Las Olas Centre has a new owner and the boulevard is getting a new Class A office building.
Deutsche Asset & Wealth Management’s (formerly RREEF Real Estate) real estate investment business snapped up 350 and 450 East Las Olas Boulevard in Fort Lauderdale on behalf of one of its clients.
Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.
A victim of the economic meltdown, the two towers faced a $219 million foreclosure in 2009, ironically after signing a series of lease renewals. It was 95% occupied at the time.
“Las Olas Centre is a great addition to our portfolio,” says Todd Henderson, head of Real Estate for the Americas at DeAWM. “We believe Las Olas Centre is the premier office asset in the market with exceptional amenities including its retail tenancy.”
In 2010, the two-building office complex spanning 469,353 square feet in the Las Olas corridor, sold for $170 million. San Antonio-based USAA Real Estate Company affiliates US Republic Core Fund and US Premier Office Equities purchased the towers from BF Las Olas, LLC, an entity of Wachovia/Wells Fargo about four years ago.
“Our view is that the buildings’ improvements and central location in the Fort Lauderdale CBD will continue to attract top tier tenants at market leading rents—positioning the property to deliver strong long term returns for our client,” says Henderson. The property offers office and retail space in Fort Lauderdale’s Central Business District.
Las Olas Centre occupies about 3.4 acres and 600 feet of frontage on Las Olas Boulevard. Certified LEED Gold with the U.S. Green Building Council, the project is one of very few options for trophy quality class A office space in a desirable location due to walking distance to shopping, restaurant and entertainment precincts, as well as proximity to airports, highways, and executive housing.
Just a few blocks away, the One West Las Olas office building in downtown Fort Lauderdale got an $8.67 million construction mortgage from Branch Banking & Trust Co.
The bank made the loan to One West LOA LLC, which is managed by attorneys Jeffrey Ostrow and Brian Kopelwitz. They are the managing partners of Kopelowitz Ostrow P.A., which will be the anchor tenant in the 40,000-square-foot “Class A” office building.
Stiles Construction is the general contractor for the project at 13 West Las Olas Blvd., along South Andrews Avenue.
https://sfoba.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/las-olas.jpg270275SFOBA STAFFhttps://dev.sfoba.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/SFOBA-logo-sharpened-transparent.pngSFOBA STAFF2014-03-25 12:49:222014-03-25 12:49:22Las Olas Abuzz With Activity
110 Tower, the LEED Gold certified class A office building in Downtown Fort Lauderdale’s Central Business District has recently closed 40,000 square feet of new office and lease deals with tenants including Lewis Brisbois Bisgaard + Smith, Fort Lauderdale Executive Office Suites, The Broward Safety Council, and Cole, Scott & Kissane, P.A., which has recently expanded.
Subway is also now open on the ground floor. And Trial Copy, a litigation consulting firm specializing in electronic data discovery, computer forensics custom trial graphics, and heavy litigation copy service, is now occupying space in the lobby level.
“We have seen a strong increase in leasing activity due to the completion of the building’s renovations, the progress of the new courthouse, the WAVE, which will stop directly in front of 110 Tower, and the improvements to the 6th Street areas,” stated Laurel Oswald (pictured above), a member of Cushman & Wakefield’s office leasing team for 110 Tower. “Downtown is experiencing tremendous growth in terms of new residential and other infrastructure projects. This has positioned it as a multinational hub of commercial and pedestrian business and 110 Tower is at its core.”
110 Tower was the first option for tenants seeking a LEED Gold-certified building within a multi-tenant high-rise office tower in Downtown Fort Lauderdale. Ownership won the U.S. Green Building Council of South Florida’s GalaVerde Award as Florida’s Best in LEED for Existing Building, as well as BOMA’s regional TOBY Award for Best Renovated Building.
Ownership recently completed a comprehensive $15 million interior and exterior renovation. That renovation included ground-floor retail, lobby and interior common area upgrades, primary mechanical systems enhancements, and installing a unique exterior lighting system.
