Global Leasing Momentum Continues as Tishman Speyer Signs Large Renewal at Munich Office Property

Leases Also Announced at Frankfurt’s OpernTurm Project, Now Exceeding 95 Percent Occupancy

Munich, Germany (PRWEB) November 17, 2010 – Tishman Speyer announced recently that Serviceplan, Germany’s largest privately-owned marketing agency, has signed an early renewal of its175,665-square-foot (16,319 sqm) lease at the firm’s Brienner Strasse property, extending its occupancy to January 2021. The agency, which fills virtually the entire complex, has been a tenant since 2000.

Tishman Speyer also has completed six new leases totaling 72,000 square feet (6,700 sqm) at its OpernTurm project in Frankfurt. The management consultant Roland Berger has signed a 24,000 square-foot lease; global business solutions provider Infosys has taken another 15,000 square feet; and international law firm Bingham McCutchen has leased 8,000 square feet. Altogether, new leases bring the successful development’s occupancy to over 95 percent.

“Today’s announcement illustrates a continuation of leasing momentum that has been building at Tishman Speyer office properties around the world. During the past 12 months, we’ve signed many large long-term lease transactions throughout our portfolio, not just in the German markets – but also in cities such as New York, Chicago, Washington, DC, Atlanta, Paris, Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo and Hyderabad. We are pleased that our strategy of targeting world-class corporations for the well-located high-quality properties we’ve acquired and developed has been so successful. The agreement with Serviceplan, one of Germany’s finest marketing firms, further illustrates that success,” commented Tishman Speyer Co-CEOs Jerry Speyer and Rob Speyer.

Located in the centre of Munich and comprised of three connected buildings, Brienner Strasse includes first-class office space, residential units, an underground parking garage and surface parking in the building’s courtyard. The buildings were constructed at various times starting in 1930 and all were fully refurbished and modernized during the past decade. The property is easily accessible by private and public transportation, with Munich’s main train station and several subway stations close at hand.

Tishman Speyer’s Opern Turm development was completed in 2009 and has been a dramatic addition to the Frankfurt skyline. The project includes a 42-story tower, a seven-story podium building and an underground garage. Situated on Opernplatz, opposite the famous Alte Oper, OpernTurm is regarded as the premier office address in Frankfurt. The property features magnificent views of the city skyline and offers outstanding on-site amenities. It was one of Europe’s first new office high-rise developments to receive LEED Gold certification.

About Tishman Speyer (http://www.tishmanspeyer.com)
Tishman Speyer is one of the leading developers, owners, operators, and asset managers of first class real estate worldwide. Active across North America, Europe, South America, and Asia, many of the world’s most prestigious corporations rely on Tishman Speyer to meet their office space needs. Since its founding in 1978, the firm has acquired, developed and/ or managed a portfolio of over 116 million sq. ft. valued at over USD $50.2 billion. Signature assets include New York’s Rockefeller Center and the Chrysler Center, Frankfurt’s MesseTurm, and Sao Paulo’s Torre Norte. Tishman Speyer has projects in different stages of development in Shanghai, Chengdu and Tianjin.

Tishman Speyer-Led Partnership Deleverages Boston Office Property and Announces Headquarters Lease

Boston, MA - Tishman Speyer announced today that the One Federal Street office property in downtown Boston has been deleveraged by the building’s ownership, with a portion of its secondary debt being retired at a discount. With the investment of new equity there will be sufficient capital to fund new leases and otherwise execute the owners’ asset management strategy.

Today’s announcement follows several other noteworthy debt transactions completed in 2010 by Tishman Speyer (http://www.tishmanspeyer.com/capabilities/ad/index.aspx), including large portfolio debt restructurings in Chicago and Washington, DC, and the restructuring of debt on prominent properties in downtown Seattle and Dublin, Calif. In Southern California, the firm recently regained control of prime commercial development land in Playa Vista, and recapitalized two prime office buildings in El Segundo.

Tishman Speyer also announced today that Merchant Warehouse is relocating its corporate headquarters office to One Federal Street. Under the terms of the five-year lease agreement (http://www.tishmanspeyer.com/capabilities/lm/index.aspx), the firm will take over the entire second floor of the building, which totals 42,787 square feet of space.

