Sarasota, FL (September 21, 2023) – SVN | Commercial Advisory Group, a national commercial real estate brokerage firm in Sarasota, is proud to announce the addition of Leslie Karr to their team. With over 20 years specializing in retail real estate, Ms. Karr is a recognized broker bringing a wealth of knowledge and a passion for the clients she represents as she relocates from the Chicago area.
With more than 500 retail transactions completed in her career, totaling nearly one million square feet in high-profile urban/suburban retail developments, Ms. Karr has developed an impressive portfolio of notable tenant and landlord clients. Tenants include AMC Theaters, Habit Burger Grill/Tremendous Brands, Pearle Vision, Peleton Cycle, and Cosi.
Landlord representation/portfolio management includes GE Pension Fund, Waterton Associates, Bental Kennedy, Tabani Group, CBS Chicago, Hyatt Renaissance Hotels, and more. Her contributions to iconic commercial properties such as the John Hancock Center, Citigroup Center, Willis (Sears) Tower, have helped shape the retail landscape of the Chicago skyline.
Prior to SVN Commercial Advisory Group, Ms. Karr served as Vice President of SVN Chicago Commercial as well as held positions at Cornerstone Commercial, Newmark Knight Frank, CB Richard Ellis, Northern Realty Group, and MCL Companies.
Ms. Karr brings a dynamic background and strategy that includes consultations with developers, family trusts, property owners, and real estate investors on retail development and integration for mixed-use, hospitality, and transportation projects on a national scale. Karr also specializes in site selection and acquisition for retail and restaurant tenants’ expansion strategies; a valuable new addition to the firm as the Sarasota-Tampa markets continue to experience growth.
“We are thrilled to welcome Leslie Karr to our team. Her extensive experience and outstanding track record in retail real estate will undoubtedly elevate our capabilities and offerings to clients. Leslie’s arrival marks an exciting new chapter for SVN Commercial Advisory Group, and we look forward to the positive impact she will have in reshaping in the retail real estate landscape, not only in Sarasota but also in markets beyond.” – Matt Christian, Managing Director.
As Karr embarks on this new chapter with SVN Commercial Advisory Group, her experience, dedication, and strategic insights promise to create new opportunities for clients and reshape the retail real estate landscape in Sarasota and beyond.