Case Studies & Client Testimonials
Dog Thrive – Expansion to 2nd Location
Client: Dog Thrive
Services: Tenant Representation, Site Selection
Rosso Commercial was tasked with spearheading the expansion of Dog Thrive (located in Gambrills MD) into a second location in Anne Arundel County.
Rosso Commercial employed a multi-faceted approach to identify potential locations to expand Dog Thrive, a full service dog day care, training, grooming and boarding facility. RossoCRE created Tenant-marketing materials showcasing the quality and sophistication of the client’s business, and specified the client’s property requirements for a new location. RossoCRE then utilized their contact database of over 1500 local/regional real estate contacts to solicit sites while simultaneously conducting a comprehensive searches using RCRE’s commercial property databases services, driving/canvasing the market area, and making direct calls to various Landlords, Listing brokers, property managers, etc. to ‘dig-up’ potential sites for Dog Thrives consideration.
After several property tours and conference calls with the client, RossoCRE identified a 2nd generation single-story office/flex space nearby the Westfield Annapolis Mall, just off Bestgate Road, with easy access, good parking, good signage/exposure and a rare outside area suitable for Dog Thrives outside space requirement. The existing improvements within the subject space allowed for a quick conversion. RossoCRE also negotiated substantial Landlord-provided ‘Tenant Improvement Allowance’ within the LOI terms, which resulted in Dog Thrive benefiting from lower than budgeted construction / start-up costs, providing the client with a strong opportunity for success and maximum returns on their investment.
RossoCRE provides on-going Tenant representation services to Dog Thrive, who is now seeking a 3rd location in the MD-DC-VA market. If you have a site that would serve as a great new location for Dog Thrive please call or email us!
Opening our second location would not of been possible without the dedicated and thorough efforts of John and Rosso Commercial Real Estate Services. It is not by circumstance that Dog Thrives second location successfully landed in Annapolis but it is a testament to the hard work by Rosso Commercial. Their organization is second to none. John and his team is always on time, and always over prepared. We look forward to getting to know the local, dog loving community of Annapolis and spending time, caring for their loved ones as if they were our own.
Matt, Tyler, Scott and Mark
Sale of 8666 Veterans Hwy + Sale of 8530 Veterans Hwy
Client: Severn Commons, LLC + 8530 Veterans LLC
Services: Seller Representation, Disposition
A) 8666 Veterans Hwy: Rosso Commercial was tasked with the disposition of 8666 Veterans Hwy (“Severn Commons”), a 34,392 Sq. Ft. Office Building in Millersville MD.
Northrop Grumman, the prior Tenant (that occupied 100% of the property) vacated in June of 2017, and building Ownership came to the conclusion that it was time to sell the property. RossoCRE was hired and decided it was best to team up with Ten-X, an auction/controlled asset sale platform, providing a collaborative approach to selling the property within the desired timeframe for disposition.
The marketing efforts of RossoCRE, teamed with Ten-X, procured over 25 interested prospects and 3 contract offers, ultimately resulting in a sale of the property to Anne Arundel County.
The AA County Police Department had planned to move the aging CID (Criminal Investigations Division) offices, which house the department’s major crimes units, to a different building at the intersection of Generals Hwy & Veterans Hwy in Millersville. The Anne Arundel County Council had a rare special session in August 2017 to discuss plans to move the police department’s criminal investigative division, and how the possibility of purchasing Severn Commons would require less renovation work and could save the County significant money. The fiscal 2018 budget, which the council passed in June ‘17, included $6.1 million to purchase land and plan for the CID relocation project, plus another $8.6 million for renovation work in fiscal 2019 for the previously contemplated new facility on Veterans Hwy. Severn Commons, also on Veterans Highway, was purchased $4.55M million, and because it was built more recently, shouldn’t require much in the way of retrofits and ultimately should be a cost-savings to the County. Owen McEvoy, a spokesman for County Executive Steve Schuh, said buying the building could save the county as much as $6 million over the next two years.
The property settled on September 15th 2017 for $4.55M. Ownership was able to dispose of the asset at an acceptable price, within desired within the timeframe needed.
