If the Memphis and Shelby County Port Commission can win a sizeable grant from the federal government, work to build railroad capacity on Presidents Island – which would eventually allow for the future development of up to 1,500 acres there – could begin in August.

2. Southerland Place to Host Veterans Benefit Workshop - Thursday, June 20, 2013

Southerland Place Germantown on Saturday, June 22, is hosting a free Veterans Affairs benefits workshop for wartime veterans and their surviving spouses who live in assisted-living facilities.

Jim Austin, an insurance agent with Veterans Financial Inc., will lead the presentation on benefit eligibility from the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs. Austin will explain who qualifies and how to apply for the maximum monthly tax-free Aid and Attendance Pension for surviving spouses ($1,113), single veterans ($1,732), and married veterans

3. Lakeland Mayoral Race Features Three Contenders - Thursday, June 20, 2013

With voters in all six of Shelby County’s suburban towns and cities to vote next month on forming their own public school districts, candidates in two of the towns are preparing for elections in the fall.

4. Commission Pushes Back Seismic Standards Date - Wednesday, June 19, 2013

The Shelby County Commission approved Monday, June 17, a set of three ordinances on third and final reading Monday that push back the effective date for new seismic measures for new home construction and renovations of existing buildings until the end of 2013.

5. US Home Construction Rises 6.8 Percent in May - Wednesday, June 19, 2013

WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. builders stepped up home construction in May and applied for permits to build single-family homes at the fastest pace in five years. The gains show housing remains a key source of growth for the economy.

6. Strickland Pitches Budget Plan For Stable City Tax Rate - Tuesday, June 18, 2013

City Council budget committee chairman Jim Strickland plans to make his case Tuesday, June 17, for a set of city budget cuts totaling $26.3 million that would keep the city property tax rate at its current rate of $3.11.

7. Schools Payroll Changed Back As Commission Okays Schools Budget - Tuesday, June 18, 2013

A week after announcing a change in when Shelby County Schools teachers get paid in the schools merger that begins July 1, interim schools superintendent Dorsey Hopson changed course. The change keeps teachers from the two systems on different pay schedules for the first year of the merger.

8. Homebuilder Confidence Soars - Tuesday, June 18, 2013

For the first time in seven years, most U.S. homebuilders are optimistic about home sales, a sign that construction could help drive stronger economic growth in coming months.

The National Association of Home Builders/Wells Fargo builder sentiment index released Monday leaped to 52 this month from 44 in May. It was the largest monthly increase since 2002.

9. Commission to Complete Schools Budget - Monday, June 17, 2013

Shelby County Commissioners should wrap up their action Monday, June 17, on the first budget for the consolidated school system with a final vote on the school system budget.

The commission meets at 1:30 p.m. at the Vasco Smith County Administration Building, 160 N. Main St.

10. ACEC Role Lets Matheny Advocate for Engineers - Friday, June 14, 2013

Harvey Matheny, associate with the Memphis office of Kimley-Horn and Associates Inc. and current president of the Memphis chapter of the American Council of Engineering Companies of Tennessee, has seen plenty of changes in the local engineering market over the past several years.

11. Land for Mercedes-Benz Dealership Sells for $3 Million - Tuesday, June 11, 2013

Higginbotham Automobiles of East Memphis LLC has bought two parcels of land in Collierville for a combined $3 million where it will build a Mercedes-Benz dealership.

12. Oakhaven Warehouse Sells for $11.3 Million - Tuesday, June 11, 2013

5155 Citation Drive
Memphis, TN 38118
Sale Amount: $11.3 million

Sale Date: May 21, 2013

13. Commission OKs Sale for Penny Hardaway Courts - Saturday, June 08, 2013

Shelby County Commissioners approved Monday, June 3, the transfer of nearly 10 acres of land in Cordova on the west side of Herbert Road at Fischer Steel Road to Gameday Health Kids Foundation as the location of “Penny’s Fast Break Courts Sports Facility” – the children’s basketball site named for NBA and University of Memphis basketball star Anfernee “Penny” Hardaway.

14. Urban Land Institute to Host ‘Shifting Suburbs’ - Saturday, June 08, 2013

The Urban Land Institute will host a “Shifting Suburbs” program in Memphis.

The program, which is one of two national ULI events held in Memphis, will explore suburban infrastructure opportunities and challenges.

