All posts by Shelby

Greenhouse Scholars: Glass Half Full

Brokers Brian Wallace and John Kerr and Marketing Manager Brooke Hanford attended the Greenhouse Scholars Glass Half Full event on Tuesday—an inspiring evening centered on expanding access to opportunity.

Since launching in North Carolina in 2018, Greenhouse has supported more than 30 Scholars from our state, connecting them with mentorship, funding, and career opportunities that ripple back into local communities.

We’re especially proud that North Carolina donors and leaders now serve on Greenhouse’s Development and Advisory Board, helping ensure this impact reaches students and families right here at home.

Moments like these create a ripple effect toward meaningful change—proving that when people come together with purpose, impact grows far beyond a single night. York is proud to be involved!

Oak City Cares: Gift of Home Celebration

We were honored to sponsor (and attend!) last night’s Gift of Home Celebration with Oak City Cares. As a company, it means a great deal to support an organization making such a meaningful impact in our community.

Together, nearly $350,000 was raised to help homelessness in Wake County – an incredible reflection of what can happen when a community comes together with purpose. Proud to play a small part in a big mission.💙

2026 West Raleigh & Hillsborough Street Annual Meeting

Last night, community members and leaders gathered for the 2026 West Raleigh & Hillsborough Street Annual Meeting, spotlighting continued progress and investment shaping the future of west Raleigh.

York broker Robert Hoyt and Marketing Specialist Victoria Eaton were in attendance, celebrating all the incredible progress shaping our city’s future. Robert serves as Board Member + Economic Development Co-Chair for the West Raleigh Alliance. Victoria serves as Board President of the Hillsborough Street Community Service Corporation.

The program featured a Raleigh Influencer Panel with four local content creators who underscored the vital role of digital storytelling in connecting businesses and developments with the community.

Key insights from the meeting:
• Nearly 30 completed projects since 2020, reflecting West Raleigh & Hillsborough Street’s rapid expansion.
• Over $842M in total investments across completed, proposed, and under-construction projects.
• Local creators continue to serve as key ambassadors, reinforcing Raleigh’s reputation as the premier place to live, work, and play.

Both organizations remain committed to collaboration, growth, and fostering inclusive economic development throughout west Raleigh.

Special thanks to Jeff Murison of the Hillsborough Street Community Service Corporation for hosting such an insightful event.

Pappas Real Estate Development Program Distinguished Alumnus Award

We are proud to share that Smedes York was recently honored as the recipient of the North Carolina State University Pappas Real Estate Development Program Distinguished Alumnus Award.

This award recognizes individuals whose professional accomplishments and community service demonstrate excellence in design, placemaking and community development, while improving the quality of life in the communities they serve.

Smedes was recognized for more than six decades of leadership in quality real estate development, his role in advancing best practices in the industry, and his lifetime of mentorship to young, up‑and‑coming real estate professionals.

Please join us in congratulating our Chairman on this well‑deserved recognition and in celebrating the lasting impact he has made on Raleigh, North Carolina, and the real estate development profession.

ULI Carolinas Meeting

As Mission Sponsor of ULI Triangle, the York team is excited to be part of this year’s Carolinas Meeting here in Raleigh.

Yesterday, after a morning of mobile tours alongside colleagues Brian Wallace, Robert Hoyt, John Kerr, Skipper Day, and Brooke Hanford, the group gathered to kick things off with opening remarks from our Chairman, Smedes York.

Smedes’ welcome was a strong reminder of ULI’s core purpose—bringing people together to share ideas and shape better growth. As our communities continue to evolve, that role feels more important than ever.

 

The Value of Thoughtful Landscaping in Commercial Real Estate

Well-planned landscaping is one of the most effective ways a landlord can protect and enhance a commercial asset. Long before a tenant or visitor steps inside, the exterior sets expectations—pristine entryways and well-maintained grounds signal professionalism, care, and quality.

A property’s landscape acts as a silent résumé. Clean sightlines, healthy turf, and thoughtfully designed plantings communicate that the asset is well managed and positioned for long-term success. These details not only attract prospective tenants but also reinforce confidence among investors and stakeholders.

Beyond first impressions, outdoor environments play a meaningful role in the day-to-day tenant experience. Inviting green spaces, shaded seating areas, and walkable grounds create opportunities for connection and productivity. When tenants feel proud of where they work, it supports retention, strengthens leasing momentum, and ultimately benefits the overall performance of the property.

Seasonal consistency is equally important. Meticulous, year-round landscape management ensures the property maintains its curb appeal in every season while preventing small issues from becoming costly repairs. In a competitive market, this level of care helps assets stand out and sustain long-term value.

Bloomsbury Landscapes, a division of York Properties, is dedicated to delivering this standard—combining thoughtful design with expert maintenance to help properties perform at their highest potential.

Interested in elevating your property’s exterior? Contact Joe Sweet, General Manager of Bloomsbury Landscapes, to learn how our team can support your asset’s long-term success.

josephsweet@bloomsburylandscapes.com | 919.909.6843

2025 Power Broker Awards

Last week, we gathered at Napa Kitchen & Wine to celebrate an awesome year of achievements with our Commercial Brokerage team. Here are the highlights:

*Top Performers Recognized*

• 🏆 Road Runner Trophy: Lynne Worth for most brokerage transactions completed

• 🌟 I’m Kind of a Big Deal Trophy: John Kerr for closing the division’s largest single transaction

• 🥇 Best Broker Ever Trophy: Judson McMillan being awarded the Top Producer spot

*Team Strength*

Our Commercial Team is powered by:
• 10 full-time brokers
• 1 part-time broker
• An amazing marketing and admin group including Gardenia Buendia, Victoria Eaton, Candi McDowell, Shelby Hinshaw and Brooke Hanford

Congratulations to all of our incredible brokers!

Recently Closed Transactions

We are pleased to celebrate year-end lease transactions across the Triangle! Great work to all of our brokers for delivering value-driven outcomes and continuing to raise the standard for our clients and landlords alike.

Looking forward to building on this momentum in 2026!

SOLD: Shoppes at Smith Corners

We are proud to announce that Judson McMillan represented the seller in the disposition of The Shoppes at Smith Corners in Charlotte, NC.

Property Type: Neighborhood Retail Center + Outparcel
Sale Price: $6,100,000
Settlement Date: November 18, 2025

This transaction is a testament to Judson’s commitment to delivering top-tier service and value to our clients. Congratulations to all parties involved in bringing this deal to a successful close!