News


March 29, 2010



When the owners of Ann Arbors newest coffee shop and yogurt bar were students at the University of Michigans Taubman College of Architecture and Urban Planning, they said they wanted to create an urban space for young professionals and graduate students.

Now, after nearly a year in the making, lab (yes, that's all lowercase) has opened at 505 E. Liberty St. in McKinley Towne Centre in downtown Ann Arbor.

We wanted to create that third place, the escape, the place where you chill, co-owner Joanna Hong said. We love Ann Arbor but we thought something was missing.


labcafe1.jpg

Co-owner Tobias Wacker stands behind the counter of lab, which opened Tuesday in downtown Ann Arbor.


Hong said she and co-owner Tobias Wacker wanted to create a modern, hip hangout such as the kind found more often in big cities such as Hongs native Chicago or Los Angeles, where Wacker attended undergraduate school. William Chang, a third co-owner, lives in New York and helped develop the business financial plan.


Hes very much an entrepreneurial spirit, Hong said.

Hong and Wackers modern design is full of sharp angles, open spaces and an overall sense of simplicity. It was designed by Karl Daubmann and Craig Borum of Ply Architecture in Kerrytown. Alex Trimmer, also with Ply Architecture, built the furniture.

The shops big windows are some of the few things that break up its empty white walls, while custom-made square, wooden furniture provide sleek seating for customers. The caf's lime-green ceiling and subtle accents add an element of color to the otherwise very basic dcor.

Even if its dreary outside, its bright in here, Wacker said. If you come to lab, you should be a little bit happier when you leave. Thats the premise of what were trying to do.


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Lab's yogurt bar includes 16 different types of toppings including fresh fruit, granola and candy.


In addition to a full range of coffee, tea and espresso drinks, lab offers a frozen yogurt bar of four rotating flavors complete with an option of up to 16 toppings ranging from granola, fresh fruit and candy.


In the morning, lab features a cereal bar including childhood favorites such as Lucky Charms and Cinnamon Toast Crunch, as well as a variety of granola.

Weve got both the sugary and the healthy, Hong said. You can totally customize it to your taste.

Hong said customer service is an important aspect of lab, where patrons are able to not only choose their coffee but also the degree of graininess and amount of beans used in the brew.

We want to talk to them about our products and store, she said. We want to take our time with them.

Hong and Wacker also want to help promote local artists and businesses. Most of their yogurt toppings and baked goods come from local suppliers, including products from Barrys Bagels, Tasty Footprints, Caf Japon, Taste Our Goods, Frog Holler Produce and Washtenaw Dairy.

he owners also hope to feature community and student-made films on a movie projector, which displays images directly behind the barista counter.

We just want to promote media and art, Hong said.

Still in its beginning stages, Hong said she and Wacker were still experimenting with the shop, hence its name lab.

She said the shop is open from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. but that could change, depending on demand.

Its a first business for us all, she said. Were definitely looking forward to learning and getting better. Its a growing process for us.


http://www.annarbor.com/business-review/new-coffee-shop-promises-modern-environment-for-young-professionals/

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March 29, 2010

March 26, 2010

Contact: Mary S. Williams

734-769-8520 ext. 244

For Immediate Release

McKinley, Inc. has been appointed Receiver for Executive Towers, a 152 unit apartment community located in downtown Toledo. The appointment was made by the Court of Common Pleas, Lucas County, Ohio. Executive Towers is uniquely located with convenient access to downtown Toledo and adjacent to the Mercy College campus. It has breathtaking views and wonderful amenities for the residents. I am confident that by applying our experience and expertise, our team will be able to create value for the stakeholders and the community, states Kenneth P. Polsinelli, Shareholder and Managing Director, Real Estate.

McKinley, founded in 1968, is a well respected national real estate investment firm that owns and operates $2.4 billion in assets in 139 properties for its own account and for select clientele. This includes 29,117 apartments and over 7.0 million square feet of commercial space located in 19 states. Headquartered in Ann Arbor, Michigan, Albert M. Berriz serves as Chief Executive Officer with 1,250 full-time employees nationwide.

For more information on McKinleys Residential Client Services, please contact Kenneth P. Polsinelli at 734-769-8520 x230.

