GLBM March 2020 by M3 Group Publications

MARCH 2020

TEAM LANSING Gillespie Group sees boundless potential in city’s continued comeback IN THIS ISSUE • Tips and trends for 2020 commercial and residential real estate • Go behind the scenes with Eloy Martinez of American Portfolio Mortgage • Home security technology puts porch pirates, package pilferers on notice

NOTABLE NEWS

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MARCH 2020 ON THE COVER Home security technology puts porch pirates, package pilferers on notice.................................................................. 10

Tips and trends for 2020 commercial and residential real estate................................................................................ 20 Go behind the scenes with Eloy Martinez of American Portfolio Mortgage................................................................. 34

MARCH 2020

NEWS

#raiseUPShiawassee............................................................................................................ 6 Schor Sets Goals in His State of the City Address....................................................... 14 Historic St. Johns Building Sees New Life...................................................................... 16 Wayfair Service Center Brings 500 Jobs........................................................................ 18

FEATURES TEAM LANSING Gillespie Group sees boundless potential in city’s continued comeback IN THIS ISSUE • Tips and trends for 2020 commercial and residential real estate • Go behind the scenes with Eloy Martinez of American Portfolio Mortgage • Home security technology puts porch pirates, package pilferers on notice

Visual Breakdown................................................................................................................. 24 Your Commercial Real Estate Checklist.......................................................................... 32 Notable News....................................................................................................................... 36 Retraction In our February issue’s Notable News section, GLBM incorrectly identified LAFCU as Lansing Area Federal Credit Union. The business name is LAFCU. We regret the error. In our February issue, Rich Adams was incorrectly identified as the writer for Behind the Scenes. The article should be attributed to Stefanie Pohl.

Cover photography by Mary Gajda

Greater Lansing Business Monthly | Volume 33, Issue 3 Greater Lansing Business Monthly is published monthly by M3 Group at 221 West Saginaw Street, Lansing, MI 48933. Periodicals postage paid at Lansing, Michigan USPO. USPS number 020w807. Subscriptions: Subscriptions are available at $22 per year for postage and handling or $38 for two years. Call (517) 203-3333 or visit lansingbusinessnews.com to subscribe. Postmaster: Send address changes to The Greater Lansing Business Monthly, 221 West Saginaw Street, Lansing, MI 48933. Send additional subscription requests and address changes to The Greater Lansing Business Monthly, Inc., 221 West Saginaw Street, Lansing, MI 48933. Copyright © 2016 The Greater Lansing Business Monthly, Inc. All rights reserved. Editorial Office: 221 West Saginaw Street, Lansing, MI 48933 lansingbusinessnews.com 2

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COMMENTARY

WITNESS TO POSITIVE CHANGE Publisher: Tiffany Dowling, tiffany@m3group.biz Sales Manager: Jennifer Hodges, jhodges@m3group.biz Editor: Kelly Mazurkiewicz, kelly@m3group.biz Asst. Editor: Mary Gajda, mary@m3group.biz Media Specialist: Carey Jarvis Account Managers: Megan Fleming Liz Reno-Hayes Zack Krieger Art Director: Mark Warner Publication Designer: Matthew McDaniel Graphic Designers: Lauren Brumbach Cody Fell Chelsey Freedman Communications Specialists: Amanda Fischer Christopher Nagy Rich Adams Adam Lansdell Photographers: Mary Gajda Matthew McDaniel Videographer: Michael Cagney GLBM Editorial Board: April Clobes — President and CEO, MSU Federal Credit Union Calvin Jones — Government Relations Director, Lansing Board of Water & Light Lisa Parker — Director of Alumni Career and Business Services, Michigan State University Alumni Association Deb Muchmore Consulting — Owner, Deb Muchmore Consulting Tom Ruis — Vice President, Fifth Third Bank Doug Klein — Executive Director, Mason Area Chamber of Commerce

We’re getting closer. As a business owner in Lansing for nearly two decades, I’ve had the privilege of occupying a front-row seat to the surging tide of our city’s rejuvenation. I’m also a supporter of those behind the scenes working the pulleys and levers in an effort to build upon the momentum of the city’s rising renaissance. With each new community-focused development and every community-benefiting initiative, the Greater Lansing region is more fully realizing its revitalization. 2019 was a significant year for the area, with many large-scale projects proposed or moving along swiftly toward completion. From the cranes dotting the horizon of downtown East Lansing to the construction crews churning the soil and working skyward at the corner of Michigan Avenue and Larch Street in Lansing, the sounds and views signal the strong vital signs of a region on a robust rebound. There seems to be no slowing down. At the fourth annual Economic Forecast Forum held in East Lansing in early January, economic experts from the Michigan Department of Treasury and U.S. Federal Reserve Bank predicted that the state’s strong economy is likely to continue in 2020. Martin Lavelle, a business economist from the Detroit branch of the Federal Reserve Bank, told forum attendees that a recession in Michigan is unlikely this year, with low unemployment rates and high consumer confidence expected to continue. That’s no small news for Greater Lansing. A solid economy is the foundation for continued growth and development on both the residential and commercial fronts. That development, in turn, spurs job growth as well as regional strength and stability. Much has been said and written about Lansing’s comeback – and with good reason. We are dedicating this issue of Greater Lansing Business Monthly to real estate. From Gillespie Group’s optimistic outlook on Lansing’s future and Wayfair’s planned expansion into Meridian Township to the resurrection of the once-blighted F.C. Mason building in St. Johns and housing market predictions from local real estate experts, there are plenty of positives to talk and write about. The days of Lansing being considered the “flyover state” of Michigan – that place you had to pass through on your way to Detroit or Grand Rapids – are over. Our region has earned back its well-deserved reputation as a destination. It’s taken a decade to get this far. There is still more to come that will define our uniqueness and enhance our attractiveness as the place in Michigan to live, work and play, but we are taking steps forward with each passing week. Lansing is on the rise, and we can all soar higher on these shifting winds of positive change. If you see a role you can fill, consider taking it on. Tiffany Dowling Publisher

Mark Hooper — Partner, Andrews Hooper Pavlik Diontrae Hayes — Supervisor, Charter Township of Lansing

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Tiffany Dowling | Publisher

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NEWS

Photo provided by Diane Woodruff, volunteer coordinator United Way of Genesee County serving Genesee and Shiwassee counties

Chris Byrd's Owosso Middle School Builders Club doing a United Way Service in a Box project, cutting old tee shirts into dog toys that were donated to the Humane Society of Shiawassee County.

#RAISEUPSHIAWASSEE

Initiative centralizes area’s nonprofit goals BY TEECE ARONIN

The Shiawassee Community Foundation and United Way of Genesee County are working to advance the goals of Shiawassee County nonprofits by uniting them with fundraising, marketing and volunteer support. Named #raiseUPshiawassee, the idea is to have one place to come together to make all that happen. The initiative was launched in 2017, and The Arc Mid-Michigan, Shiawassee Arts Center, Girls on the Run Mid-Michigan and Respite Volunteers of Shiawassee are among the nonprofit organizations that can benefit. Here’s how it works: Shiawassee-area nonprofits can post projects and funding needs on a shared website where individuals can go to make monetary donations or sign up for volunteer work. The initiative helps local businesses, too, creating opportunities for their employees to get involved with volunteer activities, fundraising and other grassroots efforts. That, in turn, helps boost employee morale and engagement. Another benefit to companies is enhanced brand image. For comparison, Lansing-area residents can think in terms of Lansing Board of Water & Light’s involvement in Adopt a River, Silver Bells in the City and other local volunteer initiatives benefitting the community. Giving Tuesday was the inspiration for #raiseUPshiawassee. Giving Tuesday occurs every year on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving with the intent to inspire charitable giving 6

heading into the holidays. The launch of #raiseUPshiawassee was boosted by the momentum of Giving Tuesday, which puts charities front and center for generating millions of dollars annually.

org as the volunteer portal for listing and learning about volunteer opportunities, and she said the goal is that smart technology will engage with a new generation of givers and doers.

“Giving Tuesday is an opportunity where everyone who has had even a modest amount of good fortune can give back or pay it forward,” said Tom Cook, head of the Cook Family Foundation and the person who launched #raiseUPshiawassee three years ago. “Perhaps less obviously, the collaboration of #raiseUPshiawassee also demonstrates that none of us alone is as good as all of us together.”

“We have a strong collection of locally based groups committed to missions that serve the residents of Shiawassee County, whether they be young or old; in crisis or seeking enrichment; or care about history, the environment or animals,” Cook said. “All of them are worthy of your support.”

Justin Horvath, president and CEO of the Shiawassee Economic Development Partnership said, “We are excited to support this structured program where companies give donations and volunteer time to local nonprofits. The initiative has many potential benefits to local firms.” Those benefits, according to Horvath, include attracting and retaining top talent and improving client retention and customer loyalty. He added that Emily Marrah, relationship specialist with United Way of Genesee County, proved critical for leadership in moving the initiative forward. Marrah said that #raiseUPshiawassee is about local nonprofits committing to work together, and that it’s not only about donations, but engagement with the community. She cited shiawasseeserves.

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Marrah summed up Cook’s statement and the overarching purpose behind #raiseUPshiawassee. “When we live united, incredible work is accomplished,” she said. To learn more, visit shiawasseeserves. org and unitedwaygenesee. org/raise-shiawassee. Teece Aronin is a blogger and columnist. Teece writes a humor/health and wellness column for the Oakland Press and is the featured writer for October at TrueHumor.com. Her artwork is available at the Redbubble.com store, phylliswalter, and Teece seriously considers any request for workshops, coaching, and speaking engagements. Read her blog at ChippedDemitasse. BlogSpot.com, contact her at paronin1@gmail. com and follow her on Twitter @taronin.

