Harsch Investment Properties Has Been Putting Tenants First for Over 60 Years

By Hacienda Network Staff Writer

It has been over 60 years since Harold Schnitzer converted an old Portland, Oregon warehouse into an office building, thereby starting Harsch Investment Properties. His son Jordan now runs the company, but the group's underlying philosophy remains the same, emphasizing long-term relationships with both properties and tenants.

"Harsch cultivates diverse, well-located properties positioned for long-term growth," says Julie Remy, senior vice president and regional manager of the East Bay portfolio. "We exhibit a pride of ownership in our properties that is unmatched in the industry. We care deeply about every one of our tenants, and feel that the spaces we provide make them more productive in their business." The company's current holdings total over 23 million square feet in more than 100 properties in Oregon, Washington, California, Nevada, Arizona and Utah.

Harsch Investment Properties arrived in Hacienda in 1998 with the purchase of the Stoneridge Business Center, four office/flex/industrial buildings totaling over 150,000 square feet at the corner of Stoneridge Drive and West Las Positas Boulevard. Since then, the company has added Hacienda West - two Class A office buildings at 3825 and 3875 Hopyard Road totaling over 200,000 square feet - and the five-building, 197,167 square foot Hacienda Lakes office complex to its portfolio.

The company's management of the properties has seen a number of investments in improvements, both in terms of sustainability through increased energy efficiency and water usage reduction with new satellite-controlled irrigation and low-flow toilets, and in terms of aesthetics, such as redesigning the lobbies for tenant and guest comfort.

"Harsch is a long-term holder of real estate and we continue to do what's best for our properties," says Monica Graham, assistant vice president and operations manager.

Another example of Harsch's long-term perspective is found across the Bay at 450 Sutter Street in San Francisco. This art deco masterpiece, designed by noted architect Timothy Pflueger, opened in 1929 and has been owned by Harsch Investment Properties since 1963. The building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and has repeatedly received TOBY awards (The Outstanding Building of the Year) in both the Bay Area and Pacific Southwest regions. In recent years, 450 Sutter has seen an extensive exterior restoration project as well as renovations including new operable windows; new heating, lighting, and security systems; and high-speed internet service.

In addition to managing the company's three local properties, Harsch's Hacienda office provides a variety of services to four additional properties located in Union City, San Leandro, and Livermore, bringing their regional portfolio to 1.2 million square feet. "The diversity of our East Bay properties allows tenants a range of options to satisfy their specific real estate needs," says Remy.

For additional information on Harsch Investment Properties, access the company's web site at www.harsch.com.

Also in this issue...

Photo: The courtyard outside the Harsch-owned Hacienda West Buildings at 3825 & 3875 Hopyard Road.