Tax credits should be extended to boost solar industry
The Desert Sun, Opinion Section, August 25, 2008
Our triple-digit temperatures and the glorious rays of sunshine bearing down on the Coachella Valley right now could be generating energy for our homes and businesses. We should be harnessing this limitless energy day in and day out and lessening the load on Southern California Edison and other utility companies, as well as lowering our energy bills.
Although we have begun to tap the solar power of our region, this natural resource is not used to its fullest extent, and we are on the brink of losing incentives to do so unless lawmakers extend federal tax credits for the solar industry. The tax credits expire at the end of December. As a developer of some of the first Green LEED-certified commercial projects in California, including The Shoppes of Rancho Mirage and The Shoppes of La Quinta, and a former spokesman for the California Solar Energy Industry Association, I've been following the solar industry and related legislation for many years.
Solar energy is a vast, clean source of energy that makes sense in California, especially in the sun-soaked Coachella Valley. The solar industry relies on incentives to begin new ventures and plan future projects, especially during economic slumps such as what we're experiencing right now.
The Solar Tax Credit, a 30 percent residential and business tax credit, was created in the Energy Policy Act of 2005. The 30 percent tax credit was a much-needed boost to the industry, and activity on solar power plant financing grew considerably after passage of the 2005 legislation. The federal tax credit legislation was set to expire at the end of 2007, but was extended at the end of 2006 for an additional year — through 2008.
The solar industry suffered a setback in July when a vote on legislation that included extending the renewable energy tax credits was blocked by Senate Republicans. Without passage of the legislation by the end of December, the credit will drop to 10 percent in 2009 then to 0 after 2009, and $1.7 billion in solar industry tax credits for the next eight years will be lost. It is imperative the solar industry does not lose the federal tax credits, not just for the thousands of jobs created by the industry, but for all of us who are attempting to reduce our carbon footprint and enter a new era of clean, sustainable growth and development. The pending expiration is already impacting the industry, which is rushing to complete current projects and hesitating to begin new ones without an extension.
I recently participated in a Green Project Panel at the First Trans-Atlantic Platform on Environmental Technologies in La Baule, France. The conference brought together about 1,000 companies, investors, researchers and politicians from Europe and America to discuss trans-Atlantic cooperation on technologies with a strong impact on the environment. I was inspired by the innovative, forward- thinking, dedicated work being accomplished around the world in green technologies. The United States must not lag behind. There is no doubt that incentives, such as federal tax credits for the solar industry, can help motivate developers to advance solar energy.
As a member of the Energy and Commerce Committee, Rep. Mary Bono Mack, R-Palm Springs, is a key legislator on energy issues. She has supported incentives in the past and it's hoped she will support the extension of the solar industry federal tax credits before the end of the year. The clock is ticking. Although lawmakers were unable to pass the legislation including solar industry tax credits before their August recess, there's still time to do the right thing when they go back to work in September. Dick Talbert is president of Talbert Development Inc., with offices in Burbank and Rancho Mirage. He can be contacted at dicktalbert@talbertdevelopment.com.
Getting Real with Going Green
California Real Estate Journal, Aug. 25, 2008
Going green is not just about improving the impact commercial real estate makes on the environment. It is about improving the impact on the bottom-line performance. Not only did a study from the New Buildings Institute find that green buildings perform 25 percent or better than non-green buildings in terms of energy use, but a 2008 CoStar Group Inc. study determined that buildings certified by the U.S. Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design rating system command $11.33-per-square-foot rent premiums over non-LEED buildings and have 4.1 percent higher occupancy.
Yet the green footprint in commercial real estate remains relatively small. There are just 12,000 properties totaling 3.6 billion square feet of commercial building space involved with the LEED rating system. That represents a tiny portion of the nation's built environment, but that appears likely to change as public sentiment, Corporate America, public agencies and real estate practitioners embrace or require green development so that by 2010 an estimated 10 percent of all commercial construction starts will be green, according to a recent report.
