Jan 22, 2025

Barghausen Consulting Engineers

Bowman

Plaza

Rolfe

Ta

Torres

Chinappi

Berry

Bond

Fleharty

Clinch

Padilla

Hoglan

Lamotte

Gilmer

Johnson

Barghausen Consulting Engineers recently hired three new employees in their Kent office, hired one new employee in their Chehalis office, and promoted eight employees in their Kent office, two employees in their Chehalis office, and had one employee pass the Fundamentals of Engineering exam.

The new hires in the Kent office are:

Joshua Torres, mailroom/print reproduction clerk. Torres graduated from Cal Poly Pomona in March of 2015 with a B.A. degree in Communications. He previously worked as a senior staff writer, tech operations assistant, and post office clerk.

Leanh Ta, administrative assistant. Ta graduated from North Carolina State University in December 2019 with a B.S. in Materials Science and Engineering and received a certificate in Professional Technical Writing from the University of Washington in June 2024. Ta previously worked as engineer II at RTI International.

Lorna Rolfe, facilities specialist. Rolfe graduated with a degree in History/Psychology from Gonzaga University in December of 1983 and previously worked in several maintenance and carpentry positions.

The new hire in the Chehalis office is Philip Plaza, senior CAD technician. Plaza graduated from Centralia College with a degree in Civil Drafting and Civil Engineering CAD/CADD in 2005. He previously worked as a drafter/designer.

Promotions in the Kent office are:

Andrew Bowman, project planner. Bowman joined Barghausen in May 2022 as an assistant planner and has supported various tasks such as research, site planning, reporting, and coordinating permits. He has also contributed to client programs. Over time, he has taken on more responsibility and worked diligently to grow as a project manager.

Carmen Clinch, project engineer. Since joining Barghausen in June 2021, Clinch has managed key programs, recently passed the P.E. Exam, and gained the trust of colleagues and clients.

James Fleharty, project engineer. Since joining as a design engineer in March 2021, Fleharty has become vital to the team's success. He's developed strong technical, communication, and project management skills.

JP Bond, senior CAD technician. JP joined Barghausen in June 2024 with experience in residential architecture. He has since become a key contributor to projects like car washes and convenience stores.

Mitchell Berry, senior CAD technician. Berry joined in February. His work on Revit prototypes and process improvements has greatly impacted a major client account.

Nick Chinappi, senior survey party chief. Chinappi joined in October 2020 with a lifetime of survey experience, starting at 16. Over the years, he gained valuable knowledge from industry mentors and worked on various complex projects.

Riley Johnson, project planner. Johnson joined Barghausen as an assistant planner in January 2024, bringing valuable land planning experience. He has assisted with due diligence research, site planning, report writing, and processing land use applications and construction permits.

Ryan Gilmer, project engineer. Since May 2022, Gilmer has excelled in engineering design, client relations, and project management, becoming a key contributor to client programs and new client initiatives

Promotions in the Chehalis office are:

Dan Lamotte, senior civil project manager. Lamotte, a team member since April 1992, is a skilled designer and mentor. In his leadership role, he fosters collaboration, tackles challenging projects, and ensures the highest standards of service.

Josh Hoglan, project engineer. Since joining in October 2016, Hoglan has managed multiple projects and built strong client relationships.

Raul Padilla recently passed the Fundamentals of Engineering exam.

Gensler

Emery

Architecture and design firm Gensler has welcomed JP Emery as northwest regional practice area leader for senior living. JP is a licensed architect with over 20 years' experience leading clients and teams in the development of award-winning senior living and multifamily communities. Since the beginning of his career, JP has studied the relationship between aging and the built environment and is passionate about the convergence of design and the built environment to enhance the lives of residents and help integrate them into the neighborhoods in which they are a part, while fostering connections between generations and helping older adults to live their best lives.

Public Facilities Group

Cooney

Public Facilities Group (PFG) hired Matt Cooney as vice president. With nearly 20 years of experience in municipal finance, first with Lehman Brothers and then with Barclays' Seattle office, Cooney brings to PFG a wealth of municipal market knowledge and experience, including working with prominent municipalities in the western United States across a variety of credit structures. PFG finances and delivers public facilities for government and not-for-profit entities using privately issued municipal lease revenue debt structures. Prior to joining PFG, Cooney had managed roughly 15 similar third-party lease revenue financings for a variety of end users, with an aggregate par amount of approximately $1.6 billion. Cooney's addition reinforces Public Facilities Group's mission to reduce the cost and risk to municipal partners while maintaining the quality of developing essential government facilities.