15. Council Mulls Exempting City Autos From Inspections - Saturday, June 08, 2013

The Memphis City Council approved on the first of three readings Tuesday, June 4, an ordinance proposed by council member Lee Harris that would exempt Memphis vehicle owners from auto inspections when city funding for the emissions testing runs out at the start of the new fiscal year.

16. Mud Island Apartments Sell for $43.6 Million - Saturday, June 08, 2013

A large apartment community on Mud Island has sold for $43.6 million. Riverset, a 500-unit apartment community constructed in 1988 and 1990, sold on May 31 for $43.6 million, or $87,200 per unit.

Blake Pera and Tommy Bronson III with CB Richard Ellis’ Memphis multifamily division represented the seller, Auction Street Associates LP, in the sale to TMF II Riverset LLC.

17. Cozymel’s Site Could Grow in Scope - Saturday, June 08, 2013

Now that the old Cozymel’s restaurant has been razed, public documents shed light on what is in store for the Poplar Avenue property.

A site plan approved last year by the Land Use Control Board said Robert Fogelman was seeking to develop a two-story, 32,000-square-foot building for a bank and office space.

18. Paragon National Bank Expands Slate of Services - Monday, June 10, 2013

Paragon National Bank has expanded its slate of service offerings.

Paragon recently enhanced its services to include new partnerships with Clay & Land Insurance and Ovation Payroll. The bank also has launched Paragon BusinessManager Solutions, which helps small-business owners better manage their cash flow.

19. Owner of Arlington Shell Station Files Loan - Monday, June 10, 2013

The owner of the Shell gas station at 6115 Airline Road in Arlington has filed a $1.4 million loan on the property.

20. Photography Studio Offers ‘More Than Memories’ - Monday, June 10, 2013

Allison Rodgers will tell you that the most natural smile occurs going into, and coming out of, a laugh.

21. June 7-13: This week in Memphis history - Saturday, June 08, 2013

1973: On the front page of The Daily News, the Shelby Farms Development Board voted to back the sale of the 2,000-acre site of the old Shelby County Penal Farm to Rouse Co. of Columbia, Md., and Boyle Investment Co. of Memphis for development of the land as a residential community. The action went to the Shelby County Quarterly Court. The land is now Shelby Farms Park.

22. Government Largesse - Saturday, June 08, 2013

These days, it seems like office real estate brokers are fighting tooth and nail to find office space for government tenants.

While office brokers are typically chasing new business to town or urging existing firms to grow, they’re now looking for office space for government agencies, which have emerged as prominent players in the local office real estate sector.

23. Documents Shed Light on Future of Cozymel’s Site - Friday, June 07, 2013

Now that the old Cozymel’s restaurant has been razed, public documents shed light on what is in store for the Poplar Avenue property.

A site plan approved last year by the Land Use Control Board said Robert Fogelman was seeking to develop a two-story, 32,000-square-foot building for a bank and office space.

24. Urban Land Institute to Host ‘Shifting Suburbs’ - Thursday, June 06, 2013

The Urban Land Institute will host a “Shifting Suburbs” program in Memphis.

The program, which is one of two national ULI events held in Memphis, will explore suburban infrastructure opportunities and challenges.

25. Council Discusses Exempting City Autos From Inspections - Thursday, June 06, 2013

The Memphis City Council approved on the first of three readings Tuesday, June 4, an ordinance proposed by council member Lee Harris that would exempt Memphis vehicle owners from auto inspections when city funding for the emissions testing runs out at the start of the new fiscal year.

26. Wharton Proposes 15-Cent Tax Hike, Council Delays Budget Votes - Wednesday, June 05, 2013

Memphis City Council members delayed a series of seven budget and tax rate-related votes Tuesday, June 4, at the end of a busy day at City Hall.

The day featured a new tax rate proposal from Memphis Mayor A C Wharton Jr. that includes a 15-cent city property tax hike above the recertified rate proposed by Wharton.

27. Commission OKs Land Sale for ‘Penny’ Hardaway Courts - Wednesday, June 05, 2013

Shelby County Commissioners approved Monday, June 3, the transfer of nearly 10 acres of land in Cordova on the west side of Herbert Road at Fischer Steel Road to Gameday Health Kids Foundation as the location of “Penny’s Fast Break Courts Sports Facility” – the children’s basketball site named for NBA and University of Memphis basketball star Anfernee “Penny” Hardaway.

