In one deal with big benefits to the community, Solender Hall, a commercial real estate firm specializing in nonprofit transactions, helped two nonprofit organizations remain neighbors next to the Wilson Historic District so that they could expand their work on behalf of North Texas children.
When Educational First Steps (EFS) needed more space to expand its programs, it looked at many options, but the perfect solution was the “for sale” sign across the street from its current location in the Wilson Historic District run by the Meadows Foundation. That “for sale” sign hung on Dallas CASA’s former 7,500 square foot building because that agency also needed more space to meet its growing needs. Dallas CASA was in the process of completing the construction on their new building located at 2757 Swiss Avenue, just around the corner and needed the proceeds from the sale of the Gaston building for their new location.
Dallas CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) sold its building at 2815 Gaston Avenue, Dallas, TX 75226, to Educational First Steps. EFS moved into the building on May 12. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. Eliza Solender of Solender/Hall represented Dallas CASA, while EFS was represented by Michael Rareshide with Partners National Real Estate Group.
Eliza Solender said, "As a real estate broker who specializes in representing nonprofit organizations, there is nothing that gives me greater satisfaction than when two highly regarded agencies complete a buy/sell transaction. I couldn't ask for a better result."
Educational First Steps transforms existing daycare centers for economically disadvantaged children into nationally accredited preschools with certified teachers. With this transaction, it nearly doubled its space to 7,500 square feet. “Our vision for this new location is to accelerate the growth of our powerful early childhood programs, focus on 21st century learning techniques and facilitate community dialogue about the urgent issues of early education and poverty,” said John Breitfeller, Educational First Steps Executive Director.
Dallas CASA, a nonprofit organization of volunteers who serve as voices in court for abused and neglected children, also needed more space to serve additional children. Beverly Levy, Dallas CASA Executive Director & President, said, “We only serve half the children who need an advocate. Our new building is three times the size of the old one, and having this space will allow us to grow our services and programs to hopefully serve all the children who need a CASA.”
About Solender/Hall:
Since 1991, Solender/Hall, an award-winning commercial real estate firm, has specialized in representing small and medium sized companies and nonprofit organizations in the North Texas area. Find out more at www.solenderhall.com or by calling 214.265.8200.
About Dallas CASA:
Established in 1979, Dallas CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) is a private nonprofit organization of volunteers who serve as voices in court for abused and neglected children. Volunteers are trained to gather information and make recommendations that help judges decide what is best for each child. CASA volunteers help ensure that abused and neglected children have the best chance of finding safe, permanent homes where they can thrive. In 2013, 698 volunteer advocates were assigned to cases involving 1,869 children in Dallas County. To learn more about advocating for abused and neglected children, visit dallascasa.org or call 214-827-8961.
About Educational First Steps:
Educational First Steps improves the quality and availability of early childhood education for economically disadvantaged children. Founded in 1990, the nonprofit organization transforms daycare centers in North Texas’ most vulnerable neighborhoods into nationally accredited preschools with trained professional early childhood educators. Educational First Steps serves more than 4,200 at-risk children and 700 teachers in 325 classrooms in close to 90 facilities in Dallas and Tarrant County, providing in-classroom mentoring, quality education tools and professional teacher training. For information, visit www.educationalfirststeps.org or call (214) 824-7940.