Going green already has begun to shift from a creative competitive advantage to a necessity in California. What is it going to take to capitalize on the green movement today? The California Real Estate Journal gathered five green development professionals to answer this and other questions. Moderated by Editor Michael Gottlieb, the roundtable included:
BRYAN JACKSON, chairman of the Green Building and Sustainable Construction Group, Allen Matkins Leck Gamble Mallory & Natsis LLP
THOMAS S. RICCI, executive vice president of development services, Thomas Properties Group Inc.
BHARAT PATEL, senior vice president and director of sustainable design, HOK
DICK TALBERT, president, Talbert Development Inc.
LANCE WILLIAMS, executive director, U.S. Green Building Council – Los Angeles
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The Shoppes of La Quinta—Designed to Be Green, Sustainable and Smart
California Centers Shoppes LQ
What if gasoline prices went up another $0.05 per gallon, but with every gallon you received $0.35 in return – would you take the deal? What if you were able to cut your commute to work by 10 miles, saving you a half hour per day – would you take the new route?
It would be hard to ignore either of these opportunities, just as it is hard to ignore the growing number of statistics endorsing the ultimate profitability of Green retail development. From studies that document that construction costs of Green retail projects add up to 3-5% more but result in nearly 35% in energy savings; to the numerous cities significantly speeding up the entitlement processes of Green developments – Green retail just makes sense.
“This return on investment is what has led us to aggressively pursue LEED certification on our projects,” said Richard Talbert, president of Talbert Development, Inc. “We want to create value for tenants, local residents and customers alike through projects like The Shoppes of La Quinta.We see it as the right thing to do with long-term benefits.”
“With this commitment to Green building,Talbert displays a great understanding of how the incorporation of sustainable strategies today will enhance the asset value of their properties over time,” said Principal Brian Wolfe of Perkowitz+Ruth Architects.
The Shoppes of La Quinta (www.shoppesoflaquinta.com) is a 50,000- square-foot village center located in La Quinta, California. The project is pursuing the United States Green Building Council’s LEED Gold certification for Core and Shell.
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Pre-Leasing Underway For Innovative “Green” Shopping Center Project In La Quinta
The Public Record, June 24, 2008
Longtime developers noted for their environmentally responsible construction, Talbert Development, is now pre-leasing for their "green" shopping center, The Shoppes of La Quinta. The commercial project will be a LEED certified shopping center located on Washington Street at Avenue 48.
The Shoppes of La Quinta will combine the best of new millennium architecture and energy efficient design. The father and son team of Dick and Jeff Talbert, owners of Talbert Development, say the center will offer the community a functional yet inviting destination for business and entertainment.
"We're determined to create a shopping center beyond expectation filled with vibrant businesses and unique merchants," says Dick Talbert, President, Talbert Development, Inc. "To ensure that end result, we're dedicated to building one of the most efficient, innovative and forward thinking retail complexes anywhere in the country."
The state-of-the-art retail development will be built on four acres off Washington Street at Avenue 48. The upscale center will feature 50,000 square feet of restaurants, boutiques and other lifestyle shops. Landscaping design will feature outdoor benches, fountains, trees, green areas, outdoor music, and an elegantly pavered parking lot.
Along with the contractor, WL Butler, and the architect, Perkowitz and Ruth, the developers are designing the shopping center utilizing the latest eco-friendly commercial construction components. The center plans will be submitted for pre-certification with the U.S. Green Building Council as a Gold Level LEED project. This will be the second green retail center brought to the Coachella Valley by Talbert Development. They are also currently developing an environmentally responsible shopping center in Rancho Mirage called The Shoppes of Rancho Mirage, which was unanimously approved by the City Council last week.
Some of the anticipated LEED certification features for the project include 20-40% energy savings over existing building standards, cool roof technology, ultra- high efficiency A/C units, low E2 double-pane windows, highly insulated walls, drip irrigation, and on-site electric refueling stations for golf carts and cars.