28. Mud Island Apartments Sell for $43.6 Million - Wednesday, June 05, 2013

A large apartment community on Mud Island has sold for $43.6 million. Riverset, a 500-unit apartment community constructed in 1988 and 1990, sold on May 31 for $43.6 million, or $87,200 per unit.

Blake Pera and Tommy Bronson III with CB Richard Ellis’ Memphis multifamily division represented the seller, Auction Street Associates LP, in the sale to TMF II Riverset LLC.

29. Commission Approves Budget and 1st Reading of Tax Rate - Tuesday, June 04, 2013

Shelby County Commissioners approved an operating budget for Shelby County government Monday and approved on the first of three reading a $4.38 property tax rate to fund that budget.

The votes that signal the end of the county’s budget season came after a prolonged commission debate about the basic role of county government.

30. Scenic Tennessee Launches Anti-Litter Campaign - Saturday, June 01, 2013

The nonprofit group Scenic Tennessee is promoting an anti-litter campaign that combines music, scenic photography and community cleanups with online videos and social networking.

The effort begins Saturday, June 1, with a month-long Pickin’ Up Tennessee tour designed to drive home the campaign’s message: Love the land. Lose the litter.

31. Argent Hire Underscores Firm’s Growth - Saturday, June 01, 2013

The hiring of Phil Buchanan by Argent Financial Group as the company’s new president underscores what’s been a continual growth story at Argent.

Even before the Ruston, La.-based financial services firm established a Memphis presence in 2010, but especially since then, Argent has opened new offices, added staff, solidified its presence here and still managed to prepare for growth to come.

32. Cozymel's Property Comes Down - Friday, May 31, 2013

The first financial ripples from International Paper Co.’s decision to build a fourth tower at its East Memphis campus are seeping out.

33. Retail Resurgence - Friday, May 31, 2013

When leaders of the Delta Division of Kroger kicked off the $5 million renovation of the chain’s Whitehaven supermarket, some of the area’s community and business leaders were looking beyond the store’s parking lot.

34. Rising Home, Stock Prices Boost US Confidence - Wednesday, May 29, 2013

WASHINGTON (AP) — Americans are more confident in the U.S. economy than at any point in the past five years, thanks to surging home values, a brighter job market and record-setting stock prices.

35. Scenic Tennessee Launches Anti-Litter Campaign - Wednesday, May 29, 2013

The nonprofit group Scenic Tennessee is promoting an anti-litter campaign that combines music, scenic photography and community cleanups with online videos and social networking.

The effort begins Saturday, June 1, with a month-long Pickin’ Up Tennessee tour designed to drive home the campaign’s message: Love the land. Lose the litter.

36. Collierville Office Building Owner Files $1.8 Million Loan - Monday, May 27, 2013

The owner of the 15,632-square-foot office building at 60 Market Center Drive in Collierville has filed a $1.8 million loan on the property.

37. Former Ike’s on Summer Sells for $2.7 Million - Monday, May 27, 2013

4569 Summer Ave. Memphis, TN 38122

Sale Amount: $2.7 million

Sale Date: May 17, 2013

38. Shopping Center Group Sees Retail Starting to Rally - Saturday, May 25, 2013

The Shopping Center Group is seeing activity perk up a bit in 2013 following several years of sluggishness in the local retail market due to the recent recession.

“It is definitely a lot better than it was two to three years ago. We are busier than we were then,” said Danny Buring, managing partner of The Shopping Center Group’s Memphis office.

39. Building Relationships Key to Barden’s Success - Saturday, May 25, 2013

For Will Barden of Colliers International, cultivating his network of relationships is vital to his success over the past 16 years in the Memphis office real estate market.

40. Editorial: Convention Center Likely Years Away - Saturday, May 25, 2013

Nashville cut the ribbon this month on Music City Center, its massive new convention center that some Memphis leaders would like to match.

It is very tempting to point out that we have chased other cities in the past with these kind of massive civic projects and not fared well at all.

41. Federal Grants Help Landowners Conserve Wildlife - Friday, May 24, 2013

NASHVILLE (AP) – Federal officials have set aside more than $1 million for Tennessee landowners who help conserve wildlife.