WLNZ Community Radio: 26 Years at LCC By Andy Brent · Photography by: Kevin Fowler

Sometimes, big things start with a small coincidence. When Dave Downing was 14 years old and finishing up junior high school, the program director at WJIM/WLNS spoke with his class and advised them of how to start their own mock radio station. He invited any student who was interested to tour his station. Downing asked his parents for permission to visit, and did. After the tour, Downing sat at Eric O’s desk, waiting to ask him a few questions. A weekend DJ could not work because of another gig and Eric O, the station manager who piqued Downing’s interest, had no staff he could count on to cover. Eric O asked Downing, “Do you want to be in radio, kid?” He did, and started working that Sunday. “I was just running pre-recorded shows on Sunday mornings,” Downing remembered. “But I got to give the time and weather onair, and that was really something. That’s how I got started.” On Feb. 11, 1994, Downing threw open the doors to LCC’s Dart Auditorium and invited students and

the community in for WLNZ’s sixhour launch concert. It was the first day of what has become 26 years as the cornerstone of community music in Lansing. Every hour, WLNZ plays a local or Michigan-based artist who, without community radio, might never find the airways. Community radio is more than the bandwidth it occupies. Stations like WLNZ 89.7 at LCC are more than a community radio station. Not defined by genre or format, LCC Radio is defined by the people who perpetuate its content and loyal listeners who sustain the station. The story of WLNZ starts before Downing opened those doors in 1994. It is a story of perseverance, opportunity, hope and community. It is a story of the passion people can have for music, and the care with which they present what they love to the world. It is a story we pick up in 1974, when LCC began looking into offering a class in radio production.

LOCAL MUSIC WAS ALWAYS THE GOAL Students had been operating a sort of radio station at LCC since 1966. Its range was no more than the few city blocks campus occupied at that time, but boasted an enthusiastic staff. More or less an extracurricular activity, students were able to broadcast music from a room in the Old Central building to several rooms across campus. When the college expanded, the nascent station was moved to the Mackinaw Building. “In 1974, the administration wanted somebody to teach a radio production class,” Downing said. “I was in my first year at LCC, but I had six years of radio experience, going back to high school, and was a production director at WILS at the time, so I had just about as much experience as anyone they could get, locally.”

and 1991, Downing was busy trying to find a way to get the FCC to accept his application for a new station. Approval finally came through in 1991, but regulations continued to keep WLNZ off the air until 1994. Still, the enthusiasm his classmates and early students brought to their campus station carried over into WLNZ when operations began in earnest. From the beginning, Downing wanted the station to highlight local talent. “Local music was always the goal,” Downing said. “We had a roadmap of where we wanted to go, and from day one that was one of the first things we wanted to do, because nobody was doing it. Local musicians just don’t have too much of an outlet to get their music exposed to the public.”

Though LCC was now teaching radio production, there were regulatory obstacles preventing the foundation of a real radio station. Between 1974

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Daedalian Lowry

Ward Beard

THE FLIP OF THE SWITCH

SHOOT YOUR SHOT

“Music has always been a part of who I am,” said Daedalian Lowry, general manager of Broadcast Services at LCC. “I got into the J. Geils Band – the pop-y J. Geils Band – through my brother. Listening to them, I started to realize that, if you’re going to explore something on your own, learn about it, that means you’ve pretty much got a passion for it.” Lowry began working in music and radio after many years as a club DJ and a few years as a marketing representative at an insurance firm. “I loathed it so much that I finally asked myself, ‘OK, what is it you want to do?’ and that was the flip of the switch. I started in LCC’s Media Technology Program right away and also took classes in graphic design. The program was so good that I was employed in radio before I could finish the degree,” he said.

After being replaced by software at a commercial station across town, Lowry came to WLNZ in 2006, but was not employed in an “official” capacity – as program director – until 2008. He took over as general manger in 2012, after Downing retired. He credits local artists and his dedicated staff as elemental to WLNZ’s continued success. “You’ve got to have a passion for it, that’s the beauty. I’ve been blessed with a number of people who have so much passion for radio,” Lowry said. “You do not know how appreciative local artists are when they hear themselves [on the radio]. If you go down the radio dial, there are few other outlets for local and Michigan music. I hear it from the community, like ‘It’s great you guys are giving people a platform.’”

DJ Ward Skillz (real name Ward Beard), presenter of Mitten Mayhem Radio, has been enthralled with hip hop since childhood. “I was rapping as a child,” Skillz said. “I had a cassette tape I got from my dad, DJ Quik, might have been one of the first cassette tapes I was able to slip out of my dad’s hand. It was the ‘Quik is the Name’ album. He had a lot of the West Coast rap at the time that he was riding around to, so I kind of caught ear to.” A performer since his eighth grade year at Dwight Rich, Skillz was rapping live on MSU’s Impact 88.9 by the time he was 15. He graduated from J.W. Sexton and matriculated to Alabama A&M, from which he graduated with a degree in telecommunications. He started Mitten Mayhem, a program dedicated to late night, underground hip hop, in 2015. “I felt like we didn’t really have anything ‘underground’ to listen to. I wanted to do something else, a show based on the local scene,” Skillz said. “I didn’t know if LCC would go for it, and I

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had never met Daedalian, but I decided to shoot my shot, and it was crazy, because (Lowry) was like ‘This is exactly what I was looking for, this is right on time.’” “That was a synchronicity moment, if you want to call it that,” Lowry said. “His timing was perfect. I had already started to shift the station towards spotlight more local and Michigan music. Ward walked in and said ‘Hey, would you be interested in a show about local and Michigan hip hop and R&B?’ and I said, ‘Why yes I am!’ It was, like, serendipity. It worked out perfectly.” Skillz contributes to WLNZ because he knows the value of community radio. “I think community radio has the potential to grow. On my show, we don’t play garbage. We present high-quality, local talent because our listeners are dedicated and know excellent music,” Skillz said. “Our listeners call in; they make requests, because they feel like they’re a part of the station.”

NEWS

Rosa Martinez

Mike Stratton

I GOT UP ON STAGE AND SANG WITH THEM

IT’S ALL ABOUT COMMUNICATION

Rosa Martinez is a Tejano music professional. Not only is she “The Rose” – the host of “Rosa’s Fiesta de Musica” on WLNZ, she is also a performer of, and advocate for, Tejano music. “I’ve liked Tejano music since I was a little girl,” Martinez said. “My dad brought me a little, old record player with some Little Joe, Johnny y La Familia, and that was the first Tejano music that I really enjoyed. When I got older, I was singing in a couple of bands when Little Joe, Johnny y La Familia came to Lansing. They played at the old Civic Center, and I got up onstage and sang with them there!” Her lifelong passion for Tejano music would mean more to her than she knew. When an opportunity compelled her son to move from Lansing to San Antonio, Martinez felt her life was at a crossroads. “I started at WLNZ because my son moved to Texas – one of my sons – went home to Texas with his family,” Martinez said. “I used to care for my grandbaby here at home. I’ve been dealing with cancer for 28 years, and caring for her was like my lifeline, my

sparkle. I’d had her since she was a newborn, and just before she turned a little over a year old, they moved and kind of broke my heart.” Martinez’s son, worried that his mother might become depressed, thought the radio might be a good opportunity for his mother to thrive in her family’s absence. Martinez agreed. “I’d been on the radio before, at WKAR at Michigan State, for close to five years, and so my son took me to WLNZ to keep me going,” she said. The “Fiesta de Musica” has a robust following, and Martinez often finds her face, or voice, recognized in public. The reach of her music and her dedicated fans keep her going. “I run into people all the time. I was in Kroger, shopping, and all of a sudden a woman grabs my arm and says ‘Oh my God, you’re The Rose!’” Martinez said. “I didn’t know her! It kind of freaked me out a little bit. She says ‘My husband and I love your show! We sit down together and listen every weekend!’ and I thought how nice that was to hear.”

Mike Stratton has been a volunteer with WLNZ for more than a decade. His show, “The Vinyl Side of Midnight,” is dedicated to presenting local and Michigan Jazz to the world. He’s certain that reach includes New York. “I ran into an MSU jazz program professor, who has played with Terence Blanchard and Wynton Marsalis, on his way back from a competition,” Stratton said. “And he said ‘They’re talking about you in New York!’”

for our show were Lansing/East Lansing, Chicago, New York and number five was Okemos. There are people in big cities, big jazz cities, that listen to our show.” A therapist by trade, Stratton knows that like jazz, understanding people starts with listening. “It’s all about communication,” he said. “When you deal with people, you look for patterns – to make order out of chaos, to make things understandable. And I think it’s the same thing when listening to jazz. The first time I heard jazz it sounded like chaos, and gradually I began to see the order in it and understand it a lot better.”

“I had a chance to see where the responses to our show were coming from,” Stratton continued. “The top five markets

Poetry Carl Jung introduced synchronicity, as a psychological concept, in the 1920s as a way of explaining important coincidences caused by the unwitting connections people form with the world around them. A colleague of Daedalian Lowry complained recently there are far fewer opportunities to hear or read live poetry than there used to be. He mentioned he’d often thought about starting a poetry program at WLNZ.

A week later, a would-be volunteer walked into Lowry’s office in LCC’s Arts & Sciences Building with an idea for a new radio program. “What would you like this new show to be about?” he asked the volunteer. “Poetry,” she responded.

