The new Platinum Center is reinvigorating a community and an industry

By Patricia Nugent

With more than 30 years and over a billion dollars in real estate sales under their belts, you’d think Mark and Denise Zervos would be content with keeping things status quo. Not a chance.

This month, the owners of Platinum Real Estate are opening the doors to their fabulous new national headquarters at The Platinum Center (the former Polo Building).

A Little Bit of Back Story
Built in 1988, the Polo Building had fallen into disrepair over the past decade. Mark, Denise, and their partner Steve Sears knew they needed to expand their footprint to keep up with their ever-growing business.

They signed the papers in January of 2020 and began the extensive process of renovating the building in the summer.

“It means the world to us to bring a Mentor landmark back to life,” says Denise. “Supporting and celebrating all things local has always been our mission. We are proud to be firmly rooted in the communities we serve.”

The partners invested about $3 million in the purchase and renovation of the 18,000-square-foot, three-story building. And it shows.

“We replaced most of the mechanicals, including adding a new HVAC system, and took the exterior from a dingy gray to black,” she says. “We also built a covered, two-story entranceway, so people could be protected from the elements.”

Pretty much the only thing saved from the old building are the windows.

“Renovating and breathing new life into this building feels like a much-needed rebirth for the community,” says Denise, who grew up in Mentor.

Located on Center Street between Route 2 and I-90, the building is in the hub of Lake County, near countless restaurants and shopping.

Though the first floor isn’t rented yet, Mark and Denise have a feeling it will become an upscale restaurant, spa or plastic surgeon’s space.

“With all this space and an open environment, we’re looking to add real estate agents,” says Denise. “We’ve already hired some new ones. There was a time when real estate agents preferred working out of their homes, but lately that trend seems to be shifting. Our talented group is synergistic. We get energy from each other. And clients ultimately benefit from our comprehensive approach.”

Joining Platinum Real Estate on the building’s second floor will be a handful of complementary businesses—such as Platinum Insurance, concierge lenders Bob Szalay and Jeff Richard, both Branch Managers at Paramount Residential Mortgage Group, and a title company—for a one-stop shop.

Every inch of the building is flexible, functional and high-tech. Most of the meeting rooms are encased in movable glass walls and lounges, and common seating areas feature large wall-mounted screens for people to have to the ability to sit with clients and run through a presentation.

Dialing up a Dazzling Decor
With sleek crystal chandeliers, cushy velvet seating and luxurious amenities, the atmosphere at The Platinum Center is decidedly posh.

Michael Fant of the AoDK lent a hand with the architectural design vision and Jim Hounshell of Evolution Construction brought the plans to life. But the décor is all Denise, who confesses to spending many an evening on interior design websites, reviewing material presentations with Mark and Steve, and shopping.

Tall, exposed black ceilings create a nice industrial contrast to the glamorous furnishings. And panoramic windows offer views of bustling Center Street to the east, and a sprawling baseball field to the west.

The chandelier in the entranceway is a marvel of modern art. Hundreds of crystal droplets are suspended individually on filament threads twenty feet from the two-story ceiling, creating different celestial shapes.

Of course, there are a few signature lions throughout in honor of the Platinum mascot, from stone beasts guarding the front entrance to an impressive three-dimensional lion’s head peeking out over the reception area.

“This is an expansion in every sense of the word,” says Mark. “We will be keeping our former headquarters in the heart of downtown Willoughby open.”

Look at the company’s website for announcement of the official ribbon-cutting ceremony for The Platinum Center to come later this spring or summer.

Platinum Real Estate has 16 offices in Northeast Ohio and Columbus and 12 in Florida. To get more information, call 216-990-2100 or 440-974-SALE and visit ContactPlatinum.com.