Stirling and Kent Design Build Announce Groundbreaking of New Corporate Headquarters at River Chase
Stirling and Kent Design Build today joined St. Tammany Corporation to announce the commencement of construction for River Chase Office II, a cutting-edge Class A office building spanning over 50,000 square feet, which will serve as the new corporate headquarters for both Stirling and Kent Design Build. This strategic move to the River Chase development reflects the companies’ commitment to growth, innovation, and investment in St. Tammany Parish.
“Relocating our corporate headquarters is a significant milestone for Stirling. St. Tammany Parish is an ideal location for our corporate headquarters, allowing us excellent connectivity to the entire Gulf South Region,” said Townsend Underhill, President & CEO of Stirling. “We are enthusiastic about the opportunities this move presents for our company and our employees. The new building not only signifies our commitment to growth but also positions us for greater achievements in the years to come.”
Stirling and Kent Design Build’s new corporate headquarters, near the intersection of Interstate 12 and LA Highway 21, was designed by Southeastern Louisiana-based architecture firm Eskew Dumez Ripple (EDR). The state-of-the-art design represents an investment of more than $20 million and will include a rooftop terrace, a reservable boardroom for the tenants of the building, and a geothermal HVAC system. The array of advantages provided by this modern workplace facility will bolster the company’s commitment to serving clients and employees.
“St. Tammany Parish is our home, and as a lifelong resident of the Northshore, witnessing the ongoing development of the market area has been truly incredible,” said Kyle Kent, President & CEO of Kent Design Build. “As our company continues to expand, we are proud to continue to invest in our community and work more closely with our partners to deliver world-class projects to the Northshore, South Louisiana, and beyond.”
Both companies have a long history of investing and doing business in St. Tammany Parish. Stirling has had an office in the community for over 40 years, and Kent Design Build has been based in St. Tammany since its founding in 1996. Together, they employ over 200 people in St. Tammany.
“Stirling and Kent Design Build have been tremendous partners for St. Tammany Parish, and they have renewed their commitment to our community with this investment,” said St. Tammany Parish President Mike Cooper. “When great companies, like Stirling and Kent Design Build, invest in St. Tammany, it not only provides quality jobs for our citizens but also boosts our nation-leading economy.”
“St. Tammany Parish has long been the destination of choice for corporate headquarters and the highly skilled talent that powers their operations,” said Chris Masingill, CEO of St. Tammany Corporation. “These two premier St. Tammany-based companies represent a cross-section of two industry sectors, real estate and construction, that are critical to our local and regional economy, and their reinvestment into our community exemplify our message that businesses can start up, scale, and stay right here on the Northshore and become incredibly successful.”
Renderings of the new facility are below. For leasing information, contact Ryan Murphy at (985) 246-3771 or rmurphy@stirlingprop.com.
Stirling & Level Homes Developing Arabella at Dutchtown Townhomes in Ascension Parish
Through a joint venture with Level Homes, Stirling announces the development of Arabella at Dutchtown Townhomes in Geismar, Louisiana. This project marks Stirling’s continued strategy of, build-to-rent development.
Stirling and Level Homes recently closed on the acquisition of 7.51 acres of property and plan to develop 48 units along with a leasing office and clubhouse. The new development will consist of 3-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom high-quality, single-family townhomes expressly built for the rental market. The Architectural Studio leads the project design team, and the builder is Level Homes. Construction will begin on the first townhomes later this month, and the development is expected to be complete by the end of 2024.
Through the joint venture, Stirling will be responsible for development, horizontal land improvements, and amenities, in addition to asset management and accounting oversight of the project. Level Homes will be responsible for all vertical building improvements. BH Management will handle daily onsite management and leasing.
“The population of Ascension Parish has grown significantly over the past ten years and is projected to continue, and we believe this is an ideal product type for this market on a site that is extremely well located within the market,” said Townsend Underhill, President of Development with Stirling. “Stirling is excited to continue its commitment to deliver high quality Build to Rent communities. “
“Level Homes is excited to be a part of the Arabella development adjacent to our Belle Savanne, for-sale community. Our company has an extensive track record of developing high-quality, master-planned communities throughout Southeast Louisiana. We look forward to creating value-driven homes and a unique residential experience for the Prairieville area,” said Todd Waguespack, Managing Partner with Level Homes.
