watts-realty

New Development Breaks Ground In Bluff Park Neighborhood of Hoover

Sat, 09 Sep 2023 19:37:13 GMT

As Appeared in the Birmingham Business Journal by Illyshia Parker

Local insurance brokerage Steel City Insurance is developing commercial space in the historic Bluff Park neighborhood in Hoover.The 5,400-square-foot office building also includes retail space and is currently under construction to accommodate the company's growing office needs.

"We were outgrowing our current space, and there was nothing in the Bluff Park area that was newer development," said Sam Compton, owner of Steel City Insurance. "Since I have always wanted to own my commercial space, I decided it would be a great opportunity."

Compton has 20 years of experience in the insurance industry and became licensed in 2010. Steel City Insurance, which sells all lines of personal and commercial insurance, opened in Hoover five years ago.Compton said he specifically chose Hoover based on his family’s positive experiences in the city since 2006. Steel City Insurance is currently at 801 Shades Crest Road in a suite next to Mr. P’s Deli in Bluff Park. Steel City Insurance will occupy 3,000 square feet of office space in the new building. There is an additional 2,400 square feet of space for lease that can be split into two 1,200-square-foot bays and can serve for retail, office or medical use. The new development includes 40 parking spaces.The new construction is being completed by Murray Construction with design by Barrett Architecture Studio. The current schedule for completion is in July 2024. Watts Realty Co. Inc. will manage and lease the available retail space.

Legal Services Alabama New Mural

Tue, 29 Aug 2023 16:04:47 GMT

Rev. Fred Shuttlesworth Mural at Legal Services Alabama

We manage buildings for LSA across the State of Alabama for decades. This particular building was a special project for David Watts many years’ ago. We professionally assisted our client to navigate abating environmental hazards, shoring up the foundation, new roofs/HVAC’s, relocating LSA upstairs into beautiful, renovated space, leasing up the first floor, and installing an elevator among other things to achieve ADA compliance.

Kati & the team was proud to serve our client once again with this exterior refresh project to provide a clean & ready base for this new Birmingham mural. LSA has done something special for Birmingham, and it seems to have gotten quite a warm welcome by everyone!

Looking good Legal Services Alabama !

Rocky's Pizza Is Back!

Wed, 17 May 2023 18:58:36 GMT

After a 7-year hiatus, Rocky's Pizza is coming back y'all!

We managed the space & leased to Dennis back in 2002 before the new Waites development came around to end his stay at his last property. And now looking forward to working with his son Joshua! Yum - Rocky's Pizza!

https://www.al.com/life/2023/05/rockys-pizza-set-to-reopen-in-birmingham-headed-to-five-points-south.html

Service Day @ YMCA Camp Cosby

Sun, 07 May 2023 15:46:39 GMT

Watts Realty Company & vendors show out for YMCA Camp Cosby Work Day

Earlier this week the Watts Realty maintenance team enjoyed a volunteer day at YMCA Camp Cosby. We helped finish the Everglades cabin at Camp Cosby’s Adventure Village. We were blessed with additional volunteers from some of our regularly used independent contractors, FlowTech and J&K Painting.

Pictured in orange is Jordan and Michael working hard finishing the fascia and soffit throughout the day. We are used to seeing them fix all kinds of things for our clients and tenants at our managed properties, but we are really proud of their great work on the Everglades cabin too!

And a big thank you to the client-vendor partnerships for their volunteer labor and giving back to the community through the YMCA!

FlowTech installed the AC, finished out the electrical outlets/fixtures, even did some trim work. J&K Painting had enough crew for two teams doing trim for the interior and exterior of the cabin but also rebuilt a shower/bathroom in the bathhouse up the road. We had some extra Watts & Cosby staff measure, cutting, and build the bunk beds into place.

Fun day!

Mom And Pop Business Owners' Day: Landlords of Small Rental Properties

Fri, 21 Apr 2023 19:07:55 GMT

"Mom & Pop" property owners represent almost 70% of the rental inventory in the U.S.