Established in 1998 and now servicing over 80,000 customers, Merchant Warehouse is a leading provider of merchant accounts and credit card processing to retailers. It has been one of the region’s fastest-growing private companies for the past three years, according to the Boston Business Journal. Among other recent honors, the company was named the nation’s “Independent Sales Organization of the Year” in 2009 by the Electronic Transaction Association.

David Richardson and Garrett Larivee of McCall & Almy represented Merchant Warehouse in the lease transaction. Property ownership was represented by Brian Chaisson of Tishman Speyer.

One Federal Street (http://www.tishmanspeyer.com/properties/Property.aspx?id=110) is a 38-story office tower totaling approximately 1.1 million square feet, located in the heart of Boston’s financial district. The property enjoys convenient access to the area’s major highways and public transportation. It features excellent on-site amenities, and is within close proximity to Rose Kennedy Greenway, Faneuil Hall Marketplace and many other retail and tourist attractions.

About Tishman Speyer (www.tishmanspeyer.com)

Tishman Speyer is one of the leading owners, developers, operators, and fund managers of first-class real estate in the world. Since 1978, Tishman Speyer has acquired, developed and operated over 325 projects totaling over 116 million square feet and a property portfolio of over US$54.2 billion in total value across the United States, Europe, Latin America and Asia, including signature properties such as New York's Rockefeller Center and Chrysler Center, Berlin's Sony Center and Torre Norte in São Paolo, Brazil.

Big Buyers Line Up for Stuy-Town

The massive apartment complexes Stuyvesant Town and Peter Cooper Village are attracting interest from some key players.

A group that includes Pershing Square Capital Management and Winthrop Realty Trust hopes to gain ownership of Peter Cooper Village and Stuyvesant Town at an Aug. 25 foreclosure auction.

Investor William Ackman says the group hopes to convert rental apartments into affordable co-ops, The Wall Street Journal reports. . Ackman said his group would work with the complex's tenants association to ensure the co-ops would be affordable so people who live there now would be able to buy their units, the newspaper said.

Other creditors and potential buyers also are wrangling for control of the property.

(Read more via NBC New York.)

Tishman Speyer Announces Recapitalization at Dublin Corporate Center

Dublin, CA (PRWEB) August 17, 2010- Tishman Speyer announced recently that it has recapitalized its Dublin Corporate Center office campus by buying back all of the property's debt at a discount and committing new capital that will be used to fund future capital expenditures and leasing costs.

The announcement follows several other debt transactions completed by the firm, including recent large portfolio debt restructurings in Chicago and Washington, DC, and the restructuring of property debt for a downtown Seattle office tower.

"This substantial commitment of new capital illustrates our overall positive view of the Tri-Valley submarket east of San Francisco. More specifically, it signifies our desire to continue ownership of one of the area's finest properties situated at one of the best locations. We look forward to continue providing our tenants with superior office accommodations at Dublin Corporate Center," said Tishman Speyer Co-CEOs Jerry Speyer and Rob Speyer.

Dublin Corporate Center is an 18.6-acre Class A office campus consisting of three four-story office buildings totaling 440,278 square feet. It is strategically located along the 580 corridor in the Dublin submarket, which is part of the greater Tri-Valley market and is one of the fastest growing submarkets in the San Francisco Bay Area. The Tri-Valley's attractive demographics, excellent amenities, and extensive public and private transportation infrastructure have made it one of the most desirable markets in the Bay Area for large, credit-worthy corporate tenants.

About Tishman Speyer

Tishman Speyer is one of the leading owners, developers, operators, and fund managers of first-class real estate in the world. Since 1978, Tishman Speyer has acquired, developed and operated over 325 projects totaling over 116 million square feet and a property portfolio of over US$54.2 billion in total value across the United States, Europe, Latin America and Asia, including signature properties such as New York's Rockefeller Center and Chrysler Center, Berlin's Sony Center and Torre Norte in São Paolo, Brazil.

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Tishman Speyer Successfully Negotiates with Banks to Retake Control of 19 Acres at Playa Vista

Los Angeles, CA (PRWEB) August 12, 2010- Tishman Speyer announced recently that it has concluded a transaction to retake control of 19 acres of zoned office development land in West Los Angeles at The Campus at Playa Vista. In January, the firm completed the first phase of the Campus at Playa Vista development -- a 325,000-square-foot four-building project that is 70 percent leased to Belkin International and the University of Southern California - and has entitlements to develop approximately 600,000 square feet of additional commercial office space on the property.

