All posts by Shelby

Company News

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

Company News, Employee Spotlight

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!

Client Highlight

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!

Client Highlight

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!

 

York Gives Back

York Gives: Winter Warmth for SouthLight Healthcare

Did you know that Southlight Healthcare is North Carolina’s largest single-site opioid treatment provider? After learning more about their incredible impact, our team came together to assemble 150 winter-prep bags for their clients. Each package included a scarf, warm hat, gloves, socks, hand warmers, and a personal note of encouragement—ready to help someone facing homelessness stay warm this season.

We’re proud to support SouthLight’s mission where no one is turned away and hope is offered to hundreds every day. Special thanks to board chair George York for making this opportunity possible.

 

Client Highlight

SOLD: 2828 Industrial Drive

Congratulations to our valued clients, York Family Properties and Bell Investments LLC, on the sale of 2828 Industrial Drive. The 42,000 SF industrial building sits on 4.59 acres in the Midtown East submarket of Raleigh.

John Kerr represented York Family Properties and Bell Investments LLC in this sales transaction.

Company News, Fun Stuff

55 Years of Leadership Raleigh

York Properties is a proud sponsor of (and active participant in!) the Leadership Raleigh program.

Fun fact: Smedes York is a graduate of LR class number ONE!

It was great to reconnect and celebrate the impact this program has had on our city over the past 55 years. Cheers to the leaders shaping Raleigh’s future and the legacy that started with LR’s very first class!

 

Scale symbolizing housing market imbalance in North Carolina, tipped toward high demand and low supply.
Market Insights

Middle-Class Housing in Crisis: North Carolina’s Shortage Threatens CRE Growth and Workforce

North Carolina stands at a critical crossroads when it comes to housing and workforce stability. A sweeping new study forecasts a staggering gap of 764,000 housing units by 2029, underscoring the depth of the state’s housing crisis. This shortage directly threatens North Carolina’s business community, as a lack of affordable homes is driving workers farther from jobs—making it harder for companies to attract and retain essential staff like teachers, healthcare workers, and first responders.​

The report notes that supply gaps affect all income groups, but middle-class and entry-level buyers face particular challenges. Only 0.8% of North Carolina homes are currently available for purchase, dramatically below the healthy 2-3% market standard, with just 2,324 homes statewide listed below $200,000. This limited availability and high pricing have raised the median age of homeowners to 61, compared with just 31 in 1981, reflecting the growing difficulty younger generations have in finding attainable housing.​

Recognizing this urgent need, the NC Chamber and key industry groups—including NC REALTORS® and the North Carolina Home Builders Association—are rallying behind a revised version of Senate Bill 205. This pivotal legislation strives to modernize zoning, promote affordability, and foster collaboration between developers and local governments, aiming to protect local authority while addressing the root causes of the shortage. By investing in both new construction and preservation strategies, and advocating for policy solutions like SB 205, North Carolina is taking bold steps to ensure that its workforce and business climate remain strong and competitive.​

As communities and companies look ahead, bold housing reform isn’t optional—it’s essential for building a prosperous future where opportunity is within reach for everyone.​

At York Properties, our 110-year tradition of service, expertise, and integrity continues to guide how we help businesses succeed in the Triangle’s dynamic commercial landscape. As a fourth-generation, family-led CRE firm, we know the success of our clients—and our region—depends on a stable workforce and vibrant community. While our company’s focus is on retail, office, industrial, and asset management, we’re committed to providing strategic advice, data-driven solutions, and deep local insights to help our clients navigate evolving market challenges and achieve great outcomes. Because at York Properties, our goal isn’t to be the biggest—it’s to be the best partner you have in commercial real estate.

Sources:

  • North Carolina Housing Finance Agency: “New Research Shows North Carolina Has a 764,000 Unit Housing Gap” (March 2025)
  • NC Chamber: Statewide Housing Study and Policy Statements (2025)
  • Carolina Journal: Coverage on housing affordability and related legislative developments (2025)
  • North Carolina Home Builders Association statements on legislative support (2025)