Did you know 70% of the rental inventory is owned by "Mom & Pop" Property Owners? And that 30% of those are managed by firms like Watts Realty for those Mom & Pop families! Watts Realty manages for mainly these small landlords! The "Mom & Pop" owners make up over half of our residential clients/landlords. That house you may rent or even that apartment, could be just a mom & pop that chose real estate as their main investment instead of the stock market or some other investment vehicle. Small business in America (across all industries like retail, accounting, restaurants, repair trades, hospitality as some examples & especially real estate) are still the driving force of our economy!

https://www.nar.realtor/blogs/economists-outlook/mom-and-pop-business-owners-day-landlords-of-small-rental-properties

Connecting the City to Nature

Tue, 11 Apr 2023 19:14:30 GMT

Celebrate Trails Day 2023

If you like nature and walking/running/biking trails. Then check out the Celebrate Trials Day 2023. Emile will be on hand to talk about the efforts in place for Connecting the City to Nature.

https://www.railstotrails.org/experienc.../celebrate-trails/

Turkey For Tenants Day 2022

Thu, 17 Nov 2022 18:53:08 GMT

Every year we give out free turkeys to our tenants who have leased with WRC for 20+ years.

Turkey delivery from Piggy Wiggly this morning!

We all saw on the news that more and more turkey giveaways are happening around town. That is awesome.

Watts Realty continues to be the ‘real OGs’ of the turkey giveaway. It’s been an annual tradition for Watts Realty & our clients to give our long-term residents turkeys for over 40 years!!! We look forward to seeing some of Birmingham’s best citizens pick up their turkey today.

RideBHM - Alabama's First-Ever Downhill Biking Park - Bham Now

Fri, 11 Nov 2022 18:43:45 GMT

RideBHM - Alabama's First Downhilll Bike Park

Dedicated mountain bikers and anyone who’s ever wanted to give it a try, you’re in for a treat. On November 19, from 2-5PM, RideBHM opens, bringing mountain biking to the masses. We got a sneak preview, so keep reading for all the details.

Back in March 2022, we broke the news that Red Mountain Park and a group called Ride Resorts were partnering to build a mountain bike park the likes of which our state has never seen.

Now, just eight months later, we’re happy to learn that RideBHM is having its Grand Opening November 19 (weather permitting) and we’re all invited.

Where: 2800 Portofino Drive, Birmingham, AL 35211
When: Saturday, November 19, 2-5PM
Wanna ride? Grab your pass . Just watching? You get in free, but you still need to get a spectator pass.

Here’s some of what they’ll have:

an airbag (for practicing tricks safely)
bike demos from Cahaba Cycles, Max Power Sports + Huntsville-based Mullet Cycles
DJ
food truck
trick competition

“One of our goals is to throw the best parties in Birmingham. Another one is to have an inclusive environment that’s welcoming for people regardless of their background or ability level. So come get rowdy at Grand Opening!!! Spectator passes are free or bring your bike, get a day pass, and start shredding now! We guarantee you have fun or your money back.”

Emile Hughes, CEO, Ride Resorts

Full Article here...

2023 Who's Who In Commercial Real Estate

Tue, 11 Oct 2022 19:52:59 GMT

Chip's at it again!

Just dropping this here to recognize Chip on his Birmingham Business Journal's "Who's Who in CRE"!

Just look at all those designations y'all. It means Chip knows a thing or two about commercial real estate.

Blurring 'Property Line': As Conversions Grow, Property Managers Must Remain Flexible

Fri, 19 Feb 2021 20:42:52 GMT

(This article, in slightly different form, originally appeared in Wealth Management Real Estate. )

Author: Chip Watts, CPM, CCIM

The 700,000-square-foot AT&T City Center, here in the urban core of Birmingham, AL, is being converted to a massive mixed-use complex of residential, office, and retail space rechristened The 600 . Part of the impetus for the project, a joint venture of Varden Capital Properties of Atlanta and Tellus Partners, is simply that there’s no longer the need in the urban core for that much office space.

Ditto in-town residential. According to CoStar stats, Birmingham saw negative residential rent growth last year of 1.3 percent in our urban core, and a rise in vacancies from two percent to 14.5 percent. And therein lies new opportunity for developers of vision.

These opportunities also extend to property managers of vision, because, to the extent that Birmingham serves as a microcosm of national trends, “property lines” are blurring nationally, as trend-driven assets are adaptively reused for new purposes. We see it in both redevelopment, such as with The 600, and in modifications of usage. We’re seeing retail merge ever closer to industrial, hotels taking on more office use , and residential complexes converting parts of their common areas to work-from-home spaces for quarantined residents.

