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

Fresh Eats Bistro Signs Three Year Lease At Georgian Place

Somerset, Pennsylvania – July 6, 2010 – A fresh, delicious, and healthy way to eat has people talking in Somerset. Fresh Eats Bistro opened in Suite 705 (originally Scoops ice cream shop) at Georgian Place. Owned and operated by John Mangus, Jr., this new restaurant focuses on classic cuisine made with the freshest ingredients in a bistro style atmosphere. The seasonal inspired menu consists of Deli Sandwiches made with slow roasted meats, finished any way you like them. Salads and Soups such as broccoli, tomato & bleu and fresh pea, are prepared with fresh produce, most often from the Somerset Co. Farmers’ Market at Georgian Place, and fashioned homemade style. For an occasional treat, bangers and mash, homemade rigatoni, pierogies and kolbassi, steak burgers, and more are some of the Daily Specials. You can add side salads or fruit cups to any order for a well rounded lunch. The menu doesn’t stop at nutritious and delicious food, the desserts are also homemade. The Cheesecake Fresca is a big seller that is sometimes sold out by the end of the day… a light and fluffy cheesecake piped on a freshly baked shortbread circle, topped with your choice of fresh fruit glaze. According to Mangus, “Our food is fresh and natural; the way grandma would make it, which is why it’s so good and yet nutritious. We’re not claiming to be fat free, low carb, etc; it’s just wholesome food with the correct proportion of natural ingredients.” Fresh Eats Bistro invites you to stop in and experience bistro food that will make you feel great. They also offer take out and delivery… call 443-3400. Open Monday through Saturday 10:30 am - 5:30 pm. About Georgian Place In 2005 SugarOak Properties converted the 182,000 square feet former Outlet Center at Georgian Place into a full-service business condominium -- providing office, retail, medical and service users with an opportunity to purchase or lease ready-to-use space at below market prices. Fresh Eats Bistro joins Precision Fitness, Factory Brand Shoes, blubaughsmusic.com, Pages & Light Bookstore, Priority Healthcare, Vittone Eye Surgical Associates, & Boyer Financial Planning, to name just a few of the 35 shops and businesses at Georgian Place. For more information on Georgian Place see: http://www.georgianplace.net/

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

Georgian Place Freedom Festival

If you’re looking for family fun, great good, and fireworks to celebrate Independence Day, you’ll want to make sure you put the Georgian Place Freedom Festival on your list of weekend activities. Stroll through the village on Saturday, July 3 to enjoy the outdoors, listen to great bands, watch kids test their skills with carnival games, and faces light up when they win prizes! This is the first year Georgian Place shops and businesses will host this fun event for the community to enjoy. Tonya Spangler, Property and Leasing Manager, said: “It’s a group effort of time and donations from our businesses and contractor partnerships that we are able to present the first annual Freedom Festival at Georgian Place. The businesses here invite everyone to come enjoy the beautiful property and take in a family friendly event that will leave lasting memories. We hope to make the festival bigger and better each year.” It will coincide with the Annual Somerset County Fireworks held that evening at 9:15pm. The South West Parking Lot at Georgian Place is a great place to enjoy the fireworks. The Freedom Festival will begin with a fabulous entertainment series starting at 1pm sponsored by blubaughsmusic.com. The local bands range in music from Metal Rock, New Rock, Christian Rock and Classic Rock. There will definitely be a band playing that you and your family will enjoy. You can watch and listen from the courtyard lawn- bring a chair or blanket – dancing is free and optional! The stage will be open at various times between performances for anyone to show off their musical talents. The one and only Optimus Prime will be visiting the Freedom Festival. He is the world’s only Transformer PC and stands at an amazing 7ft tall! Make sure you don’t miss your chance to meet him. Starting at 3pm, the shops will host free carnival games and prizes; always fun for every age! Kids can show their patriotism on their faces with a design at the face painting booth, and model trains are forever delightful for young and old alike. Laurel Highlands Model Railroad Club has a fascinating 6,000 SF showroom buzzing with history and the excitement of trains rolling down the tracks and through various terrains. Delicious food will also be available that day for your family to enjoy so you can spend hours or the whole day playing games, winning prizes, listening to music, shopping, eating and finish by watching spectacular fireworks and little faces lit with joy! About Georgian Place In 2005 Virginia based SugarOak purchased and converted the 182,000 square feet distressed former Outlet Center at Georgian Place into a full-service business condominium – providing specialty retail, office, medical and service users with an opportunity to purchase or lease ready-to-use space at below market prices. The condo project helped to stabilize the center for the continued development of existing space and outparcels. The center will be marketed heavily in the next year to lease or sell the remaining space. The owner offers build to suit deals and 80% owner financing. Georgian Place shops and businesses sit in a landscaped village nestled below the Georgian Inn of Somerset, a 1915 Georgian Mansion offering luxury accommodations, fine or casual dining, and hosts weddings and banquets. The “Inn” is listed on the National Historic Register. The Center has grown to over 35 shops and businesses including Fresh Eats Bistro, Laurel Arts Education and Dance Center, Affordable Art, Somerset Sewing Center, BonWorth, Factory Brand Shoes, Prodigy Dialysis, Philip A. Basala, Lifestages Gynecology, and Pediatric Care Specialists. For more information on Georgian Place see: http://www.georgianplace.net/

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.

