Land & Industrial

By Albuquerque Journal Staff
November 30, 2020

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — More than eight months since the COVID-19 pandemic reached New Mexico, Albuquerque’s retail scene has fared better than many markets, but there are still plenty of lingering question marks.

Local developers and brokers agree the pandemic has accelerated existing trends among restaurants, big-box stores and other retail sectors, forcing businesses to adapt to changing conditions. And some of these changes may be here to stay even after the pandemic abates.

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By Riley McKee, NAI Maestas & Ward Advisor
November 13, 2020

A conundrum commercial real estate brokers will face from time to time involves balancing the anticipation of an exciting opportunity with the unfortunate realities that brought it about. Such is the case with 8301 Broadway Blvd. SE, a 20,000 square foot heavy manufacturing facility on 10 acres in Albuquerque’s South Valley, which was brought to market by Rich Diller and Shelly Branscom of NAI Maestas & Ward in November of 2018.

Under ordinary circumstances, the opportunity to market a facility of this scale would be met with complete enthusiasm. But when it’s the result of a company ceasing operations—and the swift loss of dozens of high paying jobs—those involved feel a sober responsibility to restore those losses quickly by finding a new company to occupy the space. That’s the story here.

As part of a corporate reorganization, a California-based manufacturer of industrial grade steel tanks decided to close its Albuquerque branch in late 2018 and consolidate the clientele and customer base it served to other facilities across the United States. The property was put on the market while operations wound down and was ultimately vacated in March 2019.

Due to its unique layout, large scale, and location on the south end of town, the marketing timeline was lengthy and laborious. Shelly Branscom and Riley McKee (who was brought on to assist after Rich Diller’s tragic passing) searched far and wide for a buyer who could make use of the facility and hopefully bring employment opportunities with them. Interest was consistent, but several promising leads fell through due in large part to the property’s location.

Roughly one year of vigorous marketing efforts later in the spring of 2020, Equipment Share, a construction and heavy equipment dealer, entered the market. Represented by Jim Wible and Keith Meyer of NAI Maestas & Ward, they were spurred to look in the area in part by Wagner Equipment Company’s recent relocation to the South Valley. 8301 Broadway presented an opportunity that the company eagerly jumped at: high bay warehouse space, frontage on Broadway Blvd., efficient interstate access, and an extensive land area to store inventory. After a quick negotiation of terms and brief due diligence period, the property sold on July 3, 2020, roughly 90 days after going under contract.

The final transaction indeed proved to be straightforward, but its mere occurrence underscores the value of commercial real estate brokers. Not only did the seller and buyer benefit from effective marketing and skilled representation, but the wider community saw the restoration of jobs that had been unexpectedly lost.

In the age of COVID-19, those in the commercial real estate industry increasingly find themselves on the front lines of the fight to keep businesses alive and jobs in place. By marketing, selling, and leasing space they ensure that commercial buildings remain inhabited by productive companies that contribute to the city and state’s economic health. The sale of 8301 Broadway is but a microcosm of what respected colleagues throughout the industry do every single day.

By Albuquerque Journal Staff
November 13, 2020

A major mixed-use development that’s been in the works for two years on Kirtland Air Force Base is moving forward once again, according to a news release from the developer.

Thunderbird Kirtland Development LLC has signed a formal lease with the U.S. Air Force for MaxQ at Kirtland, a sprawling office, laboratory and retail complex planned on more than 70 acres south of Gibson between Carlisle and Truman — just down the road from the Orion Center campus that received site plan approval Thursday afternoon from Albuquerque’s Environmental Planning Commission.

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By Alex Pulliam – Advisor with the Land & Industrial team at NAI Maestas & Ward
November 3, 2020

Junk King, a new-to-market junk hauling service, will be moving in to a 2,500 SF office/warehouse at 6101 Signal NE, Albuquerque with plans to launch their operations mid-November.

Junk King is an eco-friendly junk removal service helping both residencies & businesses get rid of items that they no longer need. They aim to save clients time and money by providing comprehensive quotes and a friendly staff that can remove junk with ease. Of the items collected, 60% of will be recycled or repurposed by donation to local non-profits. The addition of Junk King will have a positive impact on our community with the immediate creation of 4 jobs and the addition of a national franchise to New Mexico.

The business is owned by local entrepreneur, Chris Young, who decided that opening this business during the pandemic was the right thing to do. “Junk removal is a necessary service, and with Junk King, Albuquerque now has a convenient, full-service option that also benefits the community. Junk King works with local charities to help others by repurposing much of what we pick up, reducing what ends up in the landfill.”

Junk King is the #1 rated junk removal company in North America with over 100 locations across the United States & Canada, all of which are locally owned. For more on Junk King, here’s a video.

Representing the tenant were NAI Maestas & Ward brokers Riley McKee and Alex Pulliam, who worked with the listing agent, Todd Strickland also of NAI Maestas & Ward.

By Ron Davis – Reporter, Albuquerque Business First
October 23, 2020

Most children’s curiosity wouldn’t be piqued by driving past a building under construction or a vacant piece of land. For Debbie Harms, however, it was the start of an interest that she built into a successful career.

Harms grew up in Farmington, and as early as age 8 she’d wonder what was going to come of a 3-story building under construction she frequently passed by in town. She had her ideas for what kind of tenant would go there if she owned the building.

Years later, she built a career of playing matchmaker with vacant spaces and commercial tenants looking to move. She has handled approximately 4.5 million square feet across more than 30 years in the commercial real estate industry. Harms is the CEO of NAI Maestas & Ward, the second-largest commercial real estate firm in New Mexico with $321.06 million in commercial transaction volume in 2019.

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By Ron Davis – Reporter, Albuquerque Business First
October 13, 2020

Albuquerque manufacturer Sombra plans on doubling down on a new production line it started during the Covid-19 pandemic: hand sanitizer.

John Martinez, director of public affairs and business development for Sombra, said his company — like many others — faced challenges during the pandemic…

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By Ron Davis – Reporter, Albuquerque Business First
July 17, 2020

A large, multicolored building that held family fun and birthday parties years ago will get a big makeover — and a much different tenant.

The building last occupied by It’Z at 4595 San Mateo Blvd. NE will now be marketed to industrial tenants to meet the demand for industrial space in Albuquerque.

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