Pre-leasing is underway for this unparalleled location with high visibility, easy access and a growing population base. Restaurant and retail space is available from 1500 sq. ft. to 20,000 sq. ft. The project timeline anticipates a fall groundbreaking with occupancy in early 2009. For more information call 341-8080 or visit www.ShoppesofLaQuinta.com.
'Green' light for Shoppes
The Desert Sun, June 20, 2008
Rancho Mirage city officials on Thursday gave their approval to a local first-of-its-kind building project developers say would make anyone with environmental leanings proud. The City Council's 5-0 vote paves the way for Talbert Development to begin work on The Shoppes of Rancho Mirage on Highway 111 at Country Club Drive. Described by developers as an upscale retail area, it will be the Coachella Valley's first shopping center to have a gold-level pre-certification from the U.S. Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED). Certification verifies a project is environmentally responsible, profitable and a healthy place to live or work, according to the USGBC's Web site. The new shopping center includes energy-saving capabilities of up to 40 percent compared to standard buildings, highly efficient air conditioning units and many plants and trees, according to the developer. It will also feature a greendisplay room to educate visitors on the environment.
“I think that’s a great step for all our businesses to look forward to in the future,” Councilman Richard Kite said at Thursday’s meeting. Construction is expected to begin next month, with completion scheduled for spring 2009, company President Dick Talbert said. The 51,160-square-foot project will house about 20 businesses, including two restaurants. One of the restaurants is committed to the new site, but Talbert declined to name the restaurant at the request of the owner. “(But) they’ve been in operation for over 20 years,” Talbert told city officials. “You’ll be very happy with the tenant.” Healso said the site will be pedestrian- friendly and a good place for people to relax during the day, even when it’s hot. “We’ll be having a lot of shading,” Talbert said.
Talbert Development announces first LEED-Certified shopping center in the Coachella Valley
The Public Record, January 20, 2008
Los Angeles based Talbert Development has announced what they claim to be the most ambitious, "green" commercial development the Coachella Valley has seen to date. The multi-million dollar project called The Shoppes of Rancho Mirage will transform the Highway 111 corridor in Rancho Mirage and will reflect the desert's guiding principles of environmental sustainability and sensitivity.
"We are extremely proud to move toward this achievement in LEED certification," said Talbert Development President Dick Talbert. "We design and build with a commitment to high quality materials, green building techniques and a responsibility to the communities we serve."
The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System(TM) encourages and accelerates global adoption of sustainable green building and development practices through the creation and implementation of universally understood and accepted tools and performance criteria. ilding project must earn credits by meeting performance benchmarks in various areas.
With just 200 "green" retail centers in the country, and no other eco-friendly commercial developments of this magnitude in the Coachella Valley, Talbert Development sets a new standard with The Shoppes of Rancho Mirage. With expected energy savings of up to 40% over existing buildings, the project will offer water use reduction features, concrete insulation with superior R value and Cool Roof technology which keeps roofs up to 70 degrees cooler.
"This smart growth design and LEED destination is good business," added Talbert. "We plan to set an example in the commercial building industry in the Coachella Valley by reducing resource consumption and protecting the quality of life in the community, while building innovative and sustainable projects."
Offering occupancy in 2008, the center is located just west of Highway 111 and Country Club Drive. With high visibility and an out-front traffic flow of nearly 40,000 cars per day, the retail spaces are primarily designed for professional services, retail stores and restaurants. Totaling more than 50,000 square feet, units are available from 1,500 to 7,000 square feet and feature spectacular landscape components with outdoor benches, colorful garden areas and an elegantly paved parking lot.
Sharp Commercial Inc. will serve as the property's exclusive leasing brokerage and property manager. Call 773-3050 for more information or visit www.sharpcommercialinc. com.
Restaurant Moving to Rancho Mirage
The Desert Sun Business Section, August 2, 2008
A longtime Cathedral City restaurant is relocating to a new Rancho Mirage shopping center that developers have designed to be environmentally friendly. Red Tomato and House of Lamb, an Italian and lamb restaurant on Highway 111 in Cathedral City, will be the anchor restaurant for The Shoppes in Rancho Mirage.
