SugarOak Announces Acquisition of Spalding Exchange Office Park in Norcross, GA

Herndon, VA - October 26, 2011 - SugarOak, a Virginia based owner/developer of commercial properties, announced the acquisition of the Spalding Exchange Office Park, 55,000 sq ft, in Norcross, Georgia.

Spalding Exchange is located off of Holcomb Bridge and is comprised of eight separate, Williamsburg style buildings. 

“We see tremendous upside potential for Spalding Exchange” said John MacDonell, asset manager for SugarOak. “We will move aggressively to revitalize the property and are confident it can once again be one of the premier office parks within the area.”

SugarOak is a full service real estate company offering investment, management, and construction services across multiple property types. Headquartered in Herndon, Virginia, SugarOak has ownership interests and management portfolios across the U.S. and Canada.

SugarOak to Present Two Projects in Upcoming Parade of Homes

SugarOak will be showcasing two current projects during the weekend of April 30 – May 1. In Arlington, a renovation project on a 1925 American Style Foursquare home maintains the 20th century Arts and Crafts Style, while providing the Homeowners with an updated living space.

The second project is a new home in Great Falls. A French Country style home with Master Suite on the first floor, authentic stucco and “old world” carpentry details. This home is for sale.

The Parade is hosted by The Northern Virginia Building Industry Association (NVBIA). The beneficiary of this event is HomeAid Northern Virginia, whose mission is to build and renovate shelters for homeless children and families in Northern Virginia. For more information and maps for the event go to http://www.vaparade.com/.

Redevelopment of Holland Town Center Commences

Phase I of the Mixed-Use Redevelopment of Holland Town Center Commences

In addition, SugarOak will be converting Buildings A & B to mixed-use retail/office/medical business condominiums. SugarOak’s vision for the redevelopment of Holland Town Center is to create a vibrant mixed-use center, where retail, office, medical, restaurants and even R&D/tech users will call home.

In July 2009, SugarOak purchased the Holland Town Center, previously known as the Holland Outlet Mall from Horizon Properties. SugarOak has extensive experience with revitalizing similar centers around the country, and plans to do the same for Holland Town Center by providing retail and office users with an opportunity to lease or purchase ready-to-use space at below market prices.

About SugarOak SugarOak is a full service real estate company offering investment, management, and construction services across multiple property types. Headquartered in Herndon, Virginia, SugarOak has ownership interests and management portfolios across the US and Canada.

For more information on Holland Town Center see: http://www.hollandtowncenter.com/

For Leasing or Condo Sales info call Andy Walsh at: 616-396-1808

Watts the Big Deal?

It can be a “big deal” to improve energy consumption by replacing some of the larger systems in your home, but what small steps can we take to help save energy? Step One - Next trip to your local store, purchase a pack of four, 13 watt Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs, commonly referred to as, CFLs. The 13 watt CFL produces light that is equivalent to a 60 watt incandescent bulb. Next, identify some lamps with standard, 60 watt, incandescent bulbs that you can replace with the CFLs. Now, you have just saved 78% of the energy that it took to power the incandescent bulbs. CFLs are available in a variety of sizes, shapes and wattages, and are available at most hardware, grocery and big box stores. They cost a bit more than a conventional incandescent bulb, but they will last significantly longer. Sam’s Club and Walmart are partnering with Dominion Virginia Power to provide reduced pricing on CFLs. After testing CFLs in many lamps over the past three years, we have found a marked improvement in the color of the light, often being indistinguishable from the light from an incandescent bulb. The bulbs have also improved the “instant on” feature; some of the older bulbs took a while to warm up to full brightness. There are even bulbs available for recessed lights, candelabras and 3 way lamps. Step Two – If you find that the light is pleasing and acceptable, continue to replace all of your light bulbs with CFLs. Since lighting typically accounts for about 20% of the average electric bill, every little bit helps. A CFL can save $66.00 or more in energy costs over the lifetime of the bulb. That should more than make up for the higher purchase price. CFLs contain a small amount of mercury, so care should be taken to clean up safely if one is broken, and used bulbs should be recycled properly. Most hardware store are, or will soon be, providing recycling drop off locations.

SugarOak, located in Northern Virginia, can design and build on your lot, or we can find the perfect location for you, whether it’s in Virginia, Maryland, or Washington DC. Our team will stay in constant communication while building your home. At SugarOak, we build unique custom homes and long-term relationships

Northern Virginia Building Industry Association Real Estate Outlook Presentation

At a recent Northern Virginia Building Industry Association Real Estate Outlook presentation, it was easy to see where the US housing market is today. It has either hit the bottom, is soon to hit the bottom, or could hit the bottom a second time. Clarity - I love it! Despite the diversity of predictions, and the many unknowns, there are a few things that we can all agree on:

• Interest remain low, and will likely do so for at least the short term.
• Availability of credit to the homebuyer/homeowner is critical to a recovery.
• Job losses must taper off and unemployment must decline for a recovery to be successful.
• The rate of recovery will vary in different regions of the US.
• Population is forecast to grow.

At SugarOak Corporation, we have continued to work with our client’s throughout the housing downturn. Our experienced and talented SugarOak Associates and team members have the flexibility to work on a myriad of residential projects, from small renovations, to new custom homes. At SugarOak, we will continue to work with our client’s to face the challenges ahead. We will provide the quality, craftsmanship, design and price that will make your next project exceptional and affordable.

Best of Reston raises $295K for Interfaith

When Interfaith CEO Kerrie Wilson received a check at the end of the 2010 Best of Reston Awards Gala April 15, she made no attempt to hide her tears.

The annual event raised $295,000 -- money which help Interfaith to continue its work helping the residents of Northern Virginia.

"Tonight's event clearly shows that this community has a heart of gold. How fortunate we are," Wilson said to the black-tie crowd of celebrants, who packed the Hyatt Regency Reston main ballroom.

"And what can you say to these beautiful women," Wilson added, pointing to the successful gala's three co-chairs -- Lynn Gilmore, Northrop Grumman's director of community affairs and philanthropy; Georgia Graves, president at Bridgman Communications Inc.; and Linda Mallison, of SugarOak Commercial Real Estate, who had earlier been described as "Reston's own Dixie Chicks" by the evening's emcee, Phil Tobey.

Founded in 1970 by area religious organizations, Interfaith provides transitional housing, encourages the development of affordable housing, supports the Embry Rucker Community Shelter, furnishes child care at the Laurel Learning Center, offers parent education and support as well as food and financial assistance.

Interfaith's programs served more than 13,000 individuals and families last year. It also recently dedicated its 40th transitional housing townhome.