New Orleans is returning to the global stage
Last week, I had the pleasure of attending GNO, Inc.’s annual meeting appropriately themed “GNO Global.” The event focused on the reflection of New Orleans’s “global past, present progress, and world-class future.”
New Orleans was once the most diverse city in the country—the largest in the South—and served as a premier export metropolis. But during the course of history, we have become eclipsed by other major cities competing for the global spotlight. GNO, Inc. illustrates how the Crescent City is triumphing and coming back brighter than ever as a true global leader.
As we approach the 300th anniversary of the City of New Orleans, there is much to be proud of. From new international flights to workforce development and tourism growth to public policy reform, our region has recently celebrated many significant accomplishments.
Stirling Properties is pleased to be a continued supporter of economic development in New Orleans and the entire Gulf South region. We look forward to many more successes in the years to come as New Orleans re-establishes itself as a major economic partner.
Check out this video with Professor Richard Campanella, Historical Geographer and Author from Tulane University, that showcases New Orleans’s unique global history:
To view the video in its entirety, please click here.
Marty Mayer
Past Chair Emeritus, GNO, Inc.
Congratulations to Paul Mastio for being selected as one of New Orleans CityBusiness’ 2016 Money Makers!
CityBusiness’ Money Makers recognizes financial professionals whose fiscal work has set the pace for their company and the region. Honorees were selected based on industry and community involvement, and achievement through their energy and innovative ideas.
“CityBusiness commends its Money Makers for the professional standards they follow as well as for the new ones they are setting,” said Natalie Chandler, Editor of CityBusiness Magazine. “This year’s honorees have not only established their institutions as solid businesses but have also worked to provide help to the community where it’s needed the most.”
Paul Mastio has been a leader and integral part of Stirling Properties’ accounting team for the last 23 years. As CFO, he is responsible for all aspects of the company’s accounting & IT team, operations, processes, and reporting functions across our Gulf South service area.
“I’ve always been great with math and numbers, so when I got into the accounting field, I found it worked well for me,” he said. “I can really make a difference with analysis and reporting, and when I do a report for an owner or investor that saves them money, it feels good.”
Marty Mayer, Paul Mastio, Jeff Marshall
Paul’s role with Stirling Properties is crucial to our success and growth. He is passionate about the company and is always looking to make improvements, save money and assist in our development. “I really enjoy digging into financials or operations and helping the company to be more cost-effective,” he said. “Every day is a huge handbag of new and different tasks in accounting to solve, and that is what motivates me.”
Currently, he is working to implement new commercial transaction software that will simplify work processes for both commercial agents and employees. Paul notes, “I understand the back-end processes of software and how make it work for us so we can be more efficient, report information earlier, and pay our agents quicker. We also pay hundreds of vendors a month, and before, our workflow was condensed into two maddening days. When we changed to doing things electronically, it evened out the workflow so one person can handle it versus two or three. It makes a big impact on cost savings and productivities.”
Paul Mastio, Laura Wallace, Judy McKee, Doug Ferguson
He has successfully implemented two major accounting software conversions at Stirling Properties (PMAS and Yardi) which streamlined duties, ultimately saving time and money. He now serves as a member of the Yardi Property Management Systems Users Group and has guided other former PMAS users to the Yardi system. He is also a Certified Information Technology Professional (CITP) from AICPA.
Paul is heavily involved in coordinating the annual Stirling Olympics fundraiser. He has also led company efforts to support many nonprofit events such as Northshore Heart Walk, Breast Cancer Walk and ALS Association.
He is directly affiliated with numerous nonprofit organizations, community groups and recreational clubs including ALS Association, Boy Scouts of America, Mandeville Soccer Club and Pelican Park, among many others. He’s volunteered with Habitat for Humanity on the build of three homes, and worked to build local community playgrounds.
Many people have contributed to Paul’s success along the way. “My father was a huge influence on me. Although he was the typical 70s and 80s dad, going to work and bringing home the bacon, he taught me a strong work ethic and to always work hard and do your best,” said Paul. “And all of the partners of Stirling Properties—past and present—have been a blessing in my life, teaching me the ropes of real estate and mentoring me throughout the years.”
When Paul isn’t working—or doing work for others—he attends (and coaches!) his kids’ sporting events. He has five children ages five to 17.
