Commercial Real Estate News
Harris Corp. Inspires Confidence
A Florida Today article reports that Harris Corporation is making plans to upgrade facilities in
Palm Bay in an effort to attract high caliber workers. Although no plans have been finalized, the intention show confidence on Harris' part in the economic future of Brevard County. At a time when we keep hearing bad news about cut-backs and layoffs,news of a major company planning for expansion is a breath of fresh air.
Investors should take note of Harris' actions and follow suit. Nobody knows when the economy will turn around. The only thing that is certain is that it will. Those investors who are positioned for the coming growth will prosper. Those who wait and see will find themselves fighting to catch up.
Economic prophecies tend to be self-fulfilling. If all we hear is doom and gloom, investors will hold on their money, and the economy will stagnate.
If companies like Harris Corp. show a willingness to invest in the local economy, and a few others show a willingness to do the same, then by their actions they will create a positive environment.
Space - The Way Things Are
Earlier this week, a Space and Techology Forum was held in Cocoa, Florida. The event was attended by several space technology leaders and political representatives.
Nothing earth-shattering came out of the forum. However, shice these are inluencial voices in the future of the space industry, it was noteworthy to see the direction these leaders thoughts are taking.
Dr. George C. Nield, Associate Administrator for Commercial Space Transportation for the Federal Aviation Administration set the tone of the forum by declaring that a new era is coming where the government will no longer be the dominant player in space transportation.
In short, space exploration is going commercial. We need to either get on board, or get out of the way. It was agreed by all that the commercialization of space flight requires everybody invoved adjust their mindset from the way things were to the way things are.
Happily for our economy, it seems that all of the leaders present are committed to promoting the commercial space industry by providing incentive and encouragement available to lure new companies to the space coast, as well as retain those who are already here.
Commercial space flight is still an emerging industry. It seems that the leaders in the field are on the right track encouraging companies to take advantage of the existing facilities and work force that already exists in Brevard County.
Innovation and growth have always been the result when private enterprise takes on a project. We've seen it in transportation, communication, computers, entertainment, and so much more. By releasing the reigns, the government is allowing the fledgling space industry become everything it can be,
By encouraging that growth in our own back yard, we on the space coast can look forward to a very bright future.
A Glimmer of Hope
10/8/2010
It seems like we keep hearing bad news about the economy at every turn. Especially here on
the Space Coast, the news is full of layoffs and cutbacks.
So it's with a (tentative) sigh of relief that I read about the NASA budget that was passed at the end of September.
Granted, the new budget didn't stop the nearly 1,100 layoffs that occurred at the cape.
But, hope is all about the future isn't it?
Short term, there's a little relief. We're getting one more shuttle flight (June 2011). This only puts off the end of the suttle program, but the delay allows more opportunities to develop, and for develping plans to solidify.
Longer term, we have more to look forward to.
NASA has been given a long term goal of manned space flight to an asteroid by 2025, and to Mars in the 2030's.
To that end, development of a NASA heavy-lift rocket is to start in 2011. This was moved up from the original 2015. According to Senator Bill Nelson, this will quickly create about 2,000 new jobs.
Also, $1.3 billion is allocated for the development of commercial space vehicles to move astronauts and supplies to and from the International Space Station.
Since companies such as SpaceX, Boeing and United Launch Alliance already have a presence in Brevard County, and Launch and support facilities already exist at the Cape, it is a reasonable expectation that the Kennedy Space Center will continue in its role as "gateway to the stars".
The space program is like a large ship, cruising at maximum speed, suddenly given new orders to immediately set a new course. The ship has to slow its momentum before it turns, or it will tip to the side, creating injury and damage. Once the turn is made, the ship can resume speed, and gain a new momentum.
Today, there is economic pain as the space program slows down to change course. But, if we can hang on for a little while, we will prosper as commercial space flight takes off.
Shuttle Flights Winding Down
9/7/2010
As NASA approaches the final shuttle flights, Space Center workers are facing unemployment. According to this Florida Today article, over 900 people will lose their jobs on Oct 1, with another 3000 leaving in April 2011. To keep critical workers from leaving before the end of the Shuttle Program, they are being offered severance packages and “critical completion bonuses”. Two more shuttle flights are scheduled: Discovery is set to launch on Nov 1, and Endeavor on Feb 26.
