Plans call for outlet shopping center at Front Street center

Historic nature to remain intact in Lahaina remodel

September 27, 2012

By NANEA KALANI - Staff Writer (nkalani@mauinews.com) , The Maui News

Plans are under way to renovate the Lahaina Center on Front Street into Maui's first outlet shopping center by next summer.

The 10 existing buildings at 900 Front St. will be remodeled starting in November to turn the 11-acre site into The Outlets of Maui.

With a new look and national retail brands, the project's developers hope to turn around the center's historically low occupancy rate and attract more shoppers to the tail-end of Front Street.

The center, which was built in 1989, will maintain a "Lahaina-esque" feel, said Dan Jordan, principal of Honolulu Builders, the general contractor for the project.

"We don't want to change the character of the historically sensitive area," he said.

Dan Shiraki, project superintendent for Honolulu Builders, added: "We're retaining the historic nature of that complex, we're not tearing any buildings down or doing any expansions."

"We're making the buildings a little more architecturally interesting with different colors, more glass, and greening up the interior to make it more inviting," Shiraki said, noting that the existing buildings are "all rubber-stamped and monotone."

Jordan said the center is currently only 30 to 40 percent leased.

He said the existing center's anchor tenants, Hard Rock Cafe, Ruth's Chris Steak House and Hilo Hattie, will remain at the center, as well as the Warren and Annabelle's Magic Show venue. It's unclear when the other tenants will vacate.

The Florida-based agent handling leasing for the outlet center declined to discuss possible tenants.

But Shiraki said he believes the outlet center will be "similar to Waikele in its tenant mix," referring to the Waikele Premium Outlets in West Oahu, currently Hawaii's only outlet mall. Tenants there include Banana Republic, Calvin Klein, Coach, Guess, Levi's, Michael Kors, Polo Ralph Lauren and Saks Fifth Avenue Off 5th.

Shiraki said outlet stores are especially attractive to shoppers now, given the economic downturn.

"This is one appendage of Front Street that hasn't done well. A lot of tenants can't make a go of it," he said. "With the new mix of tenants - where people can get brand name stuff at outlet prices - we're hopeful that will draw shoppers in."

The remodeling plan for The Outlets of Maui was recently approved by the Maui Planning Department. Shiraki said the Lahaina Restoration Foundation was consulted on the project since it's located in a historic district, as defined by county ordinance.

Work will start with the two-story building where the former David Paul's Island Grill restaurant was located.

"The plan is to begin construction around November, and we have to do one building at a time, so every few weeks, we'll be submitting new applications for building permits," Jordan said. "It'll be a waterfall effect from there, and we hope to finish in mid-summer 2013."

He said the project will employ approximately 50 workers, including subcontractors, for about 10 months.

The property is owned by the Weinberg Foundation Inc., which also owns the neighboring Old Lahaina Center - home to Longhi's Restaurant and Foodland Super Market.

Jordan said the outlet project is being funded by The Outlets of Maui LLC, a group of local and Mainland investors, which has signed a long-term land lease for the center.

Pomare Properties - a former branch of Hilo Hattie - developed the $15 million Lahaina Center in the late 1980s, but in 1991, the company reassigned its 55-year lease interest on the property back to Weinberg, according to published reports. Pomare Ltd. does business as Hilo Hattie.

Another outlet shopping center is in the works in South Maui by Eclipse Development Group of California.

Plans there call for a 300,000-square-foot outlet center called the Maui Outlets on 30 acres. Eclipse plans to a build a second shopping center, Piilani Promenade, on a 45-acre parcel. Project officials have said retail and restaurant tenants at the centers would be new to the island.

But the timeline for opening the Kihei centers is unclear because the landowners face an ongoing legal challenge before the state Land Use Commission brought by opponents of the developments.

The commission will hold a "show cause" hearing Nov. 1 and 2, which will require the landowner to prove it has not violated conditions imposed on the property in 1995 when the LUC granted a land reclassification from agricultural to urban.

Charlie Jencks, project liaison for the Piilani centers, said the developers are hopeful work can soon move ahead on the outlet center.

"The Piilani Promenade Outlet Center continues to enjoy strong interest, and we look forward to a successful resolution of matters before the (state Land Use Commission), and continuing to serve the people Maui with the creation of a wonderful shopping experience."