With the completion of this transaction Tishman Speyer can complete its Master Planned Campus that will surround the recently completed Central Park. The new park, recently honored by the American Institute of Architects / LA, includes horticulture gardens, a soccer field, basketball and volley ball courts, and an outdoor amphitheater.

"We are extremely pleased to consummate this transaction which will enable us to develop this property as the West Los Angeles office market recovers," said Tishman Speyer Senior Managing Director John Miller. "Playa Vista has a great future as the region's foremost sustainable mixed-use work/play community and we intend to do our part to bring it to its full potential."

The transaction does not include a group of historic industrial buildings and land surrounding those buildings, which will continue to be controlled by the receiver for the lenders who financed the original acquisition in 2007.

Located in the eastern portion of the Playa Vista community, The Campus at Playa Vista is adjacent to the intersection of Jefferson Boulevard and Centinela Avenue in West Los Angeles and in close proximity to some of Southern California's premiere beaches. The recently-completed portion of the project was constructed in accordance with LEED Gold standards.

About Playa Vista

Today, more than 6,500 people live at Playa Vista, the first mixed-use community to be built in West Los Angeles in the last 50 years. With 70 percent of its original 1,086-acre land area designated as parks and open space, Playa Vista has been hailed as a model urban development, including recognition as a recipient of the prestigious Ahwahnee Award. Situated between Marina Del Rey and Westchester, just about a mile from the beach, Playa Vista is adding critically needed housing on Los Angeles' Westside. Commercial, retail and open space are mixed into this balanced community. All properties are located within walking distance of at least one of a dozen parks, and the community is within easy reach of Santa Monica, Venice, Century City and LAX.

About Tishman Speyer (www.tishmanspeyer.com)

Tishman Speyer is one of the leading owners, developers, operators, and fund managers of first-class real estate in the world. Since 1978, Tishman Speyer has acquired, developed and operated over 325 projects totaling over 116 million square feet and a property portfolio of over US$54.2 billion in total value across the United States, Europe, Latin America and Asia, including signature properties such as New York's Rockefeller Center and Chrysler Center, Berlin's Sony Center and Torre Norte in São Paolo, Brazil.

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Tishman Speyer's 375 Hudson Street is First Existing Office Building in NYC Designated as LEED Gold

Tishman Speyer Collaborated with Building Tenants Saatchi & Saatchi, Penguin Group (USA) and Turner Construction to Achieve Sustainable Operations

New York, NY (PRWEB) August 5, 2010- Tishman Speyer announced today that 375 Hudson Street, a 1,076,164 square foot office building it owns in Soho, in lower Manhattan, has been awarded LEED® Gold for existing office buildings designation by the U.S. Green Building Council. The 19-story property is the first existing office building in New York City to achieve Gold status through environmentally friendly improvements and retrofits.

Located in the heart of the desirable Hudson Square area of Soho, with entrances on Hudson Street and West Houston Street, 375 Hudson is home to a mix of prominent companies and serves as New York headquarters for Saatchi & Saatchi, Penguin Group (USA), and the Turner Construction Company.

Tishman Speyer Co-CEOs Jerry Speyer and Rob Speyer said, "At Tishman Speyer, our philosophy is that good business and environmentally sound practices go hand in hand. This achievement at 375 Hudson reflects our global commitment to sustainable development and operations. We want to thank our tenants at 375 Hudson for being true partners in achieving this important milestone."

Tishman Speyer implemented and achieved several sustainability measures at the building, prior to and throughout the LEED certification process, including:

• reduced electricity consumption by nearly 110,000 kWh per year by making changes to the HVAC and mechanical systems and installing variable frequency drives on the cooling tower fans;
• reduced steam consumption by improving heat exchangers and making other HVAC improvements that reduced heating demand;
• reduced annual water consumption by 1 million gallons by replacing original restroom fixtures with low flow aerators and new water closets;
• adopted an expanded recycling program that encompassed not only office paper and waste, but batteries, electronic waste and construction debris;
• implemented a building-wide Green Cleaning policy focusing on improving air quality and ensuring the purchase of sustainable cleaning and janitorial paper supplies.

The building has also earned the ENERGY STAR label from the United States Environmental Protection Agency for its energy efficiency.