And a little fun fact…he is also building a Shelby Cobra from a kit. “I’ve wanted to build a car since I was 14 years old,” he said. “I’ve been following the industry, went to school to learn to build it, and now it’s finally arriving in my garage this December…..assuming my garage is built by then!”
We congratulate Paul on his tremendous accomplishments, and this much deserved award.
#StirlingProud
The Louisiana Chapter of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation’s Uncork the Cure Honors New Orleans’ Finest
Last Thursday, the Louisiana Chapter of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation presented the 9th Annual Uncork the Cure fundraising event at The Cannery in New Orleans. More than 300 guests attended and sampled champagnes and sparkling wines from around the world, as well as food from some of New Orleans’ best restaurants.
For the second year, Uncork the Cure honored New Orleans’ Finest, a selected group of outstanding young professionals that show exemplary leadership, are active in their communities and have excelled in their profession. Stirling Properties’ very own Sales & Leasing Executive, Carly Plotkin, was among the honorees. In addition to her outstanding accomplishments, Carly raised more than $4,000 for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation!
“I am honored to be selected by the Louisiana Chapter of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation as one of New Orleans’ Finest, and to advocate for and advance the exceptional work that the Foundation does in our community,” said Plotkin. “This devastating disease hits close to home at Stirling Properties—three of our employees are directly affected by cystic fibrosis through family and friends.”
Brandon Gerak, Carly Plotkin, Saban Sellers, Lewis Stirling
Stirling Properties is a proud supporter of the Louisiana Chapter of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation’s Uncork the Cure. Funds raised by the event have helped spur dramatic progress in the lives of those affected by cystic fibrosis (CF). The disease causes debilitating lung infections that lead to premature death. It affects about 30,000 adults and children in the United States and 70,000 people worldwide.
“We still lose precious young lives to this disease every day. It’s more important than ever that we rally our community to fight CF,” said Executive Director Ashley Mills. “We are grateful for every sponsor, volunteer and donor who supports Uncork the Cure.”
The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation is the world’s leader in the search for a cure for cystic fibrosis. The Foundation funds more CF research than any other organization, and nearly every CF drug available today was made possible because of Foundation support. Fifty years ago, most children with CF did not live long enough to attend elementary school. Today, people with CF are living into their 30s, 40s and beyond.
Congratulations, Carly, on being selected as one of New Orleans’ Finest and your support of the Louisiana Chapter of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation!
#StirlingProud
Stirling Properties Brokers Sale of 14-Acre Property To Athlos Academies in Terrytown, Louisiana
Stirling Properties is pleased to announce the sale of 14 acres of property to Athlos Academies for a new charter school that will be located at 979 Behrman Highway in Terrytown, Louisiana.
Athlos Academies is preparing to build a 90,000-square-foot facility, including state-of-the-art classrooms and fully-equipped indoor physical fitness centers with both hardwood court and turf field space. The tuition-free, public school—Athlos Academy of Jefferson Parish—plans to open in the fall of 2017 and will serve approximately 900 K-6 students in its first year.
“I am proud to bring this opportunity to students where I live on the Westbank of Jefferson Parish,” says Ben Bourgeois, chair of the Athlos Academy of Jefferson Parish governing board. “This school will not only impact students, it will also contribute to the economic development of the community. We’re grateful to the many local organizations that recognize this and have already offered their support.”
Athlos Academies purchased the property from the Beninate Family represented by Nick Beninate, Mary Landry and Kathy Trauth.
Stirling Properties’ Sales and Leasing Executive, Joe Gardner, handled the transaction and says he is delighted with such progress for the area.
“Over the last 18 months, the Beninate family has consummated deals with DaVita Dialysis Clinic, Dollar General and now Athlos Academy. It’s great to work with sellers who are prudent as well as motivated to finalize deals,” said Gardner.
Athlos Academy of Jefferson Parish provides a unique approach to teaching and learning. Its mission is to provide high quality educational opportunities for children by building on three foundational pillars: Prepared Mind, Healthy Body, and Performance Character. Students will participate in daily scientifically-developed physical activity sessions, develop performance character traits, and benefit from a research-based academic curriculum that results in high academic achievement for all.