The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency said owners of agricultural and forest land can apply by June 10 for funding under the Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program.

42. Changing Current - Wednesday, May 22, 2013

The Uptown waterfront along the Wolf River Harbor – the area of the rejuvenated Uptown neighborhood that has for the most part been left out of the revitalization – could soon become a bustling waterfront village, according to a recently released master plan for the area.

43. Cresthaven Medical Building Sells for $2.5 Million - Tuesday, May 21, 2013

1068 Cresthaven Road Memphis, TN 38119

Sale Amount: $2.5 million

Sale Date: May 2, 2013

44. Nike Distribution Center Issued $4.4 Million Permit - Monday, May 20, 2013

The city-county Office of Construction Code Enforcement has issued a $4.4 million mechanical permit for work on Nike Inc.’s North Memphis distribution center at 3100 New Frayser Blvd.

45. Renaissance Group Files Loan on Lakeland Office - Thursday, May 16, 2013

Architecture and engineering firm Renaissance Group has filed a $1.7 million loan on its headquarters at 9700 Village Circle in Lakeland.

46. River Infrastructure Fee Tough Sell in DC - Thursday, May 16, 2013

U.S. Rep. Stephen Fincher told a group of business owners and others who work on the Mississippi River that the political environment in Washington is changing.

Fincher is a member of the Congressional Mississippi River Caucus that is pushing for continuing funding for infrastructure along the river.

47. Drugstore Corridor - Wednesday, May 15, 2013

Walgreen Co. is building a new store on Poplar Avenue in East Memphis amid some of the most important and valuable commercial real estate in the city.

48. Oakhaven Warehouse Sells After Foreclosure - Tuesday, May 14, 2013

4120 Air Trans Road, Memphis, TN 38118

Sale Amount: $2.5 million

Sale Date: May 7, 2013

49. Construction Lending Still Facing Tepid Improvement - Saturday, May 11, 2013

As the economy starts to rebound, local lenders like Magna Bank, First Tennessee Bank and Renasant Bank are seeing moderate improvement in activity for new commercial and residential construction projects, and competition is intensifying to land deals.

50. Core Focus - Saturday, May 11, 2013

The Great Recession silenced construction crews throughout the Memphis area, and that was especially evident Downtown, where ambitious, skyline-changing projects were put on hold, reconfigured or scrapped altogether.

51. Lakeland Super 8 Sells for $1.3 Million - Thursday, May 09, 2013

The Super 8 motel at 9779 Huff N Puff Road in Lakeland has sold for $1.3 million.

Sairam Nivas LLC bought the 34,068-square-foot hotel in a May 1 warranty deed from Prabhubhai K. Patel and Kashmira P. Patel.

52. Nike Files $3 Million Permit for Distribution Center - Wednesday, May 08, 2013

Nike Inc. has filed a $3 million permit application with the city-county Office of Construction Code Enforcement for work on its North Memphis distribution center at 3100 New Frayser Blvd.

53. Parking Permit - Wednesday, May 08, 2013

The first elected official to drop hints about a Cooper-Young parking garage was Memphis Mayor A C Wharton Jr., who is frequently seen in the restaurants in the district on Saturday mornings or mid-afternoon.

54. Whole Foods Files Permit for Expansion - Tuesday, May 07, 2013

5014 Poplar Ave. Memphis, TN 38117

Permit Cost: $3.1 million

Project Cost: TBA

Permit Date: Applied April 2013

55. Council Tackles Budget, Tax Rate - Tuesday, May 07, 2013

Memphis City Council members take their first steps Tuesday, May 7, toward approving a city operating budget and property tax rate for the fiscal year that begins July 1.

The council meets at 3:30 p.m. at City Hall, 125 N. Main St.

56. May 3-9: This Week in Memphis History - Saturday, May 04, 2013

1993: J. Terry Steib became the new bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Memphis.

The Harrah’s casino division of Memphis-based Promus Cos. announced plans to build a casino in Tunica on 150 acres of land five miles west of U.S. 61 with an opening date of late 1994.

57. Central Animal Hospital Files Loan on Property - Monday, May 06, 2013

Central Animal Hospital at 2192 Central Ave. in Midtown has filed a $2.4 million loan on its property.

