Apr 29, 2021

Seattle Housing Authority

Lofton

Seattle Housing Authority executive director Andrew Lofton is retiring in May, after 17 years with the agency. As part of the commemoration of his planned retirement, after 47 years of public service, the city of Seattle has declared May 7 to be Andrew Lofton Day. The official proclamation reads in part, “Director Lofton led the redevelopment of Yesler Terrace, resulting in a vibrant, mixed-income community and a net increase of 1,300 new homes, while providing former tenants housing in affordable units either in the new development or at another publicly subsidized property.” And more, “During director Lofton's tenure, nearly 3,000 more children and adults have stable, safe housing and services to help them improve their lives.” And Lofton was recently honored with the 2021 Carla Okigwe Lifetime Achievement Award from the Housing Development Consortium. His successor will be Rod Brandon, SHA's current director of housing operations.

Keller Williams

Fanta

Keller Williams Greater Seattle announced the recent addition of residential broker Adisu Fanta. He makes the move from Skyline Properties, where he last year closed over $10 million in deals. KW's Angie Mykel said in a statement, “We are extremely excited to welcome Adisu. We believe in succeeding through people, and having Adisu on our team is a huge win for us.” Fanta added, “Even though I have only been with the firm since March, I have already seen incredible gains!”

Vulcan Real Estate

Coleman

After two decades with Vulcan Real Estate, during which time the firm has reshaped much of South Lake Union, Sharon Coleman recently announced that she'll retire next month. She said in a statement, “This has been the most challenging and rewarding career that anyone could ask for, and I am so proud of the work that our team has accomplished together over the years. I am happy to be ending my professional career on a high note and look forward to beginning this new chapter of my life.” Vulcan said that Coleman helped oversee the development of 9 million square feet, some still in planning or construction, with about 3 million of that for Amazon in SLU. Vulcan's Ada M. Healey said, “I cannot think of another person in our region as admired and accomplished as Sharon. Her projects are immaculately designed, financially successful and exceed market expectations.” Succeeding Coleman as senior director of commercial development will be Murray Crampton, who joined the company two years ago.

Colliers

Schneider

Colliers announced the recent hiring of veteran mortgage banker Jim Schneider. He makes the move from M&T Realty Capital, after a prior stint with JLL. Also moving with him from M&T are Madeleine Roach, William “Wim” Roach, Brian Lorenz and Shawn Needham. The team brings expertise in agency lending from HUD, Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae, etc. Colliers' Hal Collett said in a statement, “Jim and team are known for their ability to provide comprehensive and innovative solutions for structuring even the most complex transactions. This expansion of our services in the Pacific Northwest reflects our commitment to building the Colliers national agency debt platform.” Said Schneider, “We're looking forward to working with Colliers' local teams to streamline the client experience by providing additional solutions for them to access funding for real estate investments.”

Africatown seeks public art

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For its planned Africatown Plaza, with 126 affordable units near 23rd and Union, Africatown Community Land Trust will have a large public plaza where public artwork is planned — along with other areas of the seven-story building (designed by GGLO). To that end, the nonprofit recently issued a call for art, in all disciplines and media, to focus “on restoring and celebrating the city's Black and Pan-African communities.” About 20 art stations will be curated by local organization Wa Na Wari with architect Dream Collaborative. Africatown CEO K. Wyking Garrett said in a statement, “We need the genius of our local and global artists to help tell the stories of our journey; a lot of what has happened has been traumatic, so we need to build spaces of healing and restoration.” For more info, see africatownplaza.com. The deadline for entries is May 14. Africatown Plaza itself has passed through design review, and is now in fundraising mode. No start date or general contractor have been announced.

CBRE

Hunter

Wright

Clark

Meitl

CBRE has added four specialists to its multifamily team, the company recently announced. Making the move from Marcus & Millichap are Beau Meitl and Spencer Clark. Joining from Paragon Real Estate Advisors are Peter Wright and Reed Hunter. CBRE's John R. Miller said in a statement, “We are excited to add proven talent in the private capital multifamily sector. Spencer, Peter, Reed and Beau will bring energy and experience to a space with enormous growth potential.” The quartet will join multifamily forces with Eli Hanacek, Jon Hallgrimson, Frank Bosl and Kyle Yamamoto.