From the Fort Worth Star Telegram by Sandra Baker

FORT WORTH — Terry Montesi, founder and CEO of Trademark Property Co. in Fort Worth, whose company has overseen $1.4 billion in commercial real estate development nationwide, has been chosen for induction into the North Texas Commercial Association of Realtors Hall of Fame. Montesi will be joined by Robert Shaw, managing partner of Columbus Realty Trust and a former Dallas Cowboy who turned to real estate in 1987. Neal Sleeper with CityPlace Co. will receive the Michael McAuley Lifetime Achievement Award. The induction ceremony is May 5 at the Dallas Country Club. This is the 27th year for the event. Montesi founded Trademark in 1991, with his first retail project being the redevelopment of Dallas’ Preston Oaks shopping center.

Today, his firm is developing Waterside, the 63-acre mixed-used project featuring Whole Foods along the Trinity River off Bryant Irvin Road in southwest Fort Worth; Alliance Town Center, in a joint venture project with Hillwood Properties in north Fort Worth; and WestBend, on University Drive across from University Park Village, a property Trademark once owned. Montesi “is truly deserving of this award for the significant imprint he’s made not only in North Texas but throughout the country” said Kathy Permenter, chairwoman of the 2015 Hall of Fame event. “He is a bold visionary leader, and he inspires all who work and partner with him”

Before starting his own company, Montesi worked for Dallas-based Lincoln Property Co. and was principal and co-founder of the former Huff, Brous, McDowell & Montesi commercial real estate firm in Fort Worth. Locally, Montesi’s Trademark also developed Trinity Commons on Hulen Street and partnered with Kimco Development on Gateway Station in Burleson. It has worked on developments in Illinois, North Carolina, California, Tennessee, Michigan, New Mexico, Mississippi and Oklahoma.

Longtime AT&T Executive to Head New Fort Worth Office

 AUSTIN, January 5, 2015 – Government relations and business advisory firm Longbow Partners today announced the addition of David D. Parker to the firm. Parker, most recently a vice president with AT&T in North Texas, will serve as a senior adviser to the diverse lobbying and strategic consulting firm.

A longtime registered lobbyist, regulatory advocate and local community leader with a strong presence in both Austin and North Texas, Parker will also serve as Longbow’s director of North Texas Operations, opening and leading the firm’s expansion office based in Fort Worth.  In addition to his primary legislative responsibilities, he will provide counsel and representation to clients across all industries, and services such as business development, strategic public relations and organizational consulting to entities related to state and local advocacy efforts. The move allows Longbow Partners to immediately offer accessible local representation to North Texas clients while enhancing its services and coverage for its national client base.

“David’s addition to Longbow deepens our government relations bench, especially during the upcoming legislative session and we’re very pleased to have David leading our North Texas expansion,” said Longbow Partners Managing Partner Robert Peeler.  “I have personally known David for over a decade allowing me to observe him lead major statewide public relations initiatives, skillfully advocate on the front lines before the Texas legislature and regulatory bodies, lead policy efforts for civic organizations and continually sharpen his business acumen which will help manage our growing firm.”

Most recently, Parker served as vice president of Legislative and Public Affairs for Fortune 11 company AT&T where he worked for almost 15 years and was a graduate of the company’s renowned Leadership Development Program.  In this capacity, he represented the global corporation’s various departments and subsidiaries before all levels of government, advocating on a variety of state and local policy issues in Texas such as taxation, deregulation, utilities, real estate, licensing, economic incentives, consumer protections and environmental matters.

Parker is a 1999 graduate of Texas A&M University where he was an active member of the Corps of Cadets and the Ross Volunteer Company.  He later earned a Master’s in Applied Economics from Southern Methodist University. Parker also completed an Executive Certification in Innovation from The London School of Economics and Public Policy. Additionally, Parker serves as an adjunct professor of Economics and Public Policy at various local colleges and universities.