“The Georgian Inn of Somerset Celebrates A Grand Opening”

SOMERSET, PENNSYLVANIA – June 24, 2010 – New owners and innkeepers Charles and Stephanie Charrie welcome you to enjoy the wonders of this magnificent 1915 Georgian mansion during their Grand Opening Celebration June 24, 25, 26, and 27. The Georgian Inn of Somerset remains listed on the National Registry of Historic Places. Experience the majestic feel of the inn during a visit, an overnight stay, or indulge in the new chef’s one of a kind creations. Each day, and every night during the festive events of the Grand Opening you will experience a different style, yet remain in the Georgian traditions. Piano player, musical instruments, butler service, and a host of productions and services are designed to satisfy every pallet. Come casual or formal, there is a setting for everyone. Witness the changes throughout your visit. Meet the new owners and innkeepers, new menus, and seasoned staff. The Georgian Revival Style Mansion built by coal and cattle baron D.B. Zimmerman, during the gilded age, sits as an iconic landmark on “The hill” as it was often referred to by Zimmerman. The views of Somerset are magnificent and the Mansion can be seen from miles away. It is the focal point of the Georgian Place property, a village of shops and businesses nestled below in the courtyard. The entire property sits on 43 acres adjacent to Lake Somerset. Georgian Place is managed by SugarOak Property and Leasing Manager, Tonya Spangler, a native of Somerset. SugarOak purchased the 182,000 SF former outlet center and converted into a full-service business condominium—providing office, retail, medical, and service users with an opportunity to purchase space at below market rates. For more information about Georgian Place Shops & Businesses see http://www.georgianplace.net/ For reservations or information about The Georgian Inn of Somerset call 814-443-1043 or email TheGeorgianInnofSomerset@gmail.com 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.

Bridgeway Foundation Purchases Condo Unit at Crossroads Center

NORMAL, ILLINOIS – June 2, 2010 – Bridgeway Foundation, a not-for-profit human services organization dedicated to improving the lives of individuals with disabilities in west central Illinois and southeast Iowa, has acquired 464 Wylie Drive located at the Crossroads Center in Normal, IL. The seller was SugarOak Bloomington Normal, LLC. The purchased suite totals 6,700 square feet. Tom Colclasure, President of Bridgeway Training Services NFP, said: “We are looking to increase our presence in the Normal. IL area and found Crossroads Center to be the ideal location in terms of footprint and growth potential. We also recognize the importance of working with an established and professional management company such as SugarOak. Bottom line, we view this move as a big step forward toward our objective of providing more opportunity to those with disabilities in the Normal, Ill area.” Bridgeway Training Services offers job opportunities as well as provides services to the communities such as data entry, recycling, janitorial services, metal fabrication and confidential document destruction services. Bridgeway is a CARF accredited organization, funded in part through contributions from the United Way, United Fund and Community Chest. For more information please see http://www.bts-solutions.org/ or http://www.bway.org/. About SugarOak In 2007 SugarOak converted the former Bloomington-Normal Factory Stores into Crossroads Center – a full-service business condominium -- providing office, retail and light industrial users with an opportunity to purchase ready-to-use space at below market prices. Bridgeway Foundation joins, Show Me Dough Fundraising, ACC Electronix, Chestnut Health Systems, Caterpillar, Digital Copy Systems, Great Plains Life Foundation and Earl and Suzanne Anderson as purchasers of over 60,000 square feet of business condo space at Crossroads Center. 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.

The 2010 Spring Antique Show at Georgian Place Shops & Office Village

SOMERSET, PENNSYLVANIA – May 27, 2010 – The grounds at Georgian Place were bustling during the Annual Spring Antique Show at Georgian held Saturday, May 22 and Sunday May 23, 2010. Now in its 8th year, this family friendly indoor/outdoor event featured over 75 vendors, offering a wide assortment of quality antiques, decorative arts, and collectibles ranging from the early 1800s to the retro 1950s. The show ran from 9am to 5pm on Saturday and 11am-4 pm on Sunday. The light rain didn’t keep the crowds away as attendance was estimated at over 5,000 for the weekend. According to John Greiner of Cottage Pine Antiques, “In my opinion this was the most successful spring antique show at Georgian Place yet”. Admission to the event was free. The village setting at Georgian Place was the perfect environment to stroll though and browse for something special. In addition to the antique show, there was a delicious assortment of homemade food available, and a variety of local live acoustic bands playing throughout each day on the courtyard lawn, sponsored by blubuaghsmusic.com. Also, a Car Cruise was held on Saturday sponsored by Classic Cruisers Car Club. Starting at noon, antique and classic cars were on display in the parking lot for car enthusiasts of all ages. With so much to see and do, a trip to the Georgian Place Antique Show is always a memorable day out and one you won’t want to miss next year! About Georgian Place Georgian Place consists of approximately 182,000 SF of retail and office space situated around the historic Georgian Inn -- a Georgian Revival Style Mansion built in 1915. Now operating as “The Georgian Inn of Somerset,” with a new business owner/operator, patrons can expect to receive luxury accommodations, fine or casual dining, and a lovely setting for events of all kinds in a building that will take you back to the gilded age. Situated around the Inn are over 13 retailers and many service and office users, which give Georgian Place a true village setting. Included among the retailers and service providers are such leading brands as BonWorth, Factory Brand Shoes, and Vitamin World as well as local favorites such as Somerset Sewing Center, Pet Boutique, Affordable Art, and Precision Fitness. Georgian Place is owned and managed since 2005 by SugarOak, an international real estate investment and management company. SugarOak specializes in revitalizing similar centers around the country by providing retail, service, and office users with an opportunity to lease or purchase ready-to-use space at below market prices. Over the past several years a host of medical and office users have leased or purchased space and numerous independent retailers have opened specialty shops. Recent additions to the center include blubaughsmusic.com, Fresh Eats Bistro, and Edward T. Iseman, Esq. and Laurel Highlands Model Railroad. For more information on Georgian Place see:

http://www.georgianplace.net/

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.