Day 12- The KC Market Report: Happy Holidays!- 12 Days of Why It's Great to be in KC!

The 12 Days of Why It's Great to be in Kansas City reminded all of us at Block Real Estate Services (BRES) that Kansas City is a inspiring and developing area that we love to call home. BRES would like to take this time to wish you a wonderful holiday season and a happy New Year!

Our 2014 KC Market Report will be available mid-January. Sign-up here to be the first to receive the report first.

Happy Holidays! Watch our BRES Happy Holiday Video below:

Day 11- Retail- 12 Days of Why it’s Great to be in Kansas City

Kansas City is witnessing an increase in retail activity after many years of stagnant commerce. High hopes

linger as local communities attempt to redevelop the city with incentives that will continue to push the city as a modern commerce hub. In 2013, Kansas City has seen a reduced vacancy rate and expects an incline redevelopment investments and now we look towards the trends in retail that take us to 2014: 

Day 10- Block Multifamily Group- 12 Day's of Why It's Great to be in Kansas City!

Block Multifamily Group (BMG) has had an exciting year with a variety of nation-wide acquisitions.  Our BMG portfolio has increased by 1300 units in four different locations stretching from 1,008 units in Texas, 232 units in Arkansas, and 72 units in Kansas.  Read more for the exciting developments from KC BMG on the developing multifamily housing trends and our showcase property, Bella Madera property.

Day 9 - Construction -12 Day's of Why It's Great to be in Kansas City

12 days – Construction

Kansas City’s construction rebounded in 2012 and activity continued to increase throughout 2013 and will

be rolling full steam ahead into 2014. We are proud that we have been able to work on ground breaking projects that have encouraged an incline in KC area development. The Lenexa Logistics Center and College Crossing are two recent projects that will create additional highlights to the area. The completion of these two developments will add an extra spark for KC construction and development market to showcase in the coming months.

Day 8 - Teva Office Development - 12 Days of Why It's Great to be in KC

Another day, another reason why it's great to be in KC. Today, we reflect on why it's great to have great companies adding to the growth of the Kansas City office development. At Block Real Estate Services, (BRES) we are particularly proud to have had the opportunity to partner with Teva Pharmaceuticals with their Overland Park, Kansas office.

Day 7-Logistics- 12 Day's of Why It's Great to be in Kansas City

Kansas City is a great place to be for e-commerce and retail companies. Its easy logistics make it a hot spot for intermodal transportation. The city’s geographical location and proximity to a variety of major transportation forms has made Kansas City a desired e-commerce retail hub.

Day 6-Healthcare-12 Days of Why It's Great to be in Kansas City

Obamacare brought many changes to the healthcare landscape as different expectations were laid out for healthcare providers and thus, different spaces. This has affected commercial real estate as health care providers seek spaces that will accommodate their new responsibilities with Obamacare.

Day 5 - Investing - 12 Days of Why It's Great to be in KC

Investment transactions were up in 2013 and this trend will hopefully continue in to 2014. On this

fifth day of the 12 days of why it's great to be in Kansas City, Block Real Estate Services (BRES) will detail in this post what is on the docket for the investment market in 2014 and how this affects the Kansas City area investment market.

Day 4 - Multifamily Development - 12 Days of Why It's Great to be in KC!

From the downtown to the suburbs, we are seeing great opportunities arise for successful multifamily

developments all over the Kansas City area. On day four of our Block Real Estate Services 12 Reasons Why It’s Great to be in KC, we will share the multifamily forecast for 2014 and feature one of our own multifamily developments.

Day 3- KC's Streetcar Initiative-12 days of why it's great to be in Kansas City

Kansas City’s booming changes and developments are on fast tracks. The first of the tracks for Kansas City's streetcar initiative have been laid down this year and the project is slotted to be complete in 2015. On our third day of the '12 days of Why it’s great to be in Kansas City', Block Real Estate Services (BRES) will highlight the development of our city’s first streetcar project.

