View JulyAugust Newsletter 2026 (3) flipbook.
NEWS FROM JULY & AUGUST 2026NEWSLETTER
EXPANDED PORTFOLIO SANDHILL PLAZA 7 TENANTS KETLAY PLAZA 7 TENANTS For 45 years, property owners have trusted Emory Hill to protect their investments, support their tenants, and keep their properties performing at their best. Today, our Property Management team oversees more than 5.8 million square feet across more than 115 properties throughout the region, bringing decades of experience and hands-on service to every assignment. As we welcome the latest additions to our portfolio, we’re grateful for the continued trust of our clients and look forward to keeping their properties in good hands. MIDDLETOWN MEDICAL Together, Sandhill Plaza and Ketlay Plaza expand Emory Hill’s property management presence in the growing Middletown market. The two medical and general office properties are home to 14 tenants, with seven businesses at each location. Their diverse tenant mix includes ChristianaCare, LabCorp, Premier Dermatology and other healthcare and professional service providers serving the Middletown community. ED ZIVIC PROPERTY MANAGER
THE PARKE AT FOULKSTONE | WILMINGTON Carillon Crossing is a 48-unit, 55+ active adult condominium community located on Rockland Road in North Wilmington. Built in 1998, the low-rise community offers residents a maintenance-free lifestyle with amenities including a neighborhood gathering space, fitness center, game and billiard rooms, library, elevators, and additional storage. Its North Wilmington location also provides convenient access to shopping, dining, healthcare, and the Route 202 corridor. The Parke at Foulkstone is a newly constructed, 31-home active adult community located on Jameson Way in North Wilmington. Designed for residents 55 and older, the community features carriage-style townhomes surrounded by tree-lined walking paths, a neighborhood pavilion and a forest conservation area, creating a low- maintenance residential setting just off Foulk Road. CARILLON CROSSING 48-UNIT CONDO ASSOCIATION MIRANDA MCELROY PROPERTY MANAGERCrossingCarillon CARILLON CROSSING | WILMINGTON THE PARKE AT FOULKSTONE31-UNIT HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION MIRANDA MCELROY PROPERTY MANAGER PROPERTY MANAGEMENT
MARK DENNISON SUPERINTENDENTBRAD KELLMYER PROJECT MANAGERPROJECT COMPLETE ALLMARK DOOR Following a lease brokered by NAI Emory Hill, the construction team completed a range of improvements to Allmark Door’s new 9,240 SF space at 12 McCullough Drive, including new flooring, lighting, restroom fixtures, casework, ceiling tile, and fresh paint. With construction complete and move-in underway, the updated flex space is ready to support the company’s continued growth. TENANT HIGHLIGHT Founded in 1993, Allmark Door is a leading provider of commercial and industrial dock and door solutions serving customers throughout the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic. With more than 200,000 installations completed, the company provides a full range of products and services, including overhead and high- speed doors, loading dock equipment, security gates, preventive maintenance, and 24/7 emergency service. Allmark Door serves a diverse range of industries, including manufacturing, logistics and distribution, food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, transportation, and industrial facilities, with a focus on safety, responsiveness, reliability, and operational efficiency.TIM PLEMMONS BROKERAGE ASSOCIATEED ZIVIC PROPERTY MANAGER NEW CASTLE, DE
PROJECT UPDATE ACADEMY ART MUSEUM EASTON, MARYLAND Emory Hill Construction is making progress on the new Henry and James Freeman Annex and Hormel Research Center at the Academy Art Museum in Easton, Maryland. Located at 106–110 Talbot Lane, the project will create a purpose-built facility for the care, preservation and study of the Museum’s growing permanent collection, which includes more than 1,700 works of art. The new complex will feature climate-controlled collection storage, conservation- grade spaces and dedicated areas for archival work, research and curatorial planning. Designed by GRT Architects in collaboration with Easton architect and preservationist John Hutchison, the project incorporates two structures surrounding a central courtyard. The facility will