Help me choose a new tagline and win a free tank of gas!
"Lives Downtown. Knows Downtown." No more.After six-plus years of living in a downtown condo, Sarah and I have decided to give Shorewood a shot. Since I began my career in real estate, I have aggressively marketed my services as a downtown condominium specialist. Although we will no longer call downtown home, I am planning to continue to work and specialize in the downtown community. Downtown is a vibrant, dynamic area and I will miss being a part of it. Therefore, I will no longer be David Ray, "Lives Downtown. Knows Downtown."
This is where you come in. I will continue to "Knows Downtown" and will maintain my website, DavidKnowsDowntown.com. However, I will need your help in coming up with a new tagline. Clearly, I can no longer advertise that I live downtown.
How to register:To register to win a $50 gas card, please e-mail me suggestions for my new tagline. Entries will be accepted up until midnight on August 31. On or around September 1, Sarah and I will review all of the entries and pick our "Top 3." I will present the "Top 3" during my September 15th edition of my e-newsletter. Between September 15 and September 30, you will have a chance to vote for the "Best Tagline." The person who suggests the "Best Tagline" will win the $50 gas card. It's that easy. There is no limit for the number of entries. I will announce the winner in the October 15th edition of my e-newsletter.
E-mail me at dray@shorewest.com with your suggestions. Good luck!
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Labels: Shorewest
JSOnline: Forbes ranks Milwaukee in Top 10 cities for young professionals
Congratulations Milwaukee! We ranked high on another national list of the best places to live! Forbes Magazine ranked Milwaukee as ninth out of the top ten best cities for young professionals.
Forbes based their selections on the following criteria: high concentration of top employers, above-average professional pay with below-average cost of living, and a sizable proportion of residents 20-35 years old who have never been married.
Forbes recently recognized Ozaukee and Waukesha counties among the nation's top ten places to raise a family.
Want more? Last fall, AARP Magazine ranked Milwaukee as one of the top five best cities in the nation for retirees.
The word is out about our great city - a great place to start a career, to raise a family, and to retire. Joel Dresang, writer for JSOnline, interviewed several residents of Milwaukee to ask their opinion about the latest national survey which recognizes Milwaukee as one of the best cities for young professionals.
Click here to read what your neighbors are saying about these results>>>-----
Labels: Economy
The Business Journal of Milwaukee: Ghazi insists downtown project still on
The Ghazi Company ("Ghazi"), the real estate developer who has proposed to construct the $200 million Catalyst on Wisconsin Avenue (across from the Midwest Airlines Center), has faced financial disputes involving another high-profile development at his EpiCentre in Charlotte, North Carolina. Ghazi insists that these disputes in Charlotte will have no effect on Catalyst.
These disputes over EpiCentre were due to a strained relationship between Ghazi and Flaherty & Collins Properties of Indianapolis, which is the contractor for the 42-story condo tower. Flaherty & Collins are refusing to pay Ghazi for construction stating that the foundation is not sufficient for the development.
Ghazi countered this action. On June 2, Ghazi filed a breach of contract claim against Flaherty & Collins seeking payment and $92 million in damages. Flaherty & Collins countered Ghazi's lawsuit seeking $70 million. Both lawsuits are pending.
Although delayed, Ghazi is planning to break ground on Catalyst in spring 2009.
In addition, Ghazi has modified his plans for Catalyst. Ghazi was originally proposing a 31-story hotel, retail, and residential development. As of this report, Ghazi has indefinitely postponed the residential portion of this development, stating that financial institutions have tightened their lending policies for residential developments. The original proposal included approximately 200 condos and apartments.
Rich Kirchen, writer for The Business Journal of Milwaukee, provides details of both lawsuits as well as discusses the impact these lawsuits have on Milwaukee's Catalyst.
Click here to read the entire article>>>-----
Labels: Real Estate
Greater Milwaukee Association of REALTORS®: Downtown Milwaukee Open House
What are you doing on Saturday, September 13? If you are thinking of purchasing real estate in downtown Milwaukee in the near future, then you will not want to miss the eighth annual Downtown Open House, hosted by the Greater Milwaukee Association of REALTORS and Milwaukee Downtown BID#21.
There are a few changes to this year's open house. During the first seven open houses, the Open House has shared the stage with the Milwaukee River Challenge at Pere Marquette Park. This year, the Open House will be the only event happening in downtown on September 13. The Milwaukee River Challenge is scheduled for September 20. In addition, the venue has also changed. This year, the Open House will be at The Milwaukee Public Market (400 North Water Street) in the Historic Third Ward.