* Nanea Kalani can be reached at nkalani@mauinews.com.

Gan Aden, Colorado’s 2012 Home of the Year, Hits the Market for US$10 million

Majestic Castle Pines Village Residence Fuses Modernist Architecture with Sustainable and Luxurious Lifestyle Amenities

Denver, Colorado – Gan Aden, an extraordinary custom-built 12,030 square foot residence in Denver’s Castle Pines Village, has hit the market. Listed for US$10 million, the home was named “2012 Home of the Year” by Colorado Homes & Lifestyles magazine last month and features beautifully cultivated gardens, modernist architecture, and eclectic furnishings.

Named “Gan Aden” (Hebrew for “The Garden of Eden”) by the current owners, the home was designed by Semple Brown Design architects Sarah Brown and Chris Davis, now a principal at BOSS Architecture. Brown and Davis designed the residence in discreet living zones, allowing for privacy and separation between public and private functions. Set on one plus acres, the three-bedroom home incorporates elements of sustainability through a natural use of materials and a modern aesthetic. A spectacular outdoor courtyard with a stunning reflection pool and waterfall surrounds the entry to Gan Aden, setting the tone for the rest of the home.

“This home is a design lover’s dream,” said listing agent Judy Fahrenkrog of Kentwood City Properties, a division of Kentwood Real Estate. “The architecture is amazing, and the interior appointments include a collection of extraordinary period pieces that were collected over several years, and many of the furnishings come from early-to-mid-20th-Century modern design icons.”

Composed with a smart program, the house is energy efficient and includes warm, luxurious living spaces at every turn. The master suite is attached to two sumptuous master baths designed with pampering in mind, and is adjacent to a private office separated by a breathtaking salt-water aquarium. The spacious kitchen features sophisticated bamboo cabinets and professional-grade custom selected appliances. The design encourages indoor and outdoor living, as natural daylight has been manipulated and maximized to create vibrant space. Additional highlights of the residence include a two-bedroom guest wing, gym and workout room, large temperature controlled wine closet with red leather walls, mudroom, and cedar closet.

The grounds at Gan Aden are an earthly paradise of terraced landscaping, rock formations, and verdant gardens. A Japanese ceremony house, or teahouse, stands beside a pond in the shape of a Japanese character for “heart.” The walls of the teahouse are removable, enhancing the connection to the gardens and pond. “The exquisite gardens alone entail a US$6 million investment to create an outdoor paradise that may be unmatched in Colorado,” notes Fahrenkrog. “The design team created an eight-foot water wall beside a stairway that descends through a grove of chanticleer pear trees. The ‘floor’ of the outdoor room is a shallow pool cut by a stone bridge.”  

“Melding luxurious amenities and contemporary architecture with the architects' unique artistic vision results in a masterpiece rarely matched in a residential home,” says Clayton Andrews, Senior Vice President of Christie’s International Real Estate. “This exceptional residence truly epitomizes architecture as art.”

Gan Aden is offered for sale by Kentwood Real Estate with international marketing services provided by Christie’s International Real Estate through its Bespoke Marketing Program.

Dutch Docklands in the Maldives Named Exclusive Affiliate of Christie's International Real Estate

Dutch Docklands Joins Leading International Network of Real Estate Brokers Specializing in the Marketing and Sales of High-Value Properties

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Maldives, Male—Christie’s International Real Estate, the world’s leading luxury real estate network, has awarded Affiliate status to Dutch Docklands in the Maldives. Dutch Docklands, the global leader in floating developments and islands, will exclusively represent the Christie’s brand in the prime residential market of the Republic of Maldives.

Dutch Docklands is an innovative company in a new global market. Their unprecedented expertise in floating technology, based on the Dutch history of many centuries in water management expertise, persuaded the Government of the Maldives to become partners in the joint-venture company Dutch Docklands Maldives, in order to develop 80 million square feet (8 million square meters) of water with floating projects a short distance from the capital Male, and the airport. This legendary project will be the biggest floating development in the world, diversifying Maldivian fame and turning rising seas into prime real estate.