Parker is a 2014 graduate of Leadership North Texas, was recently named to the National Review Institute’s inaugural Texas Class of Fellows, serves as chairman of the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce’s Governmental Affairs Committee and vice-chair of the Tarrant County College Foundation, received the Fort Worth Business Press’ prestigious “40 Under 40” award, and serves on numerous corporate and civic boards including the Arlington Chamber of Commerce, Texas Wesleyan University and Texas Health Resources.

About Longbow Partners

Longbow Partners is an Austin, Texas based strategic consulting firm assisting businesses, organizations, and individuals through research, strategy, communications and advocacy.  More than a traditional government affairs firm, Longbow offers experienced and creative advocacy, strategic consulting, program management, public outreach, business development and procurement services. Longbow’s diverse team of principals and consultants has experience in the practice of law, service in both the legislative and executive branches of government, as well as years of legal and advocacy experience in both corporate and trade association sectors, offering over 100 years of combined experience to their clients. To learn more about Longbow Partners, please click here.

From the Fort Worth Star Telegram by Caty Hirst

Arlington and Fort Worth are two of the top cities for Generation Yers to live, with Arlington ranking No. 2 and Fort Worth No. 12 because of cheap living, growing job markets and trendy activities to keep the younger crowd busy. The study by Vocativ, a media company based in New York, looked at job markets, cost of living, public transit, diversity and “lifestyle metrics,” such as availability of live music and the cost to dine out, to rank the best cities for people 35 and younger to live. Arlington finished No. 2 because “literally everything is cheap in Arlington” and entertainment is readily available, the report says. The one thing Arlington doesn’t have, the report jokes, is kombucha (a fermented black or green tea). But “with what Arlingtoners save on rent, they can afford to have it [kombucha] delivered from L.A., on foot.”

“Go see a Cowboys game, go to a country show — do anything. You have all the money,” the report says. Ashley Peña, a senior at the University of Texas at Arlington who moved to town five years ago from West Texas, vouched for the findings. “I definitely agree with the cheap rent. There is very affordable housing around here,” she said. Being centrally located is another plus for the 22-year-old, who will graduate in May and is already looking for jobs in Arlington. “One of the biggest things I love about Arlington, it’s right in the middle of Fort Worth and Dallas,” Peña said. “You have the best of both cities without being immersed in them every day.” Fort Worth roped the No. 12 spot not only because of good jobs, cheap gas and affordable living but also because “areas like the West Seventh Street Corridor and Sundance Square are becoming hipster-fied.” “And the stunning Kimbell Art Museum is a work of art in and of itself. Sushi and vegan cupcakes — clearly, this ain’t the same Texas as before,” the report says. Mayor Betsy Price said the report is good news to a city working to appeal to the up-and-coming generation.

“The chamber did a study on young folks and Fort Worth’s ability to attract them, and we were hemorrhaging young folks,” Price said. “They just weren’t staying here. They were going to Dallas and Austin and all these places, and so everyone started a strong focus on the young people.” Price’s efforts to reach the younger crowd include SteerFW, a young professionals group engaging in civic service. “The south side has really grown. West Seventh has really grown. The food choices have changed. And of course we have Steer Fort Worth,” Price said. “I just think it is great. We have great jobs and a low cost of living.” The report cites other Texas cities, with Austin at No. 5, Dallas at No. 14, Lubbock at No. 15 and Houston at No. 16. Irving, Plano and Garland were also in the top 35. “The Lone Star State has cheap rent, gas and Wi-Fi, a ton of young people and a booming economy,” according to the report.

 
THE TOP 10 CITIES
1. New York

2. Arlington

3. San Francisco

4. Denver

5. Austin

6. Minneapolis

7. Seattle

8. St. Paul, Minn.

9. Madison, Wis.

10. Portland, Ore.

Source: Vocativ

The ICSC Texas Conference and Deal Making is held annually and is a great opportunity for owners, developers, retailers, brokers, lenders, municipalities, property asset managers and product and service providers to gather under one roof to exhibit, make deals and form successful business partnerships. David B. Pettit from David Pettit Economic Development LLC will serve as a moderator during the event and is currently a member of the State Leadership Team as ICSC Texas Alliance Private Sector Co-Chair. For more details about the event, visit: ICSC Texas Conference and Deal Making