Housing Expo (11am-4pm) - The Milwaukee Public MarketREALTORS and condominium developers will be on hand showcasing the latest condominium developments on the second floor of The Milwaukee Public Market. In addition, representatives from the various downtown neighborhood associations and area arts and culture organizations will be present to provide guests with information about the lifestyle of downtown living. Financial advisors will also be on hand to educate real estate purchasers about the various financial programs available to them.
Open House Tour - Two Day EventSeptember 13, 11am-4pm
September 14, Noon-4pm
Shorewest, REALTORS will be providing free shuttles between The Milwaukee Public Market and the nearly 30 featured condominium developments in and around downtown Milwaukee on Saturday, September 13. Similar to last year, Public Service Ambassadors will be riding the shuttles giving a tour of the city.
Click here for more information about the 2008 Downtown Housing Expo & Open House>>>
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Labels: Real Estate
Current Downtown Listings!
New Price! The Regency House #2305 - $175,000Fantastic 23rd floor condo is in move-in condition, has been updated throughout, and has some of the best views of gorgeous sunsets and the city's skyline. Regency is located within walking distance to Lake Michigan, parks, and museums. Enjoy the neutral decor, updated kitchen and bathroom, and newer carpeting. The newly-remodeled kitchen features hardwood floors, granite countertops, stainless-steel appliances, stainless-steel under-mounted sink, and contemporary lighting. Kitchen opens up to Great Room with breakfast bar. Bathroom features ceramic tile and newer vanity. Luxury living at its finest - concierge, on-site security, heated outdoor pool, clubhouse, fitness center, and valet parking. HOA dues include all this plus heat, central air, and hot water. Regency is a pet-friendly association.
Click here to read more about this condo in the sky>>>
Accepted Offer! Riverbridge #401 - $199,900Peace, quiet, and location! Enjoy the afternoon sun in the sunroom of this top-floor condo. Both sunroom and private balcony offer views of the Milwaukee River and East Side neighborhood. Kitchen features granite countertops, GE Designer stainless-steel appliances, under-mounted stainless-steel sink, and convenient pull-out cabinet drawers. Duette blinds all privacy as well as sunlight. Walk to the boutiques and restaurants of Brady Street or take a stroll along the Riverwalk. During the summer grill on your private balcony that features gas hook-ups. You will find maple hardwood floors in the great room and ceramic tile flooring in the bathroom. One underground heated parking space is included (conveniently located near the elevator). Riverbridge is a pet-friendly association. Free home warranty!
Click here to read more about this top-floor, riverfront condo>>>
Western Leather Lofts #109 - $248,900Are you looking for a truly urban experience? Then look no further than this spacious, two-story warehouse-lofted condo. This amazing unit features exposed Cream-City brick, original wood posts and timbered ceilings, concrete-heated floors (dues include heat!). Structural steel open staircase and suspended catwalk adds even more living space to live and entertain. Second floor addition creates enough space for a second bedroom or home office. Sunlight floods the entire condo through its six oversized windows. Stainless-steel appliances, custom cabinets, large island with breakfast bar complete the well-thought-out kitchen. Other conveniences include in-unit laundry hook-ups and one indoor parking space. Master bedroom suite features exposed brick, whirlpool tub, heated towel rack, and walk-in-closet. Western Leather Lofts is a pet-friendly association. Free home warranty!
Click here to read more about this warehouse-lofted condo>>>For more information about these featured properties, please contact me at (414) 412-7980 or e-mail at dray@shorewest.com.-----
Labels: Real Estate
Downtown Milwaukee Events: Through September 30, 2008
Farmers' Markets:Westown Farmer's Market - Wednesdays (10am-3pm) through October - Zeidler Union Square
East Side Open Market - Thursdays (3-7pm) through October - Beans & Barley
East Town Market - Saturdays (morning) through October - Cathedral Square
Music Festivals:Westown: River Rhythms - Wednesdays (6:30-9pm) through August - Pere Marquette Park
East Town: Jazz In The Park - Thursday Evenings through September - Cathedral Square
Other Festivals, Museums, & Events:Westown: River Flicks - Friday Evenings in August - Pere Marquette Park
Irish Fest - August 14-17 - Henry Maier Festival Park
Bronze the Fonz! - August 19 - Various Locations
Mexican Fiesta - August 22-24 - Henry Maier Festival Park
Harley-Davidson 105th Anniversary - August 28-31 - Various Locations
Indian Summer Festival - September 5-7 - Henry Maier Festival Park
Downtown Housing Expo & Open House - September 13-14 - Milwaukee Public Market
Milwaukee River Challenge - September 20 - Pere Marquette Park / Milwaukee River
Fine Furnishings & Fine Craft Shows - September 27-28 - Midwest Airlines Center
Oktoberfest in Milwaukee - September 29-30 - Old World Third Street
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Labels: Events
"Lives Downtown. Knows Downtown." No more.