This product type is one of the fastest-growing sectors of the U.S. housing market as build-to-rent properties continue to be attractive to seniors, singles, and families alike—as it offers renters the conveniences of homeownership without the financial and maintenance burdens that come with it.
For more information on Stirling’s development services, contact John Woodard, Director of Development and Asset Management, at jwoodard@stirlingprop.com or (504) 523-4481.
Stirling Properties Announces New Tenants at Hammond Square
Stirling Properties announces the arrival of Buff City Soap, Crumbl Cookies, and Marble Slab Creamery at Hammond Square shopping center.
Buff City Soap specializes in plant-based soaps, handmade daily in each shop’s “Soap Makery”. They produce customizable bath bombs, laundry soaps, shaving bars, beard oils, body butters, handsoaps, and more. Buff City Soap was founded in 2013 and now has more than 200 stores across 31 states. Buff City Soap is planning to open in the 4th Quarter of 2022 at Hammond Square.
Crumbl Cookies got its start in Utah in 2017 and has expanded to over 600 locations nationwide, making it the fastest-growing cookie company in the nation. A rotating menu of flavors are announced every week with their award-winning milk chocolate chip cookie always available. Crumbl Cookies will open its doors at Hammond Square 1st Quarter of 2023.
Founded in Houston, Texas in 1983, Marble Slab Creamery was the first ice cream treatery to use a frozen granite slab to blend mix-in toppings into its ice cream. Stores use locally-sourced cream and freshly-baked waffle cones to create a one-of-a-kind frozen dessert on demand. There are more than 1,100 stores worldwide with most locations concentrated in the southeastern US. The Marble Slab Creamery has recently signed a lease at Hammond Square but has not yet announced an opening date.
“Stirling Properties is excited to welcome these first-class retailers to Hammond Square. They are both new to the Hammond market, and we are confident they will be extremely well-received by the surrounding Tangipahoa community. They complement our existing tenant mix perfectly—even further positioning Hammond Square as a leading shopping destination in the region. In addition, our leasing team is still working to secure additional retailers and restaurant options that we hope to be able to announce very soon,” said Grady Brame, Executive Vice President with Stirling Properties.
Rhonda Sharkawy, Senior Retail Leasing & Development Advisor with Stirling Properties, handled the lease transactions on behalf of the landlord.
Hammond Square is Tangipahoa Parish’s premier shopping destination, located on approximately 100 acres at the northwest corner of Interstate 12 and US Highway 51 Business (SW Railroad Avenue) in Hammond, Louisiana. It is the 2nd largest open-air center in Louisiana encompassing over 902,000 square-feet of more than 40 national and local retailers, shops, and restaurants, including Dillard’s, Target, The Home Depot, JCPenney, Academy Sports+Outdoors and AMC Theatres. Stirling Properties redeveloped Hammond Square and currently manages and leases the center.
For more information on Hammond Square, visit www.hammondsquare.com or facebook.com/hammondsquare. For leasing and sales information, contact Rhonda Sharkawy at (504) 620-8145 or rsharkawy@stirlingprop.com.
Stirling Properties Promotes John Woodard to Director of Development and Asset Management
Stirling Properties announces that John Woodard has been promoted to Director of Development and Asset Management.
In his previous role as Development Manager, John led several notable company projects, including the development of the Ochsner Kidney Care facilities in Jefferson, Metairie, Algiers, and Marrero and ongoing single-family build-to-rent projects in Prairieville, Covington, and Jackson, MS. Over the past year, John has also been involved with the asset management of over 1,000,000 square feet of retail, medical, and multifamily properties in Stirling Properties’ portfolio.
In addition to his existing development projects, John will be assuming the role of Asset Manager for many of Stirling’s Southshore properties, including the Pan-American Life Center, Mid-City Market, and Offices at Mid-City. In this new position, he will also continue to be tasked with new business development and government relations specifically focused on the New Orleans market.
“We are incredibly proud of John for his remarkable growth and leadership within our company. He has become an integral part of our team, and we are confident he will only further excel in his new role and help to shape the future of Stirling Properties,” said Townsend Underhill, President of Development with Stirling Properties.
Stirling Properties & Level Homes Developing Oak Heritage Townhomes in Prairieville, Louisiana
Company’s first single-family for-rent development.