58. Commission Receives Schools Financials - Monday, May 06, 2013

Shelby County Commissioners formally get the financials of Shelby County’s two public school systems Monday, May 6, in an action that is not expected to generate much debate.

But the financial statements for the fiscal year that ended June 30 is another step along the path toward the formal merger of both school systems effective at the end of the current fiscal year.

59. Please, Please Belize! Part 2 - Thursday, May 02, 2013

In last week’s column, I told how a guy from another city and state who spends his winters in Belize wound up with a dead ringer for my phone number on a cell phone he bought in that country. Starting with Belize’s country code, 501, being identical to Arkansas’ 501 area code and continuing through each and every one of the last seven digits, “George’s” cell number is identical to my home land line.

60. Beale Street Landing Eatery Search Resumes - Wednesday, May 01, 2013

There were some signs early on that finding a restaurant operator for Beale Street Landing might be difficult.

The date for the restaurant to open kept getting pushed back and the contract remained unsigned long after it was announced that Beale & Second Inc. had tentatively agreed to operate the restaurant.

61. Beale Street Landing Restaurant Stalls - Tuesday, April 30, 2013

The Riverfront Development Corporation is looking for a new contractor to operate a restaurant in Beale Street Landing.

62. Little Rock’s Peabody Hotel to Become Marriott Brand - Monday, April 29, 2013

Officials say the Peabody Hotel in downtown Little Rock will switch over to the Marriott brand this week.

Little Rock Convention and Visitors Bureau CEO Gretchen Hall says the changeover will happen Wednesday. Hall says the Peabody’s signature ducks will take their last march in Little Rock within the next week.

63. Cates Named Commercial Broker of Year - Monday, April 29, 2013

The Memphis Area Association of Realtors Commercial Council honored its most productive members of 2012 at the 12th annual Pinnacle Awards gala, held Thursday, April 25, at the Memphis Country Club.

64. Don’t Let Zeal Kill the Sale - Wednesday, April 24, 2013

Passion is a vital skill for entrepreneurs, but did you know it can actually kill a sales call? While it may seem counterintuitive, an overzealous spirit can simply overwhelm a prospect.

While asking for the sale is an essential selling skill, you have to earn the right to ask by first building trust with your prospect. While you’ll never land a sale if you don’t ask, sales is a process versus a question. If your enthusiasm gets the better of you, and you ask too soon, you’ll certainly get an answer – just not the one you want.

65. Flight Delays Pile Up Monday After FAA Budget Cuts - Tuesday, April 23, 2013

NEW YORK (AP) – It was a tough start to the week for many air travelers. Flight delays piled up all along the East Coast Monday as thousands of air traffic controllers were forced to take an unpaid day off because of federal budget cuts.

66. Four-Way Self Storage Facility Sells for $1.3 Million - Tuesday, April 23, 2013

6780 Country Park Drive Memphis, TN 38134

Sale Amount: $1.3 million

Sale Date: April 9, 2013

67. Mitsubishi Plant Opens in Southwest Memphis - Saturday, April 20, 2013

A group of 200 dignitaries marked the formal opening Friday, April 19, of the Mitsubishi Electric Power Products Inc. plant in Southwest Memphis.

68. County Commission Approves Tall Trees Sale - Saturday, April 20, 2013

Shelby County Commissioners approved Monday, April 15, the sale of the old Tall Trees Juvenile Detention facility at 3335 Old Getwell Road.

69. Trustee Tax Sale Makes $350,000 - Saturday, April 20, 2013

The most recent tax sale by the Shelby County Chancery Court Clerk’s office of tax delinquent properties brought in more than $350,000, according to Shelby County Trustee David Lenoir.

70. The New Beale - Saturday, April 20, 2013

Over the last four years, the next chapter in the development of Beale Street has been a stop-and-go affair. First would come announcements followed by silence from official channels.

Along with that silence, though, was quiet activity on the side, a movement that culminated with the March announcement of Memphis Mayor A C Wharton Jr.’s strategic planning committee’s report, “A Framework for Beale Street.”

71. Landings Apartment Owner Files $8.7 Million Loan - Friday, April 19, 2013

The owner of the 292-unit Landings apartments at 3550 Brownbark Drive in Hickory Hill has filed an $8.7 million loan on the property.

