Features

Brokers and developers say the region, where retail is outperforming expectations, offers a warm embrace and opportunity for residents and retailers alike. Skies aren’t the only thing that are sunny in North Florida as the region’s retail market is exceeding expectations and defying macroeconomic headwinds. Michael McNaughton, chief operating officer at Sleiman — a shopping center owner and developer based in Jacksonville — says that the region’s outlook is “extremely bright” heading into the new year. Though not without their challenges, recent months have seen strong property-level performance of retail …

On the banks of the Tennessee River, Urban Story Ventures is planning a 120-acre mixed-use, $4 billion development called The Bend that promises to enliven downtown Chattanooga — a city that already has a vibrant arts and entertainment scene.  Urban Story purchased the land for the project in 2018. The site originally housed iron and steel mills, and most recently served as a manufacturing campus for Alstom Power, which closed in 2016. The site was remediated in later years. Since acquiring the property, Urban Story has rezoned the property and …

Philadelphia is known for many things, from being the City of Brotherly Love to a city rich in history, art, culture and food. As a result, the region is desirable for many residents and visitors and has been recognized in real estate circles for its housing and retail development opportunities.  Throughout the pandemic, greater Philadelphia has lent itself to commuters, residents, tourists and hybrid employers by providing convenient access to other East Coast cities, vast amenities and outdoor recreation spaces, as well as unique dining, entertainment and shopping experiences.  Recognizing …

This summer, Canadian women’s fashion retailer Aritzia signed a lease for 46,000 square feet at 555 N. Michigan Ave. for its fourth Chicago-area location. At the time of the lease signing, the deal represented the largest completed transaction on the Magnificent Mile in nearly a decade and the first flagship deal since 2019, according to CBRE.  Athletic footwear and apparel retailer HOKA opened its first Chicago pop-up store earlier this year in new ground-floor retail space at 444 N. Michigan Ave., an office building rising 36 stories. HOKA opened its …

It’s a challenging world right now. Inflation, rising interest rates, persistent supply chain lags and labor shortages are affecting the retail and industry. That’s to say nothing of the always changing retail environment.  But there are also got consumers who are ready to put COVID behind them. Who are looking for a reason to venture out, be entertained and spend some money (though maybe not as much money, thanks to inflation). You also have shopping center owners who are quite eager to give these consumers what they want.  While architects …