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Real Estate Deals of the Year. Winner/ Best office lease, suburban: General Electric

Mon, 26 Mar 2012 12:13:22 -0600

When General Electric Co. was looking to create a billion-dollar Bay Area software center, the global conglomerate did its homework, studying regional demographics, traffic patterns and the like.

What the data showed was that the Tri-Valley — where interstates 580 and 680 intersect — had a large concentration of software engineers with five to 15 years of experience who had sunk roots in the area, often despite long commutes to the South Bay, to get affordable housing and a good quality of life.

So in November, Connecticut-based GE announced that it had taken a 10-year lease for about 125,000 square feet at Bishop Ranch in San Ramon, one of the largest transactions in the East Bay in 2011, with a total value of roughly $50 million.

“We wanted to be here to go after people,” said Bill Ruh, vice president of software at GE, of the resident engineering population. “To offer them a great quality of life and the opportunity to work on projects that have deep meaning,” like technology for electronic vehicles, or to improve power distribution or develop health care products.

“We’re talking about stuff you can explain to your family, and you get a sense of accomplishment,” said Ruh, who is in charge of GE’s new software headquarters.

Ruh has described the new software center’s mission as enabling the advent of the “Industrial Internet,” in which machines ranging from gas turbines, medical image makers, oil rigs and aircraft engines constantly communicate data with other systems.

Rather than having to travel to work elsewhere, Ruh theorized, many of the region’s resident engineers likely would be interested in working locally for a company like GE, which also looked seriously at the South Bay.

Marc Fontes, economic development director for the city of San Ramon, said he expects the area economy to benefit not only because GE is bringing entirely new jobs — as opposed to relocating jobs from elsewhere in the region — but also it will likely spawn vendor businesses and startups in related technologies.

GE expects to hire more than 400 people by 2013, and it can expand its lease up to 233,000 square feet to accommodate up to 1,000 employees. It has already added 25,000 square feet to the 125,000 square feet previously announced.

Having access to additional space to expand was a key factor in GE’s selecting Bishop Ranch, Ruh said. In addition to those considerations, Ruh said GE chose to set up camp in San Ramon because of the quality of the buildings and the amenities of the Bishop Ranch business park. Bishop Ranch is a 10 million-square-foot setting that boasts 600 corporate tenants, including the world headquarters of Chevron Corp., the regional headquarters of AT&T, and large outposts of Robert Half International and Bank of the West.

The complex is owned by Sunset Development Co., a family-owned business founded in 1951. Vacancy is currently at 13 percent, said Ed Hagopian, a senior vice president at Bishop Ranch.

GE is moving into Bishop Ranch 3, a nearly 30-acre site with 934,696 square feet in four five-story buildings.

The complex has a big outdoor fountain where food trucks congregate, a cafe, lots of free parking, conference rooms, showers and lockers, and it is next to the East Bay Regional Park District’s Iron Horse bicycle and pedestrian trail, which runs from San Ramon to Concord.

Finally, Ruh said Sunset Development officials were flexible and responsive in helping GE get started with temporary offices while design work for the new software center went ahead.

GE has about 100 people working now in temporary headquarters at Bishop Ranch, and Ruh expects to move into long-term space this summer.

Representing GE in the transaction were Bill Daugherty and Sabrina Hughes, executive directors of Cushman & Wakefield’s Walnut Creek office.

Winner
Location: 2623 Camino Ramon, San Ramon.
Size: 125,000 square feet.
Value: $50 million.
Tenant: General Electric.
Landlord: Sunset Development Co.
Brokers: Bill Dougherty and Sabrina Hughes of Cushman and Wakefield represented the tenant. Sunset Development represented itself.

Setting the Bishop Ranch Christmas Tree

Mon, 05 Dec 2011 15:57:16 -0700

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Bishop Ranch 2011 Video

Wed, 30 Nov 2011 16:04:41 -0700

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Bishop Ranch Fountains

Wed, 07 Sep 2011 16:01:14 -0600

Beautiful video of Bishop Ranch fountains.