Seasoned property managers already know that the flexibility to switch from the specialized demands of one type of asset to another is key to building a dynamic career. For those just starting in the industry, a broad focus with an eye toward multiple disciplines will prepare them for the surprises of future trends.

As mentioned previously in this space, IREM has enjoyed a major spike in its online learning courses this past year, implying that members are driven to stay on top and ahead of market curves and the events of 2020.

Happily, the foundational expertise of the profession is sufficiently broad-based to cover a variety of specialties and is reflected in our CPM coursework. But at IREM--as well as with our fellow associations--there are a myriad of learning opportunities to prepare both younger candidates and those switching careers to maximize knowledge and broaden their perspectives, all with the aim of arming themselves with options.

Case in point: an IREM leadership team member cut his teeth in office management before he was hired to take on a retail asset. He went to the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) for some needed specialized training. Ultimately, he launched his own business and now manages mixed-use, office, retail, and industrial.

For IREM, certification candidates can adapt learning to their interests and career level. Early career professionals can start by attaining the Accredited Residential Manager (ARM) or Accredited Commercial Manager (ACoM) certification, and, when the time is right and they’ve fulfilled certain experience requirements, they can pursue what I consider the premier real estate management certification, the CPM.

The ability to adapt to multiple asset types is a perfect example of a proactive stance in a shifting market. As retail blurs into industrial, as hotels redefine themselves for remote work, as residential accommodates more options for residents, the ability of a manager to speak the language of all occupants, no matter the environment, will become ever more vital. It’s a sign of the times.

And these times are unprecedented, the result of natural market forces as well as shifting needs driven (or accelerated) by the pandemic. Whatever path a property manager takes to broaden their knowledge base, the better prepared they’ll be to cross those property lines.

Chip Watts, CPM ^® , CCIM, is 2021 president of IREM (Institute of Real Estate Management). In addition, he serves as president and executive CPM for Watts Realty Co., Inc., AMO ^® , in Birmingham, Alabama.

Organic Leadership Growth Comes From Involvement and Giving Back

Tue, 17 Nov 2020 20:33:17 GMT

The following article was featured in National Real Estate Investor Magazine.

Author: Chip Watts, CPM, CCIM

The path of our careers is much like our very lives. As they mature, different needs come to the forefront. Early on, we might be looking for ground-level education, recognition, and establishment. Later on, in this vital timeline, the emphasis might turn to expanding our business or growing our network. Ultimately, as we near retirement, the focus would more likely be on succession planning and possibly giving back to the causes we care about, and to the communities that supported us on our journey.

Speaking just for myself, I know I would not be in my current position without making my presence known in the industry. Watts Realty Co., Inc., AMO is involved in no fewer than six local and national business associations, and I believe those connections have been a key part of our longevity. I know the same is true for so many of my colleagues throughout the real estate industry. No matter your discipline, be it brokerage, property management or any other sector, there’s great value to be found not just in membership, but involvement as well.

Let’s be clear, I’m not soliciting memberships here. What I’m doing is urging professionals in all walks of the industry to take full advantage of the memberships they already have, to look beyond the immediate need, and grow your network through greater involvement. And then to become part of someone else’s solution.

Here’s why: Nobody will fight for your business more than you. If your current interest in your trade association is, let’s say education, then I ask you to look beyond, to learn what legislation might affect your business growth, and explore what your group is doing in terms of advocacy. As I mentioned in my last column , the coalitions being formed at the national level are a strong and diverse voice on Capitol Hill. I urge you to add your voice to that effort.

I also urge you to consider giving back to the industry that has given you a rich, stable and varied career. If your interest now is employment or networking opportunities, you’ll find ample support from others in your association. But this is a two-way street, and as you develop those relationships, it’s important to extend your hand to reach out and help someone else. It’s a way of saying, “thanks.”

Here’s a case in point: In the course of the recent 2020 Virtual IREM Summit, I’m happy to report that the IREM Foundation, through an event we named Cheers to your Peers , raised some $35,000 in scholarship funds. I bring this up now because that was the direct result of active members volunteering to support a cause bigger than themselves. No matter the phrase you want to use, giving back or paying it forward, the result was the same; members raising their hand to help those just getting started--our future leaders.

