Spring 2016 will be one for the DeLand history books.  We’ve said hello to new developments, witnessed positive growth in the downtown core, and said goodbye to some beloved DeLand establishments.  Which brings us to the following:

250 E. International Speedway Boulevard

Though this address doesn’t carry name recognition on its own, this 0.8 Acre parcel on US-92 has been better known through the years as Sugar Top and more recently, Hampton’s.  In 2015, the owners of the property came to Swann & Associates looking to sell.  They loved the restaurant, its loyal customers, and had operated it for many, many years.  As we listed the property for sale, we understood the gravity of this decision on the DeLand community and hated the thought of losing the establishment (and that delicious fried chicken).

But it was time to sell.  After many years of business and service to the DeLand community the owners were ready for a change, and retail property values had recently risen.  To be honest, it’s the dream scenario for an owner of real estate: creating valuable use in a property over a long term hold period, while realizing an increase in property value during the hold period.

So we began marketing the property.  On a commercial sale listing, this includes many industry specific tasks, including: determining price through different methods, brainstorming potential users, creation of relevant marketing material and packaging, premium advertising through commercial real estate marketplaces  such as LoopNet, listing in the MLS, communicating with industry connections, and much more.

Through these efforts, a buyer was found for the property and after a long due diligence period, the sale closed in early 2015.  As many DeLand residents have already seen, the old building is no longer standing (and we do indeed miss the fried chicken…).  As the new ownership prepares the property for its next generation use, we thank  Sugar Top Hampton’s for the memories and their permanent, delicious mark on the DeLand community.