Dutch Docklands will fully manage the complete development from design, engineering, and construction to sales and marketing. These high-end developments create new investment opportunities in the Maldives: a paradise on earth with year-round sunshine, and strategically located in the middle of emerging markets. After a very thorough period of planning with world-class partners, construction will start in autumn 2012 and the real estate will be available for sale beginning of October 2012.

Wholly owned by Christie’s, the world’s leading art business, Christie’s International Real Estate is represented in more than 40 countries. Dutch Docklands joins this carefully selected organization of brokerages with its proven records of success in both high-end property sales and exemplary client service.

“We are delighted to welcome such an innovative company to our Affiliate network. Dutch Docklands are proven world leaders in safe floating constructions. Where until now it was impossible to acquire a property in the Maldives, we have noted that demand for second homes is very strong from international prime property buyers. Particularly strong buying markets for the Maldives are the Far East, the Middle East, India and Russia.” says Joachim Wrang-Widén, Director of Affiliate Services for Europe, Middle East, and Africa, Christie’s International Real Estate.

Paul van de Camp, Chief Executive Officer at Dutch Docklands says, “We differentiate ourselves with our unique proposition of immaculate residences that move the context of a static city to one that is dynamic and environmentally friendly. Our green Intellectual Property (IP) is based on long established expertise gained from our symbiosis with water in the Netherlands.”

The Maldives have a total land area of just 298 square kilometers, and the island's natural beauty together with the lack of construction space make this destination one of the most popular and premium priced among international real estate investors. The government has been very accommodating to high caliber projects and opened doors to property investors.

About Dutch Docklands

Dutch Docklands has developed a world-class master plan,“The 5 Lagoons,” which provides a complete new destination in the Maldives with high-end luxury projects, like the world’s first 18-hole floating golf course with sumptuous villas overlooking the greens and breathtaking coral reefs, including a Venice-shaped village with townhouses, a convention hotel with an exclusive shopping center, private pristine beaches, and a lagoon with tailor-made private islands where people have the unique opportunity to create their very own private island in any shape desired.

Dutch Docklands offers the opportunity to have a return on investment by renting out the privately owned properties through top-class hotel operators during owners' periods of absence. Dutch Docklands has an excellent network of high-end customers due to their longtime presence in the Middle East. The developments have a minimal impact on the environment and Dutch Docklands work with the best in this specific market, setting extremely high quality standards in terms of design, engineering, construction, and sales. 

For additional information about Dutch Docklands, please contact Jasper Mulder, General Manager Maldives at +960 3336664 or jaspermulder@dutchdocklands.com or visit www.dutchdocklands.com.

Maui duo launches coffee-infused cereal

September 10, 2012

By NANEA KALANI - Staff Writer (nkalani@mauinews.com) , The Maui News

MAKAWAO - Mike Abrams has entered the crowded breakfast cereal market with what he considers a competitive edge.

The Maui-based food scientist says he's created the world's first coffee-infused cereals.

Abrams and his business partner, Chuck Mason, recently launched Cappuccino Crunch - a line of four flavored, toasted rice flour cereals.

"It's another way for coffee lovers and tea lovers to enjoy coffee and tea, without having to wait for it to brew," he said.

A half-cup serving of the cereal provides the equivalent amount of caffeine in a quarter-cup of coffee or tea.

Abrams, who earned a food technology degree from Ohio State University, specializes in food flavorings. The Ohio native has been concocting custom flavor formulas for specialty coffee and tea companies since the 1980s, including Lion Coffee in Honolulu. The cereal line is his first foray into manufactured food.

Abrams said he initially had the idea for a coffee cereal two decades ago as he watched the specialty coffee and tea market gain steam.

"I dreamt up this idea probably 20 years ago," he said. "But I was thinking that some other big coffee company like Starbucks or The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf would come out with something, so I was afraid to get started on it."

"Three or four years ago, I saw nobody did it yet, and the industry and per-capita spending on coffee was going through the roof, so I decided to go for it," Abrams said. "I figured, if I strike out, at least I can claim I was the originator."

The coffee and cereal industries are big business. U.S. cereal production generated revenues of $11 billion last year, according to market research firm IBISWorld. The U.S. coffee industry is valued at an estimated $19 billion annually.

Abrams and Mason have spent the past two years tweaking the proprietary recipes for the cereal's Kona Blend, Mocha, Cappuccino and Chai Spice flavors.

