GMC dealership, expected to open next summer, and a new Scholfield luxury dealership is planned just beyond the northwest corner. Both will have as big an impact on that intersection in terms of traffic volume as Warren Theatres has had, Laham says. Those will be two huge retail additions to that intersection, he says, and development opportunities remain there. Laham says he is talking with a couple of hotel groups about the site next to the new LongHorn Steakhouse southwest of Towne East Square. He also has room for another restaurant or retailer there. With the BJs Brewhouse and Old Chicago restaurants just to the east of Longhorn, theres going to be kind of renewed activity in that corridor, he says. Across Kellogg nearby, Landmarks Saville notes the turnaround of Eastgate Shopping Center, which benefits from Kellogg exposure and a good tenant mix. Theres retail redevelopment opportunity farther east along Kellogg, but the timing of the freeway extension to Andover is going to play a role in companies decision-making there since theyll have to deal with a multiyear construction project, Saville says. In the northwest, NewMarket Square will fill a big hole in the former Borders Books location when Marshalls opens, expected later this year. The center, with 830,000 square feet under roof, is 98 percent occupied, counting Marshalls. We feel real good about it, Jones says of business at NewMarket. Weve had a lot of activity. It still seems like deals take longer to consummate. Elsewhere around the metro area, developerplans a retail/commercial development at the site of the former Echo Hills Golf Course in Park City, a Walmart Supercenter is planned for west Augusta that could jump-start development along U.S. 54 there, and Southfork Investment LLC, led by developer, has plans for more than 1 million square feet of retail, hotel, restaurant and office space in a 50-acre area at the intersection of Interstate 135 and 47th Street South. Industrial sector active, industrial division director for Landmark Commercial Real Estate, says the industrial market has revived in the last year, a lot of it driven by the aircraft industry. Weve got national companies looking for land, looking for larger buildings, as well as locals, he says, rattling off prospects that include a pair of international and national companies looking for 15 to 20 acres of heavy industrial ground for a project, and another company national in scope thats expanding operations here and looking for a building approaching 100,000 square feet to be built and leased long-term. Another prospect is looking for a 30,000-square-foot building. Branson just brokered a deal for meat processing equipment and supply company Waltons Inc., which bought a formerbuilding, 32,000 square feet at 3639 N. Comotara, near 37th Street North and Rock Road. Waltons plans to expand the building by 15,000 square feet, and the site is large enough for future additions if necessary. The building had been vacant two years. The northeast area has a lot of industrial activity, he says, and the citys most established area, in the southwest, continues to have steady activity. , ofReal Estate, says theres a contract for purchase of a 72,000-square-foot warehouse on 47th Street South just west of Broadway that was a former Boeing building for surplus supplies. Hes hopeful the sale will close in late August. The site has been vacant about four years. Inland Truck Parts and Service is consolidating sales and services operations from two buildings it now leases to go under one roof at a 44,000-square-foot facility its building on the south side of K-42 at the Tyler Road intersection. of, also sees strong demand in the industrial sector but a limited inventory of quality buildings to purchase. That tightness in the market has led to some property owners and developers breaking ground on buildings. High-quality, well-located properties with all the fundamentals in place are highly desirable, Hebert says. The city of Bel Aire has agreed to sell 3 acres in its new Sunflower Commerce Park toCentury Manufacturing is the first tenant for the 804-acre business park along 53rd Street North between Webb and Greenwich roads. Bel Aire hopes Centurys project leads to more development in the park. Weigands Gray says theres concern about the lack of inventory with newer, well-located industrial properties, particularly 20,000 square feet and up. He expects development to stay in the northeast and southwest industrial hubs. These industrial people arent going to go too far away from major highways, Gray says. Office market strong for good propertiesThe office sector is still active, particularly Class A space in good locations. The vacancys concentrated in older buildings, the B buildings, not well-located buildings, Gray says. Offices in the northeast and the central business district are doing well, holding their occupancies and their rents, but they havent been able to raise rents much, Gray says. of Grubb Ellis | Martens Commercial Group LLC says Class A space is tight, particularly in the northeast and downtown. I think Class A is improving. Class B is struggling. I dont know who would be interested in Class C, he says. It remains a buyers market for tenants, with the exception of Class A in the northeast, Ahern says. Every landlord out there is motivated, he says. Nobody knows whats going on with the economy. No ones really sure if were in a recovery or not. That has a lot of tenants who might typically renew for three years opting for one, or those who might typically renew for five opting for two or three, Ahern says. Deals continue for some spaces, with landlords offering a month or two of free rent, for example, to offset tenants moving costs. of InSite Real Estate Group says the office market in off and on. Its not down as much as it was a couple years ago, he says. Theres a lot of lookers in the market. They seem to take a long time to make decisions. He calls the office market fair to average, with a lot of companies holding off on expansion plans until after the election. Occidentals Oborny says theres positive demand for Class A office space in the northeast, where hes getting ready to do the Cranbrook project. Again, youre going to have to bring good value thats the word of the day, also, he says. People are really looking at budgets hard. is hoping to satisfy the northeast office demand with a 24,000-square-foot building it plans to build at The Waterfront behind Chesters Chophouse Wine Bar. Its also building a new office for itself, 5,500 square feet, just north of that, behind. And medical office space continues to do well all over town, Ahern says. New projects include conversion and expansion of the former Teds Montana Grill into medical offices at K-96 and Webb Road; construction of Surgicare of Wichita, a 29,000-square-foot outpatient surgery center on Greenwich Road north of K-96; and miscellaneous projects throughout the region. Fri, 17 Aug 2012 00:00:00 -0400 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article148.php#1371678884 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article148.php Sam's Club plans third Wichita store at 29th and MaizeWichita Business Journal by Josh Heck, Reporter and John Stearns, Reporter Plans are in the works for Wichitas third Sams Club, this one at the northeast corner of 29th Street North and Maize Road. A company spokesman tells the Wichita Business Journal that Sams Club plans to build one of its membership warehouse stores there, contingent on city of Wichita approval of a zoning change at the 39-acre site from single-family residential to limited commercial. Its a great location for Sams Club, says, public relations manager for the company in Bentonville, Ark. It was just a fantastic location for a Sams Club with other emerging businesses and the ability to be part of a growth area. A zoning application was filed with the city Aug. 6, but the property owners arent talking about what is planned, saying discussions are preliminary. The Metropolitan Area Planning Commission is scheduled to hear the request for a zoning change on Sept. 20. The zoning request lists the owners of the property as Curtis W. andof Wichita, and Leo M. andof Wichita, and they list their agent asof Kimley-Horn Associates Inc. in Dallas. If the zoning change is approved, Sams would buy the site, and it would be parceled out to include two large tracts, one of which presumably would accommodate Sams, and several smaller businesses. Scott says its too early to speculate on the timing of the project or its scope, but the company hopes to break ground next spring. The stores typically take nine months to a year to build, he says. This store would be the states eighth Sams Club. The other two Wichita clubs are at 6200 W. Kellogg Drive and 3415 N. Rock Road. The new Sams would be roughly 7 miles from the West Kellogg location. Both Wichita Sams stores received more than 6 million combined in renovations in 2009 as part of a national effort to update the look of Sams Club stores. Sams Club, a division of Wal-Mart Stores Inc., is the nations eighth-largest retailer and a leading membership warehouse club with more than 47 million members. Sams Clubs plans come amid reports that its key competitor,, has been scouting property in Wichita. Filling the gapSams Club would be just the latest big-box along the active Maize Road corridor and would be positioned between two other big-box stores: Lowes, which is south of 29th, andwhich is south of 37th Street North. Academy Sports Outdoors is building a 73,000-square-foot store immediately north of Lowes. Sams Clubs in Kansas average 132,000 square feet, Scott says. Sams and Walmart employ about 19,700 people in Kansas. During its last fiscal year, Sams Club and Walmart spent 2.3 billion for merchandise and services with 1,939 suppliers in Kansas, Scott says. The company collected on behalf of Kansas more than 315 million in sales taxes and paid more than 50 million in state and local taxes statewide, he adds. That Sams is planning to build at 29th and Maize is welcome news to some with property interests in the Maize Road corridor. I think its great because it starts filling everything in, says, a residential and commercial real estate consultant at Keller Williams-Signature Partners. Any time you get a larger retailer in the area, it brings smaller businesses around it. The proposed Sams site is across Maize Road from land where Community Bank of Wichita has indicated it eventually plans to build a branch. While the bank doesnt have a timetable yet for that plan, the addition of Sams makes the area even more attractive, says Bank President. It increases the activity and traffic and gives more exposure to the general public, Carr says. Thats an area of growth, and we want to be a part of it. Fri, 17 Aug 2012 00:00:00 -0400 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article149.php#1371678885 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article149.php Derbys Glen Carr House to open third building in NovemberByJerry SiebenmarkThe Wichita Eagle Randy Roatch and Jason Wiley thought they had a good business plan for their Glen Carr House project in Derby. But the executives from Oxford Management Group didnt expect the level of demand they have seen for the residences they are building for people with Alzheimers disease and other forms of dementia. Were 18 months ahead on the project because Phase I filled so quickly, Roatch, Oxford president, said. The company announced Tuesday that the first two Glen Carr House residences are fully occupied. A third residence will open Nov. 1., followed by a fourth residence opening in December. That shows some very positive feedback and acceptance from the community that we filled as quickly as we did, Roatch said. Glen Carr House is located at 1437 N. Hamilton. Its first two buildings opened late last year. Plans call for it to comprise six, 12-suite buildings on a five-acre site, built in three phases. The entire project will cost 8million. Paul Gray is the general contractor and the architect is Health Facilities Group. Roatch said with the openings of the third and fourth residences, the company is looking to hire 20 to 25 more employees, including certified nurse aides, certified medical assistants, nurses, activities directors and cooks. Glen Carr currently employs about 30 people. Roatch and Wiley said Glen Carrs caregivers hold certified dementia practitioner certificates. Roatch and Wiley wouldnt commit to exact dates for building and opening the fifth and sixth residences. Roatch said half of the suites in the third residence have been pre-leased. Wichita-based Oxford also owns an assisted-living center in Jackson Hole, Wyo., and plans to build a senior living community at NewMarket Square. For more information about Glen Carr, call 316-788-9999. Read more here: http://www.kansas.com/2012/08/29/2466845/glenn-carr-house-to-open-third.html#storylink=cpy Read more here: http://www.kansas.com/2012/08/29/2466845/glenn-carr-house-to-open-third.html#storylink=cpy Thu, 30 Aug 2012 00:00:00 -0400 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article150.php#1371678886 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article150.php Store planned for 29th North and MaizeNeighbors to fight Sams Club at 29th North and MaizeByDion LeflerThe Wichita Eagle When Andy and Becky Jones moved to Fox Ridge Estates in March, they knew theyd have new neighbors, but they werent expecting Sams Club. Now, the couple have emerged as leaders of a neighborhood campaign to stop the big-box retailer from putting its third Wichita store on a 38-acre lot that backs up to their backyard. Becky Jones says that if the plan goes through, the view from her back deck will likely be a concrete wall and the back of the store. We dont want that type of development this close to our house, she said. Developers representing Sams Club, the membership-store division of the Wal-Mart retail empire, have filed annexation and zone-change applications to clear the way for a store at the northeast corner of 29th Street North and Maize Road. In addition to Sams, the project area would include space for another big-box retailer and six smaller retail lots, according to plans filed with the city. The Joneses and other residents fear the store will bring noise, traffic and air pollution and devastate property values in their neighborhood, a development with homes ranging from about 300,000 to 800,000. Sarah Lauffer, whose house also backs up to the property where the Sams Club is proposed, said the store would bring hordes of out-of-area shoppers by day and fleets of semis making deliveries at night. Obviously, were just determined not to see that happen, she said. I dont feel like wed be able to sell our house for as much as a house that didnt have a Sams Club behind it. Curtis Rink, one of the owners of the property to be developed, declined comment, deferring to the agency representing Sams Club. The Dallas-based agent, Kevin Gaskey of Kimley-Horn Associates, referred calls to Wal-Mart Stores corporate media department, which did not return a phone call seeking comment. Although big-box commercial development has moved north from the NewMarket Square shopping area at times over objections from nearby neighborhoods the Fox Ridge neighbors are optimistic that the city will pay attention to their protest and block the Sams Club. Theyre circulating a petition and plan to make their case at a meeting with their City Council member Thursday and at District Advisory Board and Planning Commission meetings on Sept. 10 and 20. If weve got no chance of winning and big-box stores can just move in and say, Were going to do this regardless, then whats the point of a process? Andy Jones said. Whats the point of them having the public hearings? Whats the point of us being able to object to the public hearing outcomes? Its a democracy, after all. We should have faith that the process is there for a reason. City Council member Jeff Longwell, who represents the area, has agreed to meet with the residents Thursday evening. He said hes not ready to take sides on the development because he hasnt talked with the developers and the plans are not yet clear. Its an appropriate site for some type of commercial development, he said. Thats what we typically see at those hard corners (near NewMarket Square). It depends on what the development looks like and what the buffers are going to be. The neighborhood meeting with Longwell will begin at 7:30 p.m. Thursday at the Sedgwick County Extension Center, 7001 W. 21st St., Wichita. Read more here: http://www.kansas.com/2012/08/29/2466443/neighbors-to-fight-sams-club-at.html#storylink=misearch#storylink=cpy Read more here: http://www.kansas.com/2012/08/29/2466443/neighbors-to-fight-sams-club-at.html#storylink=misearch#storylink=cpy Thu, 30 Aug 2012 00:00:00 -0400 