It’s been in Cathedral City for more than 20 years. “It’s a big move, but it’s a beautiful one,” owner Bill Beck said. The restaurant will expand from 3,100 square feet to 5,000 square feet. It will offer breakfast and lunch and have a larger piano bar. “It was always standing-room only,” Beck said of the current location.
Red Tomato and Paradise Spa, a nail salon based in Palm Springs, are the first businesses developers confirmed will be part of the Coachella Valley’s first shopping center to have a gold-level pre-certification from the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and En- vironmental Design (LEED). It will be the second Paradise Spa salon in the Coachella Valley, said Dwight Capitani, vice president of leasing for Talbert Development.
“We’re delivering occupancy on the building in (summer) of next year,” he said. Six other businesses have signed letters of intent to move to the site at Highway 111 and Country Club Drive. Capitani said his company hopes to finish the project by the end of 2009. Once finished, it will be an upscale shopping center with fountains and places for people to relax, he said. “We want them to stay and hang out and that’s the whole real purpose,” Capitani said. Beck plans to keep his restaurant open until June before shutting down for about two months to make the move, he said.
Pre-Leasing Underway for Innovative "Green" Shopping Center in La Quinta
The Public Record, June 2008
Lontime developers noted for environmentally responsible construction, Talbert Development, Inc. is now pre-leasing for their "green shopping center, The Shoppes of La Quinta. The commercial project will be a LEED Certified shopping center located on Washington Street at Avenue 48.
The Shoppes of La Quinta will combine the best of today's new millennium architecture and energy efficient design. The father and son team of Dick and Jeff Talbert, owners of Talbert Developement, say the center will offer the community a functional yet inviting destination for business and entertainment.
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Talbert Development Unveils Plans For Coachella Valley's First Green Leed Pre-Certified Shopping Center
The Public Record, May 8, 2008
Talbert Development, Inc., longtime residential and commercial developers in the western United States, has unveiled renderings for the Coachella Valley's first green LEED pre-certified shopping center in Rancho Mirage. The Shoppes of Rancho Mirage will be built on five acres off Highway 111 and Country Club Drive adjacent to Lord Fletcher Inn.
The upscale center will feature restaurants, boutiques and other lifestyle retailers. "From the moment we arrived in the Coachella Valley, we knew this was the perfect location for a first-class green retail center," says Dick Talbert, President, Talbert Development, Inc. "The Shoppes of Rancho Mirage is one of the most exciting projects we've ever developed and we look forward to sharing our plans with the business community."
Talbert Development will officially showcase the renderings and a DVD presentation of The Shoppes of Rancho Mirage at an Open House for invited business and city leaders on Tuesday, May 13, at the Talbert Development branch office in Rancho Mirage, 71780 San Jacinto Drive, #A3, from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. The state-of-the-art retail development has already been pre-certified with the U.S. Green Building Council as a Gold Level LEED project. It will be the Coachella Valley's first green retail center of its kind and set a new standard for eco-friendly commercial development and construction.
LEED certification features for the project include 20-40% energy savings over existing buildings, cool roof technology, ultra- high efficiency A/C units, low E2 double-pane windows, highly insulated walls, drip irrigation, a fully pavered parking lot and extensive plants and trees. There are also plans for on-site electric refueling stations for golf carts and cars. "We're committed to eco-friendly construction, technology and innovation to create a retail center merchants and restaurateurs will be proud to call their second home," says Jeff Talbert, Executive Vice President, Talbert Development, and son of Dick Talbert. "This is going to be a destination where residents and visitors will enjoy shopping, dining and strolling."
The architect for the project is Charles Martin, of Palm Desert, who has more than 30 years experience in the Coachella Valley. Paul Allen Smith Contractors, headquartered in Palm Springs, is the general contractor. A groundbreaking for the project is slated for late June or early July, with an anticipated completion date of Spring 2009.