From the Fort Worth Business Press

According to the Emerging Trends in Real Estate 2015 report, just co-published by PwC US and the Urban Land Institute (ULI), Dallas-Fort Worth ranks No. 5, with two other Texas cities, Houston and Austin ranking at No. 1 and 2 respectively. San Francisco ranks No. 3 and Denver No. 4. According to the report, Dallas-Fort Worth’s growth rate may be more sustainable than Houston’s owing to the area’s economic diversity. The report states: “The [Dallas-Fort Worth] market continues to be attractive to real estate investors because of its strong job growth, which benefits from the low cost of living and doing business. Single-family housing in the market is the highest ranked property sector – and it also has the highest ranked industrial sector (number four) among the top five markets from this year’s survey.”

 
The sustained performance of the U.S. commercial real estate industry in general is expected to continue in 2015, fueled by improving fundamentals and continued investor appetite – both domestic and foreign, according to the report.
“Unlike previous reports and previous cycles, we are seeing sustained growth,” said Mitch Roschelle, partner, U.S. real estate advisory practice leader, PwC. “In the past several years, we reported that real estate market participants’ main fears revolved around the uncertainty with the economy. Now, the trepidation in their eyes has more to do with the ability of the growing real estate markets to adapt to a series of mega trends impacting society and the global economy. These mega trends include accelerating urbanization, demographic shifts and the impact of distributive technological advancements.”

A snapshot of the top five markets ranked by survey respondents and their outlook for each market:

Houston – Houston offers a significant amount of investment opportunity. Investors believe that the energy industry will continue to drive market growth and that will support real estate activity in 2015. Houston was ranked number one in both investment and development expectations for next year; housing market expectations are ranked number two.

 
Austin – Interviewees like the industrial base, the appeal to the millennial generation, and the lower cost of doing business in Austin. The market was a top choice for both the office sector and the single-family housing sector and the number two ranked market for retail. Interviewees are also attracted to Austin’s diverse employee base, and the market is an example of “jobs chasing people.”

 
San Francisco – The decline from the number one spot last year, according to surveyed participants, is due more to growth in the other cities than any identifiable flaw in the San Francisco market. The strong local economy and improved domestic and international travel have made San Francisco the number one choice for hotel investment in 2015. Respondents ranked the office market number three and the retail market number four.

 
Denver – Denver joins Austin and San Francisco as markets popular with the millennial generation. Denver’s industry exposure to the technology and energy industries has also attracted investor interest. The results of the survey put Denver retail at number five and office at number six.

 
Dallas/Fort Worth – Interviewees raise the possibility that despite being ranked lower than Houston, the economic diversity could make the current growth rate more sustainable in Dallas/Fort Worth.

For a copy of the report: Full Report

Waterside is a new 63-acre master planned development that will offer a walkable mixed-use district with an unmatched amenity package, including the Grove, our signature public space featuring several heritage trees, multiple outdoor seating venues, hi-tech amenities, children and adult play areas and much more. Whole Foods Market will open a 45,000 SF store, the first in Fort Worth, which will include features unique to Waterside and tailored to the local community. Plans for Waterside include 175,000-200,000 SF of retail space and riverside restaurants, 20 acres of multi-family and townhomes, 200,000 SF of office space, and a signature hotel site.

From the Fort Worth Business Press by A. Lee Graham

DSW (Designer Shoe Warehouse), Men’s Wearhouse and Sleep Experts are the latest retailers to open shops at Alliance Town Center in north Fort Worth. DSW has leased 15,000 square feet at the shopping center. Men’s Wearhouse leased 5,500 suare feet, and the opening of Sleep Experts’ 4,500-square-foot store at the center marks its 45th retail location. “Alliance Town Center has seen tremendous growth and remains one the most successful centers in North Texas,” said Terry Montesi, CEO of project developer Trademark Property Co., commenting in a news release. “This market-dominant center continues to build on its great merchandising mix and top tier sales performance, Montesi said.