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PUTTING A PINCH ON PORCH PIRATES

Doorbell cameras, security systems help homeowners and police identify suspects BY RICH ADAMS

The first patent for a home security system was filed in 1966 by a nurse from Queens, New York. Marie Van Britton Brown’s system, developed with the help of her electronics technician husband, Albert, monitored the front door through a camera linked to a television. A two-way intercom allowed her to speak with the person at the door, and a remote-control option enabled her to control the door lock from a safe distance. From that initial patent, the global home security market has exploded, and sales are expected to grow from $2.14 billion in 2018 10

to $4.37 billion by 2022, according to a news release from The Business Research Co. Products ranging from do-it-yourself systems to traditional companies such as ADT, Ring, SimpliSafe, Nest, LifeShield and more provide people with the necessary components to protect their homes. So how does this technology help residents and police catch a porch pirate? To begin with, home security systems assist law enforcement in identifying suspects in cases where packages are stolen. Robert Merritt, public information officer for

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the Lansing Police Department, said the department’s investigation team has used and continues to use video captured by surveillance cameras and doorbell cameras. Homeowners in one case posted video on social media prior to contacting Lansing police, sharing the video on the Ring Neighbors app. “The suspects were identified as a result of this process. Lansing Police Department was contacted and began the investigation,” Merritt explained. “The detective team has completed the investigation. The detailed reports have been submitted to the Ingham

NEWS

County prosecutor’s office to review and possibly issue criminal charges.” Merritt said the department not only encourages the use of home security cameras, a few years ago it began a program called Security Camera Registry and Mapping, or SCRAM, which can be accessed at lansingmi.gov/1640/What-is-SCRAM. The program informs the department of which residences or businesses have functioning cameras. It does not give authorities access to the cameras or captured video. The first step people who are victims of porch pirates should always take is calling law enforcement. “Lansing Police Department encourages citizens to file a report the minute they become a victim. The sooner the police are aware of the crime, the faster the case can be solved,” Merritt said. Bob Tucker, a spokesman for ADT, said the security monitoring company responds to 15 million alarms nationwide every year, a majority of which are false alarms. ADT has six centers nationwide to alert homeowners or businesses an alarm is sounding. If it’s a burglary alarm, the monitoring system first calls the home phone. If there is no answer, the call goes to the cellphone number.

another house where there is no sign.” For people who want an even more secure way to have their Amazon packages delivered, they can have them sent to an Amazon Hub Locker, which is a secure, self-service kiosk that allows people to pick up their package at a place and time convenient for them. When the package is delivered to the requested location, the recipient gets an email with a six-digit code and uses that code to access their locker. There are 20 Amazon Hub Locker locations in the Greater Lansing area at Whole

Foods, Rite-Aid and other locations. For a full listing go to amazon.com/gp/ css/account/address/view.html. Now a freelance writer, Rich Adams was a print and broadcast journalist for more than four decades. When he is not watching his beloved Chicago Cubs, he is counting the days until spring training begins.

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“If we get a fire alarm, we call once; and if there is no answer, we immediately call 911,” Tucker said, noting that the same procedure goes for carbon monoxide alarms. Tucker said ADT started offering residential security systems 40 years ago, and it has grown as technology has developed and mass marketing has brought the price down. “It used to be so darned expensive for a person to have (a residential security system),” Tucker explained. “Today, installation will run $100 or so, and $40 to $60 a month for monitoring. The main thing has been the technology, which has made it more affordable.” Tucker said many customers have told him the video from their surveillance cameras has resulted in arrests when the homeowner either shared the video with the police or local television station.

Matt Waligorski

2213 E Grand River Ave #1 Lansing MI, 48912 517-482-2211 www.lymansheets.com

He also said a security company sign in front of a house causes porch pirates to think twice about stealing a package. “Bad guys will keep on going if they are able to see there is a doorbell camera, and I know they will keep on going if they see an ADT yard sign,” Tucker said. “There have been studies when convicted burglars have been interviewed. They have said f lat out if they see an ADT sign, they see there’s a system installed and they go to La

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ADVERTORIAL

UNCAPPING OF COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE ASSESSMENTS

Fraser Trebilcock Real Estate Team | (517) 482-5800 | fraserlawfirm.com Most are aware that the taxable value assessment of a commercial property is uncapped on its sale, but it can also uncap in the event of certain other transfers which do not involve the sale of property and the recording of a deed. By way of background, Michigan real property taxable value assessments are "capped" and can only increase yearto-year at the lesser of 5% or the rate of inf lation. Section 211.27a(6) of the General Property Tax Act defines "transfer of ownership" generally as the conveyance of title to or a present interest in property, the value which is substantially equal to the value of the fee interest. Section 211.27a(6) provides a variety of examples of what constitutes a transfer of ownership for taxable value uncapping purposes. Many are unaware that the sale or transfer of an ownership interest in an entity which owns real property is a transfer of ownership of the entity's real estate for tax 12

purposes if the ownership interest sold or transferred is more than 50% of the total ownership interest in the entity. In other words, if you sell or transfer more than half of the ownership interest in an entity owning real property, you have created a "transfer of ownership" of the entity's real property for real estate tax purposes. This provision is applicable to stock in a corporation, membership interests in a limited liability company and percentage ownership in a partnership. Such a sale or transfer will result in the "uncapping" of the property tax assessment of all real property owned by the entity. By way of example, suppose John Doe owns a majority of the ownership interest in Universal Widget and transfers it as a gift to his son, Peter Doe. The transfer will result in the uncapping of the property tax assessment on all real property owned by Universal Widget. If the transfer occurs in increments over time, the lifting of the taxable value cap occurs at the point John Doe no longer owns the majority interest in Universal Widget.

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When a majority ownership interest in an entity has been sold or transferred, a Real Estate Property Transfer Affidavit must be filed with the local assessor. Section 10 of the Affidavit states "Type of Transfer: Transfers include, but are not limited to, deeds, land contracts, transfers involving trusts or wills, certain long-term leases and business interest." Failure to timely file the Affidavit permits the assessor to go back and increase prior tax assessments (after the transfer took place) to adjust the property tax assessment, possibly resulting in (i) an increased assessment resulting in increased property taxes, (ii) interest on the difference on the tax that was paid and the tax that should have been paid and (iii) penalties. Any time you are contemplating a sale or transfer of an ownership interest in an entity which owns real estate you should consult with your attorney about the means and ramifications of your proposed transaction.

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SCHOR SETS GOALS IN HIS STATE OF THE CITY ADDRESS BY RICH ADAMS

Photo provided by Eat Pomegranate Photography 14

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To generate more development, Schor has created two new corridor improvement authorities, one on South Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and another on North Grand River Avenue.

Lansing Mayor Andy Schor outlined his administration’s goals for 2020 in his State of the City address, focusing on mental health, neighborhoods, roads and continued economic development. Schor spoke before a standing-roomonly audience in The Abigail, a building that was part of the Michigan School for the Blind and stood vacant for years until it was recently renovated to provide 60 senior apartments. Among many of the new positions announced during the Feb. 5 speech was creation of a Mental Health Task Force, which will find solutions to the mental health challenges in Lansing.

“This means we’ll have four corridor improvement authorities in Lansing whose goal it is to focus on revitalizing these areas,” Schor said. “Our two existing corridor authorities on Michigan Avenue and West Saginaw have already approved their corridor plans, and we’re looking forward to new opportunities on all four of these critical arteries.” Neighborhood revitalization continues to be a goal of Schor’s administration. For the past year the focus was on southwest Lansing, specifically the Baker Street neighborhood and the neighborhood along Pleasant Grove and Holmes roads. “The result of our focus on the Baker Street neighborhood is significant. Victim and property crime is down 33% and … more families with young children are moving into the area,” he explained. Schor announced the focus on neighborhoods will expand. “I am announcing that the neighborhood we are currently in right now, the Willow-

“Like cities throughout the state and nation, mental health issues have a significant impact in Lansing.” Schor said. “We’ve seen this through the activities of our police, and that’s why I prioritized placing a social worker in the Lansing Police Department – so we can assist those with mental illness rather than putting them in jail.”

Walnut-Comstock Park area, will be designated the next neighborhood of focus,” he said. “Like we did in the Baker neighborhood of southwest Lansing, the city of Lansing will focus on empowering our residents, building wealth and ensuring they have the services they need while working with existing community partners in the area.”

OTHER SIGNIFICANT PARTS OF THE ADDRESS INCLUDED: • Creating the city’s 12th community policing area, this one in southeast Lansing. • Requiring developers to make public improvements as part of their renovation or construction projects. • Implementation of an age-friendly community plan to make downtown easily accessible to older residents. • Working with the various employee unions to address future unfunded liabilities. • Creation of a sustainability management coordinator to develop and implement existing plans to bolster sustainability and address climate change.

OFFICE SPACE AVAILABLE

3,843 TOTAL SF

Also at the top of the mayor’s to-do list is Lansing’s infrastructure. Schor said 15 miles of city streets were improved in 2019, and he touched on an initiative to change six one-way streets in downtown Lansing into two-way streets. Those streets are Capitol and Grand avenues as well as Ottawa, Allegan, Pine and Walnut streets. “Two-way streets have been shown to slow traffic, make streets more pedestrian-friendly, safer for our residents and visitors, and more beneficial to local businesses by giving them more visibility,” Schor explained.

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The mayor also touted the new residential and retail development in Lansing. “We are moving faster than the speed of business,” Schor said. “This is all part of my vision to create jobs and grow our economy downtown, in our corridors and in our neighborhoods.” Schor said various construction occurring in Lansing will create 227 new housing units in downtown Lansing alone.