Day 2-Office Market-12 Days of Why It's Great to be in Kansas City

Another reason why it's great to be in Kansas City is an Office Market that is coming out of recession and on the rise. With much excitement for our second day on the 12 days of "Why it’s great to be in Kansas City"', Block Real Estate (BRES) will focus on the Cerner Corporation and how this company alone has helped shape the KC office market landscape:

Day 1 - Downtown Development - 12 Days of Why It's Great to be in KC

Kansas City is an exciting place to be right now and even the press is recognizing it. Last year, Bloomberg ranked KC number 15 in America’s 50 Best Cities. This year, Kansas City was also ranked 15th among the best cities to live. Much of the excitement around Kansas City comes from the downtown revival as the KC downtown is now booming with development and changes. For our first day on the 12 days of why it's great to be in Kansas City, Block Real Estate Services (BRES) reflects on some of the highlights of downtown development.

3 Government Actions that Will Affect CRE

During the past year we have seen many changes with government policies that have taken the country by storm. From

health care reform and government shutdown to new tax incentives; all affecting commercial real estate in a variety of ways. Learn about three specific government actions will affect CRE:

BRES's Deal of the Week - Greystone South Shopping Center

Stephen Block, Kim Bartalos and Callie Laue closed on the sale of the Greystone Shopping Center located in Lenexa, Kansas.

A Strong CRE portfolio is like a Thanksgiving Meal

A strong commercial real estate portfolio is an essential key to success that allows companies to analyze and pursue realistic business goals. Putting together a strong Commercial Real Estate (CRE) portfolio is like prepping the elements of a delicious Thanksgiving Dinner. You need just the right balance of the food pyramid to ensure a healthy, yet tasty meal.  Learn how you can prepare a strong CRE portfolio like a delicious Thanksgiving meal: 

BRES' Deal of the Week - El Dorado Apartment Homes

Matt Ledom and Aaron Mesmer closed on the sale of a multifamily property in Raytown, Missouri.

Trending In Multifamily: Amenities



In the commercial real estate multifamily market, investors are looking at quality assets in markets where the existing job market is stable and the future of job creation and job growth is on the horizon. Residents seeking multifamily housing in these markets are looking for amenities to match the up-and-coming lifestyle of these healthy job markets.  2014 multifamily developments will continue to show the demand for amenities for future developments.

BRES' Deal of the Week - Land Sale at 191st Street and Four Corners Road

Kim Bartalos and Matt Levi, of Block Real Estate Services, LLC (BRES) closed on the land sale by the BNSF Intermodal.  

Creative Office Solutions for the Modern Workplace

What does going green, technology, job cuts, and a recession all have in common?  

They are all factors in why office rehabilitation is currently a trending topic in the office industry. Keep reading to learn more about how being aware of these changes in the marketplace can help YOU as a commercial real estate professional make the best decisions on behalf of your clients: 

BRES' Deal of the Week - Benjamin Harrison Elementary School

Matt Levi, Aaron Mesmer, Brian Beggs and Grant Reves of Block Real Estate Services, LLC (BRES) closed on the sale of a former learning and knowledge center.

Elevate Your CRE Career

Many professionals who are seeking to establish a well-constructed and diversified career often forget to turn to professional organizations. Becoming part of a strong commercial real estate professional network and professional organizations can develop leadership qualities and take an individual to new levels of achievement. Anne Lemon, CPM is an Associate Director of Property Management for Block Real Estates Services, LLC (BRES) has experienced the positive benefits of getting involved and has illustrated its benefits.  Here are a few reasons why getting involved elevates your CRE career: 

BRES' Deal of the week - 10900 W. 86th Street

Brian Bock, Estel Hipp and Kenneth G. Block of Block Real Estate Services, LLC. (BRES) closed on the lease of an office building in Lenexa Kansas.  

5 Scary Cold Calling Mistakes

Cold calling can be a bone-chilling experience for your lead generation if it is not approached the right way. Some brokers may even feel cursed as they call contact after contact with no prevail. However, don't scream in terror (or frustration) just yet. We have the scary cold calling mistakes to avoid so that you don't end up in a prospecting nightmare:

BRES' Deal of the week - Gillham Plaza Building

Bruce Johnson and Don Maddux of Block Real Estate Services, LLC (BRES) represented the buyers, Antheus Acquisitions in the sale of the Gillham Plaza Building in Kansas City, Missouri.

The Benefits of Mixed-Use Development

Mixed-use projects which was the norm until the 1920's, is on the rise again. Mixed-use development is now more in demand in an effort to better use space and optimize urban areas.