Men’s Wearhouse, DSW, and Sleep Experts join more than 130 retailers, restaurants and entertainment options at Alliance Town Center. But more are on the way, with Sheplers Western Wear expected to open this fall, and Best Contacts and Eyeglasses scheduled to open in early 2015. Meanwhile, Trademark continues pre-leasing for the center’s “Main Street” lifestyle expansion. It is tentatively scheduled to open in spring 2016 and will feature an estimated 175,000 square feet of new specialty retail and restaurants, as well as a hotel. When complete, Alliance Town Center will be home to 1.15 million square feet of retail, restaurants and entertainment. More information is available atwww.alliancetowncenter.com.

From Wallet Hub by Richie Bernardo

Some cities have it all: the jobs, the schools, the museums, the nightlife, you name it. They know the recipe for attractiveness. People come, and they stay — sometimes for good. But other cities like Detroit are still mired in recession. Chances of soon turning upward are slim. And their most productive citizens, an economy’s best chance of recovery, search for greener pastures.

In 2013, the United States experienced its lowest population gain since the Great Depression. Growth stood at .72 percent, largely in contrast with the 5 percent of the 1990s, a period of prosperity. Demographer William H. Frey of the Brookings Institution attributed the decline to the economic downturn. Not only did the crisis deter job-seeking migrants from flocking to the U.S., but it also discouraged couples from having children. Meanwhile, movement took place domestically. Population numbers shifted. Some cities grew while others pushed out even more residents.

WalletHub identified the cities that have expanded most rapidly in socio-economic terms between 2008 and 2013. We analyzed 516 U.S. cities of varying sizes across 10 key metrics, ranging from population growth rate to unemployment rate decrease. The full results of the study can be seen here:  Wallet Hub – 2014’s Fastest Growing Cities

From the Fort Worth Business Press by Scott Nishimura

A proposed mixed-use residential and commercial complex on a Trinity Railway Express parking lot bordered by downtown Fort Worth and the Near Southside would cost about $60 million, a panel of architects and developers estimated Tuesday. About 75 percent of that could be covered by a loan, leaving a $15 million financing gap that could be covered by available city bond funds, money from a tax increment finance district, and federal funds, the panel said. The proposed project – as envisioned by the panel after a two-day design workshop conducted by the Urban Land Institute for the Fort Worth T, Fort Worth Housing Authority, city, and Fort Worth South economic development nonprofit – could have two buildings fronting West Vickery, including a 10-story one with apartments, first-floor commercial, and parking. The proposed project requirements, as given to the panel for the workshop, would include 250 one and two-bedroom apartments, 625 parking spaces for transit users, residents, and customers of the commercial space, and more than 30,000 square feet of retail and commercial space.

Fifty one percent of the apartments would be available to residents earning 80 percent of area median income or less – up to $42,150 for a couple and $36,900 for one person. The project also would likely be owned by the Housing Authority, said Ramon Guajardo, a consultant to the Housing Authority on the project. The 51 percent threshold and public ownership would allow the project to retain tax-exempt status, which would slash its operating costs in half, David Pettit, a member of the panel, said. Under preliminarily discussions, The T, owner of the site, would continue to own the land, and the Housing Authority would own the improvements, Guajardo said in an interview after the presentation. The Housing Authority could act as the developer or bring one in on a fee-only basis, he said. The timetable isn’t clear yet, he said. “There is a $15 million gap that needs to be addressed,” he said. “Nobody has a checkbook to write that.”