Mason, a photographer and Web designer, said he was initially brought on to help with marketing and package design.

"I got more and more involved as we went along," Mason said. "I'm a big coffee lover. I absolutely love coffee and chai. I think this will do really well."

The coffee cereals are flavored with 100-percent Arabica coffee beans from around the world. The Kona flavor uses 10 percent Kona coffee from the Big Island.

"It's taken two years to formulate it correctly. Originally, it tasted terrible and bitter," Abrams said. "After two years in the formulating lab, I'm hoping the products will speak for themselves."

The cereal line is a division of Abram's custom flavoring business, Flavor Waves Inc., which he runs out of Makawao.

He declined to disclose his financial investment in the new business, other than to say it's "taken a lot of time, effort and money."

The cereals - which are manufactured on the Mainland - are all natural, gluten and cholesterol free, and low in sugar and fat.

"We'd love to make it in Hawaii, but there are no manufacturers here, and I don't have the capital to invest in the special equipment required," Abrams said.

The cereals are packaged in 8-ounce slender bags that resemble a bag of coffee grounds and sell for $5.99 on cappuccinocrunch.com.

"We wanted them to stand out from an ordinary box of cereal," Abrams said.

The company also has created green tea, black tea and decaffeinated flavors that currently are only available in bulk.

Cappuccino Crunch has been able to secure eight retail partnerships statewide since launching in Hawaii in early August. On Maui, the cereals are sold at Anthony's Coffee Co. in Paia, Maui Coffee Roasters, the Maui Tropical Plantation and the Maui Culinary Academy's food court at the University of Hawaii Maui College campus.

To help get its brand out, the company will be a sponsor of this year's American Windsurfing Tour at Ho'okipa Beach Park in October.

"We're starting with a grass-roots effort here in the islands, in our own backyard. We're trying to make a market for it," Abrams said.

Later this month, the company will showcase its cereals at the annual Coffee Fest trade show in Seattle and in April at the Specialty Coffee Association of America trade show in Boston.

While the business is still new, Abrams and Mason already have ideas for expanding their product's reach.

The company has created single-serve disposable bowls with peel-back tops for an on-the-go version of their cereals.

The partners also want their products to expand beyond the breakfast table. Abrams says the cereal's small size makes it ideal for topping frozen yogurt and ice cream, blending into trail mix and granola, and mixing into chocolate candies.

* Nanea Kalani can be reached at nkalani@mauinews.com.

Telluride Real Estate Market Shows Signs of Recovery

Monthly Sales Up By As Much As 49 Percent

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Pictured Above: Butch Cassidy Drive In Telluride, Colorado, Offered For Sale By Telluride Real Estate Corp For US$15,000,000

After an excellent winter in Telluride, Colorado, with over 17 feet of snow and an uptick in both retail sales and skier days, the real estate marketplace began to gain momentum in March with a 40% increase in gross dollar sales over the same month in 2011, reports exclusive affiliate Telluride Real Estate Corp. Sales in April—July increased at 18 percent, 21 percent, 49 percent and 34 percent, respectively. It certainly seems that momentum is gaining in the regional marketplace.

On another positive note, more than US$77 million is currently under contract which bodes well for the balance of the summer and autumn selling seasons. Sixty-seven properties sold or contracted year-to-date are priced over US$1 million with 37 priced between US$2 million—13.2 million (US$4.6 million average), so it appears as the upper end of the market is experiencing a bit of a revival.

During the past 12 months, the Town of Telluride seemingly has been the market leader with 25 sales over US$1 million, 14 sales above US$2 million, 7 sales between US$2.9 million—$6 million and those seven sales averaged US$1,097 per square foot. The Telluride Mountain Village Market continues to present excellent buyer opportunities with 67 homes currently in market above US$1 million. The Mountain Village experienced 32 transactions over the US$1 million price range during the same period, with 17 of those transactions priced between US$2 million—$12.5 million.

While historic Telluride is experiencing appreciation, the balance of the market segments have stabilized, but are not yet inflating. Historically speaking, the Town of Telluride has been the leading indicator for the regional marketplace after economic downturns. There are extraordinary opportunities in the overall market at 25—30 percent discounts off pre-recession pricing.