Project Management of a New Slidell Storage Facility Led by Local Commercial Real Estate Firm
Construction of a 130,200 Square-Foot Self Storage Building is Underway
New Orleans (January 9, 2022) – Urban Properties Real Estate, a local commercial real estate firm, specializing in project management and development, is pleased to announce that it is leading the project management of the new Fremaux Self Storage building at 1818 McKinney Road in Slidell. Construction on the three-story building began last October and is slated for completion by late this summer.
The addition of this property to Urban’s growing project management portfolio demonstrates the company’s ability to manage large-scale new construction projects from the ground up. Michael Bucher, Partner/Managing Director for the firm, and Dick Cyr, CRRP, are leading the project management team for the development of this 808-unit building, which will also offer 80 storage spaces for RVs and boats, next to the TownePlace Suites by Marriott in Slidell.
Ariel Valli of Valli Architectural Group is leading the design and Kent Design Build of Mandeville, led by Jacob Palmisano, will handle construction. Duplantis Design Group (DDG) of Covington is the civil engineer on the project. Once complete, the facility will be managed by Sean Landry at Expert Storage Management of Metairie.
This is Urban’s fourth project for the owner, Lavin National based in Covington. Current projects include property and asset management of a medical office building at 3100 Galleria Drive in Metairie and the Fremaux Shopping Center at 1806 Lindberg Drive in Slidell, along with leasing of the Fremaux medical office building at 1810 Lindberg Drive.
“Being brought in to oversee the construction of this project by the owners is a testament to our client’s trust in us and Urban’s comprehensive project management services,” said Mr. Bucher. “We are delighted to partner with this team of class-A industry professionals to execute the development of this building and contribute to the growth of the Fremaux commercial corridor in Slidell.”
Local Developer Managed the Redevelopment of the Former Winn Dixie in Mandeville
New Orleans (July 26, 2022) – SVN | Urban Properties, a local commercial brokerage, property management and development firm, recently completed the renovation at 619 N. Causeway Blvd., Mandeville, transforming half of the former Winn Dixie into the newest location of Altitude Trampoline Park. The 30,000 square foot park opened on Friday, July 22.
This is the second Altitude location in the greater metropolitan area, with the first being on Northshore Blvd in Slidell, and the second renovation that SVN | Urban has overseen for the franchisees. Michael Bucher, Managing Director, and Dick Cyr, Project Manager, led the redevelopment and project management, and Tyler Robinson, Managing Director, handled the leasing of the space for SVN | Urban Properties.
The Dimension Group, an architecture firm out of Dallas, led the design and DonahueFavret Contractors, based in Mandeville, handled the construction. The park features over 10,000 square feet of trampoline area, a multi-sport court, two golf simulators, a kids’ play area, four party rooms, and a small restaurant and bar.
“Being brought in to oversee the project by the franchise owners for a second location is a testament to Urban’s client-centric approach to providing comprehensive project management services,” said Mr. Bucher. “Even though this was the second time building out a trampoline park, each project presents unique challenges and this one was no different. Our team, led by Dick Cyr and DonahueFavret, did a tremendous job of transforming this vacant grocery store into a much-needed entertainment amenity for the North Shore in just five months.
Redevelopment of Tulane Avenue Warehouse Is Underway
NEW ORLEANS – From SVN | Urban Properties:
SVN | Urban Properties — a New Orleans-based commercial development, property management, and brokerage firm — is overseeing the historic renovation of a Mid-City warehouse at 4201 Tulane Avenue, on the corner of Tulane Avenue and S. Solomon Street. The owner/developer, KCT Real Estate LLC, is a real estate investment company owned by Tony and Katherine Gelderman, whose previous historic redevelopment projects include 800 Magazine Street, 353 Carondelet Street and the Rink at 2727 Prytania Street.
Built in the early 1920s, 4201 Tulane Avenue is a two-story, 36,000-square-foot structure, and is the former home of Riecke Cabinet Works (1925-1971) and Lighting Inc. (beginning in 1972). SVN | Urban Properties is managing the complete historic renovation process, the first phase of which includes structural rehabilitation, a new roof, and restoring the windows and exterior metal panels to honor the original 1920s façade. Additional phases will include building out the interior space once user(s) have been identified. Ownership expects an announcement will be forthcoming in early 2022.
