“We’ve got to keep hustling”: Fort Worth fights to make a name for itself

BY BRANDI SMITH

They don’t call Dallas ‘Big D’ for nothing. It tops lists like Forbes’ “Best Cities for Jobs” and “Best Places to Invest in Real Estate” or HousingWire.com’s “Best Real Estate Markets in the U.S.” It is the shining example of growth and development in North Texas. Therein lies the challenge for the city that could be considered Dallas’ little sister: Fort Worth.

The seat of Tarrant County, Fort Worth is the 16th largest city in the country, but its glow is often muted by the spectacle of big sis, Big D. At a recent conference on economic development, local government and economic leaders acknowledged visibility is a challenge.

“From a visibility standpoint and an informational standpoint, people just aren’t aware of us as a community,” said Robert Sturns, the city’s economic development director.

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The Amazon effect: How retailers are adapting to the rapidly changing environment

BY BRANDI SMITH

The one constant about the retail industry is that it’s constantly changing, though experts in the field acknowledge that the current pace of change is unlike any they’ve seen in their careers.

“I feel like things are accelerating right now,” says Artemio De La Vega, president and CEO of De La Vega Development, who was one of the Development & Construction panelists during ICSC’s 2017 Texas Retail Forecast.

“As for the number of groups that are reinventing themselves and adapting to the changing times, it’s probably the most substantial shift I’ve seen,” adds Ryan Johnson, co-market leader at SRS Real Estate Partners, who moderated the retail panel during the forecast summit. “That’s why it’s a fun industry to work in. You have to be on top of your game. You have to know what’s happening in the markets. You have to know what consumers want. That’s what I love about retail.”

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Keeping Up With Kristen: Berkadia’s McDade locks up land deals

BY BRANDI SMITH

If success in the commercial real estate industry is based on outlook and attitude, Berkadia’s Kristen McDade is going to have one heck of a 2018!

“You can almost feel the energy bubbling up!” says the Senior Director of the Houston office. “There are lots of calls on sites, offers are flying around and deals are coming together — and with realistic speed (which has been lacking for the past 24 months).”

Throughout 2017, McDade says she felt as though she was in transition. The University of St. Thomas grad only just made the move from CBRE to Berkadia late in 2016, coming on board to lead the Land Services team.

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