Through a joint venture with Level Homes, Stirling Properties announces the development of Oak Heritage Townhomes at 37584 Grand Oak Dr (LA-73) in Prairieville, Louisiana. This project marks Stirling Properties’ first single-family, build-to-rent development.
Stirling Properties and Level Homes recently closed on the acquisition of 7.96 acres of property, including one existing townhome, and plan to develop 51 additional units along with a leasing office and pool. The new development will include almost entirely 3-bedroom high-quality, single-family townhomes expressly built for the rental market. In addition, each unit will be equipped with a 2-car garage. The project design team is led by Ratliff Architects, and the builder is Level Homes. Construction began on the first townhomes in late December, and the development is expected to be complete by the end of 2022.
Through the joint venture, Stirling Properties will be responsible for the development of all horizontal land improvements and amenities in addition to asset management and accounting oversight of the project. Level Homes will be responsible for all vertical building improvements. BH Management will handle daily onsite management and leasing.
Oak Heritage Townhomes Elevations
“Level Homes is excited to be a part of the Oak Heritage development. Our company has an extensive track record of developing high-quality, master-planned communities throughout Southeast Louisiana, and we look forward to creating value-driven homes and a unique residential experience for the Prairieville area,” said Todd Waguespack, Managing Partner with Level Homes.
“The population of Prairieville has grown significantly over the past ten years, and we believe this is an ideal product type for this market on a site that is extremely well located within the market,” said Townsend Underhill, President of Development with Stirling Properties. “This product type is one of the fastest-growing sectors of the U.S. housing market as build-to-rent properties continue to be attractive to seniors, singles, and families alike—as it offers renters the conveniences of homeownership, without the financial and maintenance burdens that come with it. We are excited to partner with Level Homes on this project and hope it is the first of many opportunities to work together.”
Level Homes presently serves as the primary home builder for Stirling Properties’ single-family, for-sale development, The Preserve at River Chase, in Covington, Louisiana, including 56 homes built or currently under construction.
For more information on Stirling Properties development services, contact John Woodard, Development Manager, at jwoodard@stirlingprop.com or (504) 523-4481.
Stirling Properties Named Among GlobeSt’s 2021 Healthcare Influencers
Stirling Properties was recently named among GlobeSt’s 2021 Healthcare Influencers, which casts a national spotlight on people and firms who are shaping the healthcare real estate market and continuing to drive its performance.
“Stirling Properties is proud to be named one of GlobeSt’s 2021 Healthcare Influencers, and we are honored to be included among some of the top national companies in our industry. This acknowledgment further underlines our company’s leadership in healthcare real estate services and truly showcases our expertise and the breadth of services we can offer our clients in this sector,” said Townsend Underhill, president of development with Stirling Properties.
Evolution in the healthcare delivery system has morphed patients into customers, creating a need for healthcare providers to get products to clientele in the shortest amount of time possible. Stirling Properties is adapting to this changing environment by assisting medical professionals in connecting with customers closer to where they live—in their neighborhoods and communities. The healthcare real estate team is led by president of development Townsend Underhill, development director Mac Bauer and VP of finance and capital markets Justin Landry.
In 2017, Stirling Properties developed its first mixed-use medical facility on a 3.5-acre site in LaPlace, LA. The micro-hospital was based upon a 20-year lease to Ochsner Clinic Foundation for a 20,000-square-foot freestanding emergency department and imaging services clinic. In 2018, a Stirling Properties affiliated entity acquired and subsequently managed the renovation of the shuttered Louisiana Heart Hospital in Lacombe, LA, returning it to commerce through a long-term master lease with Ochsner Clinic Foundation. The 205,000-square-foot building was repurposed into Northshore Medical Complex, a post-acute care facility featuring long-term acute care, skilled nursing, and inpatient rehabilitation services in one central location. These services are provided by Ochsner Health System, Slidell Memorial Hospital, St. Tammany Parish Hospital, and Select Medical. Other notable healthcare projects include facilities management of St. Mary Medical Center in Shreveport; the development of four Ochsner Kidney Care Clinics in the Greater New Orleans Area; the development of St. Tammany Cancer Center in Covington; the development of Ochsner Medical Complex–The Grove in Baton Rouge; and the development of a Multi-Specialty Clinic in Bossier City, to name a few.
For more information on Stirling Properties’ healthcare real estate services, contact Mac Bauer, Development Director, at (504) 620-8131 / mbauer@stirlingprop.com.
