August 2009 Archives

Summer vacation may be over for the kids, but adults can still play this September with special offers for California Wine Month.

For wine lovers, there's no better time to indulge their passion than harvest time, when vintners from all over the state are lovingly guiding the process in hopes of creating the next great vintage. To help oenophiles in their quest, hotels, restaurants, events, wineries and tour companies from Temecula and Paso Robles to Napa and Sonoma are offering more than 75 great deals this month on hotel packages, tastings, winemaker dinners and tours.

"California is the leading destination for wine and food travel in the U.S.," said Caroline Beteta, president & CEO of the California Travel & Tourism Commission and chair of the U.S. Travel Association. "We produce 90 percent of American wine and 350 different crops, making us a playground for the culinary arts, which translates to a gourmet paradise for foodies yearning for a deeper connection with California's great wine and fresh produce. California Wine Month is the ultimate time wine connoisseurs can enjoy the Golden State, and these special offers make it even more appealing."

For information on deals for California Wine Month, check out www.visitcalifornia.com/winemonth.

The CTTC is a non-profit organization with a mission to develop and maintain marketing programs -- in partnership with the state's travel industry -- that keep California top-of-mind as a premier travel destination. According to the CTTC, travel and tourism expenditures total $97.6 billion annually in California, support jobs for 924,000 Californians and generate $5.8 billion in state and local tax revenues. For more information about the CTTC and for a free California Visitor's Guide, go to www.VisitCalifornia.com.

SOURCE California Travel & Tourism Commission

Date night will never be the same again. Whether you're falling in love for the first time or simply looking to rekindle the romance with that special person in your life, the Renaissance Austin Hotel has the perfect Austin, Texas romantic getaway for you. Enjoy a special night's stay at the luxury Austin hotel complete with the following:

• Luxurious Texas Hill Country accommodations in a stylish, oversized room
• Two (2) complimentary Movie Passes
• Choice of two (2) complimentary appetizers or salads with the purchase of dinner at Banderas - A Texas Bistro
• Prices from $99 per room, per night
• Valid through September 30, 2009

For more information or to make reservations, call 512.343.2626 and ask for rate code to VLKY or visit www.renaissancehotels.com/AUSSH and enter rate code L9Z.

About Renaissance Austin Hotel

Encounter an Austin hotel unlike any other and discover the distinct style and diverse personality of the Lone Star State at the Renaissance hotel in Northwest Austin. Nestled in the picturesque hills of Texas Hills Country, this luxury hotel in Austin provides a tranquil environment surrounded by nature trails and 95 breathtaking acres. Enjoy close proximity to Downtown, University of Texas, Sixth Street, Austin Bergstrom International Airport and The Domain Shopping Center, less than two miles from this hotel in Northwest Austin, Texas. From the dramatic nine-story atrium to the stylish oversized rooms, this Austin, Texas hotel features upscale amenities to revitalize body and mind. Stunning outdoor North Austin hotel reception facility accommodates intimate or grand wedding receptions, while luxury Austin hotel meeting space is perfect for sophisticated corporate functions. Discover the charming grace and unique distinctiveness of the Renaissance Austin hotel and experience incomparable luxury.

For more information or to make a reservation, call 512-343-2626 or visit http://marriott.com/aussh.

*All dates are based on availability from June 1-September 30, 2009. Complimentary appetizers and/or salads must be utilized during stay, during dinner hours only, and does not include entrees, deserts, or beverages.

SOURCE Renaissance Austin Hotel

The Lofts at Promenade, Long Beach's impressive new apartment addition to the city's much-anticipated pedestrian only entertainment, restaurant and retail shopping promenade, announces its grand opening on Thursday, August 27, 2009.

