Mariner Real Estate Management Revives Willits Town Center Development

LEAWOOD, Kan., May 13, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Mariner Real Estate Management (MREM), an investment affiliate of Montage Investments, today announced its purchase of the Willits Town Center development in Basalt, Colo., with the intent to complete the development project that has been stalled since 2008.  

Willits Town Center is a multi-use community near Aspen and Snowmass. The original purpose of the community was to combine the town's natural beauty and green space with the area's lively, dynamic and diverse marketplace. MREM intends to resume construction soon, picking up where the project left off three years ago.

"Through our extensive research into the Willits development and the surrounding communities, we are confident that we will be able to complete this vibrant retail, residential and office center," said Ryan Anderson, co-president of MREM. "On one hand, the project represents a solid investment opportunity for our shareholders," he continued. "At the same time, it's a real boon for the community. We are carrying forward the original goal of creating a sustainable, mixed-use community in the Roaring Fork Valley."

The completed Willits Town Center will include a town square, parks, retail, office space, residential lofts and recreation facilities in a setting that is reminiscent of the old west. MREM will be working to bring retailers, businesses and residents to the area. MREM also intends to reengage Whole Foods Market as an anchor partner for the Center.

MREM is a real estate investment management firm owned by Montage Investments, which is an affiliate of Mariner Wealth Advisors – an independent wealth management firm that ranks second nationally, according to Barron's Magazine. Montage is known for bringing together diverse investment managers across a range of assets – including real estate, as managed by MREM.

According to Gary Henson, chief investment officer of Montage Investments, "It's rewarding and exciting to come across opportunities such as Willits Town Center where we can work to create a better community for a fellow Midwestern town."

About Mariner Real Estate Management

Mariner Real Estate Management (MREM) is a real estate investment management firm, currently managing and investing in real estate, real estate-related assets and real estate-focused companies located throughout the United States. MREM seeks to add value to client portfolios by applying its knowledge of the long-term cycles and macro-economic trends that shape the real estate market and create price-to-value dislocations.  Visit www.mariner-re.com.

About Montage Investments

Montage Investments brings together a unique group of institutional investment managers – each offering a distinct approach to money management that reflects many decades of professional experience and proprietary investment strategies across global asset classes. Currently managing over $9 billion for institutions and high-net worth clients, the firm's organizational approach is to allow individual investment managers to retain boutique processes, talent and culture that have proven records of adding value to portfolios and meeting client objectives. Visit www.montageinvestments.com.

About Mariner Wealth Advisors

Mariner Wealth Advisors is an independent, national wealth advisory firm headquartered in Leawood, Kansas and has earned a reputation for providing unbiased financial advice that is based purely on the needs and interests of their clients.

Mariner's performance has resulted in steady growth and a national reputation as one of the top financial advisors in the industry. In 2010, Mariner was ranked the #2 independent advisor in the U.S., according to Barron's Magazine. And in February 2011, Barron's also named Mariner the best financial advisor in the state Kansas for the third consecutive year.

Mariner's expert teams help clients achieve and maintain financial peace of mind -- preserving the wealth they have created and building a legacy for future generations of family and business leaders. The firm's services include:

• Wealth Transfer
• Risk Management
• Philanthropy
• Investment Advisory Services
• Executive Compensation Planning
• Business Succession Consulting
• Family Office Services

Visit www.marinerwealthadvisors.com.

SOURCE Mariner Real Estate Management