Bishop Ranch launches leasing referral program

Mon, 29 Aug 2011 17:26:37 -0600

Bishop Ranch would like to announce our new Referral Program- Refer a friend or colleague and we will reward you with $500

*Terms and Conditions

Referral program is for BR Ready offices (pre-built , as-is space)

Reward to be paid by check upon lease signing

Referral must:

• Result in a signed lease of at least 1 year

• Meet the standard Bishop Ranch leasing guidelines, including credit quality requirements and appropriate use

• Be referred directly without the involvement of a real estate broker

Referrer:

• Does not need to be a tenant of Bishop Ranch, any individual qualifies

• Must supply tax information for more than one referral per year (over IRS $600+ threshold)

Offer valid through the June 1st, 2012

Call (925) 866-0100 or email leasing@bishopranch.com

Utilizing Space

Fri, 26 Aug 2011 17:39:00 -0600

No one can dispute the dramatic economic changes faced by all companies in recent years. And current economic indicators seem to be pointing us toward continued upheaval. These changes have meant that companies must find the right size for their organizations and the right space to accommodate both their current needs and to best position them to react to change.

If you are planning to relocate your business, it is important to think about optimizing your new space. Space utilization is a tremendous consideration; how can you maximize the efficiency of the space available in your new building? Consider the type of cubicles you are using, for example. Do you have the right modular furniture that will permit you to provide each employee with the space they need while maximizing the efficiency of your office footprint? Will your existing furniture meet these needs or do you need to invest in something different? Would refurbishment address your concerns? If you do decide to replace, consider options to donate or sell the existing furniture. Other considerations include the possibility of hoteling space for those not in the office on a regular basis or to accommodate visitors; the use of conference rooms versus more casual gathering spaces; and the use of wide-open spaces to encourage teaming and group work. Don’t forget to consider how you might be able to adjust this new space should your company expand or contract quickly.

Consider, too, the possibility that simply refurbishing your current space may accomplish some of these goals without the impact to customers and employees that result from choosing to move your company. Redesigning or even simply redecorating may create excitement among your customers and employees while addressing your future space needs.

Along the same lines, you may be able to simply relocate within the same complex which enables you to retain many of the benefits while also accommodating your company’s needs for larger or smaller space. Bishop Ranch is a great example of a business community that has the capability to support companies of all sizes. We offer many amenities not found elsewhere including concierge services and preferred professional service companies like movers to assist our tenants. Like many companies, we are also striving to be a good steward of our environment by using electric and hybrid vehicles during our daily tasks and by providing green parking spaces for our clients and their guests.

Regardless of how you address your companies’ space needs, choose your relocation service providers with care. The right choice makes the entire process effortless and minimizes the disruption to your employees and clients. Your service provider should be willing to educate you on the best way to handle your move and be flexible enough to accommodate your unique needs. No two moves are alike and no one should tell you that your move is “just like every other one they’ve done.”

Contra Costa County Transit Authority Passenger of the Month

Mon, 15 Aug 2011 17:48:32 -0600

Joyce has relied on County Connection bus service for over ten years, and has a unique perspective on the transit “community” that extends beyond just getting to know people on the bus. “When you meet your co-workers on the bus, you get to know them in a much different way than if you were driving. On the bus people are people first, and this includes the operators. I can’t say enough about the great job they do – they’re always patient, professional, and safe.”

One of Joyce’s favorite stories involves the CHP. On a particularly busy commute morning, passengers noticed a CHP car alongside the bus signal the operator and start flashing the lights. Of course everyone on the bus was puzzled because the bus wasn’t speeding or driving unsafely. It turns out the officer noticed the bus signaling to change lanes to get into the carpool lanes without much success. The officer helped clear the way for the bus to move to the left lanes. Only bus riders get that special treatment.