"We are delighted to announce the Grand Opening of The Lofts at Promenade," said Frank T. Suryan, Jr., Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Lyon Capital Ventures. "The design and planning of the project is a culmination of our commitment to excellence and a collaboration between design and development that is the signature of our approach to multifamily living. There is a general misconception that the development of an apartment project is inferior to condominiums, but since 1989 Lyon has taken great pride in developing quality, award winning properties that are designed to be representative of their specific locations. The Promenade at Long Beach is home to the newest urban loft-style apartments in the heart of exciting downtown and The Lofts is the ideal location for the urban sophisticate. Just step inside and see the sleek, contemporary design of gourmet kitchens with culinary islands, granite countertops, concrete flooring and open living spaces. Every project presents distinct challenges and opportunities and the Lofts at Promenade is no exception. What we have achieved is essentially two projects in one connected by an innovative sky bridge where residents will enjoy the exclusive Rooftop Sky Lounge, Sky Fit Health Club, resort style pool and spa, private cabanas and outdoor fireplace surrounded by spectacular panoramic city views. The Lofts at Promenade is truly representative of the 'best in industry' reputation our company has earned and works so hard to maintain."

Long Beach Mayor Bob Foster added: "The Lofts at Promenade and the Lyon Apartment Companies' new addition is a great example of commercial and residential interests partnering with the City of Long Beach to create projects that will improve our downtown area. The Lofts at Promenade's rooftop is an innovative space where residents can join together as neighbors in a communal area that is consistent with Long Beach's Sustainability Plan."

Mayor Foster is among the city officials and local dignitaries scheduled to attend the invitation only event from 5:00-8:00 P.M.

The Promenade is a six block long thoroughfare in the heart of Downtown Long Beach, anchored on the North by the popular City Place, and the Long Beach Convention Center to the South. It is a major component in an investment of more than $1.8 billion in new construction in the city since 2000. The area is accessible by four major freeways, with the MTA Blue Line Providing daily service to and from Downtown Los Angeles. Long Beach is also host to crowd pleasing major events such as the Toyota Grand Prix, Long Beach Jazz Festival, and Pro Beach Volleyball.

The Lofts at Promenade offers a variety of floor plans, from approximately 600 to 1400 square feet, with monthly rents starting at $1,715. Each luxury urban loft features epic views of the city and the Pacific, designer light-filtering roller shades, gourmet kitchen, modern floor finishes, private balconies, and modern industrial designer fixtures and hardware. Renters have the option of additional upgrades to customize their residence. Also available are corporate rental packages and a resident referral program with cash bonuses when tenants refer a friend.

Residents also have special access to a private elevator just off the busy Promenade to the elite Terrace Club. Across the resident Sky Bridge they will find the exclusive, tranquil rooftop Sky Lounge. At this private sanctuary they can truly get away from it all and socialize with friends, grill on complimentary barbecues, take a refreshing swim, or enjoy an exhilarating workout.

Another major feature of the Lofts at Promenade is its unprecedented list of concierge services which range from therapeutic massage to personal trainers, chef services to dog walkers, dinner reservations, dry cleaning, housecleaning, pet and fitness services, concert tickets too.

The Lofts at Promenade is a property of Lyon Apartment Companies. Major General William Lyon, USAF Retired, founded The William Lyon Company in Orange County more than 55 years ago. Lyon Apartment Companies, originally founded in 1989, currently manages over 14,000 apartment homes in several key markets, coast-to-coast, including 1900 Ocean also in Long Beach. Lyon Management Group, Inc. founded in 1989 by Frank T. Suryan, Jr., Chairman and CEO also offers the Lyon Peace of Mind Program which provides "protection from the unexpected". Lyon will allow tenants out of their lease in case of job loss. The company has earned numerous industry awards, including multiple California Council for Quality and Service "Best-in-Class" honors, as well as "The Best in the Industry" resident satisfaction awards from CEL & Associates, the country's largest surveyor of resident satisfaction.

Source: The Lofts at Promenade

Centrum Properties, Inc. today announced the conversion of its premium, 342-unit development, The Lofts at Roosevelt Collection, from condominium to rental. Apartment seekers may visit the leasing center currently located at 709 South Clark Street and may also access details and contact information at www.rooseveltcollection.com. The leasing center will move to the property, located at 150 W. Roosevelt Road, beginning August 14.