Wheeler, a 34-year real estate professional, joined the company on February 3rd as senior advisor, reporting to Stiles Realty President Paul Marko. He will be based out of Stiles’ headquarters in Fort Lauderdale. This strategic hire comes at a time when Stiles Realty looks to build on the momentum it is creating in core markets throughout Florida, where it has recently expanded its team.
Wheeler specializes in investment sales, land brokerage and build-to-suit commercial properties. Over the course of his career, he has completed more than $2.5 billion in sales transactions ranging from urban office sites to large planned development communities. In this new role, Wheeler will focus on growing the firm’s footprint across Florida while leveraging Stiles’ diverse range of services.
“Lee is highly trusted in our industry with a tremendous track record of completing large transactions and establishing lasting client relationships,” said Marko. “His strength and experience in the build-to-suit and land arena is synergistic with Stiles’ multi-faceted business platform, which includes development, construction management, architecture, and property management.”
Throughout his career, Wheeler has represented major institutional owners and developers including Equitable Life, General Electric, The St. Joe Company, Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association, Duke REIT, Codina/Flagler Development and the MacArthur Foundation.
Stiles Realty offers a full-service real estate brokerage platform focused on industrial, office and retail properties. Additionally, Stiles Realty launched its Investment Sales division in late 2012, with a focus on high-profile quality office and retail opportunities below $12 million.
“Stiles is a very strong company that has established a stellar reputation over its decades of success in Florida,” Wheeler said. “I am excited as I see the potential for significant growth in Stiles Realty on top of that foundation. I feel confident that my broad and varied outlook gives me the insight into how we can meet the evolving needs of our diverse clients while achieving the goals of Stiles Realty,” Wheelersaid.
Prior to joining Stiles, Mr. Wheeler served as a principal and broker for Miami Land Company, where he focused on land acquisitions for development companies, site entitlements, zoning and government approvals. He spent ten years with the Codina Group where he focused on land and investment sales. Mr. Wheeler held an eight-year assignment with the MacArthur Foundation, where he was responsible for the disposition of more than 60,000 acres of commercial land, 10,000 apartment units, and over one million square feet of office, industrial and retail properties.
“Lee brings to our company a valuable skillset that adds depth and versatility to our growing team,” commented Marko. “I have known him for many years and am grateful to have him aboard as we continue to grow our business and look toward the future.”
https://sfoba.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/Lee-Wheeler.jpg270275SFOBA STAFFhttps://dev.sfoba.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/SFOBA-logo-sharpened-transparent.pngSFOBA STAFF2014-03-12 14:43:062014-03-12 14:43:06Stiles Grows Team With Addition Of Lee Wheeler
Colliers International South Florida is pleased to announce that John Geisen has joined the company as Executive Vice President based out of the Colliers International Palm Beach office at 224 Datura Street in West Palm Beach.
Geisen is a past president of both the South Florida and Florida statewide chapters of the National Association of Industrial and Office Properties (NAIOP), and served on NAIOP’s national board.
“John is a respected leader and deal maker,” saysStephen Nostrand, CEO of Colliers International South Florida. “His depth of knowledge and the relationships that he has nurtured say so much about his reputation. When John and I worked together at Flagler, he was my mentor and now we have the incredible opportunity to have him as part of our growing Palm Beach, Martin and St. Lucie county business. We sincerely welcome one of the giants in our business.”
Previously, Geisen was president of the brokerage division of Flagler Development Group, responsible for the leasing and management of 23 million square feet of office, industrial and retail space throughout Florida. Previously he was Senior Vice President/Senior Managing Director withCBRE. During his 20 years with that firm, he expanded their offices in Palm Beach, Broward, and Miami-Dade counties and was responsible for overseeing activities in the tri-county market.
“Colliers has all the right ingredients, from its national and international platform, as well as its entrepreneurial spirit; an international company with a strong local presence,” saysGeisen. “I’ve watched as Colliers has grown from an excellent network to an international powerhouse. While the firm’s growth has been incredible, there are still tremendous opportunities in the northern South Florida markets that I look forward to capitalizing on.”