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article151.php#1371678887 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article151.php Wichita developer gets bigger tax breakByDion LeflerThe Wichita Eagle A week after passing new guidelines giving tax breaks to developers of speculative industrial buildings, the City Council granted a 100 percent property tax abatement to a builder planning a middle-size warehouse in south Wichita. The decision on the tax abatement was delayed a week because developer David Shannon had originally been projected to get a 90 percent tax abatement. That changed and Shannon became eligible for the additional 10 percent after the council passed new policies last week offering full tax abatement for speculative buildings of 50,000 square feet or more. The original request was delayed from last week to this week so that paperwork could be redone to increase the subsidy for Shannons planned building, a 90,000-square-foot warehouse-type structure. City staff had proposed a sliding abatement scale based on square footage with less-risky smaller buildings getting less of a tax break. The city is trying to encourage developers to build speculative industrial projects buildings that are put up with no identified user because of complaints from the business community that Wichita lacks business-ready industrial space. City officials say the lack of spec buildings hurts Wichitas efforts to attract new companies that dont want to absorb the delays and risks involved with building their own facilities. The tax abatement will save the developer about 100,000 a year. It will run for five years and will be renewable for a second five if the buildings eventual tenants meet job-creation goals. Conservative activist Bob Weeks told the council he thinks the new policy gives an unfair advantage to new construction. He said it hurts owners of existing and taxpaying buildings when City Hall sets up competitors with a large cost advantage. The council unanimously approved the tax break for Shannons building. Read more here: http://www.kansas.com/2012/08/28/2466387/wichita-developer-gets-bigger.html#storylink=misearch#storylink=cpy Read more here: http://www.kansas.com/2012/08/28/2466387/wichita-developer-gets-bigger.html#storylink=misearch#storylink=cpy Thu, 30 Aug 2012 00:00:00 -0400 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article152.php#1371678888 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article152.php Developers walk a tightrope in balancing neighborhood concerns with getting deals donePremium content from Wichita Business Journal by Daniel McCoy, Reporter Date: Friday, September 7, 2012, 5:00am CDT Whenrecently acknowledged plans for a new Wichita store at the northeast corner of 29th Street North and Maize Road, the news didnt sit well with some nearby homeowners, who are planning to make their concerns heard during the hearings required to rezone the land for retail. In a perfect world, local developers say, youd be able to talk with a projects neighbors and mitigate their concerns beforehand so there would be no issues after a plan is announced. But development isnt a perfect world its a competitive one. Its hard to get out in front of these things before they happen, says, ofIf you start talking to a lot of people before youve got a deal, youre not going to get a deal. The true mitigation of such problems, he says, often has to take place after the deal is done. And there is usually plenty that can be done by developers, who, he says, should be empathetic to their neighbors. As a developer, you have to do your best to eliminate as many distractions and inconveniences for the neighbors as possible, he says. , of commercial broker John T. Arnold Associates, says its always best to work with neighbors. Typically, he says, developers are willing to make concessions that address their concerns. But, like Malone, Penner says that doing so in advance can create problems. If you let your competition know what youre doing in an area that early on in the process, you could lose your whole reason for going there in the first place, Penner says. Wichita City Council memberrepresents the area where Sams is planning its new store. He isnt picking a side yet, but he says that major intersections like 29th and Maize tend eventually to be developed commercially. He also says that past experience with Sams and with its parent-company, Wal-Mart Stores Inc. in west Wichita has proved the company to be cognizant of neighborhood concerns. What I have found is that they have been willing to go to great lengths to be a good neighbor, Longwell says. lives in Fox Ridge, just to the east of the proposed site. She is among the neighbors opposed to Sams building there. She says neighbors expected the area to be developed eventually, but they understood it would be local commercial development. A big-box store like Sams, she says, would mean a lot more traffic, which fuels her main concern the safety of local residents. Other concerns, she feels, could likely be addressed, but she doesnt see a way around the dangers she believes increased traffic would pose to residential area she says has a lot of pedestrians. We have nothing against, Jones says. We all love Sams. But Im not sure what can be done about the safety issue and traffic. There must be a more appropriate place in Wichita for it. Mon, 10 Sep 2012 00:00:00 -0400 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article153.php#1371678889 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article153.php Integrity Auto Groups two car lots to consolidate at one custom-built site near 143rd and KelloggBy Carrie Rengers, Published by The Wichita Eagle WICHITA After years of having two car lots,ownerPat Boyleis streamlining his business by customizing one new building to meet his companys and customers needs. One of the things that I learned early on from my mentors is to basically keep the business as simple as possible, Boyle says. In early October, hes closing used car lots he has near Douglas and Hydraulic and Kellogg and Broadway to open one location just east of theat 143rd and Kellogg. Our leases are coming up, and we decided to do this project, Boyle says. The business has had several sites since it opened in 1999, each of which Boyle remodeled from previous uses, including a convenience store. Those locations served our purpose but probably its been a situation where the quality of our cars has always way outran the quality of our facilities, Boyle says. Martsolf Enterprisesis custom building a new 2,400-square-foot building on 1.6 acres at 14422 E. Kellogg. Obviously, theres a lot of traffic going through that area, Boyle says. Wichita and Andover have kind of merged together. Theres not a big gap there anymore. Downtown doesnt offer the same density of people on a consistent basis, Boyle says. People leave the area around 5:30 in the evenings and you know its not a high-traffic area on the weekends. On East Kellogg, he says, Theres a constant flow of traffic all week. Boyle is making a few other changes with the move, such as updating the companys logo. Well be carrying a larger inventory of cars, and well be adding some sales staff, he says. Were going to have more room, and we were anticipating that we will probably get quite a bit more traffic. Boyle says the goal is to make it a place that people will be extremely comfortable coming in to buy a car. I learned to achieve my goals, I had to help people get what they were after, he says. It wasnt so much about selling a car as it was trying to buy the cars that people would want. Boyle says the right building and lot are a significant part of that as well. If you can find a way to get people what they want at good value, that makes selling easy. Read more here: http://blogs.kansas.com/haveyouheard/2012/09/12/integrity-auto-groups-two-car-lots-to-consolidate-at-one-custom-built-site-near-143rd-and-kellogg/#storylink=newsletter#storylink=cpy#storylink=cpy Read more here: http://blogs.kansas.com/haveyouheard/2012/09/12/integrity-auto-groups-two-car-lots-to-consolidate-at-one-custom-built-site-near-143rd-and-kellogg/#storylink=newsletter#storylink=cpy#storylink=cpy Wed, 12 Sep 2012 00:00:00 -0400 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article154.php#1371678890 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article154.php Duane Wilkinson | People on the Move Duane Wilkinson Date added:September 12, 2012Submission Type:New HireCurrent employer:1Point Property ManagementCurrent title/position:Hospitality Property AccountantPosition level:Account ExecutivePosition department:Accounting FinanceDuties/responsibilities:1Point Property Management is proud to announce the addition of Duane Wilkinson as Hospitality Property Accountant. Duane brings 15 years of hospitality accounting experience to 1 Point. His background in auditing, collection and training of accounting procedures will be sure to add great value in this new part of 1 Point Management, while they poise themselves for steady growth in the development and management of Value Place Hotels. Wed, 12 Sep 2012 00:00:00 -0400 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article155.php#1371678891 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article155.php North Wind Martial Arts and Fitness to open at Westlink Shopping CenterBy Carrie Rengers, Published by The Wichita Eagle WICHITA Florida nativeBrian Kelleysays he came to Wichita a couple of years ago to work as a personal training director forand liked it so well that he decided to stay and open his own business. North Wind Martial Arts and Fitnessopens in theWestlink Shopping Centerat Central and Tyler on Sept. 17. I really enjoyed my time here, says Kelley, who quit working for Genesis last summer for family reasons. I really enjoyed your downtown and just the people, he says. I looked at the fact that there is a market here for traditional martial arts. Kelleys studio will be in 2,350 square feet. Andy BoydofWalter Morris Cos.andTed Bransonofhandled the deal. Kelley says hell teach martial arts for defense, exercise (and) just overall well being. I teach traditional martial arts for a modern world, he says. If youre not a person who wants to go in a weight room and lift weights, its a great exercise. North Wind will be for students of all ages. I really am not going to confine myself, Kelley says. I have something for everybody. Read more here: Read more here: http://blogs.kansas.com/haveyouheard/2012/09/14/north-wind-martial-arts-and-fitness-to-open-at-westlink-shopping-center/#storylink=misearch#storylink=cpy Read more here: http://blogs.kansas.com/haveyouheard/2012/09/14/north-wind-martial-arts-and-fitness-to-open-at-westlink-shopping-center/#storylink=misearch#storylink=cpy Tue, 18 Sep 2012 00:00:00 -0400 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article156.php#1371678892 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article156.php Wichita Realtors elect board of directorsWichita Business Journal by John Stearns, Reporter Theon Friday announced winners of its board of directors election. Elected to three-year terms:,,,and, Prudential Dinning-Beard. Members also elected, Camelot Realty, to fill a two-year term for a vacant position. George is extending her stay on the board after filling a one-year vacancy for 2012. Additionally, incoming board president, of, will make three appointments to the board in the near future. Remaining on the board for 2013 are Bud Cortner, Keller Williams Signature Partners and past-president; Gray, president;, Crown III Realty, president-elect;,, Landmark Commercial Real Estate;,, Coldwell Banker Plaza Real Estate;, J.P. Weigand; and, Coldwell Banker Plaza. Tue, 18 Sep 2012 00:00:00 -0400 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article157.php#1371678893 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article157.php Sport Clips to open fourth Wichita locationWichita Business Journal by John Stearns, Reporter Sport Clips will open its fourth Wichita location on Sept. 29 on the west side, according to a news release. The haircutting shop for men will locate at 7130 W. Maple, Suite 130, in the Maple Ridge Center, at the northeast corner of Maple and Ridge Road. The telephone number is 941-4444. , of Flint Hills Realty, represented Sport Clips in securing the roughly 1,400-square-foot location., of Landmark Commercial Real Estate, represented the landlord. Store hours are 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Friday; 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday; and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. Thu, 20 Sep 2012 00:00:00 -0400 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article158.php#1371678894 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article158.php Downtown advocates hope database will untangle complex land leaseholdsWichita Business Journal by John Stearns, Reporter A title company, commercial real estate representatives and a downtown development group hope to make it easier for potential development deals to happen downtown. Their plan: Build a database of which properties downtown have ground leases. Later, the parties will add information that includes who holds the leases, their terms and perhaps contact information for leaseholders. The goal is to simplify property transactions in the downtown core, where land is often owned separately from buildings and the ownership dispersed among dozens or even hundreds of people. Its been a hindrance to try and get things done in the central business district, says, vice president and general manager of the commercial division atHe says leaseholds downtown, the oldest part of the city, have passed through many generations, causing them to be fractionalized significantly. What may have started out as one owner may be 100 now, he says. As a result, when an investor or developer seeks control of land, its hard to figure out where to start, Gray says. Thats deterred some past projects, he adds. The database would allow parties to get vital information easily and quickly. Maybe this will stimulate more transactions, thus stimulate new development, says, CEO ofand president of the Kansas Chapter of the. Kansas CCIM and thehave contributed 2,500 each to the cataloging effort, and Security 1st Title is providing research at cost. The funding from CCIM and WDDC will cover Security 1sts research costs. The database, free on WDDCs website, will address a need identified years ago. Wichitas downtown master plan lists addressing cumbersome ground leases as a way to encourage development. WDDC President and CEOsays the information will be valuable to developers whose projects sometimes stall as they work through complex ground lease issues. With the database, developers can know upfront what theyll have to deal with, making many of the unknowns known, he says. Old Town developeragrees the program will be helpful. I think its a great tool for developers coming into our downtown, he says. Mon, 24 Sep 2012 00:00:00 -0400 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article159.php#1371678895 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article159.php Wichita City Council OKs money for Big Ditch bypassBy Bill Wilson The Wichita Eagle A bypass over the Big Ditch, essential to the growth of west Wichita in the view of city officials, is two years away after the City Council approved the last 35 million of the 50 million project Tuesday. Work will begin early next year on the floodway bypass connecting I-235 to 13th Street in west Wichita, the final two phases of a project targeting the longtime traffic snarl at I-235 and Zoo Boulevard. The project should be complete around Thanksgiving 2014, giving drivers access to southbound I-235 from 13th Street west of the Big Ditch and letting drivers exit northbound I-235 to 13th Street west of the Big Ditch. Council members said the rapid residential and retail growth in west Wichita have made moving cars in and out of the area more difficult. This floodway crossing is critical to much of west Wichita, and its being paid by the sales tax money weve been collecting for many years. Its great proof we make all kinds of wonderful improvements with all of those dollars, said council member Jeff Longwell. Tuesdays action covers the second and third phases of the bypass project, including the realignment and paving of Hoover Road from Ninth to 13th Street and the construction of the bypass itself. The council had previously allocated 15 million to the project, including 5 million in 2011 for the widening of 13th Street and Ridge to handle the expected traffic increase generated by the bypass. That project was recently completed, including a second left-turn lane to channel more vehicles from southbound Ridge onto 13th Street. It also added a second right-hand turn lane on 13th Street to allow more cars to head north on Ridge. Also this morning, the council approved 7 million in industrial revenue bonds to finance the expansion of the Kansas Health Foundation at 309 E. Douglas. The foundation is building the 36,000-square-foot, 8.6 million Kansas Leadership Center and Kansas Health Foundation Conference Center on the parking lot adjacent to the foundation headquarters at 309 E. Douglas. It will house the new headquarters and training facility for the Kansas Leadership Center, a non-profit created by the foundation in 2005 to identify and develop community and state leaders. Also included is a conference center, with a mix of large and small meeting spaces and a town-hall space that seats 200. The facility is part of the first completely redeveloped downtown block, including the Ambassador Hotel; the Slawson Companies retail and office renovation of the old Henrys building; and the 7.5 million, city-financed parking garage and urban park just south of the leadership center. Construction should be complete in about a year. The OPUS Group of Kansas City is the projects design-build firm. Reach Bill Wilson at 316-268-6290 or . 