Spring Break
Student develops mixed-use site
Senior project hits pay dirt
CAROLYN CRIST
Issue date: 3/20/07 Section: News
A senior University student is applying his real estate degree to real life by contributing to the skyline of Atlanta.
Stuart Bern is the sole developer of a one half-acre lot that will boast a five-story mixed-use building in Sandy Springs.
The first floor will hold retail stores, and residents will live in condominiums in the top floors.
Bern's father, who owns a photography studio on the land, allowed him to take up the idea as a senior project. Bern contacted architects, developers and brokers on his own to get advice and create concept drawings for the site. He had to approach the city and address regulations regarding rezoning property.
"I thought this was a neat opportunity to take the classroom to the real world," Bern said. "I have worked on projects in Athens before and now have this opportunity in Atlanta. It's also a way to come back and apply it in class."
Bern said he made the connections through networking and cold-calling.
"I was surprised that people were so willing to help out, even when I merely explained what I wanted to do," he said.
He contacted University alumnus Brad Pager, president and CEO of GameDay Condominiums.
"I think Stuart had read an article about our company in a real estate or business magazine that referenced me," Pager said.
"I was impressed that he had initiative - reading something relating to his future profession - and sent an e-mail and called to see if we could get together to talk. My hat goes off to that type of effort."
Pager advised Bern on the type of construction he should consider in order to save cost.
"I think the plan is a great idea and always love when people think out of the box. I wanted to help because I know what it's like to get started," he said.
"Sometimes the difference between doing well or not is someone helping and encouraging you through the process."
Bern also contacted developer Dennis Ahlvadeh concerning the future of the project, its financing and marketing.
Stuart Bern is the sole developer of a one half-acre lot that will boast a five-story mixed-use building in Sandy Springs.
The first floor will hold retail stores, and residents will live in condominiums in the top floors.
Bern's father, who owns a photography studio on the land, allowed him to take up the idea as a senior project. Bern contacted architects, developers and brokers on his own to get advice and create concept drawings for the site. He had to approach the city and address regulations regarding rezoning property.
"I thought this was a neat opportunity to take the classroom to the real world," Bern said. "I have worked on projects in Athens before and now have this opportunity in Atlanta. It's also a way to come back and apply it in class."
Bern said he made the connections through networking and cold-calling.
"I was surprised that people were so willing to help out, even when I merely explained what I wanted to do," he said.
He contacted University alumnus Brad Pager, president and CEO of GameDay Condominiums.
"I think Stuart had read an article about our company in a real estate or business magazine that referenced me," Pager said.
"I was impressed that he had initiative - reading something relating to his future profession - and sent an e-mail and called to see if we could get together to talk. My hat goes off to that type of effort."
Pager advised Bern on the type of construction he should consider in order to save cost.
"I think the plan is a great idea and always love when people think out of the box. I wanted to help because I know what it's like to get started," he said.
"Sometimes the difference between doing well or not is someone helping and encouraging you through the process."
Bern also contacted developer Dennis Ahlvadeh concerning the future of the project, its financing and marketing.
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