How a growing Orlando law firm transitioned from tenant to owner with sub-$30 PSF occupancy costs, future rental income potential, and a synergistic real estate strategy built for long-term growth
In commercial real estate, the most meaningful transactions are not just about square footage or location. They are about alignment between growth, financial strategy, and long-term vision. That is why I have always loved what I call synergistic deals, which are transactions where the business, the building, and the timing come together to create lasting value.
I recently had the opportunity to represent O’Mara Law Group in their acquisition of a premier office property in Downtown Orlando’s CBD, located at 220 Rosalind Avenue inside The Vue. This exceptional 12,657 square foot commercial office space sits directly across from Lake Eola and offers a rare two-story presence with street-level visibility in one of Orlando’s most recognizable locations.
For firms evaluating owner-user office space in Orlando, this deal represents a case study in how strategic ownership can transform occupancy costs while supporting long-term growth.
A Relationship Years in the Making
My relationship with Mark O’Mara began years ago through our shared involvement in the local community. About a year and a half before their acquisition, I reconnected with Mark and managing attorney Brittany Staggs at a time when the firm was beginning to think about its next phase of expansion.
At the time, O’Mara Law Group operated in the 32804 Lake Ivanhoe area. They loved being within the urban core and wanted to remain connected to the energy and accessibility that defines Downtown Orlando. Their search parameters focused on:
• 32801 Downtown Orlando
• 32803 Mills 50 and surrounding neighborhoods
• Winter Park’s professional office corridors
More importantly, they needed to roughly double their footprint, targeting more than 10,000 square feet to support a growing team and expanding client base.
Their consistent, high-level service for their clientele has continued to drive growth, and their real estate needed to evolve alongside that momentum.
At its core, this was not simply a search for more space. It was a strategic shift from leasing into ownership while maintaining financial discipline and positioning the firm for long-term success.
The Transition from Leasing to Ownership
One of the most significant inflection points for professional service firms is the shift from leasing to owning. Ownership introduces a different mindset. It becomes less about short-term rent and more about long-term financial positioning, brand presence, and control over the workspace.
For O’Mara Law Group, the challenge was not simply finding a larger office. It was identifying a property that aligned with their growth trajectory while preserving flexibility and protecting their bottom line.
The Vue presented a rare opportunity:
• Two-story office layout with premium finishes
• Immediate proximity to Lake Eola and the Downtown Orlando business district
• Strong walkability and street-level presence
• Existing infrastructure capable of supporting a larger legal team
From a strategic standpoint, the property allowed them to secure a premier location while transitioning into ownership in a way that supports scalability for years to come.
Sub-$30 PSF Occupancy Cost: When the Numbers Support the Vision
From an advisory standpoint, our objective was clear: identify a property where the numbers worked as hard as the location did.
One of the most powerful outcomes of this acquisition is the financial structure behind it. At the purchase price achieved and the interest rate secured, the firm’s effective occupancy cost lands below $30 per square foot.
In a downtown environment where many Class A lease rates exceed that threshold before operating expenses, this creates a meaningful long-term advantage. Lower occupancy costs provide flexibility and allow a growing firm to reinvest capital into talent, technology, and client experience rather than absorbing escalating rent.
Additionally, the property includes a small retail component that presents an opportunity for supplemental rental income. That income stream has the potential to further offset ownership costs while contributing to long-term wealth creation, reinforcing the strategic nature of the acquisition.
This is a perfect example of how owner-user transactions can evolve beyond occupancy decisions and become part of a broader investment strategy.
Growth Already Underway
Since closing on the property in November, O’Mara Law Group has already increased their headcount, validating the importance of planning ahead rather than reacting to space constraints.
Ownership allows them to tailor the environment to their workflow, culture, and client experience in ways that leasing rarely permits. Instead of adapting to a landlord’s vision, they now control the trajectory of their space.
Their growth since closing speaks volumes, but hearing directly from Mark reinforces why this transition mattered:
I needed someone who could simplify a complex process and guide us strategically without adding more to my plate, and working with Amy felt natural because I had known her reputation in the community for years. She made the acquisition seamless and provided sage counsel throughout, allowing us to focus on serving our clients while knowing the real estate side was handled with care and expertise.
The Power of Synergistic Deals
I often talk about synergy in commercial real estate because the best transactions happen when multiple objectives align:
• Operational needs
• Financial strategy
• Branding and visibility
• Long-term wealth creation
This deal checked every box.
The location strengthens the firm’s presence within the Downtown Orlando legal and professional services community. The financial structure supports sustainable growth. And the potential rental income introduces an additional layer of strategic flexibility.
For me, these are the deals that matter most. They are not just transactions; they are milestones in a company’s evolution.
A Case Study in Orlando CBD Owner-User Strategy
As more professional service firms evaluate their real estate strategy in Orlando’s urban core, this acquisition highlights several important takeaways:
- Ownership can create predictable, controlled occupancy costs even in high-profile locations.
- Mixed-use or partially leasable spaces can introduce revenue opportunities that leasing cannot provide.
- Early planning allows businesses to secure properties that support growth rather than scrambling to catch up later.
Downtown Orlando continues to offer unique opportunities for owner-users who understand how to align real estate with long-term business strategy.
Grateful for the Trust
It was an honor to guide Mark O’Mara and Brittany Staggs through this transition from leasing to ownership. Their commitment to excellence and their vision for the future made this an incredibly rewarding collaboration.
Transactions like this reinforce why I remain passionate about occupier representation and helping businesses build both operational efficiency and generational wealth through smart real estate decisions.