“The Preservation Resource Center of New Orleans is excited to receive a preservation easement on this historic warehouse, which will protect this building in perpetuity, and for the opportunity to work with the owners to ensure that the historic renovation is of the highest quality,” said Danielle Del Sol, executive director of the PRC. “This project is a huge win for the City of New Orleans, and we’re proud to be a part of it. The PRC is thrilled to see the new life that will be breathed into this part of Tulane Avenue by KCT Real Estate and SVN | Urban Properties.”
Construction began in December 2021 and will last six months. Rome Office is the architect for the project and Trine Builders is the general contractor.
Michael Bucher, partner and director of development at SVN | Urban Properties, is leading the project.
“We are very grateful that the Geldermans chose SVN | Urban Properties as its project manager on this historic redevelopment,” he said. “Due to the age of the building and complexity of the renovation, it took a bit longer to launch than we expected, and we are excited to finally be underway. This location at Carrollton Avenue and Interstate 10 in Mid-City lends itself to so many possibilities.”
Commercial Real Estate Firm Redevelops Multi-Family Building in Old Jefferson
SVN | Urban Properties Adds to its Real Estate Portfolio with Recent Partnership
New Orleans (October 12, 2021) – SVN | Urban Properties, a New Orleans-based commercial brokerage, property management and development firm, has partnered with real estate investor Anthony Marullo to purchase a multi-family property at 261 Jules Avenue off of Jefferson Highway near Ochsner Health System’s main campus.
Rendering courtesy of CICADA
The existing three-story structure was built in 1962, totaling 18,800 square feet on one half acre of land in Jefferson Parish. USVN | Urban Properties is planning a cosmetic renovation of the 36-unit (32 one-bedroom and 4 two-bedroom) apartment building. The renovated apartment building will offer modern multi-family residential housing in an area that lacks updated options.
Michael Bucher, Partner and Director of Development at SVN | Urban Properties, is leading the acquisition and renovation. “We are pleased that Marullo chose to partner with SVN | Urban Properties on this multi-family opportunity in Jefferson,” said Bucher. “Our firm saw this as a unique opportunity to add multi-family to our real estate portfolio, as well as meet a need for suitable housing for area healthcare workers in close proximity to Ochsner’s largest hospital in its system.”
CICADA is the architect on the project, Hive Construction is the contractor, and The First Bank provided the financing. SVN | Urban Properties will handle the project management of the renovation process, along with leasing of the units and then overseeing property and asset management of the completed development. Move in is slated for late Spring 2022.
This is SVN | Urban Properties’ second notable project with Marullo in the past several months. SVN | Urban Properties was selected as the exclusive broker and property/asset manager for the Louisiana Revitalization Fund, a $100 million real estate fund. Since inception, the fund has deployed over $20 million in Metairie, New Orleans, and Shreveport, LA.
Rendering courtesy of CICADA
Announcing the 2021 Excellence in Construction & Real Estate honorees
Announcing the 2021 Excellence in Construction & Real Estate honorees
By: Natalie Chandler, Editor May 19, 2021
New Orleans CityBusiness has chosen its 2021 Excellence in Construction and Real Estate class, recognizing professionals who have led the way in the areas of investment, jobs created and potential impact in the New Orleans area. The honorees are:
Architects
Steven Bingler
Kyle D. Domangue
Justin Greenleaf
Charles Neyrey
E. Will Tregre
Commercial Real Estate Agents
Josh Fogarty
S. Parkerson McEnery
Developers
Mac Bauer
Jackie Dadakis
Paul Flower
David Fuselier
Robin Keegan
Tyler Robinson
Philip Sherman
Estimators
André Camenzuli
Patrick N. Descant
General Contractors
Ryan Allen
Erin Comeaux
William Cummings
Michael DeGruy
Chris Michel
Home Builders
Stephen Fleishmann
Tim O’Rourke
Katy Reynolds
Angelica Rivera
Interior Design/Staging
Allison Looper-Chalmers
Project Managers
Michael Bucher
Michael Cooper
Trevor Dowd
David E. Dupré
Blake Thomas Gidman
Matt Rome
Mark Salvetti
Lee Wilkens
Residential Real Estate Agents
Glennda Bach
David Favret
Micah Loewenthal
Melissa Burns McClendon
Brett A. Rector
Lisa Shedlock
Liz Tardo
Rising Star in Construction
Bradley Holland
Rising Star in Real Estate
Gary Anderson
Amy Breen
Herbert Dubuisson
Subcontractors
Mindy Nunez Airhart
Lawrence Bernard
Kurt Garris
Ben Gootee
Kyle Sharbonno
A special Excellence in Construction and Real Estate insert profiling all honorees will run in the July 30 issue of CityBusiness. A virtual event celebrating our honorees is scheduled for noon July 27. To register for the event, contact Marilyn Miller at mmiller@nopg.com. For more information contact Natalie Chandler at nchandler@nopg.com.