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HISTORIC ST. JOHNS BUILDING SEES NEW LIFE BY EMMA C. JOHNSON

Merriam-Webster defines a waypoint as “an intermediate point on a route or line of travel.” Over a century old, the F.C. Mason building has had many waypoints over the years and is looking forward to a big one in 2020. The historic two-story, 45,744-squarefoot F.C. Mason building in downtown St. Johns has been vacant for eight years until it recently found new life repurposed as apartments and a coffee shop. The 40 apartment units are slated to be finished in the first quarter of 2020. The red-brick structure at Railroad Street and Spring Street was built in 1898. Its walls 16

have housed grist, saw, planing, lumber and f lour mills, as well as a manufactured natural gas plant. In 1908, the F.C. Mason Co. set up shop as a manufacturer of farming implements and added an east wing. Ken Harris, a member of FCM Development LLC and St. Johns resident, saw the F.C. Mason building in need of revitalization. Harris also saw that middle-class housing was needed. “We have a real shortage of housing,” said Harris. The site was rezoned from industrial use to multifamily residential by the

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city to make the project possible. The original structure was preserved. However, to bring the building up to code and repurpose the space, the roof was replaced; the courtyard was landscaped; and drainage, concrete and grass were installed. Harris said revitalization projects can be tricky because “everyone has to be on board.” FCM Development needed tax abatement from the city to move forward. Environmental cleanup and renovation (compared to building new) are expensive. Support and approval from the state, city

NEWS

and the Michigan Economic Development Corp. was critical for the project to be economically feasible for developers.

a coffee shop for almost three years, so we are thrilled to be this close to opening our doors to serve the community.”

“It’s walking distance to pretty much everything,” she said. “It’s an ideal place to live.”

In fact, the MEDC requires local municipality participation in order to grant an Obsolete Property Rehabilitation Act abatement.

The coffee shop will also offer baked goods from a local company and host events. Marilu St. John will move in come March. What attracted St. John to the apartments was “preserving the history.”

Emma C. Johnson is a writer based in Midland. She has written for the Midland Daily News, the Delta Collegiate, and Great Lakes Bay Magazine, among others. She studied English at Rutgers University - New Brunswick and holds a B.A. in English from the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities.

The investment to revitalize the building cost FCM Development $2.2 million. Phase 1, Phase 2, a baseline environmental analysis and cleanup amounted to an environmental cost to FCM Development of $50,000. Consumers Energy invested $1 million to conduct an environmental cleanup. Contaminated soil was removed, replaced and retested for contaminants. The abandoned F.C. Mason property was assessed at $170,000. The 2018 predevelopment tax to the city was $4,726. Post-development, taxes would be $19,485 without an OPRA tax abatement. The abatement freezes taxes at the predevelopment level for a specified time period so developers can recoup the costs from environmental cleanup and renovating an obsolete, blighted building. The annual $11,245 in tax savings to the developer over 10 years totals $148,243, when accounting for yearly 2% tax increases. Currently completed apartment units are filled and there is a waiting list. Co-owners Ethan Painter and Davey Fore, both St. Johns residents, are opening Waypoint Coffee Co., a 1,200-square-foot commercial space on the ground f loor. “We found a lot of generic office space that we probably could have remodeled to make it work, but we weren’t in love with anything until we walked into the old F.C. Mason building,” said Painter. “We knew as soon as we walked in that it was the right place for us.”

“Each apartment has something special about it,” she said. However, location was St. John’s No. 1 reason for moving in.

LEGAL COUNSEL FOR REAL ESTATE Investment, Development and Management Foster Swift’s Real Estate team counsels financial institutions, businesses, insurance companies and individuals. We assist our clients with their real estate transactional needs, including drafting and negotiating purchase agreements, construction contracts, financing and lending documents, as well as filing and foreclosing construction liens, resolving title, zoning, utilities, environmental and real estate tax issues.

“From the exposed brick walls, to the original tin-stamped ceilings, to the aged penny tile, we fell in love with the character of the building,” he added. “We have tried to preserve as much of the original feel of the building as possible, while adding some modern accents.” The coffee shop’s name comes from aviation. A waypoint is a GPS point in space that helps guide pilots. Airspeed, altitude and heading all change at a waypoint. Davey, a former commercial pilot and f light instructor, said a waypoint is a significant place on a journey. “Your journey may not involve airplanes, but it does include places of significance where the momentum of your daily life is altered,” said Painter. “We have been in the process of finding a space and opening

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NEWS

WAYFAIR SERVICE CENTER BRINGS 500 JOBS

The scoop behind the project and whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s in store for the community BY LAUREN FARHAT

For Meridian Township, 2020 has some exciting news in store for its community, local businesses and higher education facilities. In November, Wayfair, a Fortune 18

500 internet retail company and e-commerce giant, finalized its decision to open a new customer service center in the Lansingarea. The building, a previously vacant

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office space on Hagadorn Road, is over 63,000 square feet and will provide 500 new jobs to Meridian Township. With intentions to take control of the space

NEWS

“WAYFAIR INTENDS TO SPEND THEIR FIRST SIX MONTHS, FROM SPRING TO ABOUT EARLY FALL, COMPLETING A FULL INTERIOR BUILD-OUT” SAID KEITH LAMBERT, VICE PRESIDENT OF BUSINESS ATTRACTION AT LEAP this spring, the Boston-based company will spend its first six months “Wayfairizing” the building’s interior and begin the hiring process at the start of summer. “This was a LEAP project that we recruited intentionally from start to finish,” said Bob Trezise, president and CEO of the Lansing Economic Area Partnership. “Initially, Wayfair was examining multiple sites for its customer service center across the whole country, including various sites and regions in the state of Michigan. LEAP became so important in this situation because it was our region competing against other regions. In a collective effort, we had to showcase everything we could in order to portray ourselves as the best, most competitive environment for Wayfair’s facilities.” Among Meridian Township’s impressive qualities, the region’s two highly regarded educational facilities served as enticing and competitive offerings.

“Wayfair was really impressed with the new graduates coming out of Lansing Community College and Michigan State University, which is their target audience for employees,” said Chris Buck, economic development director for Meridian Township. “So, to have an office space adjacent to campus was just a great way for them to put all of these 500 future employees under one roof. We’ve talked for decades about how to keep recent graduates from leaving the region, and I think having a wider employment base for entry-level graduates was critical.” Atop of the encouraging partnership between Wayfair and Lansing’s educational facilities, the company’s presence is equally expected to revitalize the community’s business district. Buck said that even with all of the things Meridian Township has going for it — world-class school districts, sought-after subdivisions, tons of commercial shopping — the township

has been continually working to enhance its local workforce options. Wayfair’s arrival will not only energize the area with availability to more jobs but also through attracting new people to the area and by those people inhabiting the housing options that surround the new office building. As the project nears its 2020 start date, the community can expect a threeyear time frame for Wayfair to fulfill all 500 customer service jobs. “Wayfair intends to spend their first six months, from spring to about early fall, completing a full interior build-out,” said Keith Lambert, vice president of business attraction at LEAP. “Then, to align with those efforts, will ramp up hiring over the summer by doing so in tiers of 20- to 25-person cohorts. The company will continue this hiring process steadily over a span of three years, while also providing training programs to each new hire.” Lauren Farhat is a graduate of Michigan State University with a background in creative writing. Farhat works for a nonprofit in Chicago while continuing her love for writing through freelancing. In her spare time, she enjoys being a foodie and exploring all of the great restaurants the Windy City has to offer.

Trusted Advisors You can turn to our team of experts to help you successfully navigate the ever-changing real estate and affordable housing industry rules and regulations. Contact Keith R. Pfeifle, CPA. 517.886.9524 kpfeifle@manercpa.com

We understand your unique needs. Let our experts help you cut through the red tape to achieve your goals.

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TIPS AND TRENDS

Real estate in 2020 BY MARY GAJDA

The real estate market can ebb and f low, but being in the know can help a great deal when you are considering buying or selling either residential or commercial properties. Arming yourself with the right real estate agent and plenty of knowledge will keep you one step ahead in your quest. Greater Lansing Business Monthly spoke with Heather Driscoll, broker/owner at EXIT Realty Home Partners; Kellly Hude, Realtor with RE/MAX Real Estate Professionals; Jim Kost, real estate agent with Coldwell Banker Hubble Briarwood; and Lisa Kost, manager of commercial real estate for Coldwell Banker Hubbard Briarwood.

DO YOU HAVE A FORECAST FOR REAL ESTATE IN 2020 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; EITHER COMMERCIAL, RESIDENTIAL OR BOTH? DRISCOLL: A strong economy and employment combined with low mortgage rates will continue to support a robust housing market. Hude: As a residential specialist, my prediction will be a very strong early spring market, which will probably continue through the summer. As we are heading into an election year, I think things may slow down a tad starting in late September as we head into the aggressive political months.

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JIM KOST: My forecast for 2020 is that the market should remain a sellerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s market with low inventory, low interest rates and a presidential election. I feel home prices will rise due to supply and demand. We have lots of new employers and lots of new first-time buyers who are sick of paying rent in our affordable marketplace. We have baby boomers buying down and also purchasing condos. LISA KOST: Commercial forecasting is consistent with the economy, in general, so growth is still expected for 2020. January and February were actually still good times to put commercial properties

FEATURE

Jim Kost

Kelly Hude

HUDE: This may be the last year for the strong sellers’ market. I predict things will start shifting as our inventory and supply/ demand gradually change near the end of 2020. I don’t believe it will be a drastic change as in the past, but eventually we will start shifting toward a buyers’ market.