B) 8530 Veterans Hwy: Rosso Commercial was tasked with Selling this 8,750 Sq. Ft. 2-story Class-A Office building located in Millersville MD, a block away from 8666 Veterans Hwy.
RossoCRE consulted with Ownership to effectively price the property and completed professional photography, professional marketing materials and proactively marketed / introduced the property to the market. After several prospect site tours, RossoCRE secured a mutually agreeable Letter of intent to purchase from a very qualified prospect within just 18 days of listing the property. Settlement occurred within 80 days of RossoCRE taking the property to market.
The property settled on November 14th 2017 for $2,250,000.
The Buyer intends to move their medical practice into the top floor of the building and retained RossoCRE as the listing agent to lease-up the remaining vacancy — Contact us for more information!
CONCLUSION: RossoCRE successfully sold $6.8M of Commercial property on the Veterans Hwy corridor on behalf of two separate clients within a 3-4 month period of time, meeting (and exceeding) our client’s specified goals.
Renard Court, Annapolis – Flex Park
Client: 2150 Renard Court, LLC
Services: Landlord Representation
Rosso Commercial was tasked with the lease-up of 12,000 Sq. Ft. of Flex Space within the Renard Court Flex Park in Annapolis. The 12,000 Sq. Ft. was made up of Four (4) adjacent 3,000 Sq. Ft. Flex Condo units.
After 25+ years of operations, Chris Feldmann of Feldmann Ltd., a furniture and woodworking company, decided it was time to retire and hired Commercial Real Estate to help create cash flow at a property that housed their operations for decades past. RossoCRE consulted with Ownership to effectively price, stage and introduce said property that had been historically used as “Owner-User” property, as a direct-lease option for direct/3rd party Tenant leasing.
RossoCRE completed professional photography, professional marketing materials and proactively marketed the property to local businesses and the real estate community.
After multiple site tours with prospects and proactive marketing of the Property, RossoCRE secured a 10-yr lease for 6,000 SF of the vacancy with an established and already successful health and fitness company within 3 months of listing the property. Shortly thereafter, RossoCRE secured an additional 3,000 SF lease, providing for 75% lease-up. Within a few months thereafter, the final 3,000 SF space was leased to an international firm seeking a local territory office/warehouse, bringing the property to 100% leased for Ownership.
Outcome: Our client and their family/heirs have a diversified portfolio made up of 4 flex condominium/rental properties, leased to 3 different Tenants, with staggered long-term leases that include rental escalations over the next 5-15 years. This will produce meaningful, diversified, long-term cash flow.
Working with Rosso Commercial has been a pleasure. They are attentive, professional, and highly involved. More importantly, Rosso Commercial has provided results. By working with Rosso, I have successfully leased my commercial properties and highly recommend their services.
Chris Feldmann
Liff & Walsh / Eagle Title New Office & Lease of Client’s Former Property to Hannon Armstrong
Client: Liff & Walsh / Eagle Title & 1906 TCB, LLC
Services: Both Tenant Representation & Landlord Representation
As part of a two-part effort, Rosso Commercial spearheaded efforts to assist client more to a more appropriate long-term space for the growth of the successful Annapolis-based Law firm & title company, while simultaneously being tasked with securing a creditworthy Tenant to lease the Client’s existing property that the Client had purchased years prior and had outgrown.
Part A: RCRE successfully completed a comprehensive market search/survey and helped the client assess all options for new office space and engaged in letter of intent and lease negotiations, which resulted in a new long-term Lease at a brand-new Class-A office building developed by St. John Properties. The new Lease included an abated rent period up-front to help the client offset the time to lease-up of their former office space/property, along with competitive lease terms, upscale/modern fit & finishes and a more appropriate layout to accommodate the Client moving forward.
Part B: This unique assignment required RCRE to find a new Tenant to lease the Client’s existing office property, which it owned under a separate holding company, 1906 TCB, LLC, at the Annapolis Towne Centre at Parole. Rosso Commercial successfully completed leasing efforts of this property that resulted in a new 10-year lease with Hannon Armstrong, a publically traded sustainable energy REIT, providing the client with a creditworthy long-term Tenant to Lease, and providing cash flow to the Ownership entity into the foreseeable future.
