Challenge: An underperforming mall in Chesapeake, Virginia fell into foreclosure in 2016 after several anchor tenants closed their operations. The 717,000 sq./ft. mall quickly became an eye-sore to the Western Branch community as the lender refused to make any substantial investments. In 2018, Virginia Beach-based Kotarides Holdings purchased the property as part of a strategic plan to revitalize the area and make it a destination for new business and residents.
Challenge: A national REIT decided to consolidate its senior living portfolio under one operator in order to enhance profitability. This meant that the remaining operator would need to on-board 10 new communities into its portfolio within a three-month period. Both the REIT and the operator wanted to share news about the consolidation with senior living industry publications and local news organizations where the communities were located. They also wanted to create a seamless digital transition on social media.
Challenge: The multifamily market in Northern Virginia is both highly competitive and lucrative. HHHunt Apartment Living had entered the market and experienced success with its first new community in the region. Abberly Avera would become one of its most ambitious projects and represented a total investment of over $60 million. Reaching potential residents during construction and lease up would be critical to the community’s viability.
Challenge: The Great Recession was a difficult time for home builders. Sales of new homes plummeted to historic lows. Emerald Homes, had a presence in Powhatan County, New Kent County, Prince George County, and Chesterfield County but sales had completely dried up in 2008.
Challenge: Celebrating five decades of success, Glave & Holmes Architecture was known for its traditional and classical style. Based in Virginia, the firm had evolved significantly during its history and had ambitious growth plans in both existing and new markets. The firm wanted to reintroduce itself to current and potential clients and better highlight its incredible work to support business development efforts.
Challenge: A master-planned new home community in Ashland, Virginia, Providence began development in 2012 at a time when home sales continued to lag due to the effects of the Great Recession. The developer wanted to build excitement about Providence by replicating the small-town charm of Ashland within the community. That meant creating an environment that promoted walkability, created natural gathering spaces, encouraged neighbor interaction, and had the feel of a close-knit community.
Challenge: Draper Aden Associates, an engineering, surveying, and environmental services firm, had an impressive project list and lengthy roster of clients in Virginia, but had not gained earned media coverage in a number of years and was having trouble expanding its reach to the broader Mid-Atlantic region. The firm recognized the need to raise awareness in new markets about its powerful track record of success and growing services. Furthermore, the engineering sector was becoming increasingly competitive.
Challenge: The Home Building Association of Richmond’s Parade of Homes – a month-long event that showcases the latest new home trends – is a signature program that increases awareness about local homebuilders and promotes the sales of new homes. The multi-site showcase had taken place for over 70 years and needed to stay fresh to attract buyers to homes in the Parade.
Challenge: South Norfolk was an economically distressed area in Chesapeake, VA that needed a new vision. That catalyst for change was The Village at Gateway. The developer of The Village at Gateway saw a brighter future for the historic community that included a dynamic mixed-use community with retail and office space, condos, and community amenities, such as a new public library. However, the developer needed, and lacked, support from neighbors and community leaders to make this vision a reality.
Challenge: After 55 years in business, Roanoke, Virginia-based Branch & Associates, a general contracting firm, was facing tremendous competition in three markets where it has offices: Richmond, VA; Herndon, VA (Northern Virginia/metro DC); and Charlotte, NC. In the highly competitive construction field, name recognition is essential to winning new business. Senior leaders recognized a need to reintroduce the company in these new markets in order to grow business opportunities. Branch & Associates became Branch Builds – a name that better reflected the firm’s work and could highlight their expertise.
Challenge: A new independent living community in Charlottesville, Virginia was failing to meet its occupancy census and goals. The Independence offered residents over the age of 55 spacious apartment homes, terrific amenities, and a highly skilled support staff. However, the community was not attracting its target audience and was at risk of closing its doors.