Photo credit: Jena McSchane

JIM KOST: No new trends expected, but I feel sellers will recognize the importance of having a Realtor in a rising market to capture top dollar and the expertise in handling multiple offers. LISA KOST: More and more buyers are finding properties through the internet, but commercial transactions can be complicated- even risky- so working with an experienced agent is still the best approach to buying and selling.

Lisa Kost

on the market, which is often the times companies are looking in anticipation for summer or fall occupancy.

ARE THERE ANY NEW TRENDS OR CHANGES IN THE SELLING OR BUYING PROCESSES AS COMPARED TO THE PAST THAT WE MIGHT SEE IN 2020? DRISCOLL: You’ll see iBuyer options like the ability to request a tour online and get confirmation. Trending back to suburbs (RISmedia) focus – Hip walkable communities.

DO YOU HAVE ANY TIPS FOR BUYERS AND SELLERS OF BOTH COMMERCIAL AND RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE? DRISCOLL: For residential, buyers need an experienced agent to work on their behalf. Due to low inventory we are seeing more multiple-offer scenarios. You need an agent who can proactively search for you – keeping you apprised of listed and nonlisted properties.

Heather Driscoll

a buyer in the home. Using your existing furniture works with a minimalist approach so you showcase space in each room. Pricing is key. The bracket that you’re in matters. You need to think like you’re a buyer who is searching online in $25,000 price points (i.e., $100-150). You want to be the best house in the bracket you’re in – in terms of square footage, updates, location and more. HUDE: Try to jump on the market early this year. Don’t wait to buy or sell in May/ June. You will get caught up in the spring “f lood.” You will have more competition either way if you wait. Get ahead of the game and plan to start your home selling/ buying before everyone else does. JIM KOST: Buyers should get preapproved now for financing and start looking early to get the jump on the spring market. LISA KOST: The best way to succeed in commercial real estate is by working with a commercial Realtor who can market your property across all platforms or search the entire market to find your perfect property. My husband is a residential Realtor, so we can cover everything, but he does not do commercial work for a reason – it is a very different “animal” that requires special skills. Mary Gajda Mary Gajda a multimedia specialist at M3 Group. She is a wife, mom and photographer who loves music, Pinterest and all things chocolate.

You want an expert negotiator; a firm advocate and someone knowledgeable about structural issues, the lending process; and an agent who is a strategic problem-solver. Set a budget for repairs/updates and have an agent out to help evaluate and prioritize projects for best (return on investment). Staging is very beneficial as it helps place La

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FEATURE

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FEATURE

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VISUAL BREAKDOWN

VISUAL BREAKDOWN Mortgage Rates on the Decline

The government-controlled company Freddie Mac expects mortgage rates to remain low over the next two years, averaging 3.8% in 2020 and 2021. Its forecast indicates the housing market will continue to stand ﬁrm, with home sales increasing from 6 million in 2019 to 6.2 million and then to 6.3 million for 2020 and 2021, respectively. House price growth is expected to decelerate through 2021, with annual rates of 3.2%, 2.8% and 2.1% in 2019, 2020 and 2021, respectively.

Not for Sale

Despite attractive interest rates, Realtor.com believes a lack of homes on the market in 2020 will drive down existing home sales by 1.8% to 5.23 million. Home prices are likely to decline in Chicago, Dallas, Las Vegas, Miami and San Francisco. The website believes top markets in 2020 will be found in Boise, Idaho; McAllen, Texas; Tucson, Arizona; Chattanooga, Tennessee; Columbia, South Carolina; Rochester, New York; Colorado Springs, Colorado; Winston-Salem, North Carolina; Charleston, South Carolina; and Memphis, Tennessee.

Out of the Price Range

In a year-end report from real estate researchers at Attom Data Solutions, the average wage earner can’t aﬀord to buy a home in 71% of the United States, which is an improvement from 73% in the third quarter and 75% a year earlier. With the national median home price at $257,000, homebuyers need a gross income of $67,647. However, the average annual wage in the nation is $58,214.

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VISUAL BREAKDOWN

Retail on the Ropes

The Motley Fool company Million Acres sees the continuation of a troubling trend. More than 9,000 retail stores are expected to have closed by the end of 2019. That follows 5,524 that shuttered in 2018 and 8,139 that closed in 2017. Retail closures are expected to continue in 2020 at a rate that outweighs new openings.

Avoiding the Mallpocalypse

Axios predicts 2020 as the year of the mall makeover, with more nonretail destination options ﬁlling the anchor vacancies left by big-box department stores. Fitness, entertainment and services such as tattoo parlors that can’t be moved online are expected to help boost the vital signs for malls, which were once believed to be beyond saving from extinction.

Pumping the Brakes on Refinancing Reﬁnance originations were expected to be $846 billion in 2019 before slowing to $650 billion in 2020 and $475 billion in 2021, according to Freddie Mac. Modest increases in home sales and house prices are predicted to boost purchase mortgage organizations for the foreseeable future.

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Left to right: Jennifer Charette, Rachel Michaud, Ashley Brzenzinski and Tricia Walthorn 26

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TEAMWORK MAKES THE DREAM WORK Gillespie Group’s encouraging vision for Lansing BY ALLISON SPOONER

Pat Gillespie is an eternal optimist. When the founder and president of Gillespie Group hears of a business closing, his focus turns to what the land and the building could be instead of what it was.

He views the fact that Lansing isn’t like Detroit or Grand Rapids as an advantage instead of a setback. “We’re grittier. We’re smaller. We’re more diverse. That’s our advantage.”

He observed that Lansing is growing more slowly than other cities, but he also pointed out that the area’s growth hasn’t stopped in the last decade, even when other cities stalled out.

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COVER STORY

Pat Gillespie speaks at the groundbreaking for BLOCK600

“It’s hard to complain about steady progress,” he said.

TEAMWORK MAKES THE DREAM WORK

So, why is Gillespie so optimistic about Lansing’s potential when a lot of comments centering around the city tend to be negative? “It beats the other way,” he said. And, when you view the city through his eyes, it’s hard not to share in that optimism.

Gillespie’s vision includes that of his team. Where he goes, the team is on hand working in sync to bring projects to life.

It seems Gillespie’s optimistic attitude started when he was a child growing up on Lansing’s east side. During his youth, he was enamored with the downtown area and loved visiting the Knapp’s Centre. Even though he never thought of his hometown as one that needed fixing, he always loved the idea of buying rental homes to improve. It was something he knew could really make a positive impact on a neighborhood. Taking something old and making it new again was Gillespie’s first love within the real estate field, which may explain Gillespie Group’s passion for revitalization projects. It also explains its monumental role in Lansing’s growth over the last decade.

“Early on, I learned that the vision I had for Gillespie Group could only go so far with what I know and can do by myself,” said Gillespie. “In order for those visions to become a reality, it became clear that I needed a team of exceptional people who’s unique abilities and passions surrounded the execution of a well laid out plan to truly be successful. What we are able to achieve today simply would not be possible without the entire team we have at GG.” Gillespie’s team includes Vice President Rachel Michaud. A part of the team for nearly 22 years, Gillespie described Michaud as “the steady force that manages the vision from start to completion. She is the glue that holds things together at Gillespie Group, playing a crucial role in every aspect of the organization.” Director of Finance Tricia Walthorn lines up funds to make the big dreams

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and vison become a reality. “Often, that means blazing trails in a whole new territory while navigating complexities that are sometimes uncertain and managing risks and expectations of our investors,” said Gillespie. Director of Operations Jennifer Charette leads the largest group of team members within Gillespie Group with a focus on both residential and commercial management, as well as Human Resources. Director of Marketing Ashley Brzenzinski communicates the vison of Gillespie Group’s projects, often introducing new concepts to the area. “Ashley is passionate about our vision here at Gillespie. She works to deliver our message both internally and externally with a focus on progress and positive community impact.” Gillespie further noted that he feels it’s important that people know that they are here by choice. “We are thrilled to be able to develop and manage outside of the Lansing area, and have done so in many wonderful markets, but this will always be our home.” Gillespie said.

COVER STORY

Left to right: Tricia Walthorn, Jason Kildea, Pat Gillespie (seated), Ashley Brzenzinksi, Rachel Michaud (seated) and Jennifer Charette.

Jason Kildea, director of project and construction management, oversees making the dream a visual reality. “Jason leads all things related to the construction, renovation and rehabilitation of our developments. He finds his passion by being the boots on the ground, if you will. As the Gillespie team member working in the trenches, he is charged with making sure our brand and vision are executed at every level of physical construction,” said Gillespie.

BIG NAMES SPUR SMALL PROJECTS No matter how you view its progress, there are signs everywhere that Lansing is making dramatic strides forward. You can see those signs of life in the activity taking place not only in the city but across the region. Although it can test one’s patience, the constant construction is a sign of progress. The cranes, the new subdivisions and buildings popping up are all signs of the future. “The whole region is growing,” said Gillespie.

Those cranes aren’t going anywhere anytime soon as big names make commitments to come to the Lansing area. That itself is a great sign. “Companies like Meijer and Marriott do their homework,” Gillespie said of two major projects coming to the downtown area. “They’re taking notice and they’re deciding it’s time to be in Lansing. When the big players start taking a look like that, it means we’re onto something. “These are the moments in which cities really start to change,” he added. The Gillespie Group team is now turning their optimistic eyes on the cities that seem to be “outgrowing” Lansing. When Grand Rapids got the Medical Mile and its hotels and high-rises, that’s when the big things started happening. When the big developments come in, it drives the older buildings in smaller neighborhoods to be hipper, cooler and worth investing in, Gillespie said. “We don’t think you get one without the other,” he noted. “They come hand in hand.