Marketing Partnership to boost Space Coast Tourism
9/7/2010
US Airlines has joined with the City of Melbourne and the Space Coast Office of Tourism in a marketing campaign designed to boost the Space Coast as a tourist destination. The effort will combine print, email, online and in-flight advertising in what is believed to be the largest private marketing investment in Brevard County tourism. The project is expected to attract thousands of new visitors to Brevard County, providing a much welcomed boost to the local economy.
The Airline, which has daily flights to Melbourne International Airport, is committed to the new marketing push. Local resources are committing about $200,000 to the six month campaign, with US Airlines doubling the local dollar amount.
The nation-wide marketing campaign is expected to bring thousands of new tourists to the space coast.
Upscale Office Center
2/11/2010
The location and appearance of your office has an impact on your business. Like it or not, most people make snap judgments based on first impressions. A client who enters a professional, well kept environment will feel reassured about the professionalism of the business within. Likewise, employees tend to demonstrate a sense of pride and professionalism in a clean, bright, modern office.
The surrounding environs have their impact as well. Whether you are driving through a run-down industrial park, or an upscale neighborhood affects your overall impression of a business.
Here is your opportunity to create a positive first impression.
A luxury office unit has become available at the Turtle Creek Office Complex.
Turtle Creek comprises four meticulously maintained office buildings. Each of the four building contains two 1,250 sq.ft. units.
This brand new property has superior interior improvements including granite countertops, ceramic tile floors in hallway, skipped trowel walls, decorative columns, and more.
Turtle Creek Office Complex is located just off of I-95 & Barnes Blvd. in Rockledge, FL, strategically and conveniently located for you and your clientele. It is along the main entrance into Turtle Creek Golf Club. Ease of access and upscale surrounding emanate class.
To learn more about this outstanding office opportunity, call Mike McDonald at (321) 242-2882.
Presented by JM Real Estate, Inc.
Tenant Spotlight: K9Kampus - Dog Day Care, Play Center and More
1/26/2010
A unique pet care center is preparing to open soon in Melbourne. K9 Kampus is the realization of Sherry Acanfora's dream. Sherry envisioned a comprehensive pet care center that will meet the needs of both pets and their owners.
The huge, 21,000 sf facility offers a tremendous range of services.
Day care is provided in a clean, indoor, environmentally controlled setting. The dogs will have the opportunity to socialize by playing with other dogs. They will be carefully monitored, and grouped by size, age and personality to minimize conflict, and maximize fun. Dogs that are staying for the day can visit the " nap room" for down time. Half-day and full-day rates are available, along with "play-date" , which is day care by the hour.
If you've ever visited a typical off-leash dog park, you will appreciate K9 Kampus. The indoor play park is unique to the state of Florida. Off-leash play do
es not depend on the weather. Hot, cold, or rainy days will not affect your comfort or your dogs.
If you need to leave your dog overnight, K9 Kampus provides luxury boarding. Don't think kennel. You won't see any fencing. You will see large luxury suites: fun themed rooms, calming colors, and comfortable amenities. Plus, dog day care and play time during the day. Or, you might prefer a slumber party, where all the dogs sleep in the same room (segregated by size and temperament), on comfortable couches, chairs, beds, or blankets.
Other services include grooming, spa services, and training.
For more details, visit the K9 Kampus website.
Presented by JM Real Estate, Inc.
Brevard County Ranks High in Forbes' Best Bang-For-The-Buck Cities
1/12/2010
Of the 100 Metro areas on the list, the Palm Bay-Melbourne-Titusville metro area came in at 18. In spite of high unemployment rates, ours is the only community in Florida to make the list, and the only coastal community. What is the secret to our success? Low housing rates, short, easy commutes, and an economy poised for recovery.
Of course, we have known all along that this is a great place to live and do business. We have balmy weather, friendly people, beautiful beaches, and abundant wildlife. The atmosphere tends to be laid back and relaxed.
So, it's nice to see financial experts present even more reasons to live here. Read all about it in the Forbes.com article.
INCENTIVES OFFERED! TURN-KEY BUILD-OUT!
10/8/2009
Great lease rates are being offered at this 2-Story Professional Office Building. The large lobby has vaulted ceilings that open up into the 2nd floor. An elevator provides easy access to 2nd floor space. There are lots of upgrades throughout, including a large conference room is available for all tenants.