“Education is an important part of expansion and economic growth for any area,” said Gardner. “There is strong consumer demand for good schools, and demand increases real estate values; neighborhoods grow and retailers follow. It is a win-win for everyone.”
Stirling Properties has been at the forefront of commercial real estate in South Louisiana and the Gulf South region, and is committed to bringing quality retailers, developments and tenants to the area. Stirling Properties currently manages more than 16 million square feet of property, with close to 114 million square feet of property and land for sale or lease, almost exclusively in Louisiana.
For sales and leasing information, contact Joe Gardner at (504) 620-8140 or jgardner@stirlingprop.com.
British Airways to connect London & New Orleans with nonstop flights
This morning, British Airways announced it was initiating a direct flight between New Orleans and London. This is truly a “game changer” for our region and a confirmation about the outlook for the Gulf South economy.
The effort to bring British Airways back was years long and required presenting a strong regional business support throughout Louisiana and over to Mobile.
Michael Hecht, CEO of GNO Inc. stated:
“Mobile (Ala.) was a major support for us because we talked about starting up a bus service for executives from Mobile into New Orleans, so they can fly direct into Europe instead of going into Chicago.”
Mid-City Market 100% Leased!
Addition of new retail & restaurant tenants
Stirling Properties commercial real estate company welcomes new tenants to Mid-City Market in New Orleans, Louisiana, and is pleased to announce that the center is 100% leased.
ASI Federal Credit Union will occupy the last remaining 2,541 square feet of space. Build-out of the space is underway, and the company plans to open in January of 2017. This will mark the 2nd Mid-City location for ASI Federal Credit Union.
Previously announced Mr. Ed’s Oyster Bar & Fish House successfully opened earlier this week, marking the 4th location for the popular New Orleans restaurant. It occupied the former Pei Wei Asian Diner space.
Stirling Properties Sales & Leasing Executive, Joe Gardner, handled both transactions.
Located on 6.5 acres at the northwest corner of North Carrollton Avenue and Bienville Street in Mid-City New Orleans, Mid-City Market is a 109,000-square-foot urban infill shopping center. Anchored by Winn-Dixie, the center is home to a diverse mix of local and national retailers and restaurants including Office Depot, Jefferson Feed Pet & Garden Center, Panera Bread, Verizon Wireless, Felipe’s Taqueria, Mr. Ed’s Oyster Bar & Fish House, Five Guys Burgers and Fries, Ochsner Health Center, GNC, Pinkberry, Pizza Hut, Shine Spa + Specialties, LA Nails Spa, and Mariposa Salon & Spa. Stirling Properties developed Mid-City Market and currently manages and leases the center.
Stirling Properties broke ground on the development in early 2012 and celebrated a grand opening in July of 2013. Mid-City Market is Stirling Properties’ largest ground-up retail development in New Orleans and represents one the of the most significant retail developments in the city following Hurricane Katrina. Stirling Properties acquired the vacant, blighted site and returned it to commerce after a $40 million investment. Mid-City Market now serves as the retail and restaurant center of the community, delivering new jobs, new tax revenue and new energy to this vibrant corridor. The retail center is credited with creating over 500 new jobs for the area.
Mid-City Market was designed to incorporate extensive pedestrian features, contextual urban and adaptive reuse architecture, and to complement the adjacent Lafitte Greenway pedestrian and bicycle pathway, melding the retail center to the culturally rich urban neighborhood and extensive architectural history.
“Stirling Properties remains committed to the City of New Orleans and surrounding communities. Our mission is to create economically sustainable retail developments that produce long-lasting benefits to the communities in which they are built—and Mid-City Market is a perfect example of that,” said Grady Brame, Executive Vice President for Stirling Properties. “This center provides services to a great number of local residents and visitors, and is a dynamic economic contributor. We are proud of its progress and success.”
Stirling Properties has been at the forefront of commercial real estate management, investment and development in the greater New Orleans area and surrounding Southeast Louisiana region. Stirling Properties has developed more than 3.7 million square feet totaling $465 million since 2010, and currently has more than 114 million square feet of property and land for sale or lease. Other Stirling Properties management and development projects in New Orleans include, Offices at Mid-City Market, Magnolia Marketplace, Fresh Market and Pan American Life Center, just to name a few.