also provide opportunities for scholars, students and community members to study works from the Museum’s collection that are not typically on public display. CONSTRUCTION UPDATE Construction began following the project’s December 2025 groundbreaking, with Emory Hill overseeing construction as the Museum brings this new center for art, research and preservation to life. The site was once owned by Henny and James Freeman, among the earliest documented free Black landowners in Easton. Archaeological excavations at the property uncovered more than 6,000 artifacts, some of which will ultimately be displayed at the site. A SITE WITH HISTORYBRIAN HILDICK PROJECT MANAGERDAVE CARASITI SUPERINTENDENT CONSTRUCTION
NAI Emory Hill’s Massiel Derefaka and Neil Kilian, CCIM, SIOR, represented Fort DuPont in the sale of the historic Tilton Building at Fort DuPont in Delaware City to Delaware NeuroRehab. The 42,000-square-foot property will be transformed into Delaware’s first comprehensive post-acute inpatient brain injury rehabilitation center. The planned 28-bed facility will serve patients recovering from traumatic brain injuries, strokes, neurological disorders, and other acquired brain injuries. LONG-TERM LEASE & EXPANSION AT SOUTHGATE INDUSTRIAL PARK Renovations are expected to begin soon, with an opening planned for 2027. The project is also expected to create more than 60 healthcare and support positions.MASSIEL DEREFAKANEIL KILIAN, CCIM, SIOR TRANSACTIONS N O T A B L E 42,000 ± SF DELAWARE CITY SALE Steele Appliance Center has signed a new long-term lease at 77 McCullough Drive in New Castle, expanding its footprint from 9,800 ± SF to 14,700 ± SF. The family-owned company works exclusively with the trades, serving builders, designers, architects, and developers with appliance solutions ranging from individual products to complete kitchen suites. Tim Plemmons facilitated the transaction.TIM PLEMMONS “I’ve gotten to know the Steele family (Jimmy, Kevin & Elana) over the past several years. Their work ethic, creativity, and commitment to excellence at Steele Appliance is unmatched and the customers benefit. They are expanding and are an outstanding tenant at 77 McCullough”
BROKERAGE 150,821 ± SF LEASE HIGHLIGHTS THE POWER OF THE SIOR NETWORK NAI Emory Hill recently assisted in facilitating a 150,821-square-foot long-term lease to MEI Industrial Solutions at First State Logistics Park in Newark. Rich Dudek, SIOR, served as the local Delaware broker on behalf of the tenant brokerage team after the opportunity was referred through Ryan Hays, SIOR, of Apex Industrial Real Estate Advisors. The significant industrial transaction highlights the value and national reach of the SIOR network, connecting clients with experienced local market expertise across the country. CBRE represented the landlord.RICH DUDEK SIOR “This transaction is a great example of the strength of the SIOR network. When a client has a requirement outside of their broker’s home market, having relationships with experienced professionals across the country provides an important local resource and helps keep the transaction moving effectively.” FIRST STATE LOGISTICS PARK ACTIVITY Tim Plemmons recently listed 27,000– 93,304 ± SF of Class A warehouse space at First State Logistics Park in Newark for sublease. The newly constructed space features 40' clear height to accommodate 36' racking, 28 dock doors, a drive-in door, 600-amp three-phase power, and 2,600 ± SF of office space. With immediate availability and convenient access to the I-95 corridor, the property offers a highly functional option for distribution, warehousing and logistics users. 93,304 ± SF FOR SUBLEASETIM PLEMMONS
A GROWING RESIDENTIAL PORTFOLIOThe Residential Property Management division continues to grow its portfolio, expand its reach and deliver hands-on service for property owners across the region. Behind Emory Hill’s growing residential portfolio is a team focused on making property ownership a little easier. Led by Residential Property Manager Massiel “Massi” Derefaka, with support from Property Management Assistant, Maria Sargeni, the team now oversees approximately 110 residential units spanning mixed-use and multifamily properties, apartments and flats, townhomes, and single- family homes throughout Delaware and surrounding markets.