"We're thrilled to have supported Tishman Speyer in this achievement - it's part of our True Blue commitment to becoming the world's most sustainable Agency," said Adam Werbach, Chief Sustainability Officer at Saatchi & Saatchi. Saatchi & Saatchi also planted a Rooftop Garden, growing a wide variety of vegetables and herbs.

Heidi Kagan, Penguin Group (USA) VP and Director of Building Administration, said, "Penguin Group (USA) has been investing in a greener future for years now and we continue to implement programs that have a positive impact on the environment, the company, our employees, and the building where we work. It's very gratifying that our ongoing efforts and commitment to sustainable practices contributed to this acknowledgement."

Turner Construction Company's Chief Sustainability Officer, Michael Deane, said, "We congratulate Tishman Speyer on the LEED Gold Certification for 375 Hudson Street, our headquarters in New York. Turner, the largest green builder in the United States, shares Tishman Speyer's commitment to sustainability, and welcomes the improvements that have made the building more energy and water efficient while providing a healthier working environment for our employees."

About Tishman Speyer

Tishman Speyer is one of the leading owners, developers, operators, and fund managers of first-class real estate in the world. Since 1978, Tishman Speyer has acquired, developed and operated over 325 projects totaling over 116 million square feet and a property portfolio of over US$54.2 billion in total value across the United States, Europe, Latin America and Asia, including signature properties such as New York's Rockefeller Center and Chrysler Center, Berlin's Sony Center and Torre Norte in São Paolo, Brazil. Tishman Speyer to date has 11 million square feet of LEED certified projects, with another 9 million square feet expected to be certified by the end of 2010.

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Rob Speyer Announces LEED Gold Certification for Tishman Speyer's Two Alliance Center

Project Reflects Tishman Speyer's Sustainable Development Emphasis

Tishman Speyer announced today that Two Alliance Center -- the firm's recently-completed trophy office tower in Atlanta's Buckhead submarket -- has been awarded the LEED Gold designation by the U.S. Green Building Council. Two Alliance is believed to be the first Buckhead office building, and among the first properties in Atlanta, to receive such certification.
Tishman Speyer

The 30-story, 500,000-square-foot building met challenging sustainability objectives during construction, which was completed in July 2009. According to the firm, approximately15 percent of materials used in construction were previously recycled. In addition, over 75 percent of the project's construction waste was recycled and therefore diverted from landfills. The company also said that approximately 25 percent of construction materials were extracted or manufactured within 500 miles of the project site, thereby reducing the environmental impact from transportation.

Tishman Speyer also will purchase Renewal Energy Certificates equal to 35 percent of its annual core and shell electricity usage at Two Alliance in accordance with LEED guidelines. In addition, it has instituted sustainable design elements that will result in:

• Over 20 percent saved in ongoing energy costs, compared to similar buildings;
• Water use reduced by over 40 percent; and
• 100 percent reduction of potable water for landscape irrigation.

The company also has made a firm commitment to operate an effective program to recycle building waste and to use green housekeeping supplies.

Tishman Speyer President and Co-CEO Rob Speyer commented, "In today's commercial real estate market, developers are being challenged by the community at large to build in ways that do the least possible damage to the environment. Likewise, many commercial tenants have high expectations and want to do business with landlords who are responsible in the way they use energy and otherwise operate their properties. We take those expectations seriously, and will continue to look for ways to achieve maximum sustainability in the buildings we develop, own and manage."

Two Alliance, standing at Buckhead's top office location, features visually stunning and efficient design elements, along with dramatic skyline views. The building offers covered parking, an array of first-class on-site amenities, and direct or convenient access to GA 400, Peachtree Road, MARTA public transportation and Atlanta's finest shopping, cuisine and world-class hotels. Designed by Smallwood, Reynolds, Stewart, Stewart & Associates and Mack Scogin Merrill Elam Architects, and constructed by The Beck Group, the new tower complements Tishman Speyer's One Alliance Center -- which was built in 2001 and is fully leased.

About Tishman Speyer (http://www.tishmanspeyer.com/)Tishman Speyer is one of the leading owners, developers, operators, and fund managers of first-class real estate in the world. Since 1978, Tishman Speyer has acquired, developed and operated over 325 projects totaling over 116 million square feet and a property portfolio of over US$54.2 billion in total value across the United States, Europe, Latin America and Asia, including signature properties such as New York's Rockefeller Center and Chrysler Center, Berlin's Sony Center and Torre Norte in São Paolo, Brazil.

[Full article via PR Web]