CASE STUDIES UNIVERSAL COMMERCIAL

Durham School Services

SITE SELECTION & BROKERAGE SERVICES 

Durham School Services is the nations 2nd largest school transportation services company.  Universal Commercial represented Durham in the site identification, selection, and ground lease negotiation for its six-acre Northeast Terminal site in Memphis, TN.  This allowed for Durham to quickly ramp-up, hire drivers and staff, and beginning learning the Memphis community and its routes to begin its new contract with Memphis City Schools

Power Center CDC

LAND ASSEMBLAGE, BROKERAGE & ADVISORY SERVICES

Over the course of two years, Universal Commercial represented the Power Center Community Development Corporation in the assemblage of 42 acres for the ultimate development of its mixed-use/multi-phase Towne Center project in the Hickory Hill community.  Universal Commercial advised the leadership on acquisition strategies and interfacing with City of Memphis, Shelby County Government, Shelby County Trustee, City of Memphis Treasurer, and other government-related entities.  Universal Commercial also negotiated with Sellers to achieve the most cost effective terms for its client’s acquisition of the targeted parcels.

FedEx Express

TENANT REPRESENTATION

Universal Commercial represented FedEx Express, the largest operational division of FedEx Corporation, in the lease of a floor of Class A office space, securing a below-market Total Cost of Occupancy.  This approach allowed FedEx to consolidate two user-groups relocating them from its World Headquarters

Brewer & Barlow PLC

TENANT REPRESENTATION

Universal Commercial represented the law firm of Brewer & Barlow, PLC, in the lease of Class A office space relocating from the Central Business District to East Memphis.  Universal Commercial achieved a below-market rental rate, increased work space for attorneys, and garnered significant free rent concessions from the Landlord.  This approach helped position the firm for future growth and expansion.  

Community LIFT

TENANT REPRESENTATION

Universal Commercial represented the new nonprofit Community LIFT, in establishing its first permanent office since its start up in 2010.  Universal Commercial targeted the Midtown/Downtown submarkets and negotiated a well below-market rental rate for Community LIFT to begin hiring staff and interns.  This approach allowed Community LIFT to effectively plan for its continued growth and expansion in serving Memphis neighborhoods for the next several years.

SMITH & NEPHEW ORTHOPEDICS HEADQUARTERS 
PROJECT MANAGEMENT SERVICES

Universal Commercial, in cooperation with Cushman & Wakefield/Commercial Advisors, serves on the Project Management Team for the $28 million, multi-phase/multi-year renovation of the 293,504 SF suburban corporate headquarters campus for the Orthopedics Division of Smith & Nephew acquired in 2010.  Working in conjunction with general contractor Grinder Taber Grinder, architect The Crump Firm, and internal Smith & Nephew corporate leaders.

MID-SOUTH GASTROENTEROLOGY GROUP, DR. PHILLIP BOWDEN

BROKERAGE

Universal Commercial represented one of the largest medical practices in the Memphis region, Mid-South Gastroenterology Group in the expansion of its East Memphis practice.  Universal Commercial negotiated with an adjacent property owner the acquisition of office property for the expansion of the medical practice, doubling the size of its East Memphis office.  From negotiation, through due-diligence/inspection, to closing, Universal Commercial managed the entire process, allowing for Dr. Bowden’s staff to plan for its functional expansion and adding services to better serve its growing patient base.