2012 Wichita Eagle and wire service sources. All Rights Reserved. Wed, 26 Sep 2012 00:00:00 -0400 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article160.php#1371678896 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article160.php Kwik Shop to open at StonebridgeBy Carrie Rengers, Published by The Wichita Eagle UPDATED A newis coming to theStonebridgedevelopment at the southeast corner of 37th Street North and Maize Road. We feel like its going to help us spur even more activity, saysRandy Furstenberg, CFO of. Them going there gives us some momentum that will help us. Construction on the store will start this year and should be complete by spring. So itll be a pretty quick deal for them, Furstenberg says. anchors the 37-acre development, andalso opened there a few weeks ago. Kwik Shop, which is operated by, has more than 125 stores in Kansas, Iowa and Nebraska. Vantage PointsMarty Moodyhandled the deal withGrant Tidemannof,Brad SavilleofandChristian Ablahof Read more here: Thu, 27 Sep 2012 00:00:00 -0400 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article161.php#1371678897 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article161.php Menards finalizes deal for Derby storeBy Carrie Rengers Published by The Wichita Eagle UPDATED , the Wisconsin-based home improvement chain, has finalized its deal for a store near the southwest corner of East Patriot Avenue and Buckner Street in Derby. Its been a long time coming, saysGrant Glasgowof. Glasgow and colleagueJeff EnglertrepresentedNorth Derby Investments, which sold 46.13 acres to Menards. Marty GilchristandGrant Tidemannofrepresented Menards. The deal, which was in the works for a couple of years, closed Sept. 28 for an undisclosed amount. We recently purchased 50.63 acres in Derby, KS and if everything goes as planned, we hope to build a new Menards store on this property some day, Menards spokesmanJeff Abbottsaid through an e-mail. We are still in the initial planning stages and no final decisions have been made just yet. The total number of acres includes a residential property Menards purchased as well. Glasgow says hes not sure when construction will start or when to expect the store to open. They werent able to share that with us yet. This makes the third Menards that will open in the greater Wichita area. The retailer initially planned to come to Wichita several years ago. Then plans were postponed until spring 2010 when the chain announced stores would open near K-96 and Webb Road and in theStonebridgedevelopment at the southeast corner of 37th and Maize Road as originally planned. The Derby Menards will be across Patriot fromand. Having another major retailer just gives people one more reason to come to Derby, says economic directorAllison Moeding. She says Menards is evidence of the solid growth the city has had through the years. Derby has a long history of steady growth. In addition to building its own store, Menards will have several outparcels for other businesses to locate at its development as well. North Derby Investments also owns at least another 40 acres adjacent to Kohls. Weve been actively marketing that, Glasgow says of trying to sell that property. He says talks are ongoing with potential buyers. Glasgow says the Menards deal should help with that sale as well. Were just excited to have the activity in the area and think it will attract future buyers and tenants. Read more here: Read more here: http://blogs.kansas.com/haveyouheard/2012/10/03/menards-finalizes-deal-for-derby-store/#storylink=misearch#storylink=cpy Thu, 04 Oct 2012 00:00:00 -0400 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article162.php#1371678898 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article162.php Wasabi Restaurant to open on the west sideBy Carrie Rengers Published by The Wichita Eagle WICHITA WasabiownerSteve Youngis preparing to open his third Wichita restaurant, this time on the west side. Young is taking two spaces in the center at 2404 N. Maize Road near 21st and Maize Road for a total of 3,085 square feet. Thats nearwhereFrozen in Time, a scrapbooking store,along with, which recently closed. Bree KelleyofandDon Pirosofhandled the deal. Young openedOld Town Sushi Bar By Wasabion East Douglas in 2010 followed byat 3242 N. Rock Road last fall. The new west-side restaurant, which also will be called Wasabi Restaurant, will be similar to the east-side one. Basically, he wants to do a little more upscale than downtown, Kelley says of Young. Hes going to have a nice bar in there. Young hopes to open in early December in time for the holiday season. Kelley says Wasabi should be well received. I would think that the west-siders will be excited to have them in their neighborhood as an option to go to. Read more here: Read more here: http://blogs.kansas.com/haveyouheard/2012/10/09/wasabi-restaurant-to-open-on-the-west-side/#storylink=misearch#storylink=cpy Read more here: http://blogs.kansas.com/haveyouheard/2012/10/09/wasabi-restaurant-to-open-on-the-west-side/#storylink=misearch#storylink=cpy Wed, 10 Oct 2012 00:00:00 -0400 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article163.php#1371678899 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article163.php Blue Moon Caterers to move to former Two Brothers BBQ and Burger Grill space on west Central and open event centerBy Carrie Rengers Published by The Wichita Eagle WICHITA Last month,Have You Heard?reportedBill Rowewasfor new space to operate his. Late Thursday, he did. Blue Moon has a new home, Rowe says. Hes leasing the formerspace at 8406 W. Central across from. The 10-year-old Blue Moon has been sharing a kitchen with Rowesat 7447 W. 21st St. Its kind of goofy what we have to do to make it work, he says. Its so tiny. Its amazing that our staff can get 2,000 meals out on a Saturday night. The new space is about 6,600 square feet, which will be used for catering and event rental space. It has a larger kitchen, which is well laid out for our needs, Rowe says. Weve grown dramatically in the last few years. He wont begin moving into the new space until March. Were still on the tail end of wedding season, and the holiday season is coming up, and its got its own insanity. April is the start of the next wedding season, and Rowe has a few things to do to get the new space ready. The timing worked out very nicely, he says. Cory HarkleroadofandDon Pirosofhandled the deal. The banquet room will seat about 275 for a wedding or more if its for another event, such as a cocktail party. The last Friday in March will be the first date the new space is available to rent. The architecture lends itself to a Tuscan look, Rowe says. Its a gorgeous building. He says it also inspired a name for the space:Villa Luna, which means House of the Moon. An obvious homage to Blue Moon. Read more here: Read more here: http://blogs.kansas.com/haveyouheard/2012/10/11/blue-moon-caterers-to-move-to-former-two-brothers-bbq-and-burger-grill-space-on-west-central-and-open-event-center/#storylink=misearch#storylink=cpy Read more here: http://blogs.kansas.com/haveyouheard/2012/10/11/blue-moon-caterers-to-move-to-former-two-brothers-bbq-and-burger-grill-space-on-west-central-and-open-event-center/#storylink=misearch#storylink=cpy Fri, 12 Oct 2012 00:00:00 -0400 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article164.php#1371678900 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article164.php Landmark picks up several sites to market for Physicians Development Group By Jerry Siebenmark The Wichita Eagle Landmark Commercial Real Estate said it has been selected to market several medical, office and retail sites in Wichita and Derby for Physicians Development Group. In a news release, Landmark said the sites are front out parcels to established medical practices and facilities. The sites are located east of Madison and Rock Road in Derby; south of Maple and Maize in west Wichita; and at East 21st and 127th North in east Wichita. Read more here: Read more here: http://www.kansas.com/2012/10/16/2533975/landmark-picks-up-several-sites.html#storylink=newsletter#storylink Read more here: http://www.kansas.com/2012/10/16/2533975/landmark-picks-up-several-sites.html#storylink=newsletter#storylink=cpy Tue, 16 Oct 2012 00:00:00 -0400 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article165.php#1371678901 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article165.php Landmark markets Physicians Development Group sitesWichita Business Journal by John Stearns, Reporter has tappedto market parcels in front of three of its senior-oriented developments in the Wichita metro area. Were really looking for medical users and servicers that would support the other facilities that we have on site, says, president of Physicians Development Group. Such uses could include chiropractors, dentists, even urgent-care facilities, he says. We bring a lot of traffic to our campuses, Lillie says, estimating about 10 acres are available to develop, all along busy streets in Wichita and Derby. Options for buyers and developers include purchase or build-to-suit, according to Landmark. All sites are shovel-ready. The Derby site, east of Madison and Rock, includes Avita Senior Living, Derby Health and Rehab, Derby Independent Living and Derby Dialysis; a west Wichita site, south of Maple and Maize, includes Family Health and Rehab, Avita Senior Living at Reflection Ridge and Reflection Living Senior Care; and an east Wichita site, near 21st and 127th Street East, houses Reeds Cove Health and Rehab, according to a news release from Landmark. Read more here: Tue, 16 Oct 2012 00:00:00 -0400 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article166.php#1371678902 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article166.php Landmark to market Waterfront lots for medical uses ByJerry SiebenmarkThe Wichita EagleLandmark Commercial Real Estate said Wednesday it has been hired by developers Johnny Stevens and Stephen Clark to market several medical office lots at the Waterfront development at 13th and Webb in northeast Wichita. The lots are on 13th Street east of Bone Fish Grill and Red Robin. Landmark said the lots will accommodate buildings ranging in size from 5,000 to 15,000 square feet. Craig Simon is the leasing agent for the lots. Read more here: http://www.kansas.com/2012/10/24/2543920/landmark-to-market-waterfront.html#storylink=cpy Read more here: Read more here: http://www.kansas.com/2012/10/24/2543920/landmark-to-market-waterfront.html#storylink=cpy Wed, 24 Oct 2012 00:00:00 -0400 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article167.php#1371678903 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article167.php B/E Aerospace signs Northrock Place leaseBy Carrie Rengers Published by The Wichita Eagle WICHITA has signed a lease for 15,000 square feet at 8110 E. 32nd St. North inNorthrock Place. No one with the company is sharing details yet, but it sounds like B/E may be adding as many as 60 engineers. Calvin KlaassenofandTed Bransonofhandled the deal. Branson also just did a lease for B/E for an 80,000-square-foot warehouse at theGreenwich Industrial Parknear K-96 and Greenwich. B/E currently has a 50,000-square-foot warehouse inComotara Business Park. Read more here: http://blogs.kansas.com/haveyouheard/2012/11/07/be-aerospace-signs-northrock-place-lease/#storylink=cpy Read more here: Read more here: http://blogs.kansas.com/haveyouheard/2012/11/07/be-aerospace-signs-northrock-place-lease/#storylink=cpy Thu, 08 Nov 2012 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article168.php#1371678904 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article168.php Bonds may fund Goddard project By Jerry Siebenmark The Wichita Eagle The developers behind the STAR bond district at K-96 and Greenwich in northeast Wichita are considering another STAR bond project to the west of the city, in Goddard. The project in Goddard could include as its centerpiece some kind of youth sports outdoor venue, including an Olympic training venue, said Korb Maxwell, a Kansas City attorney who represents Rick Worner, part of the development team leading the GoodSports Enterprises project at K-96 and Webb. Worner was also involved in the development of the Village West complex in Wyandotte County, which includes the Kansas Speedway, Cabelas and Nebraska Furniture Mart. We continue to see opportunity in the 7billion youth sports market, where there is a potential to create a unique attraction and destination development, Maxwell said in an interview Monday. We think Goddard has tons of potential and good highway infrastructure, he said, referring to U.S. 54. Last week the Goddard City Council approved a resolution to hold a Dec. 17 public hearing about establishing a STAR bond district. The 260-acre district would include developer John Dugans Goddard Galleria development as well as about 105 acres to the west of it in an area roughly bounded by U.S. 54 to the north, an abandoned rail line and now a bicycle path to the south, 199th Street to the west and 183rd Street to the east, according to Goddard city documents. Maxwell cautioned that the project is in the early stages, and that the passing of the resolution in Goddard is really just an acknowledgement that the city has an interest in the developers pursuing a destination development. While were extremely excited about this I want to temper it by staying its the first step of a many-step process, Maxwell said. Maxwell said developers are still far from identifying the Goddard STAR bond projects centerpiece, though an Olympic training venue is among the possibilities. The GoodSports project is a 270million, 370-acre project that would include a 53,000-square-foot indoor sports field house, part of a tourism and shopping destination district that also includes the nearby Cabelas store that opened in March. Goddard Mayor Marcey Gregory said she is realistic but enthusiastic about the proposed project. Were just trying to do our due diligence right now, Gregory said. Im excited about the possibilities. Read more here: http://www.kansas.com/2012/11/13/2566635/bonds-may-fund-goddard-project.html#storylink=misearch#storylink=cpy Read more here: Fri, 16 Nov 2012 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article169.php#1371678905 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article169.php Liberty Tax Service franchisee to open second west-side officeBy Carrie Rengers Published by The Wichita Eagle WICHITA After a decade in business,franchiseeChris Merchantis opening a second location. The accountant has a private firm as well as the Liberty office at 13th and West streets, which his wife,Deb, runs. Merchants daughter,Jamie Hanson, will run his second Liberty office, which will open in January in the same strip center whereis near 21st and Amidon. Mainly were doing another location because our first location has been so successful, Hanson says. She says Liberty is the fastest-growing tax preparation company in the United States. There are several other Liberty offices around Wichita that other franchisees own. Hanson says more Liberty sites are possible in the future for her family. My goal is to have more than one location, she says. Were going to see how this one goes. We can only do so much at a time. Don Piroswithhandled the deal. Hanson says the west side has been a good area for the company. At the new location, she says, Were really going to try to target the Hispanic community. Hanson says the company already has one bilingual tax preparer and is training more. Were just branching out. Read more here: http://blogs.kansas.com/haveyouheard/2012/11/16/liberty-tax-service-franchisee-to-open-second-west-side-office/#storylink=misearch#storylink=cpy Read more here: Read more here: http://blogs.kansas.com/haveyouheard/2012/11/16/liberty-tax-service-franchisee-to-open-second-west-side-office/#storylink=misearch#storylink=cpy Tue, 20 Nov 2012 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article171.php#1371678906 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article171.php Huge development proposed for east side of Goddard By Paul Rhodes and Michael Buhler Plans for a potentially massive new development in Goddard were officially unveiled Monday. The project, spearheaded by well-known developer Rick Worner, would encompass 105 acres of land along Kellogg, just west of Goddard Galleria, where the new Walmart Supercenter is set to open in two months. Worners plan envisions Olympic training venues or some other attraction that would double as tourist destination sites, driving millions of dollars in related commercial development in the immediate area. Key to the proposal is STAR bond financing, which would capture state and local sales tax revenues from the site and other nearby developments, and pump that money back into the project. Monday night, the Goddard City Council approved a resolution setting a hearing date in December for that funding mechanism. Far fetched? Thats what Worners plan for Village West in Wyandotte County west of Kansas City was viewed as when it was launched. Today, the site includes Kansas Motor Speedway, Great Wolf Lodge, Nebraska Furniture Mart, a soccer stadium and dozens of restaurants and retail outlets. People laughed at me at first, said Worner, who was at Monday nights council meeting along with Korb Maxwell, a Kansas City attorney who is part of the development team. Today, no one laughs when Worners name is mentioned in connection with innovative economic development efforts. Worner said he has been in touch with U.S. Olympic officials, and that there has been positive reactions to his vision of an Olympic training village in the heart of the Midwest. However, Worner cautioned that this vision is still in its formative stages, and could change. What we envision today may not be where we end up, he said. Worner said he has been exploring Goddard and the Wichita area for the past nine months. He said a variety of references put him in touch with city officials in Goddard. STAR bond financing was used to launch Village West, and Worner believes the same tactic can be used to spur a massive development effort in Goddard that would draw tourism to the Wichita market, and spur millions of dollars in related commercial development. Local developer John Dugan, who owns the Goddard Galleria project where Walmart is about to open, is behind the STAR bond proposal, and was on hand for Monday nights meeting. Dugan did not speak during Mondays presentation to the Goddard City Council, but Worner and Maxwell both said Dugan and his future development efforts are integral to the project. After Mondays council vote, Dugan told The Times-Sentinel that he views the proposal with optimism. We look forward to seeing the whole program and what theyve got to present, Dugan said. Maxwell said the success of the proposal would be a combined effort between his and Worners development group Goddard Development Partners, John Dugan, and the city of Goddard. Well develop the attractions and (John) Dugan will develop the commercial properties, said Maxwell. All of it works together. Worner, who is mentioned in a new book on economic development, agreed. That book, Authenticity, by James H. Gilmore and B. Joseph Pine II, calls Village West one of two up-and-coming experience hubs worth mentioning. The other hub is Dubai, in the Persian Gulf. This has to be about tourism, said Worner. We have a great base here (in the Midwest). He said the same Midwest market that has made Village West successful would drive the proposed Goddard development. With the right attractions in place, the project would quickly spur additional development, especially in Goddard Galleria. I hope Mr. Dugan gets dozens of phone calls after tonights meeting, said Worner, referring to the launch of the proposal with Monday nights action by the Goddard City Council. A resolution setting Dec. 17 for the hearing on the STAR bond district is included in this weeks Times-Sentinel. STAR bond financing is a mechanism put in place by the state of Kansas to spur economic development. It allows state and local sales tax revenues from within a STAR district to be channeled into project developments within the district over a 20-year period. Maxwell said Walmart would be a large driver for sales tax revenues that would get pumped into the project, but is not involved in the project in any way other than that it is about to open within the boundaries of the proposed STAR district. The proposed STAR bond district totals 259 acres, and includes all of the Goddard Galleria development and the site Goddard Development Partners is looking to develop. If a STAR bond project district is created following the Dec. 17 hearing, which is set for 7 p.m. at City Hall as a part of that nights Goddard City Council meeting, the next step would be creation of a STAR bond plan for the district. That plan would then come before the Goddard Planning Commission and the City Council. Monday nights vote by the Goddard City Council on the resolution setting the public hearing for the STAR bond project district was unanimous. Worner said he has investors ready to back the proposal. Maxwell said the development group has a contract on 105 acres within the proposed STAR bond project district. That land is located on the south side of Kellogg, immediately west of the Goddard Galleria development. In their approval of the hearing on the proposed STAR bond district, city officials specifically made note of some exceptions to the district. Those exceptions are the Pate Addition, one other residential property and the rails to trails path that runs parallel to the districts boundary on the south. Read more here: Fri, 16 Nov 2012 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article170.php#1371678907 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article170.php Wichita developers slow to use incentives for spec buildings By Jerry Siebenmark The Wichita Eagle Spec buildings, particularly those for industrial and warehouse use, have gotten a lot of attention lately. Economic development officials say those kinds of buildings speculative because they dont have a waiting tenant are key to luring large employers from outside the area. Wichitas problem is, they say, a lack of new industrial and warehouse buildings with lots of square footage and high ceilings, surrounding acreage and rail access. They argue that a lack of such buildings and features is enough to get the city quickly booted from a site selectors consideration as a place for a company to relocate. Theyre not looking for a reason to keep you (on their list), Dave Bossemeyer, managing director of business development for the Greater Wichita Economic Development Coalition, said of site selectors. They are looking for a reason to get rid of you. To address the issue, the City Council in August approved tax breaks intended to spur development of speculative industrial and warehouse buildings. So far, only one developer has taken advantage of the tax break, a city official said. But in the meantime two other developers have built their own spec buildings without a hand from the city, and one of the developers expects to build another next year again without the aid of a tax break. Building activityThe incentive the council approved on Aug. 14 provides for industrial revenue bonds with a 100 percent property tax exemption for five years to be issued for speculative industrial buildings, according to city documents. But the buildings have to be 50,0000 square feet or larger to qualify for the exemption. Allen Bell, the citys director of urban development, said in an e-mail to The Eagle that only one developer, David Shannon, had applied for the exemption. Shannon said Tuesday that he didnt have time to talk in detail about the project. According to city documents, Shannons project is a 90,000-square-foot speculative warehouse/distribution facility in the 2100 block of south West Street. Earlier this year, developer Dean DeWitt of DeWitt Land Co. built a speculative industrial/warehouse building at K-42 and West Street that he said is a little more than 20,000 square feet with 24-foot-high ceilings. We built it; now we hope we rent it, he said. Its been sitting three months, and it hasnt rented yet. DeWitt said he didnt seek any incentives to construct his building. Across town, Ross Way, a partner in Anderson Management Co., built a 16,000-square-foot flex spec building earlier this year in Northrock Business Park near Rock Road and K-96. A flex building is a building designed to be used either as office or warehouse space. He said that building has since been leased. We were 95 percent occupied here in Northrock Business Park, Way said. With the 16 buildings we have, if anybody needed anything over 400 square feet we didnt have it. Its why we built the 16,000-square-footer. Way said he didnt use any incentives to build that building and wont with an 18,000-square-foot building he plans to construct at Northrock next spring. We think by then well probably be up to 95 percent occupancy in all the buildings, he said of the plans for the 18,000-square-foot building, which will be the last one built at Northrock because the park will then be full. Ways company also has an 80,000-square-foot building under construction in Greenwich Business Park. That warehouse building is not spec. It is a build-to-suit for B/E Aerospace, he said. GWEDCs Bossemeyer said that even with the newer spec properties that have been built or are planned, the area could use additional new properties. The reason, he said, is that companies have differing needs. Some want new buildings with 24-foot ceilings with tens of thousands of square feet, access to a rail line, lots of parking and lots of surrounding acreage. Others might be OK with an older, used building but one that has been impeccably maintained. We really have a fairly limited inventory, Bossemeyer said. We do have buildings, just not the buildings the market is asking for. Marlin Penner, president and supervising broker of NAI John T. Arnold Associates, said the absence of new construction in industrial and warehouse buildings locally is a reflection of the lack of confidence most developers have had in the market in the past few years, born largely from the recession and the sluggish recovery. People around here will do spec if they believe they can lease it quickly, Penner said. This market hasnt had quite that level of confidence. But Penner and other real estate officials said there may be some interest returning to the spec industrial market. Scott Salome, an industrial specialist with Grubb Ellis Martens Commercial, said the activity in spec industrial building could increase next year, partly the result of the city incentives for new industrial property. I have talked to a couple of people that may look to take advantage of that as well, Salome said. Read more here: http://www.kansas.com/2012/11/22/2577111/wichita-developers-slow-to-use.html#emlnl=Morning_Headlines_Newsletter#storylink=cpy#storylink=cpy Read more here: Read more here: http://www.kansas.com/2012/11/22/2577111/wichita-developers-slow-to-use.html#emlnl=Morning_Headlines_Newsletter#storylink=cpy#storylink=cpy Mon, 26 Nov 2012 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article172.php#1371678908 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article172.php Developer confirms CVS coming to Central and OliverBy Carrie Rengers Published by The Wichita Eagle WICHITA DeveloperChristian Ablahnow confirms what planning documents showed this summer: Astore is coming to the northeast corner of Central and Oliver. Ablah and his father,Don, ofhandled the deal. CVS representatives have yet to confirm that the Rhode Island-based chain of pharmacies is entering the market, but construction already has begun on one of the stores at the southwest corner of 13th and Maize Road. A CVS also is coming to the northwest corner of 21st and Amidon. The same planning documents that show replatting was happening for the store at Central and Oliver also showed that one is in the works at the southwest corner of Harry and Hillside. The formerRossiterliquor store will be torn down to make room for the CVS at Central and Oliver, which will also be on property where a bingo parlor used to be. Ablah says that corner, which he says is one of the main ones in College Hill, has been popular through the years with businesses such as theTower Theater. I grew up in College Hill, Ablah says. College Hill is my favorite neighborhood in Wichita. Im very excited to see a great national retailer choose this site. Other national retailers that were talking to will understand what CVS has understood. That this is just a great corner with fantastic density (and) and great incomes. He expects work to start on the CVS in the next couple of weeks. Theres still room for a couple of approximately 3,500-square-foot buildings for retail or restaurants near the corner as well. Ablah also is working on redeveloping about three acres on the southeast corner of the intersection, starting where the formerstore is. Were still working on a very exciting development. Read more here: http://blogs.kansas.com/haveyouheard/2012/11/27/developer-confirms-cvs-coming-to-central-and-oliver/#storylink=cpy#storylink=cpy Read more here: Read more here: http://blogs.kansas.com/haveyouheard/2012/11/27/developer-confirms-cvs-coming-to-central-and-oliver/#storylink=cpy#storylink=cpy Tue, 27 Nov 2012 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article173.php#1371678909 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article173.php Third Wichita CVS planned at Central and OliverWichita Business Journal CVS is planning to build a pharmacy at the corner of Central and Oliver in Wichita, developer. It's at least the third CVS planned for Wichita, with locations already in the works at 13th and Maize, along with 21st and Amidon. Planning documents also suggest replatting is occurring for a CVS at the southwest corner of Harry and Hillside, though no one has confirmed that location. CVS stores are displacing some other buildings. The Eagle reports the former Rossiter liquor store will be torn down to make room for the Central and Oliver site. At 21st and Amidon, a longtime favorite restaurant, Kings-X,. Read more here: Tue, 27 Nov 2012 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article174.php#1371678910 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article174.php Newsmakers Dave Burk, Dave Wells Paul Coury, Ambassador HotelWichita Business Journal By John Stearns, Reporter Old Town developerconsiders theamong the most high-profile of the roughly 40 projects on which hes worked. That says something about the projects importance and why the project has earned Burk and his partners,and, recognition as 2011 Newsmakers. Its just sitting there as an eyesore on a really a key corner on Douglas and Broadway, Burk says of the former Union National Bank building, also known as the Douglas Building, which has been empty for about 12 years. Redoing that building is leading to the rejuvenation of an entire block downtown, sparking a public-private partnership that includes a parking garage and urban park, plus the neighboringexpansion for the Kansas Leadership Center and the expected renovation of the old Henrys department store to the south. Its exactly the kind of project Burk likes: taking a historic building with no useful purpose anymore and giving it new life. This hotel will be there probably another 100 years now, he says. The hotel is expected to open in December. Passion for historic hotelsCoury, a Tulsa-based developer, loves converting historic buildings like this. I have always had a passion for historic hotels, he said Jan. 10 at a meeting of the. He has converted similar older buildings into hotels and intends to make the Ambassador stand out. The idea is to create an experience thats an attractive option for business and leisure travelers, Coury says. That includes a high-end restaurant and bar appropriate for the quality of the 117 rooms. Our goal is to create a four-star hotel ... to have a boutique product which is custom-designed exclusively to the building ... not a branded product, he says. Coury says the project will be in the same quality category as three other hotels hes done: the Ambassador in Tulsa, the Colcord in Oklahoma City and the Ashton in Fort Worth, the latter two of which he sold. Hes under way on a similar project in Kansas City, also an, which will open in June. The Tulsa Ambassador was his first hotel renovation and became his signature property, he told WIBA. Its a sexy building for