72. Four-Way Self Storage Facility Sells for $1.3 Million - Thursday, April 18, 2013

The Four-Way Self Storage facility at 6780 Country Park Drive in Northeast Memphis has sold for $1.3 million.

73. US Housing Starts Surpass 1 Million in March - Wednesday, April 17, 2013

WASHINGTON (AP) – U.S. homebuilders broke the 1 million mark in March for the first time since June 2008. The gain signals continued strength for the housing recovery at the start of the spring buying season.

74. County Commission Approves Tall Trees Sale - Wednesday, April 17, 2013

Shelby County Commissioners approved Monday, April 15, the sale of the old Tall Trees Juvenile Detention facility at 3335 Old Getwell Road.

75. Market Stability - Wednesday, April 17, 2013

Home permit activity held stable for the first quarter of this year compared with the same period last year, and local builders expect to see continued gradual improvement through this year and into next.

76. Harold Ford Sr. Buys Sycamore View Property - Tuesday, April 16, 2013

1670 Sycamore View Road Memphis, TN 38134

Sale Amount: $1.8 million

Sale Date: April 8, 2013

77. U of M President Raines Announces Retirement - Tuesday, April 16, 2013

Shirley C. Raines is retiring at the end of June after 12 years as president of the University of Memphis.

Raines announced her retirement Monday, April 15. John Morgan, the chancellor of the Tennessee Board of Regents, will name an interim president for the university possibly as early as this week for the transition.

78. Marx-Bensdorf Prides Itself on Strong Independent Spirit - Saturday, April 13, 2013

A small, boutique real estate agency sees longevity as its strength rather than its worth to larger companies looking for acquisition targets.

And Marx-Bensdorf Realtors remained strong through the recession by staying out from under other people’s umbrellas.

79. Trustee Tax Sale Makes $350,000 - Monday, April 15, 2013

The most recent tax sale by the Shelby County Chancery Court Clerk’s office of tax delinquent properties brought in more than $350,000, according to Shelby County Trustee David Lenoir.

80. Commission Weighs Tall Trees Sale - Monday, April 15, 2013

The sale of the old Tall Trees juvenile detention facility, zoning code changes to account for trucks with four back tires and a possible revote on legal fees in the schools consolidation case top the Shelby County Commission agenda for Monday, April 15.

81. Harold Ford Sr. Buys Sycamore View Property - Friday, April 12, 2013

Former U.S. Rep. Harold Ford Sr. of Memphis has paid $1.8 million for a shopping center at 1670 Sycamore View Road in Northeast Memphis.

82. Charter Panel Bill Slowed in Senate - Thursday, April 11, 2013

NASHVILLE (AP) – Lawmakers questioned a proposal to create a special panel to authorize charter schools in several Tennessee counties during debate at the state Legislature Tuesday, while a nonprofit group criticized the governor's decision to withdraw his school voucher program.

83. Cordova Ridge Shops Sells for $1.8 Million - Thursday, April 11, 2013

An affiliate of Norcross, Ga.-based Safeway Group Inc. has paid $1.8 million for Cordova Ridge Shops, a retail shopping center at 1204 Houston Levee Road in unincorporated Cordova.

84. Social Resumes and the Job Search - Friday, April 05, 2013

As an adjunct accounting professor at the University of Memphis, I am constantly trying to prepare my students for their future. Part of that preparation is exposing the students to tools that will assist them in their search for employment.

85. Memphis Academy of Health Sciences Pays $1.1 Million for Raleigh Land - Wednesday, April 03, 2013

The Memphis Academy of Health Sciences High School has paid $1.1 million for a vacant parcel at 3606 Hawkins Mill Road in Raleigh.

86. Agriculture Boom Fuels Agricenter Expansions - Wednesday, April 03, 2013

Agriculture is a promising business, especially considering the rapidly growing worldwide demand for food and fiber products by a ballooning international population.

That’s the backdrop for construction that’s set to begin soon on a state-of-the-art greenhouse and research laboratory at Agricenter International.

87. Panther Properties Buys Two Cordova Apartments - Tuesday, April 02, 2013

2350 N. Houston Levee Road and 2323 N. Houston Levee Road

88. Highwoods Buys Land for International Paper Expansion - Thursday, March 28, 2013

Highwoods Realty LP has bought two parcels of East Memphis land totaling about 5.1 acres that will be used for International Paper’s headquarters expansion.