Big things come in and the locals bring back the old buildings and small neighborhoods to support the new developments.” While a closing business may seem like a setback to many, to an eternal optimist and real estate professional, the bankruptcy of Sears means that a 14-acre piece of land on the highway, next to Michigan State University and across from a $300 million development is an opportunity to put something new and progressive there, something that really draws people to the area. “Yes, a business is closing and that’s awful,” said Gillespie. “But, freeing up a piece of land of that size to develop on the Michigan Avenue corridor, opens the doors to great possibility. That may be one of the best pieces of land in Lansing and a lot of other cities.” He and his team aren’t the only ones that thinks so. Gillespie Group is already getting calls from outside developers about the land. Gillespie Group sees that area as the target for the next round of growth for the city. Gillespie and team think that in the La

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“OFTEN THAT MEANS BLAZING TRAILS IN A WHOLE NEW TERRITORY WHILE NAVIGATING COMPLEXITIES THAT ARE SOMETIMES UNCERTAIN AND MANAGING RISKS AND EXPECTATIONS OF OUR INVESTORS.” SAID PAT GILLESPIE, CHIEF VISIONARY, FOUNDER AND PRESIDENT OF GILLESPIE GROUP.

Pat Gillespie

next five years, the area from U.S. 127 to the MSU campus could be explosive.

BUILDING A PLACE OF PRIDE There’s still much more growth to come, but the team also sees the growth we’ve already achieved. “We hear a lot of outsiders come in, and the ones that haven’t been here are pleasantly surprised. The ones we like the most are the people that have left and come back after five or seven years; those are the best barometer. They saw what it was, and 30

when they say, ‘I can’t believe how much it’s changed,’ those are the comments that let you see you’re making a difference.” Gillespie Group wants current residents to have that same sense of awe. Their ultimate vision for Lansing doesn’t focus on a specific a dollar amount for developments or a specific number of new buildings. It centers around an overall experience. Gillespie Group has contributed a lot to Lansing’s growth. With his team, Gillespie knows his ultimate vision is possible: “They’re all entwined in the community. The whole team has

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a passion for making the city and the community better. They take pride in it.” The pride Gillespie has in his team shows. The staff genuinely enjoys working together. They celebrate the wins and play hard frequently as a team. “We pride ourselves on professional growth of teammates and promoting within,” said Gillespie. Whatever the formula, it’s working for Gillespie Group. And that’s why teamwork makes the dream work.

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PRESENTED BY:

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Nathaniel Eyde

YOUR COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE CHECKLIST

A guide to due diligence for businesses on the move BY ADAM LANSDELL

If you’re a business owner, you’re certain to encounter one or both of the following milestones: selecting your business’s first commercial location and deciding where to transition once you’ve outgrown your existing space. One is a hopeful sign of the amazing things to come for your new business and the other is a benchmark of progress and growth that signifies a need for change. Delving into the world of commercial real estate can be daunting. There are seemingly endless things to consider – and your due diligence is required when selecting a property for your business. “When contemplating site selection, space planning or anything related to commercial real estate strategy, a business owner would 32

be greatly served by making a checklist,” said Nathaniel Eyde, member of The Eyde Co. “That checklist, however, is much less of a to-do list and much more of a statement of the core values of the business.” So, where do you begin? What’s the best location? How much will it cost? What features are a necessity? If you’re struggling to answer those questions or uncertain what to place on your checklist, Greater Lansing Business Monthly is here to help you navigate selecting and purchasing or renting your next location.

IDENTIFY YOUR NEEDS According to Eyde, a business owner’s site selection checklist should start with

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this question: What exactly do I need in order to succeed in this business? “With some businesses, it’s very simple, such as ‘I have a trucking company, so I need to be near a freeway,’” said Eyde. “With others, it’s more complex. ‘Should I be downtown or in the suburbs?’ ‘Do I really need four parking spaces per 1,000 square feet of office space?’ The best thing a business owner can do is to start with their own most major intentions or needs, then work down from there.”

BUY OR RENT When determining whether to buy or rent, it’s important that you have a clear understanding of your business’s financial standing. As a business owner, it’s up to

FEATURE

you to determine which is best for your organization’s future. Buying commercial property has a larger upfront cost and typically requires a more thorough vetting process; whereas renting exchanges property management and lower upfront costs for what will likely be a higher cost over an extended period of time.

SEEK PROFESSIONAL GUIDANCE While the decision remains in your hands, a little help from someone familiar with commercial properties is a welcome asset. According to Amy Richter-Perkins, senior associate and retail adviser for Martin Commercial Properties, you may want to talk to your certified public accountant about the benefits and ramifications of purchasing versus leasing a building or space for your business. Or you may work with a commercial property manager directly to see which of his or her available properties would serve as good fit for your business. Once the core values are identified, then the time comes to consult professionals and partners. In the commercial real estate game, there are several resources when it comes to site selection.

COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE OWNERS

best possible purchase price and terms,” said Richter-Perkins. “They’ll also ensure that your due diligence period is sufficient to investigate all necessary aspects to determine if the property is suited for your use, which may include performing required environmental inspections, obtaining lender required surveys and appraisals, receiving municipality approvals, and evaluation of improvement/ construction costs for your intended use.”

LIMITATIONS AND RULES/ REGULATIONS Knowing the lay of the land is valuable information for selecting a commercial destination, especially if you’re moving into a municipality where you’ve had limited interactions. Each municipality has its own set of rules and regulations regarding property management, zoning and more. These details could limit the function and processes of your business or present new obstacles if selecting to purchase a property that may need to be modified for adherence. Vetting each property with a working knowledge of the municipality could save you from major unanticipated costs and fines down the road.

YOUR KEY TO SUCCESS Throughout your quest for a new commercial property, be sure to ask questions, seek out professional advice and do whatever it takes to be certain you’ve done your due diligence. The key to success lies within your approach. Creating a clearly defined set of goals, determining your financial standing and considering necessary personnel for involvement will place you on the right track. “The key to a successful site search is having clear goals and intentions,” said Eyde. “You must then select a service provider who will listen to and process that and follow up with question after question and answer after answer that leads to your fulfillment of those values and, ultimately, the space to do business that is right for you.” Adam Lansdell is a Grand Valley State University alumnus, and currently a communications specialist with M3 Group of Lansing. With a passion for all things creative it comes as no surprise that he’s also a musician, movie buff and graphic designer. Lansdell spends his down time biking and spending too much of his personal income on concert tickets or vinyl records.

“Often, a business owner will elect to work directly with an owner of a property or properties,” said Eyde. “This approach has its own advantages in that the business owner can gain a more granular knowledge of a specific building or space, and that owner can have the benefit of a clear and direct communication between two principals without the intermediary.”

REAL ESTATE AGENTS “Hire a real estate agent to represent you. While any agent licensed in the state of Michigan can assist you, it is recommended that you work with a broker specializing in commercial real estate in the area you are looking in” said Richter-Perkins. “If you don’t know an agent, you can ask for recommendations from municipal officials, your lender or other business professionals, or even perform a quick Google search to find an agent in your area.”

THIRD-PARTY COMMERCIAL BROKERAGES Brokers play a unique role in the process and, in most cases, it’s best to have one available to assist with the negotiation and acquisition process. Brokers can keep you on track and help ensure you’ve followed your checklist to a T. “A commercial broker will help guide you through the process, will help negotiate the La

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BY STEFANIE POHL | PHOTO BY MARY GAJDA

ELOY MARTINEZ

American Portfolio Mortgage Corp. With branch locations across the United States, American Portfolio Mortgage Corp. is an independent direct lender and mortgage broker aimed at providing customers with a smooth and stress-free loan process. Eloy Martinez, a senior loan officer, helped bring American Portfolio to the Lansing area in 2016. Martinez recently sat down with Greater Lansing Business Monthly and shared his background, what sets American Portfolio apart from other lenders and what to expect in the industry in 2020.

CAN YOU GIVE US A PEEK INSIDE YOUR BACKGROUND AND DESCRIBE YOUR ROLE WITH AMERICAN PORTFOLIO MORTGAGE? After college, I worked retail sales for a short time, but in 2001 got into the mortgage industry. I entered into the industry via a mortgage broker, and after a few years I hired in as a mortgage banker at Standard Federal. I stayed with the big banks throughout the majority of my career and weathered the transitions of Standard Federal being bought out by LaSalle Bank and, ultimately, Bank of 34

America. In 2010, I transitioned from Bank of America to Wells Fargo as there was some opportunity to bring their mortgage presence to the Greater Lansing area. Being with the major banks helped bring great knowledge of mortgage products, processes and underwriting guidelines.

buyer’s loan process. Our company is built for seasoned loan officers, allowing us to originate loans with minimal to no overlays in underwriting. When we run our desktop underwriting, we’re able to underwrite directly to those results without adding additional requirements.

In 2016 an opportunity arose for me and another colleague to bring American Portfolio Mortgage Corp. to the Greater Lansing area. We opened our office in the north end of Lansing on the border of DeWitt Township. This company has been amazing and has brought great stability to the services we can provide to our referral Realtor partners and homebuying clients. I’m a senior loan officer with American Portfolio Mortgage, and helping families achieve homeownership is an awesome sense of accomplishment.

