Bmore Online Magazine Features TMG and Our Work at Monte Verde

As our work at the Monte Verde Apartments is wrapping up, we were happy to host a tour for the staff of SPIN and the folks from Bmore.  Bmore is a new online publication focused on “creative people and businesses, new development, cool places to live, and the best places to work and play.”

Check out this weeks feature article about The Michael Group and the work we are doing at the Monte Verde Apartments.

We are really proud of the work we are doing there and proud of the whole development team!

 

 

photo by Arianne Teeple

TMG Sponsors ULI Holiday Party Tonight!

 

Join us if you can! 

Celebrating Summer at Monte Verde

As Summer was wrapping up, the Michael Group hosted an end of summer cookout for the residents and staff of the Monte Verde Apartments. The Monte Verde Apartments are located in Northwest Baltimore are are owned by Greater Baltimore AHC. We’ve been working on this project for the last ten months and have gotten to know the staff and residents quite well. We wanted to celebrate how far the project has come in those 10 months and how great the tenants and staff have been throughout the process.

It was a beautiful sunny day for a party. The residents were treated to crabs, hotdogs, hamburgers, salads corn on the cob and loads of desserts.

We were glad Sam Silverblatt, of Silverblatt Electric, one of our subcontractors on the job, was able to come out and help.

After lunch, the residents danced up a storm to the bluesy/Motown tunes of Simply Black.

To close out the day, three lucky residents won raffle prizes including a gift certificate to Target, a gift certificate to Applebee’s and a flat screen TV.

It was a great day for everyone involved!

The Good, The Bad and the Ugly: Surviving the Downturn

From the President

Ahhh…the good old days. My career in Construction began over 30 years ago after graduating from Maryland with a degree in Horticulture and Landscape Design. I needed to pay back my college debts and the best paying job at the time was working as a Laborer for Harkins Builders. In fact, working as a laborer paid more than I could earn using my newly minted degree. Unexpectedly, I found a place for myself in Construction. Chris Harkins, my co-worker at the time used to say “You find the nicest people while digging ditches”. And it was true. The people I’ve worked with over the years have just been great.

Those were good times for the industry. Work was plentiful and jobs paid relatively well. Never before have I found times as trying as they are today; especially for organizations such as ours that are committed to Affordable Housing and our Non-Profit partners. The situation has forced us to reduce staff both in management and skilled trades. The prognosis for additional reductions in force seems likely as well.

We are not the only ones facing these issues. The industry as a whole, architects, engineers, and developers, are all being forced to take some drastic measures to remain profitable. While these challenges are tough to deal with, we try to remain focused on a few key issues.

1. Maintain Quality: In light of smaller profit margins and a more competitive market, we still believe the client deserves to get a high quality product regardless of diminishing margins. Quality and profit are not related.

2. Keep Employees Informed: We meet regularly with the staff to keep them informed as to where the company stands as well as whether his or her position will be affected by the slowdown. We think it is better to have the employees know in advance of possible reductions so that they might plan better for themselves and their families.

3. Keep Giving: While we may not be able to contribute as much overall to charitable organizations as we have in the past we are still committed to the same overall percentages based on our profits. We know that this economic downturn has affected many of our non-profit partners. We are still trying to help out in any way we can.

4. Prioritize Key Benefits: Health care is of critical importance to our employees. Most organizations experience annual increases in health insurance much as we do. Our goal every year is to pass on as little of these increases as possible. In tough times like these it would be easy to just say “we can’t absorb this anymore.”. But we know, that those affected are usually young children who without these plans may not receive proper care. By eliminating or reducing other less important benefits we have been able to keep employees health care benefits fairly consistent for the last several years.

5. Be Kind and Empathetic: Uncertainty at work is stressful for everyone. Laying someone off hurts. It hurts the messenger and its hurts the recipient. It is important for us to deal with these matters individually and to treat each person with respect.

So, for my first blog post, I’m not trying to be all doom and gloom. Hopefully “change is gonna come”. And soon.

Gerry's Goods in this Month's Urbanite Magazine

In this month's Urbanite Magazine, Holden Warren takes a closer look at Gerry's Goods, a Sandtown Coffee Shop owned by Gerry Palmer and Antoine Bennett. Gerry's Goods, located on the corner of Presstman and Stricker is a shining example of how transformation is possible; for individuals, corners and whole neighborhoods.

The article and audio slide show look at the past lives of Gerry Palmer and Antoinne Bennett and reveal how their past and present converge on one corner in West Baltimore. The Michael Group is so proud to have played a small part in this ongoing story story of redemption and hope

Green Roofs in Baltimore

Earlier this week, the Baltimore Sun ran a story on the growing popularity of "green roofs". Green roofs are created by covering a rubberized roof with gravel and top soil and then planting it with succculents or other drought resistant plants. The benefits of this type of roof are many. A planted roof reduces the amount of water runoff flowing into the bay. Additionally, a planted roof helps reduce utility costs by keeping the roof cooler than a traditional black roof. Not to mention they look great!

