A new President’s Club formed by Walt Clements (above), director of the Lewis White Real Estate Center at UMKC, reads like a who’s who list within the local commercial real estate industry — and that’s exactly what Clements wanted. “We really want to capitalize on the synergy of the various commercial real estate groups in our area,” Clements said. “Until now, there’s never really been a forum for all of us to get together.” This group will get involved in politics regarding development and economic issues on a state and local level, and will meet once or twice a year to discuss emerging issues. The group also will give a boost to UMKC’s new real estate school by supporting it and spreading the word, Clements said. Among those who took part in the inaugural club meeting were Dan Musser, Paul Fogel, Charles Connely, Diana Ennis, Jon Hitchcock, Anne Lemon, Ken Jaggers, Jay Tomlison, John Snyder, Joe Vaught and Tim Weaver.
Clements also wants to get the word out about an important course being offered for anyone in commercial real estate, on Wednesday nights, Aug. 25 through Dec. 17 at the UMKC Bloch School: “What happens if the real estate deal goes bad: Chapter 11?” Taught by skilled litigator R. Pete Smith, senior partner of McDowell, Rice, Smith & Buchanan, P.C., this course will provide a variety of situations, positions and strategies that provide the most effective means and methods for any stakeholder that may be impacted by the recent downturn in the real estate industry. For more information, call 816-235-5188.
Embassy Landscape stands the test of time
Embassy Landscape has been creating unique outdoor environments for both commercial landscape and residential landscape clients in the Kansas City area for more than 25 years. (Above is the Shoal Creek Valley Gatehouse in the Northland off Highway 152 and Shoal Creek Parkway). Dedicated to responsible and sustainable practices in the design, implementation and professional maintenance of projects, Embassy’s work enriches the lives of the people they serve, adding value and beauty to their properties. Embassy is a leader in custom landscape concepts incorporating green solutions, and has built a strong industry reputation with award-winning designs and on-the-job excellence.
President Joe Smith was just a kid when he started the company – he mowed the grass at a neighborhood baseball field. Good training programs and good people are responsible for Embassy’s success, Smith said. Embassy serves both small and large commercial landscape clients, maintaining properties ranging from 10,000 square feet up to 100 or more acres. Clients work with their certified landscape professionals to design a program that will both fit the budget and increase the aesthetic value of the property. Not only do they provide maintenance for your property, but Embassy also serves your design/build needs for new landscape projects, including construction and irrigation. Below, one of their many commercial building projects (they also do the Shops at Boardwalk and Harrah’s.)
What sets Embassy apart from other landscape companies is its certified employees, water management expertise, knowledgeable staff that can provide green solutions as landscape stewards, and dedication to providing exemplary customer service. Commercial properties these days are looking for curb appeal at good value – cost savings, but high value for dollars spent, Smith said. Some of the trends these days include water management and cost saving water devises/monitoring, rain gardens for collecting property run off, use of building materials for walkways and patios such as permeable pavers that discourage runoff that you typically find from using flat surface materials, and native plants that require less watering. Below, one of their proudest projects: the R.A. Bloch Cancer Survivor Park on the Country Club Plaza. Embassy makes it a point to be involved in the community, and often works with local charitable organizations.
