May 11, 2023

NAIOP to assess downtown woes, possible recovery

Mayor Bruce Harrell announced his multi-pronged downtown activation plan last month. Now three city officials will expand on that topic at an upcoming NAIOP panel. The event takes place at the Sheraton Grand Seattle, with the pre-show networking to begin at 9 a.m. Ian Warner of Vulcan Real Estate will moderate the discussion. On hand from the city will be City Council member Sara Nelson, attorney Scott Lindsay and Marco Lowe from the mayor's office. Per NAIOP, the panel will assess “downtown Seattle's revitalization after the pandemic, that has been stymied by a slow return to work from employers, ongoing crime and public safety issues.” Fentanyl will also likely come up. Details and registration: naiopwa.org.

Tarragon

Christianson

Blair

Tarragon recently announced three promotions. After three years with the firm, Bayard Blair rises to development and acquisitions associate. Steph Christianson is now marketing manager, after working on projects including the Camber and Haven apartments in Kitsap County. A seven-year veteran with the developer, Drew Davis has been elevated to senior transaction manager. Tarragon president Dennis Rattie said in a statement, “Their expertise, hard work, and dedication have been vital to our success, and we look forward to their continued contributions as we pursue new opportunities and projects.”

Kidder Mathews

Hicks

Kidder Mathews has brought on some new talent to assume a position with a very long title: director of engineering and sustainability for asset services. Filling the role will be Jeff Hicks, who makes the move from PSR Mechanical (a division of Service Logic). His prior gig involved large and complicated HVAC systems for the office, healthcare, hotel, mixed-use, retail, industrial and government sectors of commercial real estate. KM's Erin French said in statement, “We are thrilled to welcome Jeff. His expertise and passion for environmental stewardship will enhance our ability to deliver sustainable and energy-efficient solutions to our clients.”

Lawler leaps to Berkadia

Berkadia recently announced that multifamily specialist Brandon Lawler has joined the brokerage. He makes the move from Kidder Mathews. There, he worked with colleagues on over 45 deals worth more than $400 million. He also had prior stints at Newmark and Colliers.

May 04, 2023

Say hello to Jack

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Everyone on the waterfront is excited about The Jack, from Urban Visions. The eight-story, 145,500-square-foot project is downtown's only significant ground-up office building to have soldiered through the pandemic. Demolition came in 2020, followed by a long pause. The project finally broke ground under JTM in the summer of 2021, topped out last December, and you can tour the Olson Kundig-designed building next month. (It's set to open in a few more months; one floor appears to have been leased.) But there's a catch: The June 14 preview is being conducted by ULI Northwest's young leaders group. So if there was ever a good time to join, it's now. Details and registration: northwest.uli.org.

EQ Office

Marks

Veteran broker David Marks has jumped from Newmark to EQ Office, the latter firm recently announced. He becomes director of leasing, and will oversee day-to-day leasing in the company's Seattle office portfolio. (It has about 3 million square feet here, including 999 Third and U.S. Bank Centre.) Blackstone owns EQ Office, whose Britton Derkac said in a statement, “David is an established leader in Seattle's commercial real estate market. We are confident that David will enhance our regional operating capabilities.” Said Marks, “I am thrilled to join an organization focused on creating effective, inspiring workplaces and maximizing tenant success.”

MainStreet Property Group

Faust

Hizzey

MainStreet Property Group has announced two recent promotions. Jackie Hizzey and Kim Faust are now co-presidents for the prolific apartment developer. They both previously served as senior VPs, and have been with MainStreet since its founding in 2011. Kelly Price co-founded the company, and is now stepping down as president to become CEO. Eric Campbell had been serving in that role; he now becomes chairman of the firm. Price said in a statement, “It's an exciting time for MainStreet, Jackie and Kim. It is exciting to see these two strong and experienced women emerge as the day-to-day leaders of our company.” Faust added, “This is a journey without end, and we are as motivated as ever to continue this success.” MainStreet recently completed 106 units in downtown Redmond, and recently broke ground on 207 Woodinville units.