"The Lofts at Roosevelt Collection is a one-of-a-kind property, which will attract renters with high standards who expect the best. Our intent is to deliver service that exceeds those expectations," said Centrum principal John McLinden. "The South Loop location is convenient to much of what makes this city great, from Museum Campus and Soldier Field, to Grant Park, the lakefront and Printer's Row." The project design was honored by New Home Magazine as "The Best New Mid-Rise Development in Chicago"; and the one-and two-bedroom apartments are offered in 25 distinct and appealing floor plans. In addition, Centrum is developing a 2-acre, beautifully landscaped public park, directly adjacent to the project.

Apartments will be available for occupancy beginning September 1; one-bedrooms will be offered starting from $1,375 and two-bedrooms starting from $2,300 per month. The Lofts at Roosevelt Collection offers design elements unmatched in Chicago's luxury apartment marketplace, including hardwood floors; balconies or terraces; gourmet kitchens with granite countertops, designer Italian cabinetry, stainless-steel Kitchen Aid appliances and chimney-style stove hoods; and bathrooms clad in porcelain tile, featuring Grohe fixtures, soaking tubs and rainshowers, and Kohler frameless glass shower doors. Residents will also enjoy many building amenities including a social lounge, business center, conference room, theater room, a fitness center outfitted with state-of-the-art equipment, and storage compartments.

Roosevelt Collection is the South Loop's most dynamic new "neighborhood within a neighborhood" and includes such exciting features as:

• A 16-screen multiplex theater - Kerasotes Showplace's premiere location in Chicagoland.
• Approximately 300,000 square feet of dynamic retail shops and restaurants with indoor and outdoor dining
• An upscale health club
• A generously landscaped 2-acre public park
• A pedestrian-friendly plaza
• Ample indoor public and private parking
• The ultimate convenient location, between Target and Whole Foods, and walking distance to both the Loop and the lakefront.
  

Said McLinden, "The Lofts at Roosevelt Collection offers a lifestyle experience unparalleled in the Chicago market - the opportunity to rent a luxury apartment in a hip, active and truly mixed-use community of residents, retail shops, restaurants and entertainment, just steps from all the city has to offer."

SOURCE Centrum Properties, Inc.

Los Angeles-based builder Lee Homes, Inc. and institutional urban development investor CityView today announced the grand opening of TLofts, a new ultramodern sustainable loft community, situated in the heart of West Los Angeles. An Urban Block Party was held on Saturday, August 8, 2009 from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm to celebrate the culmination of years of work to bring this community to fruition. Henry G. Cisneros, former Secretary of U.S. Housing & Urban Development and Executive Chairman of CityView, and Jeff Lee, Principal of Lee Homes, presided over the official opening ceremony that was held at 11:30 am. Also participating in the ceremony was Lynn Jacobs, Director of the California Department of Housing and Community Development. Representatives from the offices of Los Angeles County Supervisor Mark Ridley Thomas and Los Angeles City Councilmember Bill Rosendahl presented commendations honoring the long-awaited new community.

The opening of TLofts coincides with last week's news from the S&P/Case-Shiller index report that showed home sales climbed in June for the third month in a row indicating a rise in homebuyer confidence. Following the positive reports of an economy in rebound, Cisneros and Lee announced that 13 lofts have sold at the TLofts development even before the grand opening and an interest list of more than 800 names promises to keep sales moving along at a rapid pace.

The Grand Opening & Block Party was a lively event demonstrating the lifestyle for those who will live in this prime urban location. Local merchants represented vendors who will serve the new community, such as Trader Joe's, FIJI Water and The Wine House set-up shop for the day in the community's courtyard offering everything from food and wine to giveaways and samples. Other participants adding their wares and services to the festivities included Best Buy, Bed Bath & Beyond, Romina Foods, Simply Pet Life and many more.

