Diana Sabau
Senior Content Writer, CRE News & Market Analysis
Drawing on years of intense research in the U.S. commercial real estate market at Yardi Matrix, Diana now applies her expertise as a writer for the CommercialCafe blog. Her articles focus on CRE investment, labor market trends, and technology, and have been picked up by prestigious publications including the New York Times, GlobeSt, The Real Deal, NAIOP, MSN, and Bisnow.
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Amazon Forks Over $79 Million for Industrial Flex Building in Pasadena, Calif.
Amazon has made a significant deal in Pasadena commercial real estate, paying $79 million for an industrial property. This transaction underscores the tech giant’s growing footprint in southern California as the sale more than doubled the building’s value in just four years. The seller — El Segundo, Calif.-based Alvarez & Marsal Capital Real Estate — achieved a massive gain of around 139% from the sale after purchasing the property from Graymark Capital in early 2021 for only $33 million, according to property records. At approximately $469 per square foot, the price represents a substantial premium for flex industrial space.
UN Population Fund Reduces Its Office Footprint in Midtown
The United Nations Population Fund (UNPF) is executing an ongoing space consolidation plan by relocating its office from 605 Third Ave. to 730 Third Ave. in Midtown East. This move will drastically reduce the organization’s total office space in Manhattan as it cuts its current allocation of 130,000 square feet at its premises at 605 Third Ave. by more than half.
Best Cities for Startups: Phoenix & Austin Lead the Charge for New Business Density & Growth
In the U.S. and across the globe, 2021 marked the year of the most generous seed funding sprees. Since then, rising interest rates, supply chain disruptions, and inflation surges have all contributed to a more targeted and cautious approach from venture capital holders, who are now targeting AI, software as a service (SaaS), fintech and health tech startups. That tightening of capital means that startups must now rely more heavily on fundamental business health and the strength of their local ecosystems.
Alo Yoga Lands New Beverly Hills Headquarters in $90 Million Deal
Alo Yoga paid $90 million for the 82,886-square-foot La Peer Building, in Beverly Hills. The acquisition sets a new benchmark for the city, working out to approximately $1,085 per square foot to make it Beverly Hills’ highest price-per-square-foot office transaction this year — and by a significant margin.
Northern California Industrial Property Secures $67 Million Refinance
A recently constructed industrial space in San Joaquin County, Calif., known as Lathrop II, has been refinanced with a $66.7 million loan closed by Affinius Capital LLC.
The mortgage is in the name of a joint venture composed of Phelan Development and LaSalle. The property encompasses 847,000 square feet across two warehouses.
Amazon Buys Up Land for Data Center Development in Massive, $700 Million Deal
Amazon acquired a significant parcel of land in northern Virginia’s Prince William County. The company purchased the site, which is zoned for data center use, from Stanley Martin Homes for a reported $700 million.
Flight to Quality Continues: Zurich North America Set to Move to Willis Tower Office
Zurich North America is relocating its Chicago operations from its downtown location. The insurer signed a 52,000-square-foot lease at the iconic Willis Tower, a move that effectively halves its office space in Chicago.
FGS Global Inks New Lease at Vornado-Owned Penn 2
FGS Global committed to a 15-year lease for 80,000 square feet at Penn 2, Vornado Realty Trust’s newly redeveloped office tower situated directly above Penn Station. The firm will occupy the entire 16th floor and a portion of the 17th floor. Asking rent for this premium space was $115 per square foot. The building is now about 70% occupied.
Textile Manufacturer Northwest Group Signs Lease for Inland Empire Facility
Northwest Group — a prominent textile manufacturer based in Garden City, N.Y. — has secured a substantial, 61-month lease for an industrial space in Riverside County, Calif.