BRES' Deal of the week - Northwest Arkansas Medical, LLC

Stephen Bessenbacher, Stephen Block and Brian Beggs of Block Real Estate Services, LLC. (BRES) bought a $3.5M medical office complex in Springdale, Arkansas.

BRES Creates "Dream Team" for Teva Pharmaceuticals

On Tuesday, Gov. Sam Brownback, President of Teva; Larry Downey, Kenneth G. Block of Block Real Estate Services (BRES) along with other dignitaries, helped cut the red ribbon for Teva Pharmaceuticals' new five-story office in Overland Park. To get an idea of the building, here are some useful facts:

BRES' Deal of the week - 10600 Metcalf

Michael R. Block and Kenneth G. Block of Block Real Estate Services, LLC. (BRES) just closed an 84-month lease for a 10,338 SF office space.  

Optimizing LinkedIn for Recruitment

LinkedIn, the social networking site, has many opportunities for commercial real estate companies. LinkedIn not only can help a professional with networking, but can also play a major role in HR recruiting strategies. This post will show you how to optimize LinkedIn as an essential business tool, and reach your company’s full potential when it comes to recruitment marketing.

BRES' Deal of the Week - 5101 Speaker Road

Zach Hubbard, Michael R. Block and Kenneth G. Block of Block Real Estate Services, (BRES) negotiated

the lease of 382,000 SF Distribution Center in Kansas City, Kansas.            

Managing the Tenant / Lender Relationship

With the economy no longer on a long-term up-and-up, the tenant to landlord to lender relationship has shifted significantly. Lenders are more aggressive to have control over tenant terms and activities, however, this can result in poor business decisions. Here are some tips to navigate these relationships:

BRES' Deal of the Week - Athens Medical, LLC

Steve Bessenbacher and Stephen Block of Block Real Estate Services, orchestrated approximately a $2M Medical Office Building (MOB) in Athens, TN.

BRES' Deal of the Week - Lenexa Logistics Centre

Block Real Estate Services, (BRES) Kenneth G. Block, orchestrated the transaction of the Lenexa Logistics Centre.  Lenexa Logistics Centre is located in Lenexa at College Boulevard and Renner Boulevard.

Prep Your Property For Cold Seasons

Fall is upon us and it's the time to prep your property for cold seasons. Wardrobes are making the transition to looks that are a bit more layered, but have you taken the necessary steps to layer your commercial properties with protective measures to endure winter's worst?

Here's a start for your pre-winter prepping:

Guest Post from Wagner Logistics: Intermodal Transportation and Growth

This guest post from Wagner Logistics focuses on Intermodal Transportation and Growth in Kansas City...

Since Lewis and Clark found their way across the country and camped on the bluffs above the confluence of the Kansas and Missouri rivers, the area we know as Kansas City has been a center of trade in the Midwest. First the rivers, then rail, and finally the interstate highway system drove the growth of this important strategic distribution hub.

Now, these four factors are driving the present growth in the Kansas City area:

1. Growth in intermodal transportation (the region has this covered).
2. Reduction in driver hours through hours-of-service regulations, causing motor carriers and shippers to change the way they do business.
3. Favorable environment.
4. Reshoring manufacturing.

BRES' Deal of the Week - Interstate Business Park

Estel Hipp, Brian Bock, and Kenneth G. Block of Block Real Estate Services, (BRES) closed on industrial / production Lease in Lenexa, Kansas for the Interstate Business Park.

Block Hawley Finds New Home for Local St. Louis Confectioner

St. Louis local confectioner Bissinger's gets a new home for their tasty chocolates.   Bissinger's has been making confections for 350 years at it's inception in 17th Century France and has been a St. Louis favorite since 1927.

Refinancing A Commercial Real Estate Loan

Declining interest rates and the opportunity to improve loan terms are two key advantages to refinancing a commercial real estate loan. If you are looking to refinance your commercial real estate loan and find yourself fearful of the application form, these tips will help you prepare for your best chance to get refinanced: 

BRES' Deal of the Week - BMO Harris Bank

Max Wasserstrom and Dan Durkin of Block Real Estate Services (BRES) closed on a 120- month lease in Kansas City, Missouri.