"TLofts is an excellent example of CityView's mission to finance the development of reasonably-priced communities with quality builders that are located near employment and transportation centers," said Cisneros. "We are excited to see evidence of increased consumer confidence and feel the timing of the TLofts grand opening couldn't be better!."

A perfect example of a smart growth development, and certified as a "green community" by California Green Builder, TLofts consists of 84 one- and two-story lofts. Combining eco-friendly living with work/live spaces, high-quality design and a desirable location "walkable" to jobs and retail, the community adapts to today's different lifestyles. It is the only large community in Los Angeles to offer charging stations for electric cars. Prices start from $415,000.

"TLofts is truly a unique project and we are thrilled to provide this quality live/work community to West Los Angeles," said Lee. "Lee Homes is steadfast in our commitment to offer innovative, green urban developments close to work, friends and family, and in walking distance to conveniences. Together with CityView we have brought this smart growth community to one of the most desirable areas in Southern California."

"We are very pleased with CityView and Lee Homes for their resilient commitment to housing production in Los Angeles County, and for the innovation and environmental quality of their work," said Supervisor Thomas.

"I like seeing eco-friendly projects like this opening in Los Angeles," said Councilmember Rosendahl. "It's the standard and the path we all must follow in creating a sustainable future."

TLofts is situated on Tennessee Avenue, just west of Sawtelle Blvd. and east of Olympic Blvd. It is also ideally proximate to bus stops and the proposed Exposition Light Rail Line. Additionally, TLofts is close to major employment hubs, including the nearly two million square feet of office space within walking distance on Olympic Boulevard, as well as in Century City, Westwood and Santa Monica.

For further information on TLofts, visit www.tlofts.com

Source: CityView

Alexico Group, the developer of The Laurel, a new Upper East Side luxury condominium, hosted an open house weekend June 27-28(th), 2009 to showcase the building's newest amenity spaces, The Laurel Club and The Trophy Club. Jeannie Woodbrey and Joanie Schumacher of Corcoran Sunshine Marketing Group welcomed guests to The Laurel, located at 400 East 67(th) Street. Another open house is this coming weekend, Sunday August 9th from 1 - 4 PM.

Prospective buyers, brokers and residents enjoyed refreshments in The Laurel's new club spaces. In The Laurel Club, the building's two-story, 4,000 square foot private recreational space, guests shot pool, played foosball and arcade video games, and enjoyed movies in the Club's 30-seat private theater. On the lower level in The Trophy Club's Triathlon Training Center, a trainer was on hand to provide demonstrations of the The Laurel's cutting-edge training equipment, which includes custom designed resistance pools, Woodway "The Force" treadmills, CycleOps pro indoor cycles and SCIFIT ergo-meters. The two-story, 8,000 square foot Trophy Club offers residents extensive cardiovascular and strength training facilities and two pools, including a 50-foot infinity edge lap pool with a glass mosaic tile interior and a botticino marble deck.

"We are so pleased to welcome our residents and neighbors to the newly completed Trophy and Laurel Clubs. These spaces are beautifully designed and outfitted with the best equipment and furnishings. The Clubs offer buyers at The Laurel a place where they can relax, recharge and play while never having to leave home. Already we're seeing residents and their families enjoying the spaces; the theater and the Apple computer station are especially popular with the children in the building," said Woodbrey.

The Laurel, a 31-story glass and Indiana limestone residential building, was built to the highest LEED-certified standards using environmentally responsible construction. Offering immediate occupancy, residents can move in today and enjoy coming home to a top quality building with the best services and amenities on the Upper East Side including a full-time concierge, 24 hour doorman, bicycle and stroller storage, on-site parking and an on-site resident manager. There are 129 condominium residences in The Laurel, developed by Alexico Group and designed by award-winning architects Costas Kondylis and Brian Callahan, which range in size from studios to four bedrooms.

For more information please visit: www.laurelcondominium.com

SOURCE Alexico Group