me, he said of the Wichita site. Wells, president of Key Construction, calls the Ambassador Hotel a fantastic project for Wichita. He called Courys hotel in Tulsa off the charts. To have that same quality hotel here, I think is great for all of Wichita, Wells says. He says his company, the projects general contractor, is bringing (the building) back as close as we can to what it was in its glory days. People often talk about catalysts and anchors for areas, and this is definitely the anchor and the catalyst, Wells says, pointing out the other projects in the block. I dont believe any of that would have happened were it not for the hotel. Read more here: Tue, 27 Nov 2012 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article175.php#1371678911 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article175.php CVS confirms its coming to WichitaBy Carrie Rengers Published by The Wichita Eagle WICHITA Its not exactly what you would call breaking news, butfinally has confirmed it is entering the Wichita market. It was February whenHave You Heard?first reported that the Rhode Island-based. We are currently under construction for two new CVS/pharmacy locations in Wichita at 13th and Maize, which is scheduled to open next Spring, and at Central and Oliver, which is scheduled to open next Fall, said spokesmanMike DeAngelisin an e-mail. While we plan to open additional locations in Wichita, we have no comment on specific locations at this time, nor would we comment on an overall number of stores we plan to open. We operate over 30 stores in Kansas and we look forward to serving the pharmacy needs of the Wichita community beginning in 2013. A developer also confirms a CVS will open on the northwest corner of 21st and Amidon, and platting documents show the company is considering the southwest corner of Harry and Hillside as well. Read more here: http://blogs.kansas.com/haveyouheard/2012/12/03/cvs-confirms-its-coming-to-wichita/#storylink=misearch#storylink=cpy Read more here: Read more here: http://blogs.kansas.com/haveyouheard/2012/12/03/cvs-confirms-its-coming-to-wichita/#storylink=misearch#storylink=cpy Mon, 03 Dec 2012 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article176.php#1371678912 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article176.php City Council approves zoning for Sams Club in northwest Wichita By Rick Plumlee The Wichita Eagle Sams Club has the green light to build its third store in Wichita after the City Council on Tuesday approved zoning changes for an area in northwest Wichita. On a 6-1 vote, the council agreed to change zoning for the northeast corner of 29th and Maize from single family residential to light commercial. That will allow Sams to put in a 136,000-square-foot store that company officials have said will employ 150 people. The vote came after several months of negotiations between nearby residents and Sams, the membership-store division of the Wal-Mart retail empire. Residents, mostly from the upscale Fox Ridge Estates neighborhood, had opposed Sams moving into the area because of concerns about aesthetics and safety. From where we started in August, I do believe its a victory for both sides, said Becky Jones, a Fox Ridge resident who was active in the process. No residents were allowed to speak at the meeting Tuesday. Public comments on zoning changes are taken at Metropolitan Area Planning Commission hearings, which were held before Tuesdays vote. Sams agreed to more 30 changes after meeting with residents, said council member Jeff Longwell, whose District 5 includes the area. I think Sams has gone way beyond what weve ever seen a developer willing to do, Longwell said. Theyve probably helped us set a new standard for upscale development. This should fit in with this neighborhood very well. Fox Ridge resident Greg Allison said the discussions helped mitigate a lot of concerns. But he also noted that residents whose properties will back up to Sams are still worried about noise, trash and the parade of semi-trailer trucks making deliveries. Jones said it would have been best if the city had stuck with the original comprehensive plan that called for neighborhood-type small businesses, such florist shops, shoe stores and medical offices. But Im much happier with this than what was first planned, she added. Council member Lavonta Williams was the lone dissenting vote on the project. She cast a no vote in part because her representative on the MAPC also objected to the project and because of what she was hearing from concerned residents. Im a community person, she said. It was a really hard decision. There was nothing specific. It was just one of those feelings. One of the changes Sams agreed to make was including a faade that fits in with the neighborhood, with brick and stone on all four sides of the building. Other retail outlets built on the now vacant 38-acre lot will be required to have a similar faade. Sams will occupy about 15 acres. Another parcel will be about eight acres and five others will be broken up into smaller pieces. The agreement calls for Sams to limit the other kinds of retail that it would develop on the lot. For example, car washes, hotels, motels and apartment complexes wont be allowed, Longwell said. Outdoor speakers also wont be allowed, which means fast food restaurants would be excluded. Sams also agreed to increase the landscaping of berms that will serve as a buffer between the development and the neighborhood. Those berms will be built before construction begins, Longwell said. The buffer between commercial development and the property lines was extended from 35 feet, as required by code, to 140 feet. At the end of the day I think theyre trying to make it fit into the neighborhood as best as they can, Longwell said. Some of the changes were quite expensive. Construction is expected to start soon. Read more here: http://www.kansas.com/2012/12/04/2590706/city-council-approves-zoning-for.html#storylink=misearch#storylink=cpy Read more here: Read more here: http://www.kansas.com/2012/12/04/2590706/city-council-approves-zoning-for.html#storylink=misearch#storylink=cpy Wed, 05 Dec 2012 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article177.php#1371678913 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article177.php Wichita City Council approves rezoning for Sams Club developmentWichita Business Journal by Emily Behlmann The Wichita City Council voted 6-1 on Tuesday on a zoning issue that paves the way for a newstore at the northeast corner of 29th Street North and Maize Road. cast the opposing vote. is for a development with a Sams and several outparcels on what is now agricultural land. The councils vote, which matches a Metropolitan Area Planning Commission recommendation, changes the zoning from single-family residential to limited commercial. The issue was approved Tuesday with limited discussion, but at earlier stages in the process, some of the propertys neighbors in the Fox Ridge housing development were critical of the idea. More than 55 percent of property owners in the area formally protested the zone change. the neighbors concerns included the increased traffic the store could bring and the possibility that having the store nearby will reduce property values. Councilman, who represents the area, said the site plan was altered in several ways to help mitigate homeowners concerns. The proposal before us today is much better than when it was originally presented, he said. The changes are detailed in the councils meeting materials (). They include a requirement that the buildings facade and landscaping reflect the look of the neighborhood and that berms and tree rows help shield residences from the development. In addition, outparcels on the site cannot be used for certain types of businesses, such as hotels and car washes. Another zone change approved today was at the southeast corner of 13th Street North and Tyler Road, where Occidental Management. The 15.5-acre site was approved for limited commercial zoning, rather than single-family residential. The change was on the consent agenda, which the council approved unanimously with no debate. Read more here: Wed, 05 Dec 2012 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article178.php#1371678914 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article178.php Real Development says it wants to pare its Wichita holdings; will auction 3 buildings By Dan Voorhis The Wichita Eagle Three buildings in downtown Wichita owned by Real Developments Michael Elzufon and David Lundberg are scheduled for auction on Jan. 11. The Farmers and Bankers Building, 200 E. First St.; the Landmark Square Building, 212 N. Market; and the former Hubris Communications building, 216 S. Market, will be auctioned with no minimum bid, said auctioneer Whitey Mason, of Ameribid in Oklahoma. Letters to tenants went out Wednesday, and posters advertising the auction went up on the buildings Wednesday afternoon. Lundberg said Wednesday that he and Elzufon have no plans to auction any of the other Real Development affiliated properties locally. We just thought we would pare down our Wichita inventory and concentrate on the bigger properties, Lundberg said. They are auctioning off these three mainly because the buildings are costing them more than they are getting back in rent, he said. The conjoined Farmers and Bankers and Landmark Square buildings are about 60 to 70 percent leased, Lundberg said. The former Hubris Communications building is leased to Mosaic Wichita, a church that serves the homeless. Lundberg said Wednesday that he doesnt expect to be able to pay off his Wichita creditors from the sales. The developers from Real owe more than 1million from Wichita Executive Centre and other projects. It doesnt hurt, he said. It may generate some cash for us. It may save us negative cash flow. He said they have other properties that are losing money, but he wouldnt identify which ones. The city of Wichita loaned Elzufon and Lundberg 152,613 to repair the facade of the Farmers and Bankers Building and 317,418 for the facade of Landmark Square, said Deputy City Attorney Brian McLeod. The special assessments to repay the loans are attached to the building. The buyers would be responsible for paying them. If anything, it might be more favorable to the city, McLeod said. They are perceived to be people who would be better able to pay, whereas the current owners have gotten in a position where they are a little more strapped for money. Mason said he knows of no other lien holders on the properties other than the mortgage holder. Elzufon and Lundberg bought more than 10 downtown buildings beginning in 2004 and renovated and sold off much of that space to investors as individual floors. But the recession and credit crunch beginning in 2008 dried up the pool of small real estate investors and hindered their ability to refinance loans, cutting off their cash supply and halting their projects. Many of the small investors later went into foreclosure. Elzufon and Lundberg attempted to push ahead in 2009 and 2010 with a large-scale renovation of Wichita Executive Centre, 125 N. Market, but that stopped in mid-project when the money ran out, leaving contractors unpaid and city officials unhappy. Lundberg said Wednesday that he continues to expect a dormant apartment renovation project at Exchange Place, valued roughly at 50million, to be revived, although it would require participation by the city, which some have questioned. And on Nov. 7, Elzufon and Lundberg were named along with several others in a cease-and-desist order issued by the Kansas Securities Commission. The order alleges that those named violated the Kansas Uniform Securities Act by attempting to deliver fraudulent life settlement policies to a Topeka bank and unknown investors, according to the commission. Several tenants of the buildings said they werent surprised by news of the auction, given Real Developments history of legal and financial troubles. I guess I wasnt that surprised after seeing they had troubles with the securities commission, but theyve treated me well, said attorney Morris Birch. Tim Witsman, president of the Wichita Independent Business Association, agreed his group has had a solid relationship with its landlord, but said this creates uncertainty. Who would buy it? How much would they ask? Read more here: Read more here: http://www.kansas.com/2012/12/06/2591803/3-real-development-buildings-go.html#storylink=cpy Read more here: http://www.kansas.com/2012/12/06/2591803/3-real-development-buildings-go.html#storylink=cpy Thu, 06 Dec 2012 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article179.php#1371678915 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article179.php Firebirds to join Waterfront By Carrie Rengers The Wichita Eagle A visit home to his native Wichita is whats leadingLone Star SteakhousefounderDennis Thompsonto bring his latest restaurant concept to theWaterfront. Thompson, former WichitanDoug Glendenning,and a private New York equity firm own 23Firebirds Wood Fired Grillsand have six more under construction. Thompson, who founded the company in 2000 in Charlotte, N.C., planned to go to Oklahoma City and Tulsa next but changed his mind. I happened to be in Wichita for a class reunion, he says. While here, Thompson toured the formerBrooks Brothersstore at the Waterfront development at 13th and Webb Road. The 7,650-square-foot space is on the corner of the retail section of the Waterfront and is known for its decorative domed roof. Its the most prominent spot in the retail center, says the WaterfrontsStephen Clark II. Glendenning, the former president of Lone Star, calls the Waterfront one of the best areas in the greater Wichita area for sure. I used to live just a couple of blocks from there, so I know that area very well, he says. Glendenning is a founder of Firebirds, too, but he says Thompson really created it. Thompsons Aspen home inspired what initially was a Colorado lodge theme. Over time its evolved, Glendenning says. Its a lot less Colorado feel and more just kind of upscale casual. Thompson says he wanted to start a concept that was more upscale than anOutback Steakhouseor similar restaurants but not quite as high end as aMortonsor aRuths Chris Steak House. The theme is based around steaks, but were not perceived necessarily as a steakhouse, Thompson says. There are lots of wood-fired dishes, many of which have a Southwestern flair. Glendenning, who is based in Utah, says Firebirds has a higher quality of food and service than an average chain restaurant. I think Wichita will really appreciate that, he says. The concept is really sensational. Theres an open-air kitchen in Firebirds, which will seat 220, and lots of stone and wood. Theyre a restaurant probably comparable toRed Rock, Clark says. There also will be a large bar area integrated into the restaurant. Clark says Thompson is known for developing concepts with lively bars. He gets good bar business because the atmosphere lends itself to that. Thompson has been involved in theFox Houndconcept as well, which also is at the Waterfront. He thinks Firebirds, which will open in May or June, will be a good fit for Wichita. Were both from there (and) have a lot of friends and family there, Glendenning says. Tom Shannonof Wichita-basedThomas W. Shannon Real Estatehandled the deal. Its going to be great for the center, Clark says. We obviously think this will help us secure some additional tenants. Don PirosofLandmark Commercial Real Estateis handling leasing at Waterfront. There are 3,500 square feet available in two spaces. Clark says Firebirds is complementary to other Waterfront restaurants, such asP.F. Changs,AbuelosandBonefish Grill. It fits great with the restaurant activity that we already have, he says. One of the neat things about this is they are going to be open for lunch as well which will be good for the center. Thompson says hes a fan of smaller markets such as Wichita. Wichita has always been a very good restaurant market, he says. Im looking forward to coming back to the opening. Read more here: http://www.kansas.com/2012/12/11/2599601/firebirds-to-join-waterfront.html#storylink=misearch#storylink=cpy Read more here: Tue, 11 Dec 2012 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article180.php#1371678916 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article180.php Birds on the Roof Bakery Cafe to open in center at Central and Rock in MarchBy Carrie Rengers Published by The Wichita Eagle WICHITA Thao Luucouldnt find the job she was hoping for when she graduated with a hospitality management degree fromand was beginning to despair when she passed a sign at. Wichitans dont hope for a better future. We build it. The sign inspired Luu to start her own business and hire her former professor,Roger Bosserman, to help. Luu is openingBirds on the Roof Bakery Cafein the formerVerde Sustainable