Occupying 14.5 acres are 600 NW 158th Ave., near Willow CreekNature Park, the 279-unit Waterhouse Place Apartments opened in1989. Guardian's upgrade plan for the units includes new carpetsand floors, new countertops and cabinet faces, updated hardware andfresh paint. Its upgrade plan for the exterior includeslandscaping, a resurfaced spa, new patio doors and parking andclubhouse upgrades.

Guardian owns and manages more than 130 apartment properties inseven states. In July, the company expanded into commercialbrokerage in a big way by acquiring the franchise rights for theSperry Van Ness brand in Southern California, Arizona and Oregon.The deal includes eight previously corporate-run offices.

Guardian owner Tom Brenneke told GlobeSt.com the acquisition ispart of his plan to diversify the company's operations. He declinedto disclose the terms of the transaction, which includes sevenoffices in SoCal and one in Phoenix that are operating with 190brokers.