Talbert Development, Inc., headquartered in Burbank, California, is led by Dick Talbert, company President, and his son, Jeff Talbert, Executive Vice President. Over the past 30 years, Dick Talbert's companies have done more than $100 million in business, working with investors and associates, developing residential homes and condos, and destination neighborhood retail shopping centers. Both Dick and Jeff Talbert will be available at the Open House to discuss and answer questions about The Shoppes of Rancho Mirage, as well as a similar project they have planned for La Quinta. The Open House will also feature a prize drawing for a $1000 Macy's gift certificate and two $500 certificates for other retailers.
Art Gregoire, Chairman of the Rancho Mirage Chamber of Commerce, will draw the lucky winners' names at 7:30p.m. Hors d'oeuvres, cocktails and beverages will be served. For more information about the Open House or for leasing opportunities at The Shoppes of Rancho Mirage, call (760) 341-8080 or log on to www.ShoppesofRanchoMirage.com.
Urban Renewability
Dune, February-March 2008
Legislation and new eco-friendly construction industry standards are encouraging builders to plan for sustainability as well as style.
By Shellie Karabell
Global warming and green issues occupy much of today's news. But even a cursory reading between the increasingly dire headlines reveals an impending major shift in the availability of natural resources—signaling the need for humanity to begin thinking seriously about conserving its environment.
Green as a concept begins literally at home. The building, occupancy and maintenance of houses and most other structures create some of the most significant environmental impacts— producing 38 percent of carbon dioxide emissions. According to the US Environmental Protection Agency, the buildings in which we live, work, play, convalesce, shop and warehouse consume 39 percent of energy, 12 percent of water and 68 percent of electricity.
Such statistics sadden Rancho Mirage resident Narendra Patel, an awardwinning architect who is internationally recognized for his forward-thinking organic and green designs. Green construction practices, he says, "significantly reduce or eliminate the negative impact of buildings on the environment by following sustainable site planning, water and energy efficiency, conservation of material and resources, and indoor environment quality.”
In 2003, the National Association of Home Builders published a report, Building Greener, Building Better: The Quiet Revolution, and that revolution has become much less quiet. Today, the building industry is building more green homes then ever before and is pushing toward a national standard for environmentally friendly building, design and functionality. It’s not just a fad: working in conjunction with the International Code Council, home builders could complete and implement such national standards as early as this year.
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The Shoppes at Rancho Mirage submits plans
Rancho Mirage Business Advocate, Aug/Sept 2007
Talbert Development, Inc., a local developer with a branch office in Rancho Mirage, has made its formal submission to the City of Rancho Mirage Planning Department for its newest retail center in Rancho Mirage. According to Dick Talbert, president of Talbert Development, Talbert Development acquired the five acres adjacent to Lord Fletcher Inn at 70-265 Highway 111 and has designed a 52,000 sq. ft. retail center that will appeal to up-market restaurants, boutiques, salons, and other lifestyle retailers.
City Economic Development Department welcomes The Shoppes
Curt Watts, Rancho Mirage's economic development director, stated, "Rancho Mirage has become the 'Address of Choice' in the Coachella Valley for a significant number of new businesses, and we look forward to welcoming The Shoppes of Rancho Mirage to our city and this unique location. It presents a great opportunity along the very busy Highway 111 corridor to ...
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New Shopping Center on Tap?
The Desert Sun, August 18, 2007
A vacant lot on Highway 111 in Rancho Mirage may soon have a new shopping center to catch passing motorists' wandering eyes.
Burbank-based Talbert Development submitted plans to build a 52,000-square-foot retail center on Highway 111 at Country Club Drive, next to Lord Flether's Restaurant. It will be called the Shoppes of Rancho Mirage.
"About time, there's something goin in that empty spot," Rancho Mrage resident Lorraine Bell said. "That vacant lot is an eyesore. I'm glad something pretty will eventually go in."
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