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March 29, 2010

March 22, 2010

Contact: Mary S. Williams

734-769-8520 ext. 244

For Immediate Release


During the recent Special Achievement Awards dinner, the Bay area Apartment Association in Central Florida honored McKinleys Cecelia Ford with the Multi-Site Supervisor of the Year Award. Ms. Ford has over 18 years experience in the apartment industry, joining McKinley two year ago. She is a Certified Apartment Manager and Certified Apartment Property Supervisor. Cecelia is currently Director of Residential Sales in McKinleys Southern Region. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Management from Saint Francis University. Cecelia is actively involved with both the Florida Apartment Association and the Bay Area Apartment Association.

Cecelia is an important member of our Southern Region leadership team and we are proud she was honored with this award, states Jason Schaller, Vice President and Regional Director with McKinley.

McKinley, founded in 1968, is a well respected national real estate investment firm that owns and operates $2.4 billion in assets in 139 properties for its own account and for select clientele. This includes 29,117 apartments and over 7.0 million square feet of commercial space located in 19 states. Headquartered in Ann Arbor, Michigan, Albert M. Berriz serves as Chief Executive Officer with 1,250 full-time employees nationwide.

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March 29, 2010

March 22, 2010

Contact: Mary S. Williams

734-769-8520 ext. 244

For Immediate Release



During the recent Bay Area Apartment Association Special Achievement Awards, McKinleys Palma Ceia in Hyde Park was awarded the Rehab of the Year Award. This boutique apartment home community includes 122 units and is located in the heart of historic Hyde Park surrounded by lush landscaping and specialty gone green studios. McKinley purchased the completely vacant condominium property in September 2008 completing extensive renovations and celebrating the grand reopening just two months later.

We are extremely proud of Palma Ceia in Tampas Hyde Park and feel fortunate to be honored with this significant award, states Kenneth P. Polsinelli, Shareholder and Managing Director, Real Estate. Both our construction and property management teams worked diligently to turn this project around in order to provide an excellent housing choice for those who choose to live in this vibrant and dynamic community.

McKinley, founded in 1968, is a well respected national real estate investment firm that owns and operates $2.4 billion in assets in 139 properties for its own account and for select clientele. This includes 29,117 apartments and over 7.0 million square feet of commercial space located in 19 states. Headquartered in Ann Arbor, Michigan, Albert M. Berriz serves as Chief Executive Officer with 1,250 full-time employees nationwide.

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March 29, 2010

March 3, 2010

Contact: Mary S. Williams

734-769-8520 ext. 244

For Immediate Release



McKinleys Residential Client Services is pleased to announce the successful disposition on behalf of our valued client of Southern Woods Apartments. Southern Woods is a 104 unit apartment home community located in Tucker, Georgia, a suburb of Atlanta.

We were pleased with the turnaround and that we were able to help our client resolve this troubled asset and that the successful disposition was aided by being 100% occupied, states Kenneth P. Polsinelli, Shareholder and Managing Director, Real Estate.

McKinley, founded in 1968, is a well respected national real estate investment firm that owns and operates $2.4 billion in assets in 139 properties for its own account and for select clientele. This includes 29,117 apartments and over 7.0 million square feet of commercial space located in 19 states. Headquartered in Ann Arbor, Michigan, Albert M. Berriz serves as Chief Executive Officer with 1,250 full-time employees nationwide.

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March 29, 2010

March 3, 2010

Contact: Mary S. Williams

734-769-8520 ext. 244

For Immediate Release


McKinleys Residential Client Services is pleased to announce the successful disposition on behalf of our valued client of CityView Apartments located in Indianapolis, Indiana. CityView is a 166 unit that offers one, two, and three-bedroom high-rise apartments. McKinley was appointed Receiver by the Marion County Superior Court in October of 2008 and had continued to manage the property for our client.

This disposition is a recent example of how McKinley aggressively solves real estate challenges for our clients. From takeover to disposition, the McKinley team enjoys exceeding expectations for our partners and clients.

McKinley, founded in 1968, is a well respected national real estate investment firm that owns and operates $2.4 billion in assets in 139 properties for its own account and for select clientele. This includes 29,117 apartments and over 7.0 million square feet of commercial space located in 19 states. Headquartered in Ann Arbor, Michigan, Albert M. Berriz serves as Chief Executive Officer with 1,250 full-time employees nationwide.