Joyce has one wish, and that is that more people take advantage of the wonderful service and enjoy the down time. “You don’t have to live in Europe to have the European lifestyle.”

On a side note, Joyce works in Bishop Ranch and receives the free bus pass provided by Sunset Development. She graciously donated her free monthly pass to the County Department of Child and Family Services. So this month, there are actually two passengers of the month – Joyce and her anonymous recipient. Thank you Joyce and happy riding.

Posted on August 9, 2011 by Mary Burdick

Location. Location. Location.

Tue, 02 Aug 2011 09:04:52 -0600

By Sophia Kazmi, Contra Costa Times 07/29/2011 It's the mantra in real estate. It could also be the mantra of the San Ramon Farmers Market.The spring move of the Saturday market from its old location at Forest Home Farms to Bishop Ranch breathed new life into the 4-year-old market, with more patrons coming for the weekly market's fresh fruits, vegetables, flowers, prepared foods and other items sold year-round.

Harv Singh, the market's founder, estimates 1,000 people shop the Saturday market -- open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.-- in the Bishop Ranch 2 parking lot, at Bollinger Canyon Road and Sunset Drive.

The market, across the street from a shopping center housing a Whole Foods Market and Target, is

pulling nearly double the attendance the Forest Home Farms site averaged in the past four years, Singh said.

Vendors have seen the difference. Laura Welch of Livermore-based Gelateria Americana said sales of her gelato have doubled, which she directly attributes to the increased foot traffic of the new location. "I can't tell you how many times I've heard, 'I was going to Target and I noticed the market,' " Welch said.

The market had a strong opening at Forest Home Farms, Singh said. About 1,500 packed the historic park opening day. The quaint location with its historic buildings, sheep and gardens was supposed to make the market distinctive and potentially become a regional draw. As time went on, however,attendance dwindled. The park on San Ramon Valley Boulevard was off the beaten path -- not near a freeway exit nor near other shops or restaurants -- and parking was an issue.

"When the word got out in the vendor community that San Ramon was a slow market, we weren't able to attract vendors anymore. "... After that, we needed to make some changes," he said.

After completing surveys, organizers sought a new location -- a place with lots of parking, good access and visibility and a good partnership. Singh found all that at the Bishop Ranch business park, which also donated the space.

Joel Gonzalez of Edith's Gourmet Baking Co. has worked the market at Forest Home Farms and at

Bishop Ranch. He said Forest Home was a nice location, but not many people were coming, which was not good for business. "It's a good place to hang out if you can find it," he said.

In addition to the Saturday market, an Artisan Food Market that will run May through October opened in June. It is open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursdays and is drawing about 500 people a week, Singh said. It is located in the south-side parking lot of Bishop Ranch 3, at Bishop Ranch Drive at Camino Ramon.

That market has an emphasis on prepared foods where shoppers can get their fill of empanadas,

crepes, barbecue, and Afghan and Indian dishes -- and draws a different demographic -- workers from the businesses at Bishop Ranch. "It's just an alternative time to shop," Singh said.

Saturday Farmers Market

When: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday year-round

Where: Bishop Ranch 2 parking lot, Bollinger Canyon Road and Sunset Drive.

Thursday Artisan Food Market

When: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday, May through October

Where: Southside parking lot Bishop Ranch 3, Bishop Ranch Drive at Camino Ramon.

Details: Go to www.sanramonfarmersmarket.org

Bank of the West and Robert Half International at Bishop Ranch

Tue, 26 Jul 2011 12:29:51 -0600

Having signed two of the nation’s largest commercial real estate deals within the last 3 years, Bishop Ranch is now home to Bank of the West and Robert Half International. Looking back, it is amazing to reflect on the amount of team work and coordination involved from inking the deal, architectural designs, construction, and the host of vendors responsible for the physical move of thousands of employees. Though there were the occasional hiccups, everyone involved provided out of the box ideas that always solved the problem and, in some cases, improved on the original plan.