We do much more than collect rent. We serve as the bridge between property owners, residents, vendors, and the day-to-day operations of each property we manage. Our responsibility is to protect our clients’ investments, maximize property performance and create a positive experience for residents.” 36 units have been added to the portfolio since Massi joined the company a year ago, including both new client relationships and owners who had worked with her previously and chose to follow her to Emory Hill. Today, the team serves properties throughout New Castle and Kent counties in Delaware, Delaware County, Pennsylvania, and Cecil County, Maryland. As a bilingual property manager fluent in English and Spanish, Massi is also able to connect directly with a broader range of residents and property owners, helping make communication and day-to-day support more accessible. That means overseeing everything from leasing, tenant relations and rent collection to inspections, maintenance coordination, lease compliance, reporting and monitoring rental market trends. Additionally, Massi and Maria bring extensive knowledge of the rules, regulations, and requirements governing the cities and towns where Emory Hill manages residential properties. Their focus on compliance helps owners navigate local requirements while ensuring properties are managed responsibly and in accordance with applicable standards. The growth has been accompanied by strong leasing activity. So far this year, the team has handled 68 move-ins and 21 lease renewals, while maintaining a portfolio-wide occupancy rate of 99.09 percent. One of the clearest examples of that progress can be found at Fort DuPont in Delaware City, where Emory Hill manages 14 single-family homes within the growing Canal District waterfront community. When Massi took over management of the residential portfolio, occupancy stood at 57.14%. Today all 14 homes are occupied and rents have been brought to current market rates. “I’m proud that our growth hasn’t just been about adding more properties,” said Massi. “It’s been about improving our systems, strengthening our services and delivering better results for the owners who trust us with their investments.” The team has also spent the past year strengthening the systems behind those services. A new residential property management software platform has given owners greater visibility into the financial health and performance of their properties, while strengthened rent collection and follow-up procedures help address delinquencies. The team has also implemented an annual property inspection program designed to identify maintenance concerns early, verify that properties are being properly cared for and help protect their long-term value. For Massi and Maria, however, successful property management goes well beyond filling vacancies. Looking ahead, Massi sees opportunities to work with both experienced investors seeking to grow their portfolios and “accidental landlords” who may unexpectedly find themselves responsible for a rental property. Whether an owner has one property or a growing portfolio, Maria says the objective remains the same: take the day-to-day responsibilities off the owner’s shoulders while helping the investment perform at its best. “We want our clients to have the confidence of knowing that someone experienced is looking after their investment, while they can focus on what’s next, whether that’s acquiring another property, growing their portfolio or simply enjoying more of their time.”110UNITS MANAGEDUNITS ADDED SINCE 20253699.09%PORTFOLIO OCCUPANCY68MOVE-INS IN 2026 (22 INHERITED)OCCUPANCY AT FORT DUPONT21LEASE RENEWALS IN 2026100% RESIDENTIAL MANAGEMENT
Caesar Rodney Rotary Club Golf Classic Rich Dudek, SIOR, with his team at the 3 Annual Caesar Rodney Rotary Club Golf Classic on Monday, July 13th at Hartefeld International. Donations supported more than 40 nonprofits in Delaware. rd Pictured L to R: Devan A. McCarrie (Saul Ewing), Rich Dudek, SIOR (Emory Hill), Wendie Stabler (Saul Ewing), and Charlie Barnett (Morris Ritchie and Associates). 1 City of Milford Golf Classic The Chamber of Commerce for Greater Milford held its 33 Annual Golf Classic in July at the Southern Delaware Golf Club. The event raised funds in support of the local business community. rd Pictured L to R: Sean Londergan, CPA (Stephano Slack), Neil Kilian, CCIM, SIOR (Emory Hill), Mark Kurtz (Richards, Layton, & Finger), and Kyle McLaughlin (Emory Hill). 2
COMMUNITY SIOR Annual Meeting Neil Kilian, CCIM, SIOR, and Rich Dudek, SIOR, attended the SIOR Philadelphia Chapter Annual Meeting on July 23rd at Overbrook Golf Club in Villanova, where members participated in the annual business meeting, a state-of-the-market discussion, and networking with fellow commercial real estate professionals. 3 Pictured: Emory Hill’s Rich Dudek,SIOR (seventh from left) and Neil Kilian,CCIM,SIOR (eighth from left). KAU Little League Mid-Summer Clean Up Construction Project Manager, Bill Gray, joined KAU Little League families and community volunteers for their Mid-Summer Clean Up Day on July 25, lending a hand with cleanup efforts and helping prepare the fields and facilities for the upcoming fall ball season. 4 Pictured: Bill Gray, Project Manager, Construction
