A little less than five years ago, we devoted our May cover story to analyzing how the General Growth Properties becoming the same size as Simon Property Group would affect the retail real estate landscape. General Growth's acquisitions left the mall world with two titans poised to call the shots. Our cover image was meant to convey the battle we thought would take place over the spoils in the industry.
Now, five years later, the two firms are battling. But what's at stake is General Growth itself. The image, perhaps, is even more fitting for the battle today than it was at the time we designed it.
If you're curious to see what industry leaders--including Simon and General Growth execs--had to say back in 2005 about the two firms' place at the top of the heap, check the story below. It's also worth revisiting the snippets of the firms that were vying for the no. 3 position in the mall world. Most of those players are still around--with the notable exception of Mills Corp., which has since been absorbed by Simon as well.
Meanwhile, we've created a special page to house all of our coverage of the fate of General Growth. Check there for other archival pieces and ongoing developments.