A member of the Business Development Board of Palm Beach County, Geisen is also active with the Broward Alliance and the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC). He is a past president of the Executive Association of Palm Beach County.
Commercial Florida Realty Services and real estate investment group S&K Worldwide Realty see demand for Broward corporate relocation and expansion office space turning upward faster than expected.
“The re-energized economy has more companies looking to relocate or expand in Broward, but their need for ample office space is colliding with market realities, especially along the I-95 corridor,” said George Sacks, Commercial Florida Realty managing partner.
To offer users seeking signage and space along I-95 expanded options, S&K Worldwide Realty has partnered with Sacks’ firm to bring to market several contiguous spaces of 10,000 to 20,000 square feet at Southlake Plaza in Newport Center business park, Deerfield Beach. Prospective tenants can choose to lease just the space they need, or buy either of two multi-tenant buildings, occupy a portion and gain built-in cash flow from existing credit tenants such as JPMorgan Chase and AT&T.
At one of Southlake Plaza’s two-story buildings, 1400 Newport Center Drive, for example, the partnership is marketing a 20,000-square-foot full floor in the same building where JPMorgan Chase signed a 12-year lease in 2013. “Broward’s suburban office rents along I-95 have stabilized and begun rising,” Sacks explained. “Companies see higher space costs ahead, whether they lease or buy. A business that occupies its own building with credit tenants carrying some of the load, can substantially limit risk, lock in costs and locate in higher profile space,” he said.
“Growing companies need to look at the balance sheet impact of leasing, buying or constructing a single-user building,” Sacks added. “Broward’s office inventory is not yet low enough to trigger new construction, and developable land along I-95 is rare and costly.” More relocating and expanding firms, he said, are considering buying a multi-tenant building.
Southlake Plaza weathered the recession with strong tenancy, thanks in part to its location within the 119-acre Newport Center business park, Sacks said. Most of the park’s buildings are owned, not leased, and corporate neighbors in the park include the University of Miami Sylvester at Deerfield Beach cancer center, MAPEI Americas, Staples’ back office operations, as well as two hotels.
According to S&K Worldwide Realty President Dirk Kuczurba, “We purchased Southlake Plaza many years ago, recognizing the opportunity to build long-term value in a property with an ideal location.” S&K and its related companies and partnerships own, develop and manage commercial and industrial real estate throughout Europe and the U.S., and have invested more than $650 million in Florida land, office, industrial and retail facilities.
https://sfoba.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/George-Sacks1.jpg270275SFOBA STAFFhttps://dev.sfoba.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/SFOBA-logo-sharpened-transparent.pngSFOBA STAFF2014-03-05 20:10:072014-03-05 20:10:07George Sacks, S&K Worldwide Team Up On Broward Project
Tyler Harrison, former Senior Associate with CBRE specializing in tenant and landlord representation in Broward and Palm Beach Counties in South Florida since 2003, has parted ways with the firm effective February 24, 2014.
After 10 years at the company, Harrison will lead San-Francisco Bay-based Equistone Partners’ expansion efforts into the South Florida market.
“The concept behind the formation of Equistone 10 years ago was to take all the good value elements of the large shop and provide scalable solutions that can be implemented and delivered to clients at the speed and efficiency of a boutique Commercial Real Estate firm. The platform allows us to be true partners with our clients on every level. It’s a foundation and practice that I believe in wholeheartedly and anticipate will be greatly embraced by the South Florida commercial real estate market,” explained Harrison.
Formed in 2007, Equistone represents tenants and landlords, acquisitions and dispositions of commercial property assets and investor services including source investment, source capital, and structure sponsor the investment opportunity.
From 2003 to 2008, Tyler served as Associate with CBRE’s Brokerage Services Team and was promoted to Senior Associate in March 2009. During his tenure in the South Florida market, Tyler has established a solid reputation in the business community and is well-respected among his peers as a commercial real estate professional.
He has represented several notable companies and organizations such as Blackberry, Ford Credit, Steinger Iscoe & Greene and University of Florida to name a few. Tyler has also represented charitable organizations including the American Diabetes Association, Breast Cancer Network of Strength, and Best Buddies.