Livingspace in the center at the northeast corner of Central and Rock. Though Luu is Vietnamese she moved here three years ago to marry chemical engineerJimmy Nguyen she will offer mostly American dishes for breakfast and lunch. That includes paninis, sandwiches, pizza, hamburgers and salad. There will be a French flair with some dishes, such as crepes and savory pastries. Baked goods, such as bread, cakes, cupcakes and chocolates, will have French and Asian influences. Luu is especially excited about offering latte art, which she says is a way of preparing coffee by pouring steamed milk into a shot of espresso, which results in a design on the surface of the drink. Shell also serve a variety of coffee, tea, fruit juices and smoothies. Read more here: http://blogs.kansas.com/haveyouheard/2012/12/13/birds-on-the-roof-bakery-cafe-to-open-in-center-at-central-and-rock-in-march/#storylink=cpyThe restaurant will offer breakfast and lunch but will be open as a coffee shop and bakery until 10 p.m. most days. Bosseman will be the executive chef.Cam Duyenwill be the pastry chef. Luu says shes sponsoring Duyen to come from Vietnam where shes currently a chef at the, which is aproperty. The two-story Birds on the Roof will seat 70. Don PirosandKen Savilleofhandled the deal. Look for the restaurant to open in March. Read more here: Read more here: http://blogs.kansas.com/haveyouheard/2012/12/13/birds-on-the-roof-bakery-cafe-to-open-in-center-at-central-and-rock-in-march/#storylink=cpy Read more here: http://blogs.kansas.com/haveyouheard/2012/12/13/birds-on-the-roof-bakery-cafe-to-open-in-center-at-central-and-rock-in-march/#storylink=cpy Fri, 14 Dec 2012 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article181.php#1371678917 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article181.php Old Town developer to receive lifetime achievement award By Jerry Siebenmark The Wichita Eagle Ask Dave Burk how many rehabs of old commercial and warehouse buildings in Old Town hes been involved with and hell tell you he doesnt have an exact count, other than to say the majority. The exact number is 39, according to the Center for Real Estate at Wichita State University and the Kansas chapter of Certified Commercial Investment Members. They are the two organizations that are jointly honoring Burk on Thursday with their Lifetime Achievement Award. The award will be presented at a luncheon at the Marcus Welcome Center at Wichita State University. Its a tremendous honor to be recognized by people in your field, that youve done something of significance over the years, Burk said in an interview this week. It was quite a surprise, and I didnt expect it at all. The award isnt just about the number of buildings someone has developed, said Stan Longhofer, director of the Center for Real Estate. Its more about the meaningful impact a real estate professional has had on the local industry and the community, he said. When you think about it, Dave Burk is a visionary, Longhofer said. He was seeing opportunity in the core area of Wichita when everyone else was turning away. Burks first Old Town project was converting the former Modern Cleaners building at 904 E. Douglas into the Larkspur restaurant, which he and then-partner Rich Vliet developed and opened in 1991. He said that was a memorable project because it was not an easy one. Your first deal is the hardest, he said. You have no experience, and you have very little money. He said even before Larkspur, he had a bigger vision for the area that housed a concentration of the citys oldest buildings that hadnt yet been razed. And the city bought into that vision, naming Burk and Vliets Marketplace Properties the preferred developer for what became the Old Town Marketplace. He said he was the benefactor of beginning to develop Old Town at the right time. The timing was good, and the politics were good, he said. Hes created something that changed our world, really, said Brad Saville, CEO of Landmark Commercial Real Estate and this years Kansas chapter CCIM president. Burk said his education at Iowa State University as an architect made his entry into development easy when he decided to go that route in the mid-1980s. The planning and designing behind a renovation project a lot of times, thats the most costly part of development, he said. So I decided to do it myself. Burk, an Iowa native, originally moved to Wichita in 1971 to work for hotel developer and entrepreneur Jack DeBoer. He said renovating old buildings wasnt an interest he developed until after architecture school. (Old buildings are) kind of my niche, Burk said. I enjoy working with old buildings and giving them new use. While most of his renovation projects have been in Old Town, he is a partner in the WaterWalk downtown, which consists of new buildings, and in the Ambassador Hotel Wichita, a 14-story building constructed in 1926 at Broadway and Douglas. But Burk said his interest in development still resides in Old Town. He and DJ, his wife of 34 years, live in the Grant Telegraph Centre that Burk converted to residential lofts about a decade ago. He said Old Town is not finished. Hed like to see it taken to the next level by adding retail and other entertainment space on the edges of surface parking areas around the district. That will help improve the walk-ability of the area and give people more reasons to continue coming down there. And he said there are other renovation projects waiting to be done. Theres some buildings Im buying in Old Town that will give me projects next year, he said.... Read more here: Read more here: http://www.kansas.com/2012/12/13/v-print/2602313/old-town-developer-to-receive.html#storylink=cpy Read more here: http://www.kansas.com/2012/12/13/v-print/2602313/old-town-developer-to-receive.html#storylink=cpy Read more here: http://www.kansas.com/2012/12/13/2602313/old-town-developer-to-receive.html#storylink=misearch#storylink=cpy Fri, 28 Dec 2012 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article182.php#1371678918 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article182.php Area businesses ready to push ahead in 2013By Emily Behlmann The Wichita Business Journal Businesses have weathered a recession, a presidential election and the beginnings of the national health insurance overhaul. Heading into 2013, much of the uncertainty in the business operating environment is connected to the federal budget. Maybe well go over the fiscal cliff of dramatic tax hikes and spending cuts. Maybe a deal will avert the cliff but will zap some business drivers, like the mortgage interest deduction, instead. I think if we could see some stability, that would have a dramatic impact, says, president of the, looking ahead to the coming year. But some Wichita business leaders say theyve gotten used to the uncertainty by now. They say theyll push forward to make 2013 the best year it can be. In a turbulent environment, we have adapted to what we have to do to be successful, says, a chamber leader and a managing partner at advertising agency Sullivan Higdon Sink. Were tired of worrying about external forces. Were doing what we need to do. People are taking ownership of their own world. Reasons for optimismThat means, says, president of, that if a company needs to build, its likely to do so. Hutton says his business is seeing a slight uptick in construction work in the region. Construction is a major driver, but Hutton is also seeing a little more work for the manufacturing sector. People are starting to say, Its time for us to move forward with whatever plans we have, he says. In some cases, those plans involve hiring.Center for Economic Development and Business Research projects the Wichita metro area will see modest job growth about 1.7 percent in 2013. But the type of job growth some human resource professionals are seeing could be telling, says, aattorney and president of the Wichita chapter of the. Galdean says that in late 2012, more employers have been searching for talent to fill high-ranking management positions. Theyre looking to get their infrastructure ready so the business will be in a better position to grow, he says. A particularly bright spot is in downtown Wichita, says, a partner at the Law Offices of Morris, Laing, Evans, Brock Kennedy, Chartered, and chairman of the board of the Downtown is coming off a strong year of redevelopment, Docking says, and if 2012 is any indicator, 2013 will be full of announcements. Some projects are already under way, including thenew leadership center and apartment projects like the Lux. Others look ready to move, like the Exchange Place apartment renovation, now in the hands of a new developer. Docking says the low-interest-rate environment is likely to help the momentum continue. , senior vice president and commercial lending manager at, says hes feeling bullish about 2013, too. He says a wide spectrum of businesses, from manufacturers to real estate investors, are moving forward on deals. We have a very active pipeline of deals in the works, he says. But some business leaders are tempering their confidence with a bit of caution. Elsewhere in the realm of development,, CEO at Landmark Commercial Real Estate and chapter president at the, says new retailers and restaurateurs continue to enter the Wichita market. But chains expansion plans are much slower and steadier than they were several years ago, he says. I think 2013 will be marginally better than 2012, says, CEO at. Concerns remainSome disrupters could threaten the momentum of 2013. Saville notes, for example, that if capital gains taxes rise in 2013, that could deter some real estate investors. In residential real estate,, CEO for, says the Wichita area is on track for a continuing slow, steady housing recovery. Nine of the first 11 months of 2012 saw positive year-over-year growth in home sales, she says, and modest growth is likely to continue. One thing that could temper homebuyers confidence, however, is the possibility that Congress will eliminate the mortgage-interest tax deduction. Another hit for the Wichita economy will be the departure of The., which announced in 2012 that it would shut down its local defense modifications plant by the end of 2013. At the time of the announcement, Boeing had 2,100 local employees. Some are finding new work., Midwest director for the, says a couple of hundred Boeing engineers will stay with the company in Oklahoma City. Others have found jobs at Spirit AeroSystems or Airbus in Wichita. Some are retiring, and some dont know yet, he says. Theyre all major life-changing events. Read more here: Fri, 28 Dec 2012 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article183.php#1371678919 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article183.php Connie Hamilton sells Connies Cookies, which is moving east and changing to Connies Cookies Bakery CafeBy Carrie Rengers The Wichita Eagle WICHITA Twenty four years after opening,Connie Hamiltonhas sold the business, but shes not leaving. Thats because shes sold it to her son,Rob Smith, and his wife,Tanya. Everybody asks me if Im really sad about that, and Im not, Hamilton says. I get to go back to doing what I like. Thats making cookies instead of handling paperwork. Im still going to be every bit as present as Ive ever been. Except that wont be in theSweetbriarshopping center at 21st and Amidon. The Smiths and Hamilton decided to move the shop toReeds Cove Plazaon East 21st Street just east of 127th Street whereused to be. We have no visibility over here, and things have changed, Hamilton says of the current location. When we first moved in here, we didnt need visibility. Though holiday sales still are strong, Hamilton says the rest of the year has become more of a challenge. Nowadays, everybody is opening a bakery, she says. She says many bakers operate out of their homes. It has really, really eaten into our everyday sales, she says. We had to look at whats wrong, and we decided what was wrong was where we were located. She and the Smiths initially only considered moving downtown or to Delano. We had every intention of staying central, Hamilton says. ThenCraig Simonof, who handled the deal for the Reeds Cove space, suggested that center. Reeds Cove ownerFred Ortiz, who also ownsCollege Hill Cleaners, had been wanting a bakery with some seating for diners who want coffee and a small bite to eat. The neighborhoods been asking for that, Ortiz says. He says he thought Connies would be a perfect fit for the neighborhood. Hamilton and the Smiths didnt want to go to the far east side, but the more they considered it, the more they liked it. Its like a boom town now, Hamilton says of the area. Its an incredible neighborhood, Ortiz says. He says the area is just getting ready to explode. He says neighbors also have told him theyd like some Chinese fast food. If you need anything, youve got to go to basically Rock Road or into Andover, he says. Ortiz has two 1,400-square-foot spaces left in the 9,800-square-foot center, which also is home to, College Hill Cleaners and. Its unbelievable how busy they are, Ortiz says of the nail business. Connies currently doesnt have dine-in space at its west store, but the new space will seat about 18. The business will be renamedConnies Cookies Bakery Cafewhen it opens later this month. The store also will have a drive-through window. If the new concept does well, Hamilton says, Who knows, then we can put the same type of concept on the west side. That would be the ideal situation right there. Rob Smith, who also ownsRobs Transmission, and his wife and even their children have been tied to the business for a long time. Tanya has been the manager of the bakery here for the last five years, so shes a presence that most of the customers are familiar with, Hamilton says. Its just always been in the plans to keep it in the family, Rob Smith says. We want to make it bigger and better than it is now. Read more here: http://blogs.kansas.com/haveyouheard/2013/01/04/connie-hamilton-sells-connies-cookies-which-is-moving-east-and-changing-to-connies-cookies-bakery-cafe/#storylink=misearch#storylink=cpy Read more here: Read more here: http://blogs.kansas.com/haveyouheard/2013/01/04/connie-hamilton-sells-connies-cookies-which-is-moving-east-and-changing-to-connies-cookies-bakery-cafe/#storylink=misearch#storylink=cpy Fri, 04 Jan 2013 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article184.php#1371678920 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article184.php Landmarks Craig Simon takes over WaterWalk commercial leasingBy Carrie Rengers Published by The Wichita Eagle WICHITA Craig Simonofis now handling commercial leasing atnear Main and Waterman in addition to a few other propertiesJack DeBoerowns. Hes just really excited about whats going on downtown, WaterWalksVanessa Johnsonsays of Simon. Hes really interconnected. There are five suites left on the west side of the first floor of WaterWalk Place. Theyre 1,485 square feet each, except for one smaller suite that is 1,025 square feet. Hopefully well have an announcement here in another 30 days, Simon says of a new tenant. Current tenants are,,Fabulous Salon and Gifts,and That was designed for retail, Simon says of the ground floor beneath residential condos. Its better suited for office right now. He says the WaterWalk offices, which are on the east side of the building along Main Street, could be available to lease as well. Theyre willing to relocate if I had a tenant that wanted to be on that main stretch right in front with, Simon says. They would gladly vacate their office. In addition to also marketing half an acre DeBoer owns at Topeka and Lewis and almost two acres he owns at K-96 and Woodlawn, Simon is marketing more than half an acre across from WaterWalk at 522 S. Main. Thats at Main and Dewey. He says it really has some great promise. Simon says WaterWalk does as well. Hopefully within the year there will be plans for the next phase of WaterWalk, he says. We are hopeful that we can take the next step. Read more here: http://blogs.kansas.com/haveyouheard/2013/01/09/landmarks-craig-simon-takes-over-waterwalk-commercial-leasing/#storylink=misearch#storylink=cpy Read more here: Read more here: http://blogs.kansas.com/haveyouheard/2013/01/09/landmarks-craig-simon-takes-over-waterwalk-commercial-leasing/#storylink=misearch#storylink=cpy Wed, 09 Jan 2013 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article185.php#1371678921 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article185.php Kansas Legal Services to move to former Rainbows United space downtownBy Carrie Rengers Published by The Wichita Eagle WICHITA The Wichita office ofis moving to a new home not far from its existing one. The organization, which is based in Topeka, has offices in 11 counties throughout the state and offers a variety of legal aid to a variety of people and groups. Currently, the Wichita office is in 7,000 