Rehabilitation and adaptive reuse of our nation's historic and pre-1936 buildings continue to be a hot trend in the real estate development industry, particularly as many American cities promote and encourage urban renewal projects in their downtown and historic areas. In most cases, it takes more than deep pockets and the divine inspiration of the developer to bring a historic building back to life. developers involved in rehabilitating historic buildings should promote teamwork, include experienced professionals, and expect the unexpected. A critical success factor is the developer's willingness and ability to assemble a strong team of experienced professionals to carry out the project. With a strong development team, the project may not only run more smoothly but also be perceived more favorably by investors and lenders while obtaining better terms in the process. Here are some helpful hints when selecting development team members for a historic rehabilitation tax credit project: READ MORE

The value of the facade preservation easement donation is usually determined by applying the "before and after" valuation approach. Performed by a qualified real estate appraiser, the amount of the charitable deduction is computed by determining the difference between the fair market value of the property before the granting of the preservation easement and the fair market value of the property after the granting of the preservation easement. However, because each facade preservation easement valuation depends upon a number of variables that are unique to each property, including existing historic preservation laws that may already impact the property, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to valuing facade preservation easements. READ MORE

To really look at the value of PR and the effects that its efforts can truly have on a hotel's bottom line during a recessed economy, I asked three industry insiders about their belief in (and faith of) the timeless art of Public Relations. Below are answers from: Ed Donaldson, Senior Vice President for JG Blackbook of Travel, a hotel sales and marketing company based in New York with properties across the globe; David Morgan-Hewitt, the Managing Director of the 100-year old, family owned Goring Hotel in London and Ilan Segal, Managing Partner of Tcherassi Hotels, a luxury boutique hotel brand in Latin America. READ MORE

Leading organization change is difficult even in the best of circumstances. Once projects begin change leaders inevitably encounter obstacles and challenges that require redesigning the plan or creating work-around solutions to help meet broader project objectives. Some problems are technical and can be solved by applying expertise. Others require solutions that are more adaptive and focused on navigating human emotions and behavior. Most problems are a combination of both and require a set of capabilities that allow change leaders to navigate the ambiguity and create flexible solutions to keep initiatives on track. To go beyond platitudes and achieve the operational benefits of broader behavioral change, project leaders can apply five tools that will enable project teams to more rapidly identify adaptive solutions and create more comprehensive success. READ MORE

Year after year, hungry lovers march to the altar to validate their love. By the time the honeymoon comes, a couple is often times so exhausted by their efforts of putting on the grandest most amazing show, that the honeymoon comes and goes too quickly, if at all, with our tight economic times, endeavoring careers, and pre-existing families. The most important thing for a couple to remember is that they are the ones getting married and that the memories created during that time should literally be referenced upon as, the best day of their lives. Coincidentally, the most important thing for a Hotel or Destination Resort to remember is that they have the honor to help a couple make their greatest wedding dream or fantasy, a reality. READ MORE