But the major stakeholders, which earlier this year decided to move ahead with the design workshop, view the timing as good for developing the 2.1-acre site, at the northwest corner of South Main Street and West Vickery Boulevard and bordered on the north by Interstate 30 and a pedestrian tunnel to T&P Station. Downtown’s popularity continues to push to the south, the Near Southside is rapidly redeveloping, and T&P’s train and bus connections and future terminus of the TexRail downtown-Dallas/Fort Worth Airport route make the site a strong one for transit-oriented development, they said. Moreover, the site’s adjacency to the growing, historic South Main Urban Village means the mixed-use development can be a catalyst to the future, pedestrian-friendly redevelopment, they said.
 Next steps would be a formal agreement between the T and Housing Authority, a Housing Authority request for proposals from developers, and hunt for funding. The architects and developers spent the last two days holed up inside the Amphibian Stage Productions building on South Main interviewing stakeholders, reviewing data and sketching out 3-D massing drawings of what the site could look like. Buildings in the drawings feature no architectural detail, but include all of the required uses presented to the panel, which unveiled their results to a full house of visitors Tuesday night at night at Amphibian.The panel envisioned what the corridor from West Lancaster Street through the T&P Lofts and down its tunnel to the train tracks and farther south to the parking lot could look like as transit use builds in the future, with more restaurants and bars and even food carts in the tunnel. “We’re trying to create a project that will look to the future,” Michael Bennett, of the Bennett Benner Partners architecture firm and a panelist, said. The panel proposed a 10-story building and smaller two or three-story building.

The two buildings would front Vickery and face each other across a pedestrian-friendly street coming off Vickery, and leading to existing transit parking beneath the I-30 overpass. The residential portion of the larger building would be built on top of a 205,000-square-foot podium garage, with first-floor commercial on Vickery. The podium would elevate the residential portion of the building, to minimize obstructed views from the I-30 overpass. The garage would include underground and above-ground parking – 300 spaces for a transit park and ride and 325 for residents and retail customers. One of the project requirements will be to replace all of the 100 spaces it removes, and add more for residents, retail customers, and users of the district. An “amenity deck” on top of the garage would include a swimming pool, green space, and trees. The ground floor commercial space would ideally be taken by retailers, the panelists said, but they acknowledged there’s demand for small office space. Fitness and other services are possiblities, as is “live-work” space, they said. T buses, which run loops from Vickery, through the existing parking lot, and back onto Vickery, would pick up and drop passengers on Vickery under the panelists’ plan. The panel’s team of “number crunchers” estimated the average square footage of the apartments at 850. The affordable rents would run at $1.18 per square foot, and the market rate apartments at $1.55, for gross annual rents of $3.7 mlllion, they estimated.

From the Star-Telegram by Sandra Baker

Plans are moving forward to build apartments and possibly some shops on a 2-acre tract along Vickery Boulevard that currently serves as a parking lot for the T&P Station. Talked about for more than a decade, the Fort Worth Transportation Authority, which owns the land, partnered with the Fort Worth Housing Authority about a year ago to develop the property. The agencies, along with city staff and representatives from Fort Worth South, will take part in a two-day workshop next week run by the North Texas chapter of the Urban Land Institute in an effort to prod the project along. An eight-member panel headed by Donald Gatzke, dean of the University of Texas at Arlington’s architecture school, will include four other architects and three developers. The workshop will be held Aug. 25-26 at the Amphibian Theater, 120 S. Main St. The public can see their presentation at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 26.

Dana Burghdoff, Fort Worth’s deputy planning director, said the group will have an intensive two days, interviewing stakeholders and a group of South Main Street property owners, and then working on a design. The workshop format is used by the land institute nationwide, she said. Panelists will look at other near south-side developments and consider constraints to the site to create a proposal that will complement the historic T&P Lofts and the T&P Warehouse buildings. The project will likely involve two buildings for 150 to 200 one- and two-bedroom apartments, with commercial uses on the first floor, she said. “Ideally, the Housing Authority sees the first floor as being for commercial use, whether that’s a day care or for some services like a coffee shop or dry cleaner,” Burghdoff said. The Housing Authority would lease the property from the The T. The property is just to the south of the T&P Lofts, west of Main Street. The T&P Station serves the Trinity Railway Express and will be a terminus for TEX Rail, the 27-mile commuter rail project for Tarrant County. The panel will also explore funding options and options for replacing about 300 surface parking spots for commuters, said Mike Brennan, planning director for Fort Worth South, a nonprofit advocacy group. Brennan said the workshop format was selected because it involves the community at an early stage and the approach involves a broad range of expertise.