89. Highwoods to Develop International Paper Tower - Wednesday, March 27, 2013

The future of International Paper Co. in Memphis, where it’s long been based and where it recently reached a deal to solidify its presence here, is taking shape.

90. Highwoods Signs Build-To-Suit Lease with International Paper - Tuesday, March 26, 2013

Highwoods Properties Inc. has signed a long-term build-to-suit lease with International Paper Co.

The agreement, announced by Highwoods Monday, March 25, involves Highwoods developing a 241,000-square-foot, nine-story Class A office building with structured parking in the Poplar Avenue corridor. That new building will sit directly across the street from International Paper’s world headquarters and main campus, and construction is expected to start in the fourth quarter, with completion by the end of the second quarter of 2015.

91. Berclair Dollar General Sells for Almost $1 Million - Tuesday, March 26, 2013

3443 Jackson Ave., Memphis, TN 38122

Sale Amount: $971,000
Sale Date: March 14, 2013
Buyer: VM Property Investments LLC
Seller: Ware Properties LLC
Loan Amount: $679,700
Loan Date: March 14, 2013
Maturity Date: N/A
Lender: US Bank NA
Details: The 9,160-square-foot Dollar General store at 3433 Jackson Ave. in Berclair has sold for $971,000.

92. Sammons Seeks Final Cut Numbers From Delta - Tuesday, March 26, 2013

Jack Sammons, the new chairman of the Memphis-Shelby County Airport Authority board, is no stranger to the flight from Memphis to Atlanta. Sammons long has been the board’s frequent flyer when it comes to business travel.

93. Berclair Dollar General Sells for Almost $1 Million - Wednesday, March 20, 2013

The 9,160-square-foot Dollar General store at 3433 Jackson Ave. in Berclair has sold for $971,000.

VM Property Investments LLC of Sandy, Utah, bought the 2-year-old retail store from Ware Properties LLC, the Coldwater, Miss.-based company that developed the property.

94. Sales: PR’s Missing Ingredient - Wednesday, March 20, 2013

If your company’s contributions are more newsworthy than the media coverage generated, you could have a sales problem. That’s right, I said a “sales” problem.

The minimum cost of entry into a successful career in public relations is the ability to write. About 50 percent of those in the field have strong writing skills, capable of inspiring readers. Given the sheer volume of press releases crossing the average reporter’s desk each week, however, it’s clear that writing skills alone don’t land stories.

95. Riverfront Report Highlights Quick Fixes - Wednesday, March 20, 2013

With a set of 20 Memphis riverfront plans and reports spanning several decades, urban planner and designer Jeff Speck’s mission wasn’t to add to the stack of documents, maps and renderings.

96. Builder Confidence Falls on Weak Supply - Tuesday, March 19, 2013

Confidence among U.S. homebuilders fell this month because of concerns that increased demand for new homes is exceeding supplies of ready-to-build land, building materials and workers.

In the short term, those constraints could slow sales. But builders’ outlook for sales over the next six months has reached its strongest point in more than six years.

97. Wills Stewarding Growth of East Memphis Land - Monday, March 18, 2013

For Walter Wills III, taking care of his neighborhood and the surrounding area is one of his life tasks.

Wills & Wills LP has owned much of the land in the Kirby-Quince corridor for more than 40 years. The area is seeing an influx of medical office and retail users in the past few years, and more are expected with a new Regional Medical Center at Memphis outpatient center in the area.

98. New York Firm Buys Distribution Center for $24.7 Million - Monday, March 18, 2013

Gramercy Capital Corp. has acquired Hacks Cross Logistics Center Building 1 in Olive Branch for $24.7 million from Hillwood Investment Properties.

99. Boyle Celebrates 80 Years, Sponsors Art Exhibit - Monday, March 18, 2013

Boyle Investment Co. turns 80 this year, and has partnered with the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art to celebrate.

100. Holtzclaw on Front Line of Myriad Real Estate Projects - Monday, March 18, 2013

Anna Holtzclaw’s footprint is on property all over Memphis.

Since 2001, the real estate marketing entrepreneur has worked to promote properties developed and designed by the likes of the Henry Turley Co., LRK Inc. and Loeb Properties Inc.