Christina Simmons brings more than 20 years of accounting and administrative experience to the team. Her background includes general ledger accounting, accounts payable and receivable, payroll, account reconciliations, month-end close, financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, and audit support. Prior to joining Emory Hill, Christina served as a Staff Accountant with United Way of Delaware and previously spent more than five years as Office Manager with EF Technologies. She holds an associate degree in Paralegal and Accounting studies from PJA and is experienced with QuickBooks, Microsoft Office, and a variety of accounting and ERP systems. Known for her attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and ability to manage multiple priorities, Christina brings a well-rounded accounting background and a collaborative approach to her role at Emory Hill. Logan Fulton joined Delaware Lock in August 2026 as the Dispatch Coordinator, where he coordinates the daily schedules of the company's locksmith technician to ensure prompt, efficient service for commercial and residential clients. As the primary liaison between customers and field staff, Logan helps keep projects on track by managing service requests, coordinating technician assignments, and supporting smooth day-to-day operations. Logan brings a diverse background spanning construction operations, project coordination, and financial services. Prior to joining Delaware Lock, he worked as a Construction Coordinator with JAWS Contracting & Renovations, where he managed daily field operations, coordinated multiple crews, and worked directly with clients to keep projects on schedule. He also has previous experience in banking and lending at ServBank and Bank of America. Logan earned a Bachelor of Science in Strategic Communications and Public Relations from Wilmington University and an Associate of Applied Science in Visual Communications from Delaware Technical Community College. Logan Fulton Dispatch Coordinator Delaware Lock Christina Simmons Accounting Clerk Administrative Assistant NAI Emory HillNEW HIRESEMORY HILL WELCOMES Phil Huber Brokerage Associate NAI Emory Hill Phil joined the NAI Emory Hill commercial brokerage team in 2026, bringing extensive experience in sales, customer service, management, and relationship-building to his role. A licensed Delaware real estate salesperson, Phil previously worked in residential real estate, where he gained experience guiding clients through the sales process, conducting property showings, negotiating transactions, and developing lasting client relationships. Throughout his career, Phil has held leadership and management positions in the hospitality industry, including at several popular Delaware beach restaurants such as Rusty Rudder, Henlopen City Oyster House, Dogfish Head Brewing & Eats, and Timothy’s at the Beach. His experience managing teams, developing customer relationships, negotiating with vendors, and driving sales has helped shape the service-oriented approach he brings to commercial real estate. Phil holds a Bachelor of Science in General Studies from Wilmington University and an Associate of Applied Science in Physical Therapist Assistant from Delaware Technical Community College. He went on to work as a physical therapist assistant with Core Physical Therapy, providing patient care and working closely with patients and families. Outside of work, Phil is a dedicated advocate for the Duchenne muscular dystrophy community, inspired by his son, Cash. He is also active in local youth sports, coaching flag football, soccer, and Wings Lacrosse. Phil and his wife, Jena, have three children, Ava, Cash, and Stone, as well as three dogs, Dingo, Pepper, and Ziggy, two of whom are rescues. 302-221-7220 Licensed in Delaware philliphuber@emoryhill.com
5 Rich Dudek Senior Associate 3 Years Kyle McLaughlin Associate 2 Years Susan Ehst Administrative 10 Years10 Miranda McElroy Commercial Property Manager 5 Years Joe Fonash Commercial Property Manager 13 Years Massiel Derefaka Residential Property Manager 1 Year MAINTENANCE PROPERTY MANAGEMENT Robert Leake, III Staff Accountant 8 Years WORK ANNIVERSARIES JULY & AUGUST 2026 CONSTRUCTION BROKERAGE PERSONNEL John Frederick Locksmith Delaware Lock 4 Years5 Robert Conley Maintenance Technician 1 Year
We traded the office for a little friendly competition as the Emory Hill team gathered at the newly opened Lefty’s Alley & Eats in Newark to celebrate 45 years together. From bowling and a live game show to plenty of laughs and memorable moments, it was a fun night recognizing this milestone and the people who have been part of Emory Hill’s story along the way.