I believe a lot of successes come from the top down. What I mean by that is that our company president/owner knows what it is firsthand to be a loan officer since he once operated in that role. Some top executives of financial institutions have great knowledge of the mortgage process, but there is definitely something to be said when the powers at be have firsthand experience to know what loan officers deal with on a day-to-day basis.

WHAT SETS AMERICAN PORTFOLIO MORTGAGE APART FROM OTHERS AS A BUSINESS? Being senior loan officers at APMC, our experience of originating helps to keep the process somewhat predictable to a certain degree to know how to best navigate the

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WHAT GOT YOU INTERESTED IN THIS INDUSTRY? I came across the mortgage industry by an unexpected opportunity. At the time, I was in a sales position prospecting at a business complex, came across a mortgage office, gave them my pitch and then they gave me theirs. The rest is history. I learned a lot in those first few years after

BEHIND THE SCENES

entering into the mortgage industry, and then just grew to enjoy helping families with their homeownership dreams.

ARE THERE COMMON MISCONCEPTIONS OR THINGS PEOPLE DON’T KNOW ABOUT YOUR LINE OF WORK? A misconception might be that it’s really hard to get a mortgage. I think if clients are educated as to why certain things are being asked of them, they can see how the dots connect to pave their way to obtaining a mortgage. I will say that it is a detailed process, which, in my opinion, is more of a quality-control practice. The better scenarios and situations are documented, the better understanding can be conveyed for those reviewing the files.

WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT YOUR JOB? I love the people. I’m a people person. I wouldn’t say that I have the gift of gab, but I enjoy the presence of people and helping them accomplish the American dream. My job also allows me a f lexible work schedule. There are many times that I need to travel with my family for business and personal engagements, but I’m able to work

remotely with complete success. One of my Realtor referral partners gave me a great compliment when she said, “I didn’t even know that you were out of state. You work f lawlessly and always answer my calls, so I didn’t even know you were traveling.” That’s one of the greatest compliments I think I’ve received in my career.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE SOMEONE WHO IS INTERESTED IN PURSUING A CAREER IN THIS INDUSTRY OR WITH YOUR BUSINESS? For those interested in becoming a loan officer in the mortgage industry, I would encourage that person find a seasoned professional and take them for a coffee. Pick their brains about their day-to-day responsibilities, monthly achievements and goals. If they find themselves interested, then seek the opportunity to be mentored by a seasoned professional.

I wish I had a crystal ball to be able to predict the rate environment. But I will say things are pointing to a rate-friendly environment for 2020. Rates are at an absolute all-time low. There’s no doubt about that. I would encourage families renting homes that now is a great time to see if you qualify for a mortgage. I think they’d be really surprised that they could own their home for the same amount they’re paying for rent and, in some instances, a lower mortgage payment. Stefanie Pohl earned a bachelors degree in English and creative writing from Michigan State University and a masters degree in writing and Publishing from DePaul University. She is currently a freelance writer raising her two young daughters with her Spartan sweetheart. Find her musings about motherhood and more on her blog, www.mostefinitely.com. Stefanie has been spelling out her name since 1985.

WHAT SHOULD PEOPLE EXPECT IN THE NEW YEAR WITH REGARD TO TRENDS OR CHANGES IN THE FIELD OF REAL ESTATE AND MORTGAGES FOR 2020?

Put your business at the Centre of it all

Eyde Co. is now leasing space at the Knapp’s Centre | Call today (517) 351-2480 | eyde.com La

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GRANNEMANN WINS ATHENA LEADERSHIP AWARD

Karen Grannemann

to achieve meaningful outcomes, both at the University Club and in service to our community.

Karen Grannemann, CEO and general manager for the University Club of Michigan State University, will be recognized March 24 as the recipient of the 2019 ATHENA Leadership Award.

The ATHENA Leadership Award is presented annually in over 500 communities internationally. It recognizes individuals for professional excellence, providing valuable service to the community, and actively assisting women in their attainment of professional excellence and leadership skills. “When I look at the amazing women who have received this award, as well as the many others who wholeheartedly deserve it, being named the 2019 ATHENA recipient is both humbling and affirming,” said Grannemann. “The true reward has been working with amazing people

“However, knowing that my colleagues have noticed the efforts and appreciate the results is uplifting beyond description. It’s also a call to continue giving my all, and I will certainly do my best to earn the recognition as well as the trust with which it was given.”

HAMILTON TO LEAD LANSING CHAMBER BOARD Wendy Hamilton, CEO of TechSmith, has been tapped as chairwomen of the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce board of directors for 2020. She will succeed Patrick Dean of Dean Transportation, who will remain on the board as past chair. Mike Zamiara of Niowave will serve as chair-elect and is in line to serve as board chair in 2021. In addition to Hamilton, Dean and Zamiara, 2020 chamber board officers include Patricia Scott of Foster Swift Collins & Smith as legal counsel; Andrew Rose of Rehmann as treasurer; and Tim Daman, chamber president and CEO. The board includes seven newcomers:

Andrew Rose of Rehmann, Lisa Ellen Smith of Inverve Marketing, Todd Surline of Hiring Solutions, Keith Granger of Granger, Roger Graff of Farm Bureau Insurance Co., Jim Farrell of Dart Container and Tina Brumley of Auto-Owners Insurance Co.

GM’S PURTY AND FONVILLE RECEIVE HONORS General Motors announced that Marcos Purty, executive director of Lansing Delta Township Assembly, and Eric Fonville, development engineer for propulsion structures, sealing and fastening, have won one of industry’s most important honors in science, technology, engineering and math. In February, Purty received the Career Achievement Award and Fonville received the Research Leadership Award during the Black Engineer of the Year Awards in Washington, D.C. “Driving the future of mobility will depend on a deep and diverse talent pool that can bring their whole selves to work,” said General Motors Chairman and CEO Mary Barra. “As our industry continues to evolve, leveraging our diverse talent and empowering employees to

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infuse unique perspectives into all we do will position GM to shape the future of mobility and achieve our vision of a world with zero crashes, zero emissions and zero congestion.” For more than 30 years, awards presented at the BEYA STEM Conference have honored excellence in STEM and underscored the serious under-representation of minorities in STEM and at senior levels in all disciplines. Employers committed to inclusion have chosen the BEYA STEM Conference to exchange best practices and strategies on how to promote and retain diversity in scientific and technical fields.

ACKERSON RECEIVES SHIAWASSEE CHAMBER MISSION AWARD LAFCU’s Julianne Ackerson LAFCU - Ackerson received the 2020 Mission Award from the Shiawassee Regional Chamber of Commerce at its annual dinner and awards night Feb. 6.

Chamber representatives brought balloons to the LAFCU Corunna branch in January to surprise Ackerson with the good news. She is the assistant vice president of branch operations and is responsible for managing the credit union’s Owosso and Corunna branches. The Mission Award recognizes a member who has helped chamber staff meet the organization’s mission of advancing economic success in Shiawassee County. Staff members nominate an individual who has demonstrated a strong commitment to the chamber and gives generously of his or her time and talent. “Julianne is a great influence upon our chamber staff,” said Jeff Deason, chamber president and CEO. “She always gives thoughtful consideration in her roles as a board member and a member of the many event planning committees on which she has served and currently serves.”

MASON PUBLIC SCHOOLS FOUNDATION GIFTS $110,000 TO MASON PUBLIC SCHOOLS Over the 2018-19 school year, the Mason Public Schools Foundation (MPSF) gifted $110,000 to Mason Public Schools

for instructional programming. One example of the support provided by the MPSF includes the upcoming addition of an afterschool Language Arts and Math Enrichment Program. Courses are available for students in grades 2-3, 4-5 and 6-8. “Thanks to the generous $8,000 grant from the Mason Public Schools Foundation, there is no cost for these afterschool courses to families,” said Superintendent Ronald Drzewicki, Ed.S. “The MPSF is a wonderful asset for the Mason community. The founders of the organization and those who continue to run it truly value education and the future of the community.” “The Mason Public Schools Foundation is happy to provide funding and support to our school district. Without these funds, raised by the community, students’ exposure to opportunities like the Wharton Center and 3D printing may not be possible,” added Patrick Meyers, President of the Mason Public Schools Foundation.

MANER COSTERISAN NAMED TO VAR STARS Maner Costerisan Business & Technology

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Solutions was selected to be a member of the Bob Scott’s VAR Stars for 2019, a group of 100 organizations honored for accomplishments in the mid-market financial software field. Members of the VAR Stars were selected based on factors such as growth, industry leadership, and recognition and innovation. Selected firms represent a wide range of sizes, as well as many different accounting software publishers. “Being named a VAR Star is a high honor for Maner Costerisan,” said Dave Feenstra, director of the business solutions and technology department at Maner Costerisan. “We focus on enhancing our services and strengthening client relations by providing technology solutions as part of our client services. Receiving recognition as a technology leader encourages us to continue advancing our solutions expertise because they truly move the needle for those relying on us for their technology needs.” Scott has covered this market for nearly 28 years through print and electronic publications, first as technology editor of Accounting Today and later as the editor of Accounting Technology from 1997 through 2009. He has covered the traditional tax and accounting profession during the same time and has continued to address that market as editor of Progressive Accountant.