Paragon Professional Center is a very well-maintained professional office space.
Located in the heart of Indialantic on 4th Street right off the main east-west throughway, and only 4 buildings from A1A. Offers easy access for you and your customers. 
Highlights:
- 2-Story Professional Office
- Elevator access to 2nd floor w/balconies for great break areas
- Large conference room available to all building tenants
Impressive!
10/6/2009
It may be a cliche, but Location, Location, Location! Look out of your office at unobstructed ocean views. Walk across the street and have lunch on the beach. Las Brisas is a Hurricane Safe ocean front office with a balcony just steps away from the Atlantic Ocean.
But the Ocean proximity isn't the only impressive feature. This free standing building provides excellent road signage, covered parking, an upgraded interior with marble tile and wood floors.
There is only ONE office currently for lease. This office is partially furnished, features a big screen TV, conference table and chairs, cubicles, refrigerator and more! Facilities include a Kitchen / break room, an outdoor picnic table. Ready to move in, Las Brisas is a must see for the professional. Initial rate $9 psf NNN.
For more information:
Contact Charine Lewis
321-508-9030
JM Real Estate, Inc
Lunches on the Beach
9/30/2009
When I want to relax, unwind, and relieve shoulders of stress, nothing beats time on the beach. If your workplace is close enough, an hour is plenty of time to set a lounge chair under an umbrella, leisurely eat your packaged lunch, sip some iced tea, and relax.
Sometimes I like to close my eyes and just listen to the waves feathering against the shore. The seagulls call to each other, demanding their share of fish or whatever scraps they can find. It's not by accident that virtually every collection of relaxation recordings include ocean sounds. But, as good as the recordings can be, they can't compare to the live concert. I can imagine the sound of the waves massaging my shoulders, and working out all the stressful knots.
Other times, eyes wide open, I take in the visual treats. The hypnotic motion of the ocean rising and falling; coming in and going out; waxing and waning. The grace of the pelicans, awkward on land, but majestic as they glide, wingtips brushing the water. The comedy of sandpipers following the waves as they recede into the ocean.
Then, their feet become a blur as they run for all they're worth to escape the next incoming wave.
I look around and see the human drama. A young mother looking on adoringly as her young child is thrilled by the sand and surf. Teenage boys and girls preening even more than the numerous seabirds. Surfers paddling madly to catch the next wave.
All this in an hour? Ah, yes. This and more. This is the great advantage of working so close to the ocean you can step outside and smell the salted air. Take a few steps and feel the sand between your toes.
Spectacular Riverfront Office for Lease
9/11/2009
Impress your clients with this outstanding view of the Indian River from your office window!
Unit 408 in the Pineapple Professional Center has just become available.
966 square feet at $15.00 per square foot gross is the lease price that is being asked to occupy this exceptional location.
The current tenant has decided to relocate, making this an amazing opportunity.
Pineapple Professional Center is a clean, open office building that is excepti
onally well maintained.
It is located in a quiet area, contributing to a productive work environment. Positioned one block from US-1 and the busy Lake Washington intersection makes it accessible and easy to find. It lies adjacent to Bone Fish Willy's restaurant, a local landmark.
Contact Jewel McDonald
(321) 242-2882
JM Real Estate, Inc
ICSC Conference
9/1/2009
Jewel McDonald, owner and broker of JM Real Estate, Inc., attended the ICSC conference in Orlando, Florida in August. Founded in 1957, the 60,000 member ICSC (International Council of Shopping Centers) is the global trade association of the shopping center industry.
The Florida conference is the third largest ICSC event each year. Conference crowds have been smaller all across the country. Attendance at the Orlando conference was believed to be down from 5,000 in 2008 to approximately 1,200 in 2009.
The general atmosphere and consensus was that the Florida commercial real estate market has bottomed out and we should start to see some improvement in 4th quarter 2009 and into 2010.
The old joke has the wealthy businessman giving a tip to the waiter. He says "Buy low, sell high." If the market is, indeed, bottoming out, then this is a great time to buy.
With over 80 years combined experience, the JM Real Estate team has the expertise to help you select the best investment opportunities in Brevard County based on your specific investment goals and objectives.
For more information, contact
Jewel McDonald
(321) 242-2882
JM Real Estate, Inc