I have worked with John for several years over the course of dozens of transactions, both as an attorney assisting clients in their real estate transactions and as a client when our firm recently grew out of our current office space. John swiftly found us new office space to accommodate our growing firm, and leased our existing space. John and Rosso Commercial goes above and beyond and is one of the most responsive real estate professionals with whom I have worked. John’s work ethic and drive help make sure each transaction has the best chance for success.
Jay Walsh
166 Defense Hwy / Conte 166 Building
Client: Conte 166, LLC
Services: Buyer Representation → Landlord Representation
Part A: Land Acquisition — Located the land for Commercial office development for new 40,000 SF Medical Office Building, Negotiated the purchase and sale agreement on behalf of client for the acquisition of the property, allowing for the time needed to obtain non-appealable building permits prior to settlement.
Part B: Pre-Leasing and Landlord Representation:
Conducted an aggressive pre-leasing campaign and attained approximately 50 percent pre-leasing before building completion. Now 90%+ Leased.
Rosso Commercial is currently serving as 166 Defense, LLC / Landlord’s representative. Space is still available — Contact John!
I have been in the building industry for over 40 years and have dealt with many real estate agents. John Rosso and Rosso Commercial excels at achieving a positive outcome for landlords as well as their business clients seeking office space. I appreciate John and his teams integrity, efficiency, and communication skills in getting the deal done! I am currently working with Rosso Commercial and will continue to do so on my future projects.
Joe Conte
104 Ridgely Avenue / Sandel Center for Facial Plastic Surgery
Client: Sandel Center for Facial Plastic Surgery
Services: Buyer Representation Services
Assisted buyer in assessing their needs for the purchase of a property suitable for established plastic surgery office, and to accommodate a future surgery center. Completed comprehensive market survey for available properties. Conducted various property tours and meetings with Owners and Owners representatives. Located an “off-market” property that provided client with an opportunity to purchase an existing 10,000 SF medical office building with space for existing plastic surgery operations, along with future growth for surgery center. Additionally, the property provided existing cash flow in-place from existing tenants to help offset clients initial occupancy costs.
Three years ago I was introduced to John in my quest to purchase medical space for new construction or renovation in Annapolis. With a rapidly expanding practice in cosmetic surgery, high quality medical real estate was difficult to find. John was instrumental in locating an off-the-market property in West Annapolis that perfectly suited my vision. There were many hurdles that needed to be crossed to ensure the property conveyed appropriately. John’s professionalism, expertise and experience was critical in making our acquisition proceed smoothly. He was also highly respected by our real estate attorneys, bankers, seller and tenants throughout the process. I cannot thank him enough for helping to make this vision a reality. John has my highest recommendation.
Dr. Dan Sandel
Greene Turtle & Roy Rogers
Client: Mid-States Management Group
Services: Tenant-Representation Services
Completed market survey in Montgomery County for new Greene Turtle location and in Anne Arundel County for a new Roy Rogers location (the first new Roy Rogers location in almost 20 years).
Identified 2nd generation fast-food site in Crofton, MD allowing for a quick conversion and lower than typical start-up costs to open new Roy Rogers location. Identified Pad site location in Burtonsville, MD for the Greene Turtle. Assisted client with demographic studies by comparing multiple sites to identify a winner.
Rosso Commercial provides on-going Tenant representation services to Mid-States Management Group for their various restaurants, including Blackwall Hitch, The Greene Turtle and Roy Rogers. If you have a site that would serve as a great new location for any of these brands, please submit to John!
As a restaurateur for over 20 years, John Rosso is by far the most capable, competent and honest real estate broker that I have ever worked with. His relentless work ethic was paramount in identifying sites for our company that have been successful, long term, and affordable. John was able to find us opportunities that other brokers didn’t know existed. His work ethic, integrity and relationships in the industry clearly make him the top broker in the area. Our company uses John and Rosso Commercial for all new projects.
James J. King
Trivalent Headquarters Relocation / Expansion
Client: Trivalent (formerly Cyber Reliant Corp)
Services: Tenant-Representation Services
Assisted client assess real estate options to accommodate current and future growth of Annapolis-based technology firm. Completed comprehensive market search and conducted various office space tours, meetings and LOI (Letter of Intent) negotiations with several potential property Owners / Owners representatives.