There are certainly many reasons to limit participation. Limited time and conflicting priorities are certainly key among them. We hope that, as those drivers change, members would revisit the greater benefits that their associations offer, be it a job bank, committee activity, or deal-sharing such as CCIM offers. And then, while taking advantage of the benefits, pitch in, offer your time, experience and connections to help move the organization forward.

This, by the way, is how tomorrow’s leaders are identified and cultivated. Leaders develop organically with greater involvement in their organization, and I can’t name one group that doesn’t have some version of a Next Gen Advisory Board. Neither is there an association that doesn’t seek to increase diversity and inclusion within its ranks. Therein lies the future of any industry that seeks to ensure successful succession

For myself, this industry has supported my family for generations. We give back because we’ve gained so much. And we gained so much because we got involved.

Whatever association you’re tied to, take and grow from the benefits offered. And as you take, give back. We’ll all be better for it.

Chip Watts, CPM, CCIM, is the 2021 IREM President. In addition, he serves as president and executive CPM for Watts Realty Co., Inc., AMO, in Birmingham, Ala.

Birmingham Real Esate Pro Lobbies White House on Eviction Ban Impact

Fri, 18 Sep 2020 19:46:08 GMT

Chip Watts was at the White House in Washington to lobby for small landlords.

Along with representatives from the Institute of Real Estate Management as well as the National Association of Realtors,Chip Watts of Watts Realty Co. Inc. and IREM president elect met with officials on Sept. 15 to voice their concerns.

The group told officials at the National Economic Council and White House Office of Domestic Policy Council that there needs to be a more sustainable long-term solution to the housing crisis that has been exacerbated by the coronavirus pandemic and the ensuing economic slowdown.

To read the full article and what Chip told officials, visit Birmingham Business Journal here.

Cracker Barrel Acquires Maple Street Biscuit Company

Fri, 18 Oct 2019 20:26:28 GMT

Changes are coming to Holler & Dash.

The fast casual breakfast chain - of which our Homewood location was their first store to experiment with - will be rebranding following an acquisition over the weekend by parent company Cracker Barrel.

Cracker Barrel Old Country Store has acquired Florida-based Maple Street Biscuit Co. for $36 million in an all-cash transaction. That includes 28 company-owned and five franchise locations in seven states.

As a result, all seven locations of Holler & Dash will convert into the Maple Street Biscuit Co. concept in the coming months, though there is no timetable for the change.

Check out the article for more info... https://www.al.com/business/2019/10/hollar-dash-to-be-converted-to-new-concept-through-cracker-barrel-deal.html

Scaisca's In Homewood: 5 Reasons Customers Love Them, Including Beard Trims

Mon, 23 Sep 2019 20:18:54 GMT

Right next to SoHo Retro in Homewood, you'll find a little salon called Sciascia's

In Homewood?

Looking for a great place to get a haircut or style?

Then checkout Sciascia's Salon & Boutique on 18th Street in historic downtown Homewood! . . . And for the guys, their beard game is on point too!

Check out the full article here...

8 Things to Know About SoHo Retro Furniture Shop In Homewood

Mon, 13 May 2019 20:11:38 GMT

1. Steve Thomas, the Owner

Soho Retro was one of the first tenants to setup shop in the newly renovated spaces. We had just finished a major renovation on the corner units in Homewood for our client, stripping several units to bare bones; and Steve's been there ever since. We just want to thank Steve and Soho Retro for helping reinvigorate the main corner shops of historic Downtown Homewood.

Check out the article and then go check out his shop!

Traditional Restaurant Chains Launch Fast-Casual Concepts to Lure Millennials

Fri, 06 Jul 2018 20:06:21 GMT

Do Millennials eat-out? Yes, yes they do!

In 2015, Cracker Barrel leased the corner space in Downtown Homewood for a new conceptual restaurant aimed at urban millennials. It was a big secret until opening day too. Now it looks like success as other major franchises follow suit with their own versions of Fast-Casual restaurant. Well done Cracker Barrel, well done.

https://www.nreionline.com/retail/traditional-restaurant-chains-launch-fast-casual-concepts-lure-millennials

Holler & Dash; to Homewood For Some Brunch!