The Michael Group installed a green roof at the South Baltimore Station last fall. The South Baltimore Station Project included the construction of a new building adjacent to the historic fire station the SBS has called home for the past 20 years.

"In addition to reducing our energy consumption and improving stormwater management, our roof also provides psychological and aesthetic benefits to staff and residents when visiting its garden like setting" says Susan Pompa, Director of Development for the Baltimore Station. Susan goes on to say "With long-term strategic planning in mind, our green roof will save us money in replacement costs, as green roofs have a longer life span than standard roofs. We are happy to be among the many other buildings in Baltimore who have a green roof in place."

Baltimore has one of the fastest growing number of green roofs in the country. The Michael Group looks forward to installing these eco-friendly roofs for future clients. To learn more about green roofs check out greenroofs.com or contact the The Michael Group for more information.

New Wheels for Sandtown Habitat

Sandtown Habitat for Humanity has been using the same flat bed pick up truck for 14 years. While they considered getting a second truck, in case their current one kicks the bucket, they haven't been able to afford it. The Michael Group happened to have a truck that wasn't being used and was taking up valuable garage space at our office. Michael Shacklette, hoping to donate the truck to a local non-profit, reached out to Patty Prasada-Rao, our partner at New Song Urban Ministries. Turns out, it was a good fit.

Last Tuesday, the Michael Group donated a truck to Sandtown Habitat. The truck will be used by Habitat staff for purchasing/picking up building materials, getting materials from the warehouse to the various houses in our 15 square block focus area, receiving items that are donated to the ReStore, and much more. The Habitat construction staff will be sharing the truck with the electrical crew to help transport equipment and materials to the houses being rehabbed.

To learn more about Sandtown Habitat and how you too can make a donation or volunteer your time, check out their website at http://www.sandtownhabitat.org/

Maryland to Get Stimulus Money for Affordable Housing

Things in the Affordable Housing market in Maryland have been...challenging as of late. Certainly the need for affordable housing is growing. With foreclosures at an all time high and unemployment going through the roof, affordable housing is as important as ever.

The Baltimore Business Journal reported this week that Maryland DHCD was awarded $44 million in stimulus funds specifically to develop affordable housing projects. These funds will supplement the Low Income Housing Tax Credit dollars that were awarded earlier this year.

While the need still outweighs dollars, here's hoping that important community projects like the St. Stephen's Court Apartments, get started soon as a result of this award.

TMG Goes to the O's!

Back in April, at the Baltimore Station's Homerun for Recovery, the Michael Group bid on and won tickets to the Orioles game on July 11. These weren't any old seats though-these were 22 tickets for the Governor's box!

So on a hot, summer, Saturday night the Michael Group went out to see the O's. Many of the staff had never been to Camden Yards. Even those that had been to a game before still felt a sense of excitement.

The team got their picture taken in front of the famous Babe Ruth statue.

What an exciting game to go to! The O's won in extra innings and a great time was had by all.

Meeting our Neighbors

It turns out, that the Associated's offices are right around the corner from ours. Even though we are in close physical proximity to each other, we have not had an opportunity to work with this great group. The Associated, also known as the Jewish Community Federation of Baltimore, works to preserve and enhance Jewish life. They focus on charitable, educational, religious, humanitarian, health, cultural, and social service needs in the Jewish community locally, nationally and abroad.

I recently read an article in the Baltimore Business Journal that mentioned the Associated's Real Estate Industry Group (REIG). This is basically a group of Real Estate professionals that meet regularly to discuss trends and developments in the industry. What seemed really cool is that the networking events are held at a development project (last year-Silo Point, Legg Mason Building, Pratt Street Development and others) and the group is addressed by someone involved in the project (owner, developer etc) and then there is time for networking.

I was excited to meet today with Allyson Lestner, the staff person who heads up the REIG. While the REIG has focused primarily on commercial projects to date, Allyson was interested in the Michael Group's work and our focus on Affordable Housing and Community Development. I'm looking forward to getting involved in the REIG in the coming year. It seems like a great way to meet new people and find out about new projects. I'll keep you posted on the REIG's upcoming events as the calendar becomes available.

Stadium Place Playground to Re-open July 2nd!

As many of you know, last September the YMCA Stadium Place Playground in Waverly was burned to the ground in a senseless act of arson. Only July 2, the new, rebuilt Playground will open to the public! Hundreds of volunteers came out for a week of intensive building. The Michael Group sent trained carpenters that help build custom designed playground equipment. As a long time supporter of the Y of Central Maryland, the Michael Group was happy to lend a hand (or several pairs of hands) for a great community project.

TMG's Favorite Coffee Shop in West Baltimore!