Michael Bucher Made Partner of SVN | Urban Properties
New Orleans (November 10, 2020) – SVN | Urban Properties, a New Orleans-based commercial brokerage, property management and development firm, is pleased to announce that Michael Bucher has become a partner in the firm.
Bucher joins the firm’s three founding partners as the most recent addition to Urban’s executive team. Bucher initially joined the firm in the summer of 2017 as its Director of Project Management, responsible for managing SVN | Urban Properties' development and project management initiatives from entitlements through delivery. His current projects include the renovation and expansion of Avala Hospital in Covington as well as the historic renovation of the former Union Savings Bank Building at 353 Carondelet, New Orleans into the new headquarters for Fidelity Bank.
“Mike has been the perfect fit for our team, his development expertise is invaluable, and I’m proud to announce his partnership,” said Eugene Schmitt, Director & Partner, SVN | Urban Properties. “Mike’s vigor and passion for our industry makes him a natural fit for our leadership team. We have a lot of projects in the pipeline and having Mike onboard in this role will help us grow in the trajectory we’ve envisioned for our firm.”
Prior to joining Urban, Mike served as VP of Development at Stirling Properties where he was responsible for leading new and ongoing development projects with a specialization in office and medical office product types. In addition, Mr. Bucher managed Stirling Properties’ New Orleans office at the Pan American Life Center, where he was responsible for new business development, specifically focused on the New Orleans market.
Mike is an active member of the Urban Land Institute (ULI), and the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC), for which he was a member of the Centerbuild “20 Under 40” inaugural class. Mr. Bucher holds a B.S. in Business Administration from Villanova University, and an M.B.A. from the University of Virginia’s Darden School of Business, with specializations in corporate finance and investment banking.
About SVN | Urban PropertiesSVN | Urban Properties is a boutique real estate consulting, development, brokerage, and property management firm focused on urban projects in New Orleans. Clients are investors and business owners that value investing in socially vibrant urban projects that enhance neighborhoods to drive long-term value. With backgrounds in development, finance, and asset management, coupled with the understanding of the local market, the firm is able to craft innovative and practical real estate solutions.
Connect on Facebook, follow on Instagram (@urban_properties) and LinkedIn. For more information, visit www.urbanproperties.com.
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Fidelity Bank opens new HQ in former Union Savings & Loan building
From the New Orleans CityBusiness article By: CityBusiness staff reports November 4, 2020
Fidelity Bank has opened its new corporate headquarters at 353 Carondelet St. in a historic building once occupied by the former Union Savings & Loan.
The nationally historic registered building was originally built in 1850 and designed by architect George Purves as part of a row of eight commercial buildings historically known as Union Row. In 1958, the building was redesigned by August Perez & Associates to its current mid-century modern design.
Fidelity moved its corporate headquarter from Place St. Charles to the second floor at 353 Carondelet and celebrated the opening on Monday. The first floor now serves as a new full-service bank branch featuring personal consultative service by experienced bankers and also highlighting fully automated solutions that meet the varying needs of a modern diverse client base, a news release said.
The architect was Trapolin Peer which specializes in sensitive historic renovations, and the construction company was Ryan Gootee General Contractors. SVN | Urban Properties handled the project management overseeing the construction/buildout of the historic renovation along with the interior buildout of Fidelity Bank’s offices on the first and second floors.
For details on the renovation, click here.
“We’ve been committed to the city of New Orleans and the Gulf South for 112 years,” Fidelity president and CEO Chris Ferris said. “Now, we have our own property for our corporate headquarters in the heart of downtown New Orleans, and we completed these massive renovations respectful of the mid-century design and to preserve the cultural history.”
Developer and RAMM Real Estate president Richard Roth is owner of the property.
“Both Mary Martin and I appreciate the uniqueness of this building featuring a mid-century design in the New Orleans CBD,” he said. “We are elated that Fidelity will be here for good and will repurpose the property as a corporate headquarters providing a beautiful new workspace for team members and a new state-of-the-art bank to serve local businesses and residents.”
Founded in 1908, Fidelity Bank is an $900 million in assets mutual financial institution chartered by the state of Louisiana.