The BOMA 360 Performance Program was launched earlier this year to evaluate and recognize buildings that are “managed to the highest standards of excellence.” This program takes a holistic approach to evaluating operations and management practices of commercial real estate firms. It collects data across several areas, including on financial management, environmental stewardship, community involvement, and benchmarks an organization’s performance against industry standards. It is BOMA’s goal that, over time, this designation will become the industry benchmark for operational excellence, much like the LEED designation has become in the “green”/sustainability area.

Granite is committed to becoming a leader in the competitive commercial real estate market and this award highlights our capabilities. In addition to operating buildings efficiently and managing resources in an ethical manner, Granite’s Property Management Teams work diligently to consistently exceed customer expectations by getting it right the first time, and building lasting relationships with tenants, business partners and the local communities.

Please join us in congratulating the Granite teams at these buildings!

The LEED certification process started at Granite Park in the early part of 2009. As a result of the certification process both buildings have decreased their potable water use by over 20%; a Commissioning Program was developed and implemented for all of the mechanical systems; Policies and Programs were written and implemented for Green Cleaning, IPM, Exterior Hardscape Surfaces, Exterior Landscaping, Sustainable Purchasing for Ongoing Consumables, Light Bulbs, and Waste Stream Management, to name a few.

I would like to congratulate the entire Granite Park team and especially thank Jean Gaul and Kevin Howard for all their hard work on successfully completing this gigantic process! As you may know, we have other properties in all cities currently in process for LEED certifications. This process not only affords us a very prestigious certification; but also increases our operating efficiencies- saving time and money, and ultimately increasing the value of our assets.

I am sure that everyone here feels a sense of pride and accomplishment as Granite continues to be a Leader by promoting Green ideals that will sustain our industry and our planet.

Tessie Nolan, CPM®

Granite Properties | Director of Property Management-Dallas

Albin Harrison Roach Leases 8,138 Square Feet

PLANO, TX – Newly merged law firm Albin Harrison Roach, P.L.L.C., has signed a 8,138-square-foot lease at Granite Park III office center in Plano, making it the first firm to commit tenancy to the new 363,313-square-foot, 14-story Class AA office building.

The firm, which will be located on the fourth floor, is scheduled to move October 1, 2006. Albin Harrison Roach, the result of the merger of Frisco-based Albin & Harrison, P.L.L.C. and Plano-based Roach LLP, provides a range of legal services, including corporate counsel, commercial transactions, civil litigation, family law and bankruptcy.

Albin Harrison Roach is now one of the largest law firms based in Collin County, according to Assistant Director Ric Kanatzar of national commercial real estate services firm Studley, which represented the tenant in the transaction.

“The new space provides the firm with improved visibility and the opportunity to design a layout that will help to facilitate the integration of the two firms,” explained Kanatzar.

In addition, the efficiency of the space is enabling the law firm to upgrade its offices while lowering its former occupancy costs, Kanatzar added.

Albin & Harrison previously occupied 3,600 square feet at 4221 Preston Rd. in Frisco and Roach LLP occupied 8,922 square feet at 5000 Legacy Dr. in Plano.

“Collin County and southern Denton County are two of the fastest-growing areas in the state, as a result of businesses and families migrating north,” said Todd Albin, partner in Albin Harrison Roach. “The recent merger and our commitment to this new facility positions our firm to service this growing client base.”

Granite Park III, owned by GP3, Ltd., is located at the highly trafficked corner of Highway 121 and the North Dallas Tollway. The building is part of a larger office complex encompassing two additional 10-story Class A buildings and substantial retail space. Granite Park III will contain a plethora of amenities including restaurants, retail, a 4,000-square-foot fitness center, a conference center and a four-level cascading water feature.

“This will be the tallest building around for about 10 miles,” said Jim Kirchhoff of Granite Properties, who represented the landlord in the lease transaction. “It’s something special. We’re very excited that Albin Harrison Roach will be the first tenant and are looking forward to announcing others soon.”

About Studley. Studley is the leading commercial real estate services firm specializing in tenant representation. Founded in 1954, Studley pioneered the “conflict-free” business model of representing only tenants in their commercial real estate transactions. Today, with 19 offices nationwide and an international presence through its London office and affiliation with Global Property Alliance, Studley provides strategic real estate consulting services to top-tier corporations, not-for-profit organizations and law firms. Information about Studley is available at www.studley.com.