FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (May 21, 2021) – Following a year of uncertainty brought on by the pandemic, NAIOP South Florida hosted the 42nd Annual Awards of Excellence, where the top movers and shakers in the commercial real estate (CRE) industry for 2020 were announced. The jubilant in-person event was an opportunity for members of South Florida’s Commercial Real Estate Development Association to reconnect, network and celebrate with an optimistic eye on the future.

More than 225 industry executives joined NAIOP South Florida in the spacious Ocean Ballroom at the Marriott Harbor Beach Resort for the lively “business beach” themed event with refreshing cocktails and Jimmy Buffett tunes, a seated dinner, and the awards ceremony. 

“Challenges often bring opportunities, and that is what we are celebrating this year,” said NAIOP South Florida Executive Director Jules R. Morgan. “Despite the many trials and tribulations of this past year, the professionals in our industry kept their eye on the ball, resulting in significant accomplishments in commercial real estate. We appreciate the ongoing support of our members and sponsors, and we congratulate all of the finalists and winners on their achievements.”

The Awards of Excellence winners are:

Sale of the Year

·       Institutional Sale: Bayview Corporate Tower, Cushman & Wakefield

·       Private Industrial Sale: Bang Energy Portfolio Sale, CBRE, Inc., JLL & Helms Development & Core5

·       Office Sale: 3700 Lakeside Drive, Butters Realty & Management

Industrial Lease Transaction of the Year: Miami 27 lease to Intcomex, Colliers International

Office Lease Transaction of the Year: · Starboard Cruise Services, Cushman & Wakefield

Economic Impact Deal of the Year: Pursuit Boats, Economic Development Council of St. Lucie County

Broker Team of the Year  

·       Industrial: CBRE team of L. Tom O'Loughlin, Larry Genet, Larry Dinner, Jake Zebede, Michael Oretsky

·       Investment: CBRE’s South Florida Institutional Capital Markets Team of A. Chilgren, A. Julian, C. Lee, J. Lobon, M. Minaya, T. Rappa, R. Rose

·       Office: Avison Young’s Landlord Agency Team, Ft. Lauderdale, of L. Blumer, J. Cope, G. Martin

·       Retail: JLL Miami Retail Team of K. Fernandez-Espinosa, A. Kaye, L. Koniver, R. Romero, Z. Winkler

Broker the Year: George Pino of State Street Realty

Member of the Year: Christopher Thomson of Cushman and Wakefield

Rookie of the Year: Alex VanDresser of Cushman & Wakefield

Project of the Year: The Main Las Olas, Stiles

Developer of the Year: Stiles

“Our market and commercial real estate professionals demonstrated that through a year of adversity, South Florida persevered and became a safe haven for business,” added Awards of Excellence Chair, Immediate Past President of NAIOP South Florida and Senior Vice President of Duke Realty Stephanie Rodriguez. “It is terrific to be able to celebrate the many accomplishments of our finalists and winners in person. The momentum built in 2020, despite the early pandemic pause, is the cornerstone for an even brighter 2021.”