Successfully negotiated a new Lease transaction with Goldman Sachs and their representatives providing Trivalent with a new headquarters location 4x the size of Trivalent’s prior space, which included a competitive rent structure and Landlord improvement allowances to offset Tenant improvements.
Urban BBQ Company (Two locations)
Client: MTM Development & GN Partners
Services: Tenant-Representation, Site Selection, Lease Negotiations
Ongoing representation services for multi-unit fast-casual restaurant operator.
Has assisted client open two new successful Urban Bar-B-Que restaurants in Ellicott City and Linthicum and working on additional locations now. Rosso Commercial provides on-going Tenant representation services to MTM Development & GN Partners for Ledo Pizza and Urban Bar-B-Que. If you have any sites that would serve as great new locations for either brand, please submit to John!
I have worked with John Rosso for over 7 years and I highly recommend him to anyone. John is extremely professional and prides himself on top notch service for all his clients. He has been instrumental in the decision making process and acquisition of several locations for my restaurants. His extensive network and longstanding relationships with local area developers gives him and his clients a huge advantage in the acquisition process.
Martin Gorman
Severna Park Gateway Village
Client: SP Gateway, LLC
Services: Owners representative/Sales and Leasing Broker
John (while with his prior firm) completed the successful lease-up of over 15,000 SF of vacant retail space prior to the sale the same, to maximize Owners value in disposition. Sold property at a market cap rate to local real estate investor. Additionally, handled sale of 20,000 SF of office space to regional non-profit, along with the sale of 10k SF building site to Goddard School franchisee and sale of 9,000 SF building site to local restaurant, Libations Bistro.
Lastly, handled the sale of 10k SF retail site to local real estate investor. Rosso Commercial is currently acting the real estate representative for the Lease-up of the new 10k SF retail building, which will complete this 12-acre mixed-use development in Anne Arundel County. Rosso Commercial completed over 6,100 SF of Tenant leases prior to building completion. Such leases included Smoothie King, Bliss Nails and Spa & T’s Barbershop. A couple of shop spaces are still available — Contact us for more information!
Sandy Pony Donuts – Retail Space Relocation:
Client: Sandy Pony Donuts
Services: Tenant-Representation and Consulting
Successfully helped client find more appropriate long-term space in their existing market area. Completed full market search to help client assess all potential relocation options (both on market and off market options), conducted property tours and handled letter of intent/lease negotiations.
Result: Reduced Sandy Pony’s occupancy costs by over 60 percent, while keeping Client in their target market, located in a highly visible and convenient location.
If you are looking to lease, buy or sell commercial real estate, John Rosso at Rosso Commercial is the professional you must contact! His knowledge, extensive experience, and familiarity with the area’s commercial real estate market along with network of related professionals was very accommodating. While currently operating a donut shop in Annapolis, MD; John found us our new location, negotiated the lease and handled all issues and entanglements. Throughout the experience John was professional, positive and efficient; the entire process could not have gone any better. We are fully confident had John not been involved, we would not have ended up with the same satisfying results. We can’t thank him enough for his time and knowledge with finding us our new future location.
Benjamin Wang
Owner, Sandy Pony Donuts
Brea Reeves
Co-Owner, Sandy Pony Donuts
The Severn Group / Purchase of 375 Prince Georges Blvd.
Client: The Severn Group
Services: Buyer Representation Services
Assisted a leading Mid-Atlantic Mechanical contracting company find an ideal location to consolidate several office and warehouse Lease locations under one-roof in a property they could own and grow into long term.
Conducted full market survey of all available properties in target price range and market location. Identified flex/warehouse property in convenient location off Rte. 50/301 in PG County to house the company for foreseeable future, with built-in rental income from a national credit-tenant, to offset client’s occupancy costs.
John Rosso made the purchase of our first commercial property an incredibly easy experience. He exudes professionalism and certainly represented us well. We made a great deal on a facility that will house all of our operations which were previously managed in three separate leased properties. We have recognized instant and significant equity in our new investment and look forward to our next deal with John.
Randy NewcomerWith Rosso Commercial, It's Personal.
When you’re ready to take your business a step further, we’re here to help you make the move.
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