B+E Consulting Partners

Carlson

B+E Consulting Partners hired Sarah Carlson as a new senior associate. With extensive experience in design build and commercial construction tenant improvements, she will be responsible for overseeing key projects at Lumen Field. Carlson brings 25 years of expertise in managing high-impact projects across various commercial markets. Most recently, she served as a senior construction project manager managing construction of the Seattle Storm Center for Basketball Performance project. Carlson holds a B.A. in Architectural Studies and B.S. in Construction Management from the University of Washington and is DBIA Certified. Founded in 2022, B+E Consulting Partners is a Pacific Northwest Owner's Representation company known for providing development and construction management services.

Jan 17, 2025

CREW Seattle

CREW Seattle announced its 2025 Board of Directors, a group of leaders dedicated to advancing women in commercial real estate through initiatives, networking opportunities, and a commitment to fostering meaningful industry impact. With representation from a wide array of CRE sectors — law, development, construction, and more — their collective expertise and dedication ensure that CREW Seattle remains a resource for professional development and community support for members throughout the Puget Sound region.

New board members are: President Elect Treasurer Emily Kelly, Stoel Rives; President Christine Hadman, Auburn Mechanical; Past President Jeanette Flory-Sagan, Cereus Asset Services; CREW Network Liaison Amy Schroeder, KeyBank Commercial; Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion: Linda Kanoski, CBRE; Events: Maria Poyer, Microsoft; Foundation: Melissa Kroskie, Microsoft; MarCom:Anna Glidden, The Marketing Department US; Membership: Linda Hoffner, Wright Runstad & Company; Professional Development: Joan Walters, Skyline Construction; Programs: Mary Ellen Martin, Beam Reach Development; South Sound: Angie Kim, Prologis; and Sponsorship: Sara Bago, Lee & Associates Commercial Real Estate Services.

Jan 16, 2025

Bridge welcomes new tenant in Everett

[enlarge]

There's a new tenant at the year-old Bridge Point Everett 500, from Bridge Industrial. FastSigns announced last week that it's occupied 50,000 square feet in Building B (over half its capacity). That's about double the space it previously had downtown. The ribbon snip came last week, with Mayor Cassie Franklin in attendance. The company estimates it could eventually grow its operation there to 140 employees. CEO Tobi Ferguson said in a statement, “Our new state-of-the-art facility marks a transformative step forward. This expansion not only doubles our production capacity, but also integrates advanced printing technologies.” The entire development spans 40 acres, with 487,199 square feet. Of that, only 78,317 square feet remains unclaimed. The brokers are Daniel Seger, Blake Bentz and Thad Mallory at Newmark. Sierra built the project, which was designed by SynThesis.

$56M Avatar loan backs 600 units in Boulder

[enlarge]

Based here in Seattle, Avatar Financial Group announced this week that it supplied a $56 million loan for the future 610-unit Williams Village redevelopment in Boulder, Colorado. That's to replace an old strip mall. Avatar's T.R. Hazelrigg IV said in a statement, “Borrowers with large, transitional, and often complex projects like Williams Village are increasingly turning to private capital for the flexibility and speed they need.” The two-year loan “allows the borrower to buy out two remaining ground leases and get the site fully entitled for redevelopment,” says Avatar. Land deals will come this year; the six-building, mixed-use development will occur in two phases. It's to include a new grocery store and other retail. Morgan Creek Ventures is the developer, working with Coburn Architects. About half the apartments are intended for students at the nearby University of Colorado.

Cushman & Wakefield finds $40M for SoDo industrial

[enlarge]

Down in SoDo, Avenue 55 completed its speculative Track6 industrial building in 2023. That four-story, 210,774-square-foot project is now about 28% occupied. The project recently benefited from a $40 million refinancing package secured by Cushman & Wakefield's Dave Karson, Chris Moyer, Paul Roeter and Jason Blankfein. The money came from Thorofare Capital. Karson said in a statement, “The lending market for differentiated industrial assets such as Track6 is robust, and we could not have been more pleased to work with Thorofare Capital on this transaction.” Avenue 55's Joe Blattner added, “Track6 presents a distinct value proposition, as there is effectively no competitive product in the market. This special facility is nearly a turnkey offering for tenants.” Sierra built the project, which was designed by Nelson and Craft Architects. Newmark represents the space.

Northmarq lands $67M for Bremerton units

[enlarge]

In Bremerton, Tarragon began the phased Camber apartments in 2021. Both phases, with 324 units, are now open and leasing. Milbrandt Architects designed the garden apartments, which were built by the developer. Now's the time to refinance Camber, and Northmarq's Robert Spiro and colleagues did just that. Northmarq announced the $67 million December deal last week. The new money, from Fannie Mae, retired prior loans from PNC Bank and Heritage Bank. The new fixed-rate loan carries a seven-year term. Spiro said in a statement, “Another great property to get financed to pay off both construction loans just before year end.”

