Regions

Washington, D.C.–As Sen. Barack Obama prepares for his transition into the White House, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary, Steve Preston, reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to a seamless transition of operations to the next administration. Preston has made a smooth hand-over a priority of his iMPACT 200 agenda.”For several months, HUD has been aggressively working toward a seamless agency transition. We have established a team of 22 knowledgeable, senior career officials to work with incoming personnel,” he said in a statement. “The team has set up a fully equipped, professional transition office and it has also…

Phil Ellis, president and CEO of FrameMax, invented the patented technology for turnkey framing in 1996 and founded FrameMax in 2001. A privately owned company, FrameMax is the first steel framing company in the industry to integrate patented technology, CAD design and engineering into the framing manufacturing process. The invention revolutionized the way steel framing is used and assembled in the construction phase of residential multifamily housing, mixed-used space, assisted living facilities and other property types.FrameMax does a number of multifamily projects in the U.S. and abroad and a majority of its business comes from multifamily projects. Ellis talks to…

By Anuradha Kher, Online News EditorWashington, D.C.–Urban Investment Partners (UIP) recently began a full-building rehabilitation of a 21-unit foreclosed rental building, The Absecon, located at 1706 T St., N.W. in Washington, D.C.With its $60 million Washington Residential Fund II (WRF II), UIP purchased the property from Adams Bank last year for approximately $3 million and recently began selective demolition as the first step of a $2 million gut renovation that is expected to be complete by June of 2009. The new building will be renamed The Shelby.“This property was in such deplorable condition, with 60-year-old stoves, holes in the walls…

By Anuradha Kher, Online News EditorSt. Louis, Mo.–The American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging Conference in Philadelphia, the American Institute of Architects and the IDEAS Institute have named Rosemann & Associates P.C. and Mount Carmel Senior Living as the winner of The Green House Design Charrette in the urban design category. Supported by the not-for-profit NCB Capital Impact organization, a Green House Project is a design concept for group residences where frail seniors live independently in a home-like environment while simultaneously receiving skilled nursing care.  “The theory is that providing more choices and an intimate, ‘home-like’ atmosphere supports…

By Anuradha Kher, Online News EditorChicago–TransUnion recently rolled out SmartMove, an online tool for renters and landlords to enhance the rental screening process and prevent financial losses.  According to the U.S. Census Bureau, homeownership fell to 67.8 percent this year, the sharpest decline in 20 years. With an influx of renters, TransUnion says it sees a need for faster ways to approve the renting of an apartment or home. SmartMove provides a new level of security and risk management as consumers no longer need to provide property owners and managers with their Social Security number or credit card information. Instead,…

By Erika Schnitzer, Associate EditorWashington, D.C.—The International Code Council (ICC) has completed its 2009 edition of the international building codes. The codes will be published early next year.The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), the National Multi Housing Council (NMHC) and the National Apartment Association (NAA) had lobbied against some of the proposed changes, and were successful in defeating most of them. NAHB said its Construction, Codes and Standards department worked to identify from a list of about 2,220 suggested changes the ones to which the group would object. Staff members presented their proposals at hearings and refuted proposed changes…

By Anuradha Kher, Online News EditorIrving, Texas–Alliant Capital recently closed an $8,193,500 loan for the refinance of the Reflections at Valley Ranch Apartments in Irving, Texas. The 212-unit garden-style apartment community was built in 1986 and features 13, two-story residential buildings. Alliant’s loan has a 10-year term with a 30-year amortization.Meridian Capital Arranges over $5M in Permanent Financing for 51-Unit PropertyPleasanton, Calif.–Meridian Capital Group recently arranged permanent financing for Culver City-based E&S Ring Management Corp. in the amount of $5,236,000 for a 51-unit, recently renovated, multifamily property.Managing Director Alex J. Katz of Meridian’s Los Angeles office negotiated on behalf of…

Louisville, Ky.–The Professional Grounds Management Society (PGMS) recently recognized Ocean Edge Condos (pictured) in Brewster, Mass. and Henry Ford Village in Flat Rock, Mich. with Grand Awards in the condominium or apartment complex category of the Society’s 2008 Green Star Awards competition. Palisades Park in Chantilly, Va. was recognized with an Honor Award in the same category.Ocean Edge Condos on Cape Cod consists of nearly 1,000 residences on 429 acres. This landscape has to stand up to the coastal challenges of salt water and wind. The Henry Ford Village includes an Erickson Retirement Community that is home to 1,200 residents…

By Anuradha Kher, Online News EditorAtlanta–Coro Realty Advisors LLC, the developer of a luxury high-rise rental community called 05 Buckhead, is focusing on service and convenience as a key aspect of this development. To accomplish this goal, the developer has hired several companies to offer a range of lifestyle amenities.The rental community is part of a 13-acre mixed-use development owned and assembled by Coro Realty Advisors since 1984.Located at the intersection of Peachtree and Piedmont Roads in Atlanta’s Buckhead district, the project offers condominium-style construction and design combined with individual services. Condominium Concepts, Atlanta’s luxury condominium management firm has developed…

By Erika Schnitzer, Associate EditorBaltimore—Enterprise Homes and Govans Ecumenical Development Corporation (GEDCO) recently celebrated the grand opening of Ednor Apartments II, an 85-unit affordable apartment community for seniors.The $12 million four-story Ednor Apartments II is part of the Stadium Place Retirement Community, Baltimore’s newest community for seniors 62 and older designed to provide both market-rate and affordable housing. In addition to the apartments, the community features a YMCA of Central Maryland recreational facility.The majority of the project is targeted for those earning between 30 and 60 percent of the area median income, with four units reserved for those earning above…