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March 25, 2010

March 26, 2010

Contact: Mary S. Williams

734-769-8520 ext. 244

For Immediate Release


McKinley, Inc. has been appointed Receiver for Cross Creek Apartments, a 143 unit apartment community located in Lexington, Kentucky which offers one or two-bedroom apartments and two-bedroom townhomes. Cross Creek Apartments offers a peaceful country atmosphere as well as the convenience of being near downtown, shopping, restaurants, and schools. The appointment was made by the Fayette Circuit Court. Given its fantastic location and great apartment homes, Im confident that our veteran team will create value for the stakeholders and the community, states Kenneth P. Polsinelli, Shareholder and Managing Director, Real Estate.

McKinley, founded in 1968, is a well respected national real estate investment firm that owns and operates $2.4 billion in assets in 139 properties for its own account and for select clientele. This includes 29,117 apartments and over 7.0 million square feet of commercial space located in 19 states. Headquartered in Ann Arbor, Michigan, Albert M. Berriz serves as Chief Executive Officer with 1,250 full-time employees nationwide.

For more information on McKinleys Residential Client Services, please contact Kenneth P. Polsinelli at 734-769-8520 x230.

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March 25, 2010

March 26, 2010

Contact: Mary S. Williams

734-769-8520 ext. 244

For Immediate Release


McKinley, Inc. is pleased to announce that Residential Client Services has been appointed Property Manager for a six-unit property located at 592 Cooper Street in Atlanta, Georgia.I am confident that by applying our experience and expertise, our team will be able to create value for the stakeholders, states Kenneth P. Polsinelli, Shareholder and Managing Director, Real Estate.

McKinley, founded in 1968, is a well respected national real estate investment firm that owns and operates $2.4 billion in assets in 139 properties for its own account and for select clientele. This includes 29,117 apartments and over 7.0 million square feet of commercial space located in 19 states. Headquartered in Ann Arbor, Michigan, Albert M. Berriz serves as Chief Executive Officer with 1,250 full-time employees nationwide.

For more information on McKinleys Residential Client Services, please contact Kenneth P. Polsinelli at 734-769-8520 x230.

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March 17, 2010

March 17, 2010

Contact: Mary S. Williams

734-769-8520 ext. 244

For Immediate Release

McKinley is pleased to announce the promotion of Albert L. Berriz from Director of Marketing, Media and Attraction (MMA) to Vice President/Director of Residential Sales & Marketing.

During his tenure with McKinley, Albert has led the MMA team to outstanding results including web design and development, web marketing, social media, and residential sales as well as the development and implementation of my.mckinley.com, an exceptional tool created for customers to connect with McKinley in order to provide feedback, make requests, pay rent or simply find information.

McKinley is truly fortunate to have the many strengths and talents of Albert L. Berriz leading our sales and marketing efforts. Alberts vision for our teams is to achieve our goals via world class service and through creating a tribe of followers/fans that share feedback with us that shape and mold our service delivery. His strategies have connected us to our customers in deeper and more meaningful ways than we have experienced previously, states Karen Andrews, Chief Development Officer.

Karen adds, Alberts expertise as a web/viral marketing and social media expert is just one element of his contributions to McKinley. He is also a thoughtful, dedicated and inspiring leader with a genuine ability for coaching, supporting and mentoring others. He is a member of our Executive Committee, and a key architect of our overall business strategy. We are excited and thrilled to place him in this newly created role with an expanded scope and responsibility.

McKinley, founded in 1968, is a well respected national real estate investment firm that owns and operates $2.4 billion in assets in 139 properties for its own account and for select clientele. This includes 29,117 apartments and over 7.0 million square feet of commercial space located in 19 states. Headquartered in Ann Arbor, Michigan, Albert M. Berriz serves as Chief Executive Officer with 1,250 full-time employees nationwide.

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March 15, 2010

March 16, 2010

Contact: Mary S. Williams

734-769-8520 ext. 244

For Immediate Release


McKinleys Commercial Client Services group is pleased to announce that the Allen County Superior Court has appointed McKinley as Receiver for the North Georgetown Shopping Center. The 30,000 square foot retail center is located in Ft. Wayne, Indiana.

McKinley, founded in 1968, is a well respected national real estate investment firm that owns and operates $2.4 billion in assets in 139 properties for its own account and for select clientele. This includes 29,117 apartments and over 7.0 million square feet of commercial space located in 19 states. Headquartered in Ann Arbor, Michigan, Albert M. Berriz serves as Chief Executive Officer with 1,250 full-time employees nationwide.

For more information on McKinleys Commercial Client Services and Property Management, please contact Matthew D. Mason at 734-769-8520 x267.

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