If you find yourself in West Baltimore, in need of a cup of coffee or a little snack, I would highly recommend stopping in at Gerry's Goods. Gerry's Goods is named for Sandtown's own, Gerry Palmer. Gerry is a Habitat home owner and the owner of Gerry's Goods. Gerry's is both a coffee shop and corner store. It is a welcoming spot where folks can gather together, have a cup of coffee, have a smoothie and enjoy some great conversation.

The Michael Group is proud to have worked with New Song Urban Minisitries, CSD Architects and the Gerry's Goods team to renovate the building at 1500 Presstman Street. What was once a vacant, dilapidated, corner rowhouse, is now the beautiful, welcoming space that is an asset to the community.

Left to Right: Gerry Palmer, Owner, Gerry's Goods; Patty Prasada Rao, Co-Executive Director of New Song Urban Ministries; Sebastian Soriano, Superintendent, The Michael Group; Bob Gillette, Co-Owner Gerry's Goods; Antoine Bennett, Co-Executive Director, New Song Urban Ministries

Our partnership with Gerry's continues today. We recently installed a new menu board showcasing the delicious drinks and treats Gerry's has to offer.

So stop by and check Gerry's out!

ULI Networking Event

Come out and mingle with your colleagues in the housing and development field. ULI Baltimore is hosting it's Third Thursday Happy Hour at Little Havana's this Thursday night from 5:30-7:30. Admission is free and there will be a Cash Bar.

For those of you who are unfamiliar with ULI, they are a great group with an extensive network of members and district councils all over the world. Their mission is to provide leadership in the responsible use of land and in creating and sustaining thriving communities worldwide. Come out to Little Havana Thursday night to learn more.

Its the season for GOLF!

Charity golf tournaments are great ways for companies like the Michael Group to support our local nonprofit partners. This spring, the Michael Group staff played in three charity golf tournaments.

The first was to support our friends at Martha's Place. Martha’s Place is a Maryland state-certified recovery program for women overcoming drug addiction and homelessness. Martha's Place borders Baltimore's communities of Sandtown-Winchester and Upton and offers both 6-month transitional housing as well as long-term Single Room Occupancy (SRO) housing. TMG staff played in two different foursomes. While neither of the foursomes won, Site Superintendent Greg Taylor did win both the "Closest to the Pin" prize and the "Longest Drive" prize!

TMG Superintendent Greg Taylor on the far right

Ellen Frost, with TMG partners Dan McCarthy of EHC, Jim French of the French Companies, and Winn Boyer.

The second tournament was to support one of our partner organizations: Montgomery Housing Partnership. MHP's mission is to preserve and expand quality affordable housing in Montgomery County. While our foursome didn't win, Site Superintendent Greg Taylor won both the "Closest to the Pin" prize and the "Longest Drive" prize! (sound familiar!)

Ellen Frost, Jeff Hill, Michael Shacklette, Greg Taylor

Finally, Mike played with his friend and colleague David Hunter of Hord Coplan Macht in the Friends of the Family David G. Phillips Memorial Golf Tournament. Friends of the Family is a unique nonprofit that works in collaboration with public and private funders and community-based organizations and residents to support families with young children as they strive to reach their goals for their children and themselves, especially goals related to children's emotional, social, cognitive, and physical health and well-being, and parents' education, employment, and parenting.

From Left to Right:

Frank Bonanno and Keith Spence of S.B. & Co.; David Hunter of Hord Coplan Macht, Inc.; and Michael Shacklette of The Michael Group.

Photo by Maggie Gaines

7th Floor North Hallway Crew

The ladies on the 7th floor, in the North building at Monte Verde know how to say Thank You! These amazing ladies were so grateful for the work that our field staff was doing in their units-they threw them a party! But not just one party...these ladies made a spread of food and drinks and set it up buffet style in the hallway EVERY DAY our guys were working in their units! Who says doing occupied rehab doesn't have it's perks!

HAND Annual Luncheon

On June 1, the Michael Group staff headed down to Tyson's Corner for the 2009 HAND Annual Luncheon. The Michael Group unveiled its new marketing swag at this year's luncheon. New travel mugs, recycled grocery bags, screw drivers and pens were all in high demand. Thanks to Karen Bate of KB Concepts for getting these great gifts together.

For those of you who are not familiar with HAND they are a great organization connecting folks working in the Affordable Housing field. The Michael Group has been an active member of HAND for the past several years and was once again a table sponsor for this year's lunch. We really value the relationships we've made and strengthened as a result of our membership.

The HAND Luncheon is definitely a hot spot for networking! We were happy to make some new contacts and as always spend time catching up with our current partners (Michael Shacklette posing with Andrew Vincent of GBAHC)

During lunch, Nancy Rase, of Homes for America was named the new HAND board president. Congrats to Nancy. We know HAND will be in good hands with her as a board leader. The keynote speaker for the day was Carole Galante currently the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Multifamily Housing Programs at HUD. After all of the remarks were made, the door prizes were given out. Congrats to staff members at Montgomery Housing Partnership and Volunteers of America for winning TMG's door prizes! Overall it was a great day.