ON THE REBOUND

We told you Friday about our Bisnow Bracket  for  March Madness. The Dance has an interesting local real estate connection now that the University of North Texas (go north on I-35, you can’t miss it) earned a bid. Above, we joined in the Mean Green’s NCAA selection show watching party at The Pourhouse in Denton. UNT will play Kansas State in Oklahoma City on Thursday. You can compete against all Bisnow readers at ESPN.com. Create a free account and sign up for the Bisnow on Business group. (The password is Bisnow.) You don’t have to pick UNT, but why wouldn’t you?

We caught up with Howe-based Mangrum Commercial Real Estate owners David and Robbie Mangrum at the watch party. Their son Collin (whom our season-ticket-holding-DFW reporter photographed below) plays for UNT. Teamwork is something they know a little something about. For 25 years, the couple has worked the North Texas area primarily representing tenants and landlords. “We began our company in the late 80s when RTC-owned properties flushed through the system, so we are experienced in a downturned market,” Robbie tells us.

Just like the Mean Green, the Mangrums have worked hard to stay competitive. One of the new plays they’ve drawn up is working with owners to retro-fit properties and spaces; the game plan is to redevelop and reutilize current assets, she adds. They’re currently working on several land sales with a grocery store chain. “The extreme North Texas sub-market has obviously been hit harder, but seems to be rebounding,” Robbie adds. “Fortunately, we’re close enough to the Metroplex to continue to see activity.” Collin will see some action this Thursday; he’s the first player in UNT history to play in multiple NCAA Tournaments.