The Wharf announces record-level occupancy, future tenants         

The Wharf at Orange Beach has officially welcomed 17 new tenants since November 2015, according to a news release, bringing the site’s first-floor fulfillment to 96 percent and total occupancy to 75 percent.

“As The Wharf enters its 10th year, we are thrilled to partner with businesses who will contribute to our continued success,” Kristen Guenther, management team leader at The Wharf, said. “Each new tenant brings something unique in an effort to best serve our guests, as they remain a top priority.”

Recent and future occupants include:

• The Wharf Putt-Putt, March 2016 – formerly Sharky’s Family;

• Seaside Shoes & Swim, March 2016 – expansion of Seaside Shoes to include a swimwear boutique;

• Burris Farm Market, April 2016 — open-air farmers market with a full line of locally grown fruit and produce; will remain open until early fall;

• Driftwood Bar & Grille, May 2016 – one of Chef Chris Kelly’s three new endeavors; waterfront steakhouse with traditional local seafood;

• Ronin Sushi Bar & Restaurant, May 2016 – run by Chef Kelly;

• The Blue Chair Bar, May 2016 – centered in The Wharf entertainment complex; Chef Kelly’s Caribbean-themed restaurant will feature boat-themed bar and exterior stage;

• Burk Kleinpeter, May 2016 – ninth location for the engineering design firm;

• Villaggio Grille, May 2016 – locally owned restaurant expanding current space by 2,500 square feet to accommodate semi-private dining and special events;

• Oasis Church, May 2016 – a nondenominational Christian worship center;

• Bayes Southern Bar & Grill, June 2016 – part of the new Springhill Suites by Marriott onsite, to offer upscale casual dining and signature dishes with the option to dine outside.

Stirling Properties’ downtown Mobile office worked with The Wharf in securing the new tenants. Jeff Barnes with Stirling can be contacted for information on available space and sites at 251-375-2496.

 Other commercial real estate moves
Cortlandt’s Pub has opened a 2,000-square-foot restaurant space in the Spring Hill Village Shopping Center, 4356 Old Shell Road, Suite E. The pub will be open seven days a week from 3 p.m. until midnight with food service starting at 5 p.m. Sharon Wright with White-Spunner Realty worked for the tenant and Buff Teague with JLL represented the landlord.

LTD Fashions, a $9.99 or less women’s clothing boutique, has leased the last remaining space at 19 Shelton Beach Road in Saraland, according to Amber Dedeaux with Vallas Realty, who represented the landlord. The store plans to open by June 1.

According to Jeff Barnes with Stirling Properties, a nonlocal investor acquired the 5,000-square-foot Sherwin-Williams Paint Store property located at 367 S. Greeno Road for $987,000. The retailer plans to remain as tenant for the foreseeable future.    

PEP recognizes local businesses, city in “green” awards   
On Tuesday, April 19, Partners for Environmental Progress presented its 12th annual PEP Environmental Stewardship Awards during its annual membership meeting held at Five Rivers Delta Resource Center and sponsored by Hand Arendall LLC.

According to a news release, awards were presented to member companies that have made a significant and positive “green” contribution to the Gulf Coast region’s triple bottom line: economically, environmentally and socially. PEP community partner awards were given to individuals or organizations that dedicate their time and resources to improve the sustainability and resiliency of Coastal Alabama.

This year, member companies honored were: Alabama Power’s Plant Barry; Arkema; Cam-Air LLC; EnviroChem; Project Design Group Inc; UOP; and Volkert.

Additionally, the PEP Board of Directors named the city of Mobile as its 2016 community partner in recognition of the planning, research, design and implementation involved in the Map for Mobile, the city’s comprehensive plan.

PEP is a coalition of business and education leaders who share the vision of applying science-based environmental best practices to business and community issues.

McAleer’s wins inaugural BCA-sponsored award
Concluding an initiative rolled out eight months ago, Mobile-based McAleer’s Office Furniture Co. was recently named winner of the inaugural “Small Business Game Changer” award by the Business Council of Alabama and Crimson Tide Sports Marketing, University of Alabama Athletics’ multimedia rights holder.

Businesses in good standing with the BCA and having 50 or fewer employees were eligible to enter online from Sept. 1, 2015, to Jan. 31, 2016. A panel of judges reviewed the applications based on the creativity, originality, values and principles expressed in the 150-word entry.

“I wrote the essay as a tribute to my father, Jim McAleer, who founded McAleer’s Office Furniture 37 years ago and made it the success it is today,” Melissa Cross, president of McAleer’s Office Furniture Co., said. “We are both graduates of the University of Alabama, so we couldn’t be more excited to win a corporate sponsorship.”

Local Fastsigns franchise recognized
Local sign and visual graphics franchise Fastsigns was recognized at the 2016 Fastsigns international convention held recently in Orlando, Florida, according to a news release.

Owners Pauline McKean, Joe Calagaz and Leo Calagaz received the franchise sales recognition award, which honors owners who have helped other prospective franchisee investors learn about becoming part of the business. Leo Calagaz was also presented with the franchise growth award, which recognizes owners who have referred a new franchisee within the last year.

The Calagaz family opened the local Mobile franchise in early 2015 to expand its existing photo and commercial printing businesses, The Calagaz Group, located at 90 Springdale Blvd. The center provides a wide range of visual communications solutions including wall, window and floor graphics, architectural signs, trade show displays, vehicle wraps and digital signage.