Upstate Warrior Solution assumes ownership of 770 Pelham Road after one year of operations

Upstate Warrior Solution (UWS), a local nonprofit that serves veterans, first responders, and their families, has acquired 770 Pelham Road. Grayson Burgess, SIOR, CCIM, represented UWS in this venture.

“It’s been a tremendous honor to work with Upstate Warrior Solution,” Burgess said. “As a veteran myself, it’s very rewarding to help them put their mission to practice because I know how important and potentially life-saving their work is.” Burgess served in the US Marines from 2007 to 2011, serving two tours in Afghanistan and one on the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit in the Pacific and Horn of Africa.

UWS engaged Burgess in 2021 to help them find space to bring their unique vision to life: A one-stop center where veterans, first responders, and their families can connect to crucial services like workforce development, housing, physical and mental health, and legal support. Burgess was charged with finding a premium quality, professional, and engaging setting that would allow visitors to feel welcome and comfortable when meeting with service providers and business professionals.

After multiple tours and a potential deal that fell through, Burgess used his market connections to discover an off-market opportunity. A former large bank headquarter space was about to become available, and while it needed significant repairs and capital improvements, Burgess was able to secure the space and negotiate a favorable lease for UWS, setting them up for their goal of eventually owning the building. He also negotiated several complex subleases with community partners on behalf of UWS, taking the building to 100% occupancy and creating stable cash flow for UWS. In early 2024 the building’s REIT ownership resolved outstanding issues, allowing UWS to begin the acquisition process.

“This was a key assignment with a lot on the line. We were very deliberate in our search to ensure we found space that would show veterans and first responders they are deeply respected and honored for their service and are worthy of the services UWS offers. It was also important that I put UWS in the most favorable financial position possible to ensure the stability they’d need to focus on their outreach for years to come. I’m looking forward to watching them continue to serve such a well-deserving community.”

770 Pelham Road, known as the Rupert Huse Veteran Center, totals 33,678 square feet across two stories. In addition to Upstate Warrior Solution, the center is home to several community partners, including Veterans United Home Loans, Prisma Health, Alston Wilkes Society, Whalen Montalvo Attorneys at Law, and many others.

“The Rupert Huse Veteran Center has only been operational for a year, but we’ve seen a significant increase in the number of warriors and families coming through our doors for resources,” said Charlie Hall, President of UWS. “It’s gratifying to see the vision for the center come to life, especially in the synergy of referrals happening among the partners. The decision to assume ownership of the building was made with deliberation and concern for the long-term sustainability of our work. We’re grateful for the expertise Grayson brings to his role as broker and look forward to our continued partnership.”