TOMLINSON RETIRES AS PECKHAM CEO Mitch Tomlinson, Peckham’s president and CEO since 1994, will retire after 43 years of service at Peckham. He has passionately led the organization toward a mission-focused vision of empowering individuals with disabilities to succeed. Tomlinson began his career at Peckham in 1976 as its second employee. Over the years, he has led the award-winning organization toward best practices in vocational rehabilitation and superior business operations. During his tenure, Tomlinson effectively led the overall operations of five social enterprises in apparel manufacturing, environmental services, supply chain solutions, contact center solutions and Peckham Farms, while overseeing a human services division that provides myriad wraparound support services and life-enhancing activities for more than 2,500 individuals each day.

MANER COSTERISAN NAMES NEW MANAGER Maner Costerisan named Cortney Plowman as a manager in the firm. Plowman has worked

for five years for the Lansing-based certified public accounting firm and will serve in the audit department in her new supervisory role. In her managerial position, Plowman will be organizing and overseeing audits to help identify risks within client organizations and foster management plans to address those risks. In Plowman addition, she will assist in the career development and professional advancement of apprentice-level staff within department teams. It’s the people she interacts with, both inside and outside the firm, who make the work Plowman performs so rewarding. The certified public accountant began working at Maner Costerisan as an associate in 2015 after earning her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degree from Central Michigan University, where she majored in accounting. “I was always good at math and liked working with numbers, but I also knew that I wanted to work with people,” Plowman

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said. “The fact that accounting allowed me to not only work with numbers, but also to help people — it was a perfect fit.”

BURCHAM HILLS BREAKS GROUND ON DEVELOPMENT

Groundbreaking 2020

Officials from Burcham Hills and community supporters donned hard hats and grabbed shovels Jan. 8 for the official groundbreaking of the new StoneBriar at Burcham Hills development, a $29 million expansion that will feature 44 independent living apartment homes with underground parking for residents. About 100 local businesspeople, Burcham Hills board members and future StoneBriar residents gathered to drink a toast to the official start of construction and hear how it will impact the community.

“Our goal throughout the process has been to raise the bar on senior living,” Burcham Hills Executive Director Kari Rennie said. “StoneBriar will inspire exploration and discover and provide a fresh, contemporary approach to senior living.” StoneBriar at Burcham Hills recently completed a renovation that included new amenities, such as a dining venue with outdoor seating, wellness and activity spaces, a salon and spa, group exercise areas with fitness and strength equipment, and a multipurpose space for residents. The 44 independent living apartment homes are part of the 65,000-square-foot expansion in contemporary living options. The StoneBriar at Burcham Hills expansion is scheduled to be completed in summer 2021.

TROPIC LIKE IT’S HOT ANNOUNCES NEW HIRE

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Tropic Like It’s Hot Airbrush Tanning in Okemos recently announced

the addition of Charlee Zimmer to the team. Zimmer is a resident of East Lansing. “Charlee is an amazing cosmetologist, esthetician and certified airbrush artist with a life dedicated to beauty and fashion,” said owner Allie Pratt. “I interviewed 20 candidates for this position, and Charlee is the best of the best.”

MARTIN ASSISTS EDL IN LEASE OF SITE Martin Commercial Properties, a leading privately owned real estate services and development company, has assisted Energy Development Limited in signing a 10,430-squarefoot office lease at 2501 Coolidge Road in East Lansing. EDL will occupy a portion of the 100,000-square-foot building with Biggby Coffee corporate as its co-tenant. The building is situated on the east side of U.S. 127 and is approximately 3 miles northwest of downtown East Lansing. The building is currently owned and managed by Sam Eyde Management Co. “We are ecstatic that EDL is relocating their North American headquarters to East Lansing,” said

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Thomas Jamieson, senior associate and office adviser at Martin Commercial Properties. “We were honored to represent them in their search for space. We recognize the importance of EDL’s move, and we believe it will further solidify East Lansing as a top growing city for professionals and bring jobs to the community. We are delighted to create this partnership with EDL, and we look forward to assisting them with any future needs.”

HELLER HONORED AS NUMISMATIC AMBASSADOR At the Florida United Numismatist convention in Orlando on Patrick Heller Jan. 10, Liberty Coin Service Communications Officer Patrick A. Heller was honored as one of five new Numismatic Ambassadors. He is now one of just over 200 people so honored by the hobby and industry since 1974. “There are only a handful of Michigan residents who have received this honor, which is akin to a lifetime achievement award,” said Liberty CEO

Tom Coulson. “Pat was not only an owner of Liberty Coin Service for 33 years, he also devoted a significant time as a volunteer to further the numismatic hobby and industry. He has worked with Scouts and 4-H; made presentations in more than 100 school classrooms; served as an officer or on committees for multiple numismatic organizations; served as a numismatic exhibit judge; has given speeches to senior citizens, service organizations, churches, coin clubs and investment conferences across the country; authored more than 1,000 articles and newsletters; produced almost 1,000 radio commentaries; and has helped gained sales tax exemptions on retail sales of rare coins and precious metals in Michigan and 16 other states. On top of that, he also calls himself the ‘unofficial artist’ of the 2004 Michigan statehood quarter, where he was the primary author of the written instructions supplied to the U.S. Mint’s engraver to create the coin’s design.” Liberty Coin Service, founded in 1971, is Michigan’s largest rare coin and precious metals dealership. Liberty Coins, as it is known locally, has been located in Lansing’s Frandor Shopping Center since 1975.

MIDEC WELCOMES NEW MEMBERS TO COMMITTEE

The Michigan Diversity Education Center announced the appointment of two new members to the Michigan Disability Advisory Committee. Dr. Sharon Bland-Brady and Calvin Kennebrew Jr. were appointed Jan. 9 at the first MDAC meeting of the year. “MiDEC continually strives to be a voice for the underserved, oppressed and marginalized here in the Greater Lansing region and throughout the state, and the work MDAC does is critical to our mission,” said Gina Pons-Schultz, chair of the MiDEC board of directors. MiDEC, a Michigan based 501(c)(3) taxdeductible nonprofit organization, was created to serve as a strong voice and global change-agents for those who are being marginalized, underserved or experiencing barricades that are preventing them from full access to a high-quality of life.

DTE DIRECTOR ELECTED TO HABITAT BOARD The Habitat for Humanity of Michigan board of directors unanimously elected Rodney Cole Jr., director of state government affairs for DTE Energy, to join the board.

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Cole was identified as an ideal candidate because of his extensive experience with legislative activities and managing relationships with government officials, focusing on strengthening relationships with Michigan’s public sector leaders to create and implement policy. Cole also serves on the board of directors for the American Association for Blacks in Energy Michigan, Black Caucus Foundation of Michigan, Connect Detroit, Midnight Golf and the Wayne State University Press Board of Visitors. Cole serves as a member of Teen Hype’s advisory board and co-chair of the Children’s Trust Fund of Michigan advisory committee. “Habitat for Humanity is far more than building homes,” said Sandra Pearson, president and CEO of Habitat for Humanity of Michigan. “Our No. 1 priority is to advocate for quality housing for all that is achieved within limited family budgets. Rodney has the skills, experience and passion to help us put a voice to the needs of Michiganders, both in the realm of housing people can afford and in achieving energy efficiencies to keep utility costs down, which means money for other important household needs. We look forward to working with Rodney and building up our DTE partnership.”

LE JOINS MARTIN AS MARKETING, COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER

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with Adult Enrichment Programs

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Martin Commercial Properties has welcomed Samantha Le to its marketing team. Le will serve as the marketing and communications manager and will be responsible for all property-specific and institutional marketing aspects of the company including brokerage, property management, project management, investment services and corporate services. “We are extremely pleased to welcome Samantha to Martin Commercial,” said Van Martin, president and CEO of Martin Commercial Properties. “Her experience in marketing combined with her transacting commercial real estate knowledge makes Samantha the optimal hire. We couldn’t be happier that she has chosen to bring her talents to Lansing.” Prior to joining Martin Commercial Properties, Le was as senior leasing associate at Sterling Organization from 2014 to 2019 and was responsible for leasing over 3 million square feet of retail in Chicagoland and the Twin Cities (Minneapolis and St. Paul). During Le’s tenure, she signed over 400 leases with independent and national operators. Prior to that role, Le worked in luxury student housing development at CA Ventures as a regional leasing and marketing director. Le joined CA Ventures after two years

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with Pierce Education Properties. She received a bachelor’s degree in advertising and public relations from Michigan State University.

PEAK PERFORMANCE OPENING NEW CLINIC

Peak Performance Therapy’s additional location will be at 132 South Cedar St. in Mason

Peak Performance Physical Therapy is expanding its services with a new clinic location opening in summer 2020 at 132 S. Cedar St. in Mason. “We are so excited to expand our services to the Mason area,” said Jill Marlan, CEO and founder of Peak Performance Physical Therapy. “Our commitment to excellence, combined with our mission to deliver outstanding physical therapy, has earned our company the excellent reputation it holds today.” Peak Performance Physical Therapy currently has three clinical locations in Lansing, Okemos and DeWitt with two athletic training locations at Lansing Community College and Great Lakes Christian College. For more information about Peak Performance Physical Therapy, visit PeakPerformanceOMPT.com.

MARTIN ARRANGES SALE IN MASON Martin Commercial Properties, a leading privately owned real estate services and development company, recently brokered the sale of an 8,604-square-foot office building at 210 State St. in Mason. The building was purchased by Smart Places LLC, a technology company specializing in smart technology for the home and office. The company is owned by John Gilluly, who will be relocating his business to Mason from its current space in Okemos. Martin Commercial Properties Senior Associate Thomas Jamieson represented the buyer. “We are very happy we could assist Mr. Gilluly in his search for space,” said Jamieson. “Smart Places LLC has been searching for new office space for several years. We were glad we could help them find the perfect fit.”

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