Tyler grew up in Connecticut, has lived in the San Francisco Bay Area, and currently resides in Boca Raton, FL, where he has lived for the past 13 years.
Equistone Partners is a full-service client-focused commercial real estate brokerage and advisory firm, offering a complete range of commercial real estate services, supplying consistent service to clients and implementing strategies that provide opportunities for its Client Partners. Equistone Partners professionals know the real estate market and have the right contacts, resources and systems to deliver high-level solutions.
https://sfoba.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/Tyler-Harrison.jpg270275SFOBA STAFFhttps://dev.sfoba.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/SFOBA-logo-sharpened-transparent.pngSFOBA STAFF2014-03-04 16:52:422014-03-04 16:52:42Tyler Harrison Leaves CBRE
Las Olas Abuzz With Activity
/in News/by SFOBA STAFFLas Olas Centre has a new owner and the boulevard is getting a new Class A office building.
Deutsche Asset & Wealth Management’s (formerly RREEF Real Estate) real estate investment business snapped up 350 and 450 East Las Olas Boulevard in Fort Lauderdale on behalf of one of its clients.
Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.
A victim of the economic meltdown, the two towers faced a $219 million foreclosure in 2009, ironically after signing a series of lease renewals. It was 95% occupied at the time.
“Las Olas Centre is a great addition to our portfolio,” says Todd Henderson, head of Real Estate for the Americas at DeAWM. “We believe Las Olas Centre is the premier office asset in the market with exceptional amenities including its retail tenancy.”
In 2010, the two-building office complex spanning 469,353 square feet in the Las Olas corridor, sold for $170 million. San Antonio-based USAA Real Estate Company affiliates US Republic Core Fund and US Premier Office Equities purchased the towers from BF Las Olas, LLC, an entity of Wachovia/Wells Fargo about four years ago.
“Our view is that the buildings’ improvements and central location in the Fort Lauderdale CBD will continue to attract top tier tenants at market leading rents—positioning the property to deliver strong long term returns for our client,” says Henderson. The property offers office and retail space in Fort Lauderdale’s Central Business District.
Las Olas Centre occupies about 3.4 acres and 600 feet of frontage on Las Olas Boulevard. Certified LEED Gold with the U.S. Green Building Council, the project is one of very few options for trophy quality class A office space in a desirable location due to walking distance to shopping, restaurant and entertainment precincts, as well as proximity to airports, highways, and executive housing.
Just a few blocks away, the One West Las Olas office building in downtown Fort Lauderdale got an $8.67 million construction mortgage from Branch Banking & Trust Co.
The bank made the loan to One West LOA LLC, which is managed by attorneys Jeffrey Ostrow and Brian Kopelwitz. They are the managing partners of Kopelowitz Ostrow P.A., which will be the anchor tenant in the 40,000-square-foot “Class A” office building.
Stiles Construction is the general contractor for the project at 13 West Las Olas Blvd., along South Andrews Avenue.
The six-story building will break ground in May.
Source: GlobeSt.
110 Tower Renovation Gaining Plenty Of Attention
/in News/by SFOBA STAFF110 Tower, the LEED Gold certified class A office building in Downtown Fort Lauderdale’s Central Business District has recently closed 40,000 square feet of new office and lease deals with tenants including Lewis Brisbois Bisgaard + Smith, Fort Lauderdale Executive Office Suites, The Broward Safety Council, and Cole, Scott & Kissane, P.A., which has recently expanded.
Subway is also now open on the ground floor. And Trial Copy, a litigation consulting firm specializing in electronic data discovery, computer forensics custom trial graphics, and heavy litigation copy service, is now occupying space in the lobby level.
“We have seen a strong increase in leasing activity due to the completion of the building’s renovations, the progress of the new courthouse, the WAVE, which will stop directly in front of 110 Tower, and the improvements to the 6th Street areas,” stated Laurel Oswald (pictured above), a member of Cushman & Wakefield’s office leasing team for 110 Tower. “Downtown is experiencing tremendous growth in terms of new residential and other infrastructure projects. This has positioned it as a multinational hub of commercial and pedestrian business and 110 Tower is at its core.”