Tech Tools For CRE

Supplementing daily business routines with technology can not only make a commercial real estate professional's life easier, it can also get them ahead of the game. Below, we detail four tools that we at Block Real Estate Services (BRES) have found useful and have helped us offer cutting-edge service in the industry:

BRES' Deal of the Week - River Trail

Aaron Mesmer, Brian Beggs, Grant Reves and Kenneth G. Block of Block Real Estate Services (BRES) handled the sale of River Trail Townhomes in Ogden, Kansas.

Teva Progress Slideshow

We are getting closer and closer to the ribbon cutting for the new home of Teva Pharmaceuticals in Overland Park, Kansas. Here at Block Real Estate Services, (BRES) we are very proud of the timeline and delivery for this project. Reflecting on the past year, we thought it would be entertaining to see a slideshow of the Teva progress. Get up to date information of the Teva project here.

See our slideshare here on Teva through it's development:

BRES' Deal of the Week - Adams Dairy & RD Mize Road

Stephen Bessenbacher, Brian Beggs, and Aaron Mesmer, of Block Real Estate Services (BRES) closed on 14.98 acres of land in Blue Springs, Missouri.

How To Welcome A New Tenant

Whether it's a multifamily residential project or a retail / office space, welcoming a new tenant is part of the property management process. The contracts may be signed, but the deal is not over. A property manager needs to make sure that the tenant feels as comfortable as possible in their new space. Rolling out the welcome mat for tenants will set the foundation for a healthy, long-term tenant relationship. We at Block Real Estate Services (BRES) are preparing to move Teva Pharmaceuticals into their new office home. Learn more about the Teva project here. As we approach the Teva move-in date, we thought it would be nice to reflect on the right way to welcome a new tenant...

Bright Future Ahead For Distressed Property

Matt Ledom, with Block Real Estate Services (BRES) represented the Buyer, Diversified Asset Management (DAMCO) in the recent acquisition of Highland Tower— 116,566 square feet of office space located at 6724 Troost.   Aaron Mesmer and Bruce Johnson, of BRES, handled the sale on behalf of the

Owner, Cadles. 

BRES' Deal of the Week - WaterCrest at City Center

Kenneth G. Block of Block Real Estate Services, (BRES) closed on a land deal for a future multifamily development located at I-435 and 87th Street in Lenexa, KS.

The Benefits of Design-Build

Though Design-build is not a new concept by any means, the use of this process has recently grown significantly, as businesses and governments strive to make projects more efficient. Design-build is a project delivery system where the owner chooses a singular entity to handle the entire execution of a project - from design to construction. This streamlined approach ventures from the traditional system of preparing plans from a design and then seeking bids from contractors.

BRES' Deal of the Week - Shadow Creek Apartments

Block Real Estate Services, (BRES) Aaron Mesmer & Michael R. Block closed on the Multifamily Sale of over 200,000 SF located at 5417 E. 96th Place in Kansas City, MO.

The Importance of Getting Involved

A Block Real Estate Employee shares the importance of getting involved in the professional community outside your job description...

One of the best things I did early on in my career is join a professional organization. No matter what industry you are in, professional organizations enhance your career...and your life! Here's how:

BRES' Deal of the Week - 520 W. Pennway

Kim Bartalos and Matt Levi of Block Real Estate Services, (BRES) sold a 45,000 SF historic building in Kansas City, Missouri.   

Employee Brings BOMA Pride Back to BRES

Lisa with Mayor Sly James
and the BOMA Board President

Each year, BOMA (Building Owners and Managers Association) chapters around the nation choose the recipients of their TOBY (The Outstanding Building of the Year) award. Those selected compete at the regional and national level to be the best of the best in commercial buildings. The TOBY awards recognize quality and innovation in commercial real estate buildings. Last year, Block Real Estate Services (BRES) was proud to have our own Lisa Randall win the 2012 TOBY award for the work on the Renner Corporate Center office building in Lenexa, Kansas. See the article in Midwest Real Estate Journal's blog.

BRES' Deal of the week - Applebees

Stephen Block, Aaron Mesmer, Brian Beggs and Grant Reves of Block Real Estate Services, (BRES) teamed up to close on a $2.7M sale of commercial real estate. 

Block Multifamily Partners with Balfour to Deliver Solutions

Two heads are better than one...and sometimes two companies are better than one.

Block Multifamily Group (BMG) and Balfour Beatty Communities have partnered to jointly pursue property management opportunities for HUD, Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) and other Public Housing Authority projects. Learn the basics of LIHTC here.