ULI Sets Forecast for a Potential 2021-2022 Rebound

This week, the MBA Newslink published the Urban Land Institute in Washington, D.C.,’s findings from a survey of real estate economists. Overall, the consensus is that the recession caused by the pandemic will be short-lived and we may see an above-average GDP growth in 2021-2022. Some good news! Overall, the ULI Semi-Annual Real Estate Economic […]

Advice on Avoiding Issues with the ADA

First and foremost, what is the ADA?

It is the American Disabilities Act which pertains to all Commercial Real Estate transactions. The ADA defines disability as – “a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits a major life activity.” This Federal bill includes everything from how you can hire and fire to how you can enter a building.

So how do you avoid issues with the ADA on Retail Properties?

Reading below is a good start to gain intel on some crucial accessibility problems to avoid.

The American Disabilities Act appoints retail businesses as “places of public accommodation” so developers must provide access for people with disabilities when constructing new facilities. Every space is unique and has its own set of problems but there are more common issues that will be discussed below.

  1. Curb Ramps. Not up to standards curb ramps are very common. The property may have curb ramps but, unfortunately, often times they do not comply since they do not have regulation slopes, dimensions, or landings. ADA requires curb ramps along the accessible route which includes the path from parking spaces. Noticeable warnings are necessary in local jurisdictions and certain states. Design details for curb ramps encompass clear landings at the top of the ramp, appropriately flared sides, and maximum slopes.
  2. The Legend of The Grandfather Clause. This is a major misunderstanding about the ADA in general, not specific to retail properties. The ADA is federal law, not a building code. Properties built before 1991 are not excluded by a grandfather clause. The ADA regulates that tenants and building owners are required to constantly remove familiar barriers.
  3. No Entry from Public Sidewalks. Retail properties need to include at least one accessible route from public transportation stops, streets and sidewalks. It’s necessary for these accessible routes to include maximum slopes, proper head clearances, free from obstructions, and minimum dimensions. Retail properties also need to grant easy access from buildings that are on the same site.
  4. Parking. This area of compliancy is often times complicated. Common issues are unacceptable striping/identifications of the parking spaces and too few ADA spaces. ADA Standards are very stringent about the markings, size, parking identification of accessible parking spaces, the ground slope, free from obstructions, and has to be adequately conserved.
  5. Historically Significant Facilities. City governments usually believe they have no duty to change historically significant buildings and facilities to improve accessibility for people with disabilities.

UES Consulting and our team of inspectors are well-versed in any needs related to Commercial Real Estate transactions. We’re aware how thorough and time-sensitive Phase I Environmental Site Assessments and Property Condition Assessments are and we can help the process run smoothly and close on time.

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Kansas City Development Landscape Still Booming!

Even with the pandemic and the grim economic landscape of 2020, the greater Kansas City metro area continues to plow ahead with growth and building as we head into 2021. The Kansas City Business Journal recently outlined several top projects in our area and gave us an update on progress. You can read more on […]

Medical Office Buildings a Safe Haven Asset During Uncertain Times; Physician Practices Still Struggle

MBA CREF 2020

MBA CREF 2020 Recap

The UES team attended MBA CREF in San Diego this week. It’s always a great meeting, chocked full of quality education, networking with clients and making new connections. The MBA does a good job of delivering market trends, forecasts for the year ahead and information that we need to help guide our environmental consulting services. […]

Rethinking Adaptive Reuse Projects

What is an Adaptive Reuse Project? Adaptive reuse projects is the process of taking old buildings or sites, and reusing them for a purpose other than it was designed. When considering Adaptive reuse projects it’s important to understand if these investments make sense? Competition is increasing for developable land within certain asset classes, not to […]

UES to sponsor CREW KC’s 16th Annual Golf Classic!

Join us at CREW Kansas City’s 16th Annual Golf Classic for an unforgettable day full of golf, networking, and supporting a wonderful organization! WHEN: AUGUST 15, 2019 WHERE: CREEKMOOR GOLF COURSE TIME: 8:00 AM REGISTRATION, 9:00 AM SHOTGUN START MORE DETAILS CREW KC and Creekmoor Golf Course have joined together for a great annual event. […]

Commercial and Multifamily Originations Set a Record by Rising to New Levels

Commercial and Multifamily Originations rose to new levels in 2018 with a record amount of loans resulting in $573.9 billion loans. Learn how this happened, what factors such as growing property values, low interest rates, solid fundamentals, and strong appetites from lenders and borrowers led to this record. We break down the numbers and find out Commercial Bank portfolios led the capital source then GSEs, Government Sponsored Enterprises, Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae then Life Insurance Companies and pension funds, Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities issuers, investment funds, REITs and mortgage REITS. Multifamily properties had the highest mortgage bankers’ origination volume followed by retail properties, industrial, health care, office buildings, and hotel/motel

What’s Next with Commercial Real Estate?

Commercial Real Estate has never been in a better spot but you have to ask the question, what’s coming next? MBA Vice President of Commercial Real Estate Research Jamie Woodwell expressed his opinion for the sector at the MBA Commercial/Multifamily Servicing & Technology Conference. “We’re currently in the longest economic expansion ever,” Woodwell said. “There […]