What was particularly enjoyable and impressive was the chance to interact and understand the culture of these highly professional corporations. With a 15 year lease, it behooved us to thoroughly understand these clients early on, even well before their move in. Equally impressive are the Bank of the West and Robert Half International real estate groups who left no stones unturned—a relocation of this nature can be a back-breaking mission. From programming meetings, informational luncheons to discuss transportation options, amenities and services available through Bishop Ranch, all employees had a hand print on this transition.

The RHI space was designed with the employee as the inspiration. If a comfortable and welcoming surrounding leads to an efficient and highly productive employee, then RHI has achieved the desired effect. The building is furnished with the best workstations available, the meeting rooms are equipped with state of the art AV capabilities, and every break room serves Seattle’s Best coffee gratis! In certain respects, employees enjoy some of the perks that are commonly attributed to tech companies such as a lounge with plushy chairs and multiple 60” flat screens so employees don’t miss the most recent episodes of CSI Miami.

Similarly, at the Bank of the West building, a large cafeteria, dubbed the Bear Bistro, was constructed to offer each employee an opportunity to enjoy a cup of coffee before work or during a break, or taste a gourmet sandwich at lunchtime. Idea walls were painted in huddle rooms, to allow employees to easily and effectively display ideas and collaborate on projects. Large sidelight windows, installed in each private office, provide an opening to the outdoor landscaping and views of Mt. Diablo. New technology, high end furniture, cubicle systems and ergonomic chairs, were provided to each employee to ensure comfort and satisfaction within their new workplace.

It is not often that deals of this magnitude are completed by one landlord, especially within such a narrow time gap, so we are grateful for the opportunity to serve and partner with such highly profiled clients. With over 550 tenants, Bishop Ranch is home to the Bank of the West’s and Robert Half International’s of the world, as well as the one man entrepreneur and everything else in between. Yet regardless of a company’s size, we pledge the same commitment to provide each one of our tenants with the finest level of service.

San Ramon Farmers’ Market moves to Bishop Ranch

Thu, 26 May 2011 03:12:41 -0600

Several months ago Sidney and Monica, who run our Tenant Services department, came up with the idea of having the San Ramon Farmers’ Market move to Bishop Ranch. The market wasn’t able to continue operating where it had been, which was a pity given that it was on an actual farm. They needed a new home. Soon, Sid and Monica brought in Harv Singh from Whole Foods—he’s a San Ramon native and local organic food specialist who moonlights as a farmers’ market operator extraordinaire.

At Bishop Ranch, we are primarily focused on creating a high-quality professional environment and know very little about the world of organic famers. Harv inspired our confidence right off the bat, and after our first meeting I could feel that this was going to be a success. Harv’s overall concept for the market seemed to emphasize all of the high-quality elements we had seen at farmers’ markets regionally and lacked the elements that sometimes reduce the authenticity of a market. The most important element of Harv’s concept was that the market would be focused almost exclusively on food that is both organic and local. It would be focused and would not be a mix of crafts and other things. Also, he was able to organize both a weekend market and a weekday market for tenants and locals to enjoy during business hours.

Last weekend we had our third weekend market and I couldn’t have hoped for a greater success ("like" the San Ramon Farmers' Market on Facebook, and check out what reviewers are saying on Yelp). Harv really created a buzz that attracted plenty of people (take a look at my short video) and he came through with truly authentic vendors that are there for the right reasons. Credit also has to go out to Sidney and Monica for organizing things on our side, along with Wendy, who manages the property. Also, all the folks at the city were a huge help to us in getting this done.

Some might wonder what we get out of inviting the market onto our site. For Bishop Ranch, moving the market here was all about supporting the market as a local amenity and promoting a centralized community location for San Ramon. Through the adaptive use of an office parking lot for promoting community, we are trying to plant the seeds that will be central to our future City Center development that we are all so eagerly awaiting.