For not just years but decades, real estate professionals have known that Austin’s development review process is among the worst in the nation when it comes to grievous delays, inconsistent standards, and poor service.

Cielo Property Group and TIER REIT partnered to build a 349k SF office tower in downtown Austin with multiple outdoor decks overlooking Shoal Creek and also featuring several floors of flexible creative office space. Construction on the 28-story building at 208 Nueces St should start in early 2016, with a targeted completion at the end of 2017.

You could be forgiven for getting used to the site of torn up roads and construction equipment in Austin. But if you’re wondering why those things have come to the East 51st Street and I-35 area, the answer is a series of improvements meant to make the interchange less unwieldy and to update the East 51st Street corridor.

CRE firms are searching for top talent for longer as senior-level executives retire faster than younger execs become seasoned enough to fill their shoes, RETS Associates principal Kent Elliott tells GlobeSt.com. Elliott and RETS principal Jana Turner tell us a lot of commercial real estate executives are less afraid of the next downturn than they are of the lack of available senior management.

Beginning Sept. 1, HOAs will be allowed to hold board meetings electronically or by phone as long as every board member can hear and be heard and every homeowner can listen. Notice of an electronic or phone meeting must include instructions for homeowners wishing to participate.

The Littlefield Lofts short-term rental project is open, and Austin Business Journal has the first look inside the redeveloped space at East Sixth and Brazos Street.

General Motors has purchased a 302,604-square-foot industrial building in North Austin, a move that could grow its presence in the city.

According to the report, the new food-and-drink establishments will be a part of a 100,000 square-foot development at the Domain dubbed Rock Rose, which has already signed up bars and restaurants including the Lavaca Street Bar and Kung Fu Saloon.

Commercial real estate prices are through the roof, and now the Fed has voiced concerns over a potential bubble. But has it formed yet? We reached out to some of the country’s top economists to get their take. Here’s what they told us.

Today, as the U.S. opens its first embassy in Havana since 1961, it is worth discussing the opportunities for investors and developers in commercial real estate in Cuba. While excitement is natural after a 55-year thaw, it must be noted that progress in most sectors will be slow, and profit will only be possible if due respect is given to the current legal, social, and environmental conditions on the island.

Major hotel brands putting money behind an owner’s choice to go with them is spurring deals and strengthening financing for those deals, Meridian Capital Group’s managing director Seth Grossman tells GlobeSt.com. As we reported in June, Grossman and Meridian VP Sarah Kuebler negotiated a $100-million bridge loan for the refinance of a six-property hotel portfolio located in Florida, Texas, North Carolina and Minnesota, on behalf of a Los Angeles-based private-equity fund.

While developers and politicians alike are criticized for the affordable housing dilemma, the problem may lie in the simplicity of classic economic theory. Could the premise of the ‘sharing economy’ hold the keys to a viable solution?

Date: 8/12/2015
Time: 8:00 am - 1:30 pm

JW Marriott
110 E 2nd St

In addition to the traditional Mid-Year Economic Forecast lunch, our newly expanded program includes a new keynote transportation breakfast followed by new educational breakout sessions covering hot topics in the commercial real estate industry. Register for the entire half-day or just the breakfast or lunch - no matter what, the educational breakout sessions are included. Sponsorship opportunities are also still available.

Date: 8/26/2015
Time: 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm

Urbanspace
801 W 5th St #100

REAL YP events are for members only... but this is your chance to bring anyone who might be interested in becoming a RECA member! Enjoy some snacks and beverages while you mingle with other young professionals.

Date: 8/27/2015
Time: 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm

Online Webinar:
This webinar serves as a great introduction to the Argus Valuation software for those who have little or no previous experience with the software, or for those who are interested in how it works.

The presenters will take it slow - starting with what you see when you first open the program. They'll take you through how to build an ARGUS model "from scratch" - without relying on the ARGUS Wizard or an existing template.

The presenters will then explain the initial set up of the Property Description pages and introduce the various ways that the Argus software can assist anyone in the valuation of any commercial real estate property.