Zoom finds a home in Bellevue

[enlarge]

Broderick Group recently noted in its Eastside office report for the fourth quarter that pandemic darling Zoom had leased 19,085 square feet at Symetra Center in downtown Bellevue. Broderick's Grant Yerke and Matt Schreck represent the 39-year-old office tower. Now the landlord, Sterling Realty Organization, has offered more details. Its Whit Hamlin said in a statement, “We are delighted to welcome Zoom to the Symetra Center. This lease, in addition to strong interest from other top-tier tenants, underscores the impact of SRO's substantial investment in reimagining the lobby and exterior plazas.” The 25-story building was renovated last year, a $40 million effort led by Turner Construction, architect CollinsWoerman and interior designer Grayscale Design Studio. Remarkably, says Hamlin, the building is now 96% leased! That's an enviable number for an office building of any vintage. Zoom's Alana Collins added, “We chose to locate our newest office in the Seattle area due to the region's vast history of innovation and its prominent role in the evolution of AI.”

South Sound economic forecast, ahoy!

Frame

NAIOPWA will hold its annual South Sound economic forecast event next Wednesday at the Tacoma Convention Center. Speaking will be Matthew Gardner of Gardner Economics, with a following panel discussion also to include Morgan Sly of Rush Companies, Kidder Mathews CEO Bill Frame (pictured), Panattoni's Travis Hale and Bellevue Capital Group's Faraz Rouhani. The event begins at 11 a.m. Details and registration: http://www.naiopwa.org

Northwest Natural Gas

Rush

The Board of Directors of Northwest Natural Gas Company (NW Natural) has named longtime company executive Kim Rush to serve as president, effective April 1. NW Natural, the largest subsidiary of Northwest Natural Holding Company, is a 166-year-old, Portland-headquartered utility. Rush will assume full strategic, financial and operational responsibilities. The appointment coincides with Justin Palfreyman's expected appointment to the role of CEO of NW Natural Holdings and NW Natural, replacing the retiring David Anderson. Rush's career at NW Natural began in 1998 and includes numerous leadership roles covering communications, marketing and operations, leading to her being named senior vice president and chief operating officer of NW Natural in 2023. Rush has also served as chief marketing officer and chief corporate communications officer. Prior to joining NW Natural, Rush held management and senior communications positions at Alltel Corporation and Bank of America. Rush currently serves on the board of the Northwest Gas Association and is a member of the Operations and Sustainable Growth committees of the American Gas Association.

Smartsheet

Hahn

Schoenleitner

Bellevue-based Smartsheet, an AI-enhanced enterprise-grade work management platform, announced that Eva Schoenleitner has joined the company as vice president and partner. Schoenleitner brings expertise in the global technology industry. Previously, she was the chief executive officer of Crate.io, served as the group vice president of digital partnerships at ABB, and spent 11 years at Microsoft in global and regional sales, channel and product roles. In addition, Schoenleitner serves on the board of directors at Pratexo. Schoenleitner will lead the next iteration of Smartsheet's partner ecosystem, including solution providers, business partners and system integrators. In addition, Jim Hahn has joined the company as vice president of corporate communications. Hahn has more than two decades of experience leading integrated communications strategies for enterprise technology businesses at pivotal moments. Previously, he spent 15 years at Dell in various executive communication roles. Prior to Dell, he worked for Microsoft, Vignette, and Fleishman-Hillard. Hahn will support the organization in all aspects of communication, including executive communications, public relations, crisis communications, industry analyst relations, internal communications, and social media.

Sound Transit

Sound Transit named Nadia Anderson as its chief strategy officer, a new position created to guide the agency's approach to the technological, environmental, and economic future of the region. Anderson joins at a time of growing momentum for the agency, which is continuing to build on three recent light rail openings as part of the largest expansion of transit service in the United States. In her role, Anderson will oversee the Government and Community Relations; Communications, Marketing and Engagement; Board Administration; and ORCA ROOT teams. She will also oversee two new divisions: Innovation and Transformation; and Strategic Planning, Policy and Programs. Anderson previously served as the chief of staff and senior vice president of policy strategy and operations at the Silicon Valley Leadership Group. Anderson holds a doctorate in urban affairs and public policy from the University of Delaware and is also a graduate of Virginia State University (M.A.) and the University of Virginia (B.A). Sound Transit's next Link light rail extension is slated to open to downtown Redmond this spring, followed by connections across Lake Washington later this year and to Federal Way in 2026.