110 Tower was the first option for tenants seeking a LEED Gold-certified building within a multi-tenant high-rise office tower in Downtown Fort Lauderdale. Ownership won the U.S. Green Building Council of South Florida’s GalaVerde Award as Florida’s Best in LEED for Existing Building, as well as BOMA’s regional TOBY Award for Best Renovated Building.
Ownership recently completed a comprehensive $15 million interior and exterior renovation. That renovation included ground-floor retail, lobby and interior common area upgrades, primary mechanical systems enhancements, and installing a unique exterior lighting system.
Source: GlobeSt.
Stiles Grows Team With Addition Of Lee Wheeler
/in News/by SFOBA STAFFLocal commercial real estate veteran Lee Wheeler has joined Stiles Realty.
Wheeler, a 34-year real estate professional, joined the company on February 3rd as senior advisor, reporting to Stiles Realty President Paul Marko. He will be based out of Stiles’ headquarters in Fort Lauderdale. This strategic hire comes at a time when Stiles Realty looks to build on the momentum it is creating in core markets throughout Florida, where it has recently expanded its team.
Wheeler specializes in investment sales, land brokerage and build-to-suit commercial properties. Over the course of his career, he has completed more than $2.5 billion in sales transactions ranging from urban office sites to large planned development communities. In this new role, Wheeler will focus on growing the firm’s footprint across Florida while leveraging Stiles’ diverse range of services.
Throughout his career, Wheeler has represented major institutional owners and developers including Equitable Life, General Electric, The St. Joe Company, Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association, Duke REIT, Codina/Flagler Development and the MacArthur Foundation.
Stiles Realty offers a full-service real estate brokerage platform focused on industrial, office and retail properties. Additionally, Stiles Realty launched its Investment Sales division in late 2012, with a focus on high-profile quality office and retail opportunities below $12 million.
Prior to joining Stiles, Mr. Wheeler served as a principal and broker for Miami Land Company, where he focused on land acquisitions for development companies, site entitlements, zoning and government approvals. He spent ten years with the Codina Group where he focused on land and investment sales. Mr. Wheeler held an eight-year assignment with the MacArthur Foundation, where he was responsible for the disposition of more than 60,000 acres of commercial land, 10,000 apartment units, and over one million square feet of office, industrial and retail properties.
“Lee brings to our company a valuable skillset that adds depth and versatility to our growing team,” commented Marko. “I have known him for many years and am grateful to have him aboard as we continue to grow our business and look toward the future.”
John Geisen Joins Colliers As Executive VP
/in News/by SFOBA STAFFColliers International South Florida is pleased to announce that John Geisen has joined the company as Executive Vice President based out of the Colliers International Palm Beach office at 224 Datura Street in West Palm Beach.
Geisen is a past president of both the South Florida and Florida statewide chapters of the National Association of Industrial and Office Properties (NAIOP), and served on NAIOP’s national board.
“John is a respected leader and deal maker,” saysStephen Nostrand, CEO of Colliers International South Florida. “His depth of knowledge and the relationships that he has nurtured say so much about his reputation. When John and I worked together at Flagler, he was my mentor and now we have the incredible opportunity to have him as part of our growing Palm Beach, Martin and St. Lucie county business. We sincerely welcome one of the giants in our business.”
Previously, Geisen was president of the brokerage division of Flagler Development Group, responsible for the leasing and management of 23 million square feet of office, industrial and retail space throughout Florida. Previously he was Senior Vice President/Senior Managing Director withCBRE. During his 20 years with that firm, he expanded their offices in Palm Beach, Broward, and Miami-Dade counties and was responsible for overseeing activities in the tri-county market.