Thu, 10 Mar 2016 20:02:07 GMT

Go get some food from our new Tenant, Holler & Dash at 2801 18th Street South!

Oh yes, we know social media is about shameless plugs nowadays, so get ready!!!

After you eat, stop by Soho Retro to browse (& buy!) for some new stuff for your house, then get a haircut at Sciascia's, and stop by Complete Feet for some shoes or to schedule a time for a custom measurement. Best one-stop location in Homewood, with parking!

Oh you know you like this plug...ahh, we mean post...

http://www.al.com/entertainment/index.ssf/2016/03/7_things_to_know_about_the_new.html

New Breakfast Dining Concept Coming to Homewood

Wed, 10 Feb 2016 14:59:24 GMT

Hollar & Dash Y'all.

We are so proud of this new lease with Holler & Dash. It's been "hush hush" since Greg Hess at The Shopping Center Group introduced us to them in May 2015. We were able to sign a lease with them back in August 2015. It appears they are starting to hit the social media, and have put up temporary signage onsite.

They plan to open their first restaurant right here in Homewood, Alabama!!! They already have multiple other locations scheduled to open later in 2016 across the Southeast.

2801 18th Street South - a historical, beautiful brick corner building - will be the first location for Holler & Dash. Check out their Twitter as they start to present their biscuits & brand to the world.

https://twitter.com/holleranddash

Certified Property Manager of the Year... AGAIN!!

Thu, 21 Nov 2013 14:39:20 GMT

Oops, we did it again...

Congratulations to Chip, who was awarded by the Institute of Real Estate Managment® as the Alabama chapter's Certified Property Manager® of the Year for 2013! Chip was first awarded this title back in 2010 as well.

Landscape Company, Auto Service Partner to Bring New Life to Irondale Site

Tue, 31 Jul 2012 19:30:56 GMT

David finishes another Deal in Irondale that makes industry news!

IRONDALE, Alabama -- A landscape company that is revitalizing the former Gene's Marine building just off Interstate 20 in Irondale has found a partner to breathe more new life into the long-vacant complex -- a shop that spruces up cars to give them more juice.

Brothers Andrew and Daniel McCurry, owners of Father Nature Landscapes, who in January bought the 4.6 acres containing the two buildings that once housed Gene's Marine for 20 years before it closed in 2005, are leasing the bigger, 10,000-square-foot building to Brian Hinson, owner of Hinson Motorsports.

Hinson said his Hueytown company, founded 10 years ago, specializes in "taking vehicles that don't run fast and making them faster." The firm provides what he calls "high performance maintenance" on vehicles, adding accessories and parts built on site. Hinson said his goal is to open at the Gene's Marine site by the end of the year after doing extensive renovations, adding a retail center, a car repair/renovation shop, and a new division selling parts for trucks and SUVs.

Daniel McCurry said Hinson Motorsports is the perfect leasing partner, as both cater to customers with similar needs. Father Nature Landscapes, founded in 2009, has already moved into the smaller, 4,000-square-foot Gene's Marine building.

The McCurrys are planning to create a community garden at the front of the property, growing squash, corn, and other vegetables that will be given to its customers as gifts. Father Nature Landscapes does landscape design and installs steel decks, fireplaces, lighting, gardens and other yard upgrades for residential clients across the state.

Full article can be found here...

Watts Realty Helps Clients Find Properties For Rehabilitation.

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 19:23:24 GMT

Father Nature Landscapes Locates Birmingham Office to Irondale

The bodWatts Realty represents the Purchaser in another rehabilitation project! We always discuss with our Clients the importance of updating & utilizing old structures. This will continue to strengthen the Birmingham & surrounding commercial real estate markets as more empty structures are absorbed.

See the article from al.com here .

Father Nature Landscapes plans to renovate the former Gene's Marine site off Interstate 20 in Irondale for its new office. (The Birmingham News/Joe Songer)

David Watts, left, with brothers Daniel McCurry, center, and Andrew McCurry at the new site for the McCurrys' company, Father Nature Landscapes. (The Birmingham News/Joe Songer)y content of your post goes here. To edit this text, click on it and delete this default text and start typing your own or paste your own from a different source.