CCIM talks growth
CCIM & Missouri Growth Association presented “Government Affairs and its Effect on Kansas City Real Estate” recently at its monthly breakfast meeting at Mission Hills Country Club. Above, event speakers Brian Grave, lobbyist for Missouri Growth Association, with Sonnenschein Nath & Rosenthal, Jeff Kaczmarek, CEO of the Economic Development Corp., and Luke Bell, Lobbyist for Kansas Association of REALTORS.
David Hodes with KC Business Magazine and Aaron Mesmer with Block Real Estate Services. They were pleased that the speakers were “cautiously optimistic” about the current economic development climate, and that “Kansas City’s economy is holding up very well.” The speakers told the group that” this is the time to position yourself with political leaders, that this is the time to position yourself for success.” And yes, there’s lots of federal loan money out there, but most of it has “strings attached.”
Jason Hobick and Kory Hochler with the U.S. General Services Administration
Doug Hedrick with Grubb & Ellis and Chuck Connely, president of C.C. Connely & Associates LLC, builder financial services group.
Shirley Harpool with Varnum/Armstrong/Deeter, and Diana Ennis, Manager, Stewart Title Company, and CREW chapter president
Kerr readies for Freight House District Auction
On May 6, numerous properties (see the ones above and below) in the Freight House District and in the 3700 block of Main Street will be auctioned off to the highest bidders. But time is running out — sealed bids are due April 29, said Gib Kerr, who is handling the sale along with David E. Gilmore and Don Erler of Sperry Van Ness.
The estate of the late Kansas City developer Tom Levitt will be auctioned off, and it includes 8 historic buildings and 2 parking lots in the Freight House District, and 3 buildings and 2 parking lots in the 3700 block of Main St. The Freight House buildings are eligible for historic tax credits up to 45 percent or qualified redevelopment costs. This area has been reborn over the last decade as a cultural, commercial and residential center of Kansas City. Featuring new streetscapes, outstanding restaurants, hundreds of loft apartments and a vibrant arts scene, its has become a sought-after urban environment. The Main Street buildings up for auction also include historic tax credits and other incentives. This area serves as a vital connection between downtown and the Country Club Plaza. It is experiencing an economic renaissance as many new businesses and residents are relocating to the area. For more information, call Kerr at 816-303-2117 or visit www.svnauctions.com.
Deb Churchill, Property Manager of the City Market, wins top award
The City of Kansas City, and Copaken, White & Blitt, LLC, the property management company of the City Market, have announced that Deb Churchill, Property Manager of the City Market, was awarded Produce Market Manager of the Year by the National Association of Produce Market Managers during the annual conference in Dallas. She won the award for her dedication to the City Market and her significant contributions to the industry on a national level. She manages day-to-day operations for an 11- acre, multi-use property with approximately 125,000 square feet of leasable space. Churchill manages a $1.3 million dollar annual budget and has coordinated and managed approximately $3.9 million in capital improvements. Property management of the City Market goes beyond the real estate aspect, including oversight of the largest farmers’ market in Missouri as well as festivals, events and concerts.