“Colliers has all the right ingredients, from its national and international platform, as well as its entrepreneurial spirit; an international company with a strong local presence,” saysGeisen. “I’ve watched as Colliers has grown from an excellent network to an international powerhouse. While the firm’s growth has been incredible, there are still tremendous opportunities in the northern South Florida markets that I look forward to capitalizing on.”
A member of the Business Development Board of Palm Beach County, Geisen is also active with the Broward Alliance and the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC). He is a past president of the Executive Association of Palm Beach County.
George Sacks, S&K Worldwide Team Up On Broward Project
/in News/by SFOBA STAFFCommercial Florida Realty Services and real estate investment group S&K Worldwide Realty see demand for Broward corporate relocation and expansion office space turning upward faster than expected.
“The re-energized economy has more companies looking to relocate or expand in Broward, but their need for ample office space is colliding with market realities, especially along the I-95 corridor,” said George Sacks, Commercial Florida Realty managing partner.
At one of Southlake Plaza’s two-story buildings, 1400 Newport Center Drive, for example, the partnership is marketing a 20,000-square-foot full floor in the same building where JPMorgan Chase signed a 12-year lease in 2013. “Broward’s suburban office rents along I-95 have stabilized and begun rising,” Sacks explained. “Companies see higher space costs ahead, whether they lease or buy. A business that occupies its own building with credit tenants carrying some of the load, can substantially limit risk, lock in costs and locate in higher profile space,” he said.
“Growing companies need to look at the balance sheet impact of leasing, buying or constructing a single-user building,” Sacks added. “Broward’s office inventory is not yet low enough to trigger new construction, and developable land along I-95 is rare and costly.” More relocating and expanding firms, he said, are considering buying a multi-tenant building.
Southlake Plaza weathered the recession with strong tenancy, thanks in part to its location within the 119-acre Newport Center business park, Sacks said. Most of the park’s buildings are owned, not leased, and corporate neighbors in the park include the University of Miami Sylvester at Deerfield Beach cancer center, MAPEI Americas, Staples’ back office operations, as well as two hotels.
According to S&K Worldwide Realty President Dirk Kuczurba, “We purchased Southlake Plaza many years ago, recognizing the opportunity to build long-term value in a property with an ideal location.” S&K and its related companies and partnerships own, develop and manage commercial and industrial real estate throughout Europe and the U.S., and have invested more than $650 million in Florida land, office, industrial and retail facilities.
Tyler Harrison Leaves CBRE
/in News/by SFOBA STAFFTyler Harrison, former Senior Associate with CBRE specializing in tenant and landlord representation in Broward and Palm Beach Counties in South Florida since 2003, has parted ways with the firm effective February 24, 2014.
After 10 years at the company, Harrison will lead San-Francisco Bay-based Equistone Partners’ expansion efforts into the South Florida market.
“The concept behind the formation of Equistone 10 years ago was to take all the good value elements of the large shop and provide scalable solutions that can be implemented and delivered to clients at the speed and efficiency of a boutique Commercial Real Estate firm. The platform allows us to be true partners with our clients on every level. It’s a foundation and practice that I believe in wholeheartedly and anticipate will be greatly embraced by the South Florida commercial real estate market,” explained Harrison.
From 2003 to 2008, Tyler served as Associate with CBRE’s Brokerage Services Team and was promoted to Senior Associate in March 2009. During his tenure in the South Florida market, Tyler has established a solid reputation in the business community and is well-respected among his peers as a commercial real estate professional.
He has represented several notable companies and organizations such as Blackberry, Ford Credit, Steinger Iscoe & Greene and University of Florida to name a few. Tyler has also represented charitable organizations including the American Diabetes Association, Breast Cancer Network of Strength, and Best Buddies.
Tyler grew up in Connecticut, has lived in the San Francisco Bay Area, and currently resides in Boca Raton, FL, where he has lived for the past 13 years.
Equistone Partners is a full-service client-focused commercial real estate brokerage and advisory firm, offering a complete range of commercial real estate services, supplying consistent service to clients and implementing strategies that provide opportunities for its Client Partners. Equistone Partners professionals know the real estate market and have the right contacts, resources and systems to deliver high-level solutions.