square feet at 200 N. Broadway. The new office is at 340 S. Broadway whereused to be. This building is better suited for our needs, saysRhonda Sullivan, managing attorney. The new 8,400 square feet will offer more storage space and a conference room, which she says makes me really happy. Sullivan says Kansas Legal Services has been in its current space a dozen years. Weve changed a lot in those years. The new office should be open for business by Feb. 21. Ideally, were going to be moving over February 18, Sullivan says. Craig Simonofhandled the deal. That building is a great building, he says. Simon says the corporate offices of themost recently were in the building and that the Y left work stations that Kansas Legal Services can use. They were very gracious. , which is at 303 S. Topeka, owns the building where Kansas Legal Services is moving. Itll be great to have that building occupied again, says PEC spokeswomanDenice Bruce. Were looking forward to having new neighbors. Read more here: http://blogs.kansas.com/haveyouheard/2013/01/10/kansas-legal-services-to-move-to-former-rainbows-united-space-downtown/#more-23792#storylink=cpy Read more here: Read more here: http://blogs.kansas.com/haveyouheard/2013/01/10/kansas-legal-services-to-move-to-former-rainbows-united-space-downtown/#more-23792#storylink=cpy Mon, 14 Jan 2013 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article186.php#1371678922 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article186.php Pho MC to open at Cherry CreekBy Carrie Rengers Published by The Wichita Eagle WICHITA A new Vietnamese restaurant is opening inCherry Creekat Harry and Rock Road. Minh Tranand his wife,Kim Chi, are openingPho MCin 3,200 square feet at the center. They plan to serve pho, which is Vietnamese soup, and other dishes from Vietnam. The restaurant, which wont serve alcohol, will seat more than 100 people. Don Pirosofhandled the deal. Tran has worked atSaigonin the past along with restaurants in other states. Ive worked in a lot of restaurants before. He says Pho MC will open in a couple of months. Read more here: http://blogs.kansas.com/haveyouheard/2013/01/18/pho-mc-to-open-at-cherry-creek/#storylink=misearch#storylink=cpy Read more here: Read more here: http://blogs.kansas.com/haveyouheard/2013/01/18/pho-mc-to-open-at-cherry-creek/#storylink=misearch#storylink=cpy Fri, 18 Jan 2013 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article187.php#1371678923 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article187.php Newsmakers Johnny Stevens, Steve Clark Stephen Clark II, Clark Investment GroupBy:Brian Whepley Published in the Wichita Business Journal February 1, 2013 The Waterfront development grabbed headlines last year with the announcement that it landed The stores opening originally projected for late this year in a new retail area on the intersections northwest corner has been pushed to 2014, says , vice president at , which is a partner in The Waterfront with . Clark, whose father, , is president of Clark Investment Group, hopes ground can be broken at the northwest corner of 13th and Webb Road in May or June, with opening perhaps in the first quarter next year. Space for other stores adjoining Whole Foods also will be built. Until Whole Foods dates are firmed up, other tenants for storefronts planned on that corner cannot be signed or announced, Stephen Clark says. As soon as we have our timeline nailed down, then were able to discuss the site with other tenants and I would expect just a string of announcements, including from other businesses new to Wichita, he says. In the meantime, design details are being ironed out with Whole Foods, which takes time and isnt unusual, according to Stevens. Its a year and half, maybe even a two-year process, Stevens says, noting each company store is designed to fit its local market. Thats the phase Stephen Clark is working in, shepherding the deal on behalf of his father and Stevens. Were still in schematics, so its progressing slowly, Stephen Clark says. Theres a lot of back and forth, a lot of decisions to be made, a lot of details and a lot of irreversible decisions, such as how their store and the center is going to look. While we always had some idea, theres a lot to nail down, and were going back and forth on that. You want everything to look good together and also keep the integrity of the brand weve built in The Waterfront. Impact tenantStevens work with Whole Foods in Texas helped lay the groundwork for the Wichita store. It always helps when you have a relationship with someone and theyre comfortable with you, Stevens says. Through that relationship, we got to know them real well and kept after them to come to Wichita. That entre will mean a lot to The Waterfront, bringing it more traffic and allowing it to talk to retailers who might not otherwise consider Wichita. It also means a lot to the city, Stephen Clark says. Thats a great thing for the city of Wichita to have. ... Good things are happening when Whole Foods is coming into your market. , president of , which is helping market The Waterfront, calls Whole Foods a fantastic attraction for the development and a testament to the viability of the Wichita market. I have seen what Whole Foods brings to a development in other cities, Saville says. The Clarks and Stevens understand what it takes to make a commercial real estate deal in this economy. , president of Vantage Point Properties Inc., which has developed three office buildings at The Waterfront, says the Whole Foods deal is a testament to the quality and consistency of the Clarks and Stevens work on the development. It just speaks to what they do, he says. They are very quality-minded. Look for more news to come out of The Waterfront this year, including the expected launch of 200 to 300 high-end apartments on the developments northeast side; the opening of Firebirds Wood Fired Grill in the former Brooks Brothers space this spring; and other tenants for a couple of retail vacancies. Additionally, Stephen Clark hopes Viega LLC will advance its plans for a North American headquarters at the development. Look, too, for Clark Investment Group to open its new office behind . Read More here: Fri, 01 Feb 2013 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article188.php#1371678924 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article188.php Consultants surprised at downtown progressWritten by: Jerry Siebenmark, The Wichita Eagle Its been two years since David Dixon was last in downtown Wichita. Its literally impressive, he said of the progress on downtown revitalization since he was last in town. Dixon, principal in charge of planning and design for Boston-based Goody Clancy, the citys consultant to the downtown master plan, was one of several downtown and city officials meeting with the Eagles editorial board on Monday. They were there to talk about the progress of downtown development since the Wichita City Council adopted the downtown master plan in December 2010. Jeff Fluhr, president of Wichita Downtown Development Corp., said that in 2012 there were 10.7million in public projects completed, including the fountains at WaterWalk, the parking garage in the Block One redevelopment project and the streetscape of St. Francis between Douglas and Second streets. In that same period, Fluhr said, 84.1million in 17 downtown projects started by the private sector were completed, including the Ambassador Hotel, the Robert D. Love Downtown YMCA and the Renfro apartments. The information is part of the 2012 Project Downtown annual report that Fluhr will present at the city council meeting on Tuesday. Dixon and Benjamin Carlson, an associate at Goody Clancy, said one of the more striking aspects of the projects occurring downtown was the amount of residential development in the area, and they referred to apartment projects such as the Lux at First and Market, in the former KGE headquarters . More surprising, Dixon said, are plans for new residential construction in the downtown area, such as Builders Inc.s Corner 365, a 36-unit apartment building that the owner of the Garvey Center is constructing at First and Waco. Dixon said its a milestone of sorts when a downtown can attract new residential construction. In addition to Corner 365, the four-acre WaterWalk Apartments project at the southwest corner of Maple and McLean also will be new construction. It means downtown has reached the threshold that the market doesnt need historic tax credits, Dixon said. When theyll pay the costs of new construction, that means the market has arrived. Im surprised its happened this soon, to be direct, he said. Dixon added with the pace of residential projects downtown, he thinks there could easily be 5,000 people living there in the next five years. Fluhr said he estimates the current number of downtown residents at about 3,000. More downtown residents will help draw businesses that will fill in the parts of downtown slated for redevelopment with restaurants and, eventually, retailers. But they likely wont be big-box retailers or the department stores that once filled many downtown Wichita buildings, Dixon and Carlson said. More likely they will be niche retailers as well as convenience stores. Perhaps, they said, even a supermarket will appear, once critical mass in downtown residential is achieved. Theres real interest (from retailers) when you hit a certain threshold, Dixon said. Mayor Carl Brewer said in the meeting that the progress on the execution of the downtown master plan is meeting his expectations. But, he added, downtown officials cant let up because Ive told you before that were about 20 years behind in revitalizing downtown. But its happening, and I think its surprising a lot of people in the community who never thought it would happen, Brewer said. Read more here: http://www.kansas.com/2013/02/04/2663674/consultants-surprised-at-downtown.html#storylink=cpy Tue, 05 Feb 2013 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article189.php#1371678925 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article189.php Bionic Burger to open fifth restaurant in former Taco Tico space on East Harry By: Carrie Rengers UPDATED Most parts of Wichita have a Bionic Burger, but Raquel and Jimmy Chavez knew one area was lacking. We kind of needed one in the southeast area, Raquel Chavez says. So theyre opening their fifth restaurant in the family-owned chain at 3257 E. Harry where a Taco Tico recently closed. Theres a lot of people, a lot of activity over there, Chavez says. Don Piros of Landmark Commercial Real Estate and Troy Farha of NAI Martens handled the deal. Raquel Chavezs parents, Pam and Steve Majors, started the business in 1977. Chavez and her father had a good-natured fight over dinner the other night when she claimed she started in the business at age 11. Social Security records proved it was age 12. In actuality, Chavez says, Ive worked in the business all my life. She and her husband helped open the last two Bionic Burgers in Haysville in 2011 and near 21st and Woodlawn in 2010 while her parents were still in the business. Theyre now retired. The East Harry Bionic Burger will be the first one the Chavezes open on their own. Theyd like to grow the company even more. We still are looking to expand in different areas. Though her parents arent at the company day-to-day anymore, Chavez says she can still ask them for advice. Its very nice, she says. I try to do things and figure them out on my own, Chavez says. She says she thinks her father likes still lending his assistance when she needs it, though. He taught me that customers are your number one priority, Chavez says. They have helped us make it for 36 years. Chavez says the most important thing she learned from her parents helps her run the business as they would. They taught me a lot of responsibility and hard work, she says. Nothing is going to change. Read more here: Thu, 25 Apr 2013 00:00:00 -0400 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article207.php#1371678926 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article207.php Hobby Lobby says new Regency Lakes store to open mid-fall By: John Stearns Inc., the home-decor and craft-supply retailer, today confirmed that its building a new store at in northeast Wichita. The Oklahoma City-based company already operates two locations in Wichita, 665 N. Ridge Road and 2120 N. Woodlawn. The latter will close when the new store opens. The Woodlawn stores employees will be relocated to the new store, company spokesman told me in an email. The new 55,000-square-foot store located between Cabelas, which , and at the shopping center along Greenwich Road between 21st Street and K-96 will open mid-fall, Parker said. The company is not releasing development cost for the new building, Parker said. Parker said Hobby Lobby was attracted to Regency Lakes for its location and tenant mix. Besides Cabelas and World Market, tenants include SuperTarget, and . , president of , was the only broker on the deal. He says Hobby Lobby is a strong addition to the lineup of retailers at Regency Lakes, which is a property. I just think thats going to help the other businesses in the area increase traffic to the shopping center, Saville says. Hobby Lobbys website says the company has 525 stores across the nation offering more than 65,000 crafting and home decor products. Hobby Lobbys addition gives Regency Lakes about 400,000 square feet of retail space. Pad sites for smaller restaurants and stores include about 10,000 to 15,000 square feet at the corner of 21st and Greenwich and three more sites of about 4,000 to 10,000 square feet each. , as well, with a 9,800-square-foot spec retail building under construction along 21st, next to Community Bank of Wichita, and a 97-room going up just north of that. North of K-96 at Greenwich, a also is planned. Read More: Mon, 29 Apr 2013 00:00:00 -0400 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article208.php#1371678927 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article208.php Written by Carrie Rengers Published in the Wichita Eagle 2/13/13 WICHITA East Wichita no longer has a reason to be envious of west Wichita, at least when it comes to Massage Envy Spa. The opened in at 21st and Maize Road in 2010. Now, one is moving into the space at the in early May. Its not clear whats happening with Irvin Jacks, a barber spa for men. Owner Felicia DeSpain didnt return calls for comment. Massage Envy franchisee Amy Gilliland, who also owns the Lawrence Massage Envy, says shed actually hoped to open on the east side first. There was just no place to go that we wanted to go, she says of when she looked previously. She says shes excited about the 3,290 square feet thats coming open at the Waterfront. I love how upscale it is. I love the aesthetic. I like the tenant mix. I like the landlords a lot. Theyre really great. Don Piros of handled the deal. Gilliland says Massage Envy is an affordable, approachable business that offers therapeutic massage and healthy skin facials. The chain, which started in 2002, now has 854 stores. The most staggering statistic out of all of that is only 10 of those 850 have closed, Gilliland says. She says theres a reason the chain has been so successful. People are using it. Theyre seeing results from it, Gilliland says. The true benefits of massage therapy is when youre getting a massage on a regular basis, much like exercise. Thats my greatest message, to tell you the truth. She says the NewMarket Square store is doing fine but that it could have been doing much better if it hadnt been for some operational issues. Im a major straight shooter, Gilliland says. That clinic should be quite further along than it is. Gilliland says shes made a staffing change and things have significantly improved in the weeks since then. Its not about need, desire (or) wants for our products and services, she says. Both of my locations opened during the recession. Its just people want what we have. Read more here: http://blogs.kansas.com/haveyouheard/2013/02/13/massage-envy-spa-to-open-at-the-waterfront-in-may-in-space-that-irvin-jacks-is-vacating/ Read more here: http://blogs.kansas.com/haveyouheard/2013/02/13/massage-envy-spa-to-open-at-the-waterfront-in-may-in-space-that-irvin-jacks-is-vacating/#storylink=cpy Fri, 15 Feb 2013 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article198.php#1371678928 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article198.php By: Carrie Rengers Published in the Wichita Eagle 2/21/13 WICHITA OneMain Financial, a consumer finance company that is part of New York-based Citigroup, is going to be more than doubling the size of its south Wichita branch. The branch, which mainly does personal loans, has been at 2561 S. Seneca in the Westway Shopping Center since 1995. It has about 1,500 square feet there. The new office, which opens next month, will be in 3,600 square feet at