45TH ANNIVERSARY
MATTERSMARKETINSIGHTS FROM OUR TEAM
What advice would you give someone looking to invest, lease, or expand in Delaware today? Delaware offers a strategic Mid-Atlantic location with access to major highways, rail networks, ports, and a regional airport. The state also provides a variety of grants, loans, tax credits, and other incentives, with additional programs available in designated areas to encourage business investment and development. Identifying and evaluating these opportunities early in the site-selection process can provide significant financial advantages. Understanding comparable properties and market conditions is important when negotiating the best possible deal. It is also essential to evaluate the demographics of the surrounding area to ensure the location aligns with your target market and the specific needs of your business. Lorraine Sheldon Associate Broker | Commercial & Residential OPPORTUNITIES IN DELAWARE We asked members of our commercial and residential brokerage teams to share their perspectives. Kyle McLaughlin Commercial Brokerage Associate Higher interest rates and construction costs have made deals more challenging, but they are also creating opportunities for investors who can be patient and creative. I think we’ll continue to see opportunities to acquire and reposition older properties, particularly as owners reevaluate their portfolios and users look for more flexible space. What trends are creating new opportunities for property owners, investors, tenants, or developers? What advice would you give someone looking to invest, lease, or expand in Delaware today? From a residential housing perspective, my advice would be to focus less on chasing the “hottest” property and more on location, flexibility, zoning, operating fundamentals, and where Delaware is directing future growth. I'd look closely at small/midsize multifamily, mixed-use and redevelopment. Massiel Derefaka Residential Property Manager | Residential & Commercial Brokerage Associate
< Read Full Press Release Through the annual Market Facts & Trends Report, NAI Global shares timely, data‑driven insights from key markets around the world, offering a comprehensive view of current conditions, emerging trends, and opportunities shaping the commercial real estate landscape, ensuring our clients and members stay informed, agile, and ahead of the curve. View Report > 2026 MARKET FACTS & TRENDS REPORT NAI Global has welcomed NAI Spain as its newest member firm, represented by Real Estate Tasinsa, a commercial real estate consultancy with more than 40 years of experience in the Spanish market. Headquartered in Barcelona with an additional office in Madrid, the firm provides brokerage, investment advisory, project management, property management, and international consulting services across office, industrial, retail, hospitality, and logistics properties. The addition of NAI Spain further strengthens the network's ability to serve clients with commercial real estate needs throughout Europe. NAI GLOBAL WELCOMES BARCELONA FIRM TO NETWORK
Headquartered in New York City, NAI Global is the single largest, most powerful global network of owner-operated commercial real estate brokerage firms. NAI Global member firms, leaders in their local markets, are actively managed to work in unison and provide you with exceptional solutions to your commercial real estate needs. Whether you need to buy, sell, finance, or manage commercial property in your town, across the US, or in Asia, Europe, Latin America, and beyond, your nearby NAI Global local office is your point of entry into a world of creative solutions in commercial real estate.At NAI Global, our global strength is built on our local leadership. 1.1+ Billion SF of Property Managed 5,800+ Real Estate Professionals 325+ Offices Worldwide | Global Resources, Local Connection NAI GLOBAL
An Affiliatewww.delawarelock.com Website Estimating Construction Management General Contractor Design-Build Our proven strategies lead to real-time results, local & global connections and flexible solutions to each project. Tenant Representation Landlord Representation Sales Land Investments Business Brokerage Healthcare Real Estate BROKERAGE Operating & Capital Budget Preparation Tenant Relations & Retention Property Inspections & Reporting Third-Party Audit Services Asset Management Receivership/REO Proactive and Preventative Maintenance General Maintenance HVAC Solutions Grounds Maintenance Preventative Maintenance Locksmith/Security Services NAI Emory Hill is a full-service commercial real estate, construction, property management, and maintenance company serving clients across Delaware and the Mid-Atlantic region. With 45 years of experience, NAI Emory Hill brings in-depth market knowledge, regional expertise, and an integrated service approach that supports clients at every stage of the real estate cycle.NEW CASTLE OFFICE 10 Corporate Circle, Suite 100 New Castle, Delaware 19720 302.322.9500REHOBOTH BEACH OFFICE 20245 Bay Vista Road, Suite 205 Rehoboth Beach, Delaware 19971 302.827.4940 WHO WE ARE Commercial & Residential Locksmith Services in New Castle County and surrounding areas. 302-764-5950 Phone CONSTRUCTION MAINTENANCE PROPERTY MANAGEMENT NAIEMORYHILL.COM RESIDENTIAL SERVICES Property Marketing & Leasing Rent Collection & Financial Management Maintenance & Repairs Tenant Relations & Retention Legal Compliance & Evictions Property Marketing & Oversight Administrative & Technology Services