
The affluent consumer market is on the rise. The Luxury Consumption Index (LCI) shows that consumer confidence is increasing, as the average dollars spent on luxury goods is up ytd and from first quarter to second quarter of this year. Buyers, brokers and developers alike express optimism, forecasting that the more than two-year decline in homes sales is over and that the consumer market is emerging from the recession, putting purchasing power back...

Embassy Suites Hotels, the international chain of upscale, all-suite hotels, unveiled its first one-room suite, designed to pack more room into a smaller space for today’s cost-conscious traveler and hotel developer. This new suite concept represents the first major room design change since the upscale brand’s launch 25 years ago. The new one-room suite design delivers the same amenities and upscale value to Embassy Suites guests, including a...

Today, luminaries of Los Angeles politics, entertainment and business gathered to celebrate the rise of Hollywood’s newest star at the iconic corner of Hollywood & Vine: the W Hollywood Hotel & Residences. The “topping out” ceremony offered a dramatic preview of the property in true Hollywood style; complete with aerial acrobats, streaming banners, plenty of cameras and a clear message: Get ready for the excitement coming in November...
Pearl Dubai FZ LLC, one of the UAE’s leading real estate developers, has awarded an AED8.85 billion (US $2.4 billion) main contract for the construction of its iconic Dubai Pearl project, to the Al Habtoor Leighton Group, the UAE’s largest construction group. The deal is the largest single contract of its kind in the region and arguably one of the largest in the world for a real estate project. Construction is due to begin in January 2009. “While...
American Realty Advisors announced that it has provided preferred equity financing to an affiliate of Quadrangle Development Corporation for the recapitalization of the Grand Hyatt Washington, an 888 room, luxury full-service hotel located in the burgeoning East End of Washington, DC. The investment was executed on behalf of one of American’s separate account clients. The Grand Hyatt Washington, built in 1987, underwent a full-scale guestroom,...
Although real estate development has stagnated in most parts of the country, it’s moving ahead rapidly on Jekyll Island, Georgia. In October, the board of directors for the Jekyll Island Authority approved revitalization plans for the island paradise, and this week Jekyll Oceanfront Resort becomes the first redeveloped condominium hotel to open its doors to owners and guests on this state-owned barrier island. ADVERTISEMENT “During the...
The new music and drama building, at Latymer Upper School in Hammersmith, beat off hundreds of competitors to take the prestigious 2008 Brick Awards. The Brick Awards is one of Britain’s most respected design competitions. Run by the Brick Development Association, the annual contest provides the definitive showcase for what brick can do. And Latymer School was up against some stiff competition. There were a record number of entrants this year, with...
Solidere International, one of the most prominent master and urban developers in the region, will bring its unique development initiatives to MIPIM Asia, the international property exhibition taking place at the Hong Kong International Convention & Exhibition Centre from November 19th to 21st. MIPIM Asia provides an exclusive platform for local developers to network with regional and international investors looking for opportunities in the Asia-Pacific...
Boston Properties, Inc. a real estate investment trust, announced that it has completed the financing of its Four Embarcadero Center property located in San Francisco, California. The eight-year, $375 million secured loan bears interest at a fixed rate of 6.10% per annum and was provided by a syndicate of insurance companies. Proceeds from the financing were used to reduce outstanding indebtedness under the Company’s unsecured line of credit. Four...
Group 24, LLC, announced it has become a 50 percent partner with Turnberry, Ltd., one of the United States’ premier real estate companies, in the development of Turnberry Tower, a 40-story, luxury condominium project slated for San Francisco’s Rincon Hill neighborhood. Group 24’s major investment in the $300 million residential tower is the firm’s first project with Turnberry. “Turnberry has set the standard for upscale living in major cities...