Tuscan Village at 1812 S. Seneca. Its just a relocation to a new office because they needed more space, says Mark Rodgers, director of public affairs for Citi, the consumer division of the company. Scott Harper of Landmark Commercial Real Estate handled the deal. Read more here: Fri, 22 Feb 2013 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article199.php#1371678929 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article199.php Busy summer ahead for The Waterfront By: John Stearns Published By: Wichita Business Journal It sounds like well be seeing a lot of activity at The Waterfront development this summer. Among the projects, work should begin in June or July on the building that Whole Foods Markets Inc. will occupy at the northwest corner of 13th and Webb, says Stephen Clark II, vice president at Clark Investment Group, which is a partner in the high-end retail and office development. While the store will be a Whole Foods Market in every sense that people are familiar with, it will be different in name only, as I reported in February. Work also is expected to begin in July on 190 high-end apartments in the northeast part of The Waterfront. Also, Clark Investment Group expects to move into its new office in June, which is being built behind Andover State Bank. And the new Firebirds Wood Fired Grill should open in July or August in the former Brooks Brothers space. Mon, 25 Mar 2013 00:00:00 -0400 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article200.php#1371678930 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article200.php Apr 11, 2013, 11:41am CDT Published in the Wichita Business Journal Written by John Stearns Belgian couple to open restaurant at Clifton Square A Belgian couple who has operated restaurants in France is relocating to Wichita, fulfilling a longtime desire to move to the U.S. and run a restaurant here. andwill open a restaurant featuring French and Belgian cuisine in, 3700 E. Douglas, in June. offacilitated the deal as transaction broker. The couple will lease 2,400 square feet, a space that formerly held La Beaujolais and, more recently John Browns Tavern. Their lease is three years. The restaurant will be called Au Paris-Bruxelles. The couple has sold their Le Vieux Bruxelles restaurant in Clmont, France, about 100 miles south of Paris, to move to Wichita with their daughter, Branson said. graduated in cooking arts from the Citadelle School in Namur, Belgium, and as a skilled chef from the Institut Technique for Hostelry and Catering in Libramont, Belgium, a note from the couple says. She learned French and Belgian cooking at each. The couple has operated restaurants throughout France. Their Wichita restaurant will offer French and Belgian specialities like Ostend fish soup, a two-meat chefs terrine, salad Nioise, Flemish-style beef, waterzoo (a traditional Flemish stew), beef Bourguignon, veal Marengo and tarte Tatin (a French-style apple pie). Read more here: Fri, 12 Apr 2013 00:00:00 -0400 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article201.php#1371678931 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article201.php Costco deal for more than 17 acres at Beechcraft property is getting closer Read more here: http://blogs.kansas.com/haveyouheard/2013/05/08/costco-deal-for-more-than-17-acres-at-beechcraft-property-is-getting-closer/#storylink=cpyBy: Carrie Rengers Published by The Wichita Eagle UPDATED Anyone whos ever done a real estate deal knows it almost always takes longer than expected, and its no different with Costcos potential purchase of Beechcraft property. It was about this time last year that Have You Heard? first reported that the Issaquah, Wash.-based chain, a competitor to Sams Club, was looking to come to Wichita. In August, sources said Costco was interested in the northeast corner of Kellogg and Webb Road, which was Hawker Beechcraft property. When the aircraft company changed its name to simply Beechcraft earlier this year and changed all its signs, spokeswoman Nicole Alexander said it didnt put one back up on the corner since the property is for sale. No one with Beechcraft or Costco is talking yet, but heres the latest on the potential deal: Costco has about 17 1/2 acres under contract. The deal isnt likely to close until later this year. Thats substantially further out than initial timelines suggested. It looks like part of the holdup was the Hawker bankruptcy filing. There were some questions related to environmental issues at the plant as well. Also, Costco apparently doesnt want to start construction if the store cant be open by the holiday season. Instead, theres a good chance construction will start in the fourth quarter and be ready to open by this time next year. The city is working with Costco to put a light at Corporate Hills Drive, which would be the main entrance to the store. The store will face the Kellogg and Webb corner. An assistant to Costco chairman and cofounder Jeff Brotman says he has a standard statement to release when there are media inquiries to the company. Our corporate policy is to not comment on specific markets, he says. Look for more information on the deal in the coming months as it winds its way through the citys permitting process Read more here: Thu, 09 May 2013 00:00:00 -0400 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article211.php#1371678932 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article211.php Multifamily apartment construction in Wichita area continues amid investor eagerness By Jerry Siebenmark The Wichita Eagle Bullishness for Class A apartments has not waned in Wichita even as the single-family housing market continues to show improvement. Developers and real estate officials said the market for new, multifamily developments is capable of absorbing the more than 700 additional units planned or under construction in and around Wichita. And investors are clamoring to acquire additional pieces of the apartment business, they said. Realistically, said Jeff Englert, a commercial real estate adviser for NAI Martens who focuses on the multifamily industry, the city and its suburbs could probably absorb nearly three times the number of units expected to become available later this summer and into next year. Whats readily coming online, I think it (the market) can absolutely absorb that, when youre running at 97 percent-plus occupancy in Class A, he said. Apartments that are Class A are generally newly built or less than 10 years old and are in well-maintained complexes that arent built with low-income housing tax credits. Englert added that between projects that are firm and others that are being talked about, the total number of units in the area is somewhere between 2,500 and 3,000. If all of those projects come to fruition over the next few years, he said, I think you could see some impact to occupancy rates, but I dont think it would be devastating by any means. Englert and others in the industry said its been well over a decade since there was a hefty addition of Class A apartments in the area. Between 1998 and 2000, Englert said, about 2,000 apartment units were added in Wichita, the areas last apartment boom. Thats what convinced developer Jason Van Sickle to pursue Chisholm Lake apartments in the Ventures Business Park development north and east of K-96 and Oliver. The 216-unit complex is expected to begin welcoming residents in August. Weve already started signing leases, Van Sickle said. We just redid our analysis for northeast Wichita. (The) numbers showed that everything that is slightly new and in decent shape is between 98 and 100 percent occupied, he said. Thats whats driving the demand. Paul Jackson, president of Vantage Point Properties, said his companys original plans for the Andover MarketPlace mixed-use development south and east of Kellogg and Andover Road did not include apartments. But in March, Vantage Point announced SunStone Apartment Homes, a 208-unit Class A apartment community just east of the MarketPlaces retail development. We did not foresee multifamily when we bought the land, Jackson said. The developer of largely office and retail projects said hes learned over the years to be flexible with his planning. He said the slowdown in the economy in 2008 and the retail sector coming to a screeching halt prompted Vantage Point to consider for the first time a multifamily component to one of its developments. Jackson said SunStones proximity to MarketPlaces retailers, including Dillons as well as the Andover YMCA to the east of SunStone, and the fact that it is within the Andover school district prompted his company to go ahead with the apartments. Construction began this month, and Jackson said he expects renters to start occupying them by late fall. If theres going to be a peak in construction, I guess wed rather be ahead of the curve, he said. Construction is also expected to begin on Stoney Pointe, an apartment community near 29th and Greenwich. Michigan-based Edward Rose Sons, a regional apartment developer and operator, is developing the project on part of the 46 acres of land it owns there. The complex could eventually comprise more than 400 units, though Mark Harrison of Edward Rose said the number of units initially will be a fraction of that. Its really hard to say (how many units will initially be built), Harrison said. We go by how they run out and not building all the units at once. Were pretty conservative. In a January story in The Eagle, Tom Wheatley of Edward Rose said the company would probably start with the construction of 30 to 60 units. We plan on moving ground soon, Harrison said, adding that the firms architectural plans for Stoney Pointe are in the final approval process. Stephen Clark II said hes still planning up to 300 Class A luxury apartment units at the Waterfront development at 13th and Webb, a project he announced last summer. We just completed our schematic design and were about to start our construction documents, Clark said this week. He said hes hoping to get construction bids for the project out and back to him by late this summer or early fall, which would mean a 2014 opening for the first of the Waterfront apartments. For Jackson, building an apartment community wasnt just about believing he had a good location for such a project or going with a second-best development option for the MarketPlace. With the slowdown, lending has tightened, and its not as easy to qualify for a home loan, he said. Thats pushing people into rental units, and we believe theres a need for that. Jackson does think it is easier for him as a developer to find financing for a multifamily project versus a speculative office or retail building. I think in a general sense the financing is more readily available, he said. And people still need homes. Van Sickle said he has a number of additional apartment projects in various stages of planning around the city. He said hes also considering a 70-unit new apartment project in the downtown area. His optimism for the market is high. Investors share that optimism. Englert said demand for investment in well-maintained apartment complexes remains strong, though at the moment few owners want to sell because of high occupancy. The actual amount of transactions this year has been minimal, he said. Most properties are doing well and cash-flowing well, and the owners are enjoying the cash flow on these properties. Read more here: http://www.kansas.com/2013/05/15/2804543/multifamily-apartment-construction.html#emlnl=Morning_Headlines_Newsletter#storylink=cpy Thu, 16 May 2013 00:00:00 -0400 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article212.php#1371678933 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article212.php Taco Town to open in former Taco Tico space near Central and Greenwich By: Carrie Rengers WICHITA Taco Tico may be gone from the Central and Greenwich area, but Taco Town is moving in to its former space at 11333 E. Central. Larry and Rosemarie Ross are relocating the restaurant from Scottsbluff, Neb. Larry Ross says his in-laws opened the business, and he and his wife have been running it for almost two decades. Theyre relocating to Wichita because their daughter, Amber Hehnke, and her family are here. I know Ive got to start all over, Ross says. He hopes to open the restaurant by early July, but Ross says hes encountering more red tape than he thought he would. I didnt realize it was such a hassle, he says of opening a restaurant in Wichita. Taco Town will seat about 70. Don Piros with Landmark Commercial Real Estate handled the deal. Ross says the restaurant will serve homemade food but no alcohol. I believe in my mother-in-laws philosophy, Ross says. If you want a drink, go out to a bar. Read more here: Fri, 31 May 2013 00:00:00 -0400 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article213.php#1371678934 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article213.php Former Dillons space at Douglas and Meridian sells and will be leased The Wichita Eagle By: Carrie Rengers WICHITA The former Dillons at the southwest corner of Douglas and Meridian has sold, and a new occupant is likey to be in the building relatively soon. Tom Schmeidler and a group of investors called DOME LLC for Douglas and Meridian closed on the building last week and are looking to lease it. Theres a couple of different entities that are very interested in it, Schmeidler says. One would take the entire 20,000-square-foot space, but Schmeidler says hes opening to dividing the space between users. The size of the building and its parking there are about 120 spaces made the purchase attractive, Schmeidler says. Its a very stout building, he says. Its a block building. It also has a basement. Its in the core of Wichita, so if somebody needs to be close to downtown this is close enough, plus this has the parking, Schmeidler says. Theres few buildings that are close to downtown that have the availability of that much parking. Brad Saville of Landmark Commercial Real Estate and Grant Tidemann of J.P. Weigand Sons handled the sale. Saville also is representing DOME in leasing the space. Read more here: Tue, 18 Jun 2013 00:00:00 -0400 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article214.php#1371678935 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article214.php Chic Street Boutique to open at Mill Creek Village at Central and Rock By: Carrie Rengers UPDATED Its almost two years later than the owners planned, but Chic Street Boutique is opening in Mill Creek Village at the northeast corner of Central and Rock on Tuesday. Its a location that we looked at originally, says co-owner Karrie Botts. She and co-owner Lori Katz wanted the site before they opened in Valley Center 17 months ago, but another store beat them to it by a day. They continued looking in Wichita but couldnt find the right spot so decided on Valley Center instead. Its my hometown, and the building that were in is family owned, Botts says. The space is only 600 square feet. Its tiny, Botts says. The new space is almost 1,700 square feet. Botts says they like it because its centrally located and has great visibility. We just jumped on it. Ken Saville of Landmark Commercial Real Estate handled the deal. The store sells womens apparel in sizes from extra small to 3X. Katz says shes especially proud of carrying a variety of plus sizes that other stores often dont. The new location also will have some home decor items, which is new for the store. Katz says it will continue to sell accessories as well. We can accessorize you from head to toe. Read more here: Mon, 22 Apr 2013 00:00:00 -0400 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article203.php#1371678936 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article203.php Read more here: http://blogs.kansas.com/haveyouheard/author/crengers/page/3/#storylink=cpyBy: Carrie Rengers UPDATED Mike Lewis has moved his Newton-based gym and is opening a personal training center in Wichita. Mike Lewis Fitness is now in about 6,000 square feet at the Chisholm Trail Center-Outlet Retail Shops in Newton. Basically, Im growing, Lewis says of his business, which opened in 2009. The gym offers a variety of workout options, such as spin classes, boot camps and personal training. The new business, Fitness on the Waterfront, is opening at the Waterfront development at 13th and Webb Road exclusively for personal training. The clientele up there around the Waterfront is the main reason I want to do the Waterfront one, Lewis says. Don Piros of Landmark Commercial Real Estate handled the deal. Personal training that he received, along with a sports background, inspired Lewis to open the gym. Ive played every sport known to man, he says. I always wanted to open my own gym. Read more here: Mon, 22 Apr 2013 00:00:00 -0400 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article204.php#1371678937 http://www.landmarkrealestate.net/news/article204.php