Simon Property Group Inc. started construction on Phoenix Premium Outlets, an outlet center in Chandler, Ariz. Phase I of the project will contain 360,000 sq. ft. and will house approximately 90 stores. Simon plans to open the center in the spring of 2013.
Phoenix Premium Outlets will be located adjacent to the Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino in the Wild Horse Pass Development.
“Phoenix Premium Outlets will bring together an outstanding collection of many of the finest brands, offering value, quality and selection all in one convenient location,” said John R. Klein, president of Simon’s Premium Outlets division, in a statement. “The center, combined with the already impressive array of businesses at Wild Horse Pass, including a world class resort, spa, golf and hotel and casino, offers a complete destination. We are also pleased to begin a new project that is creating hundreds of new jobs and significant economic development for the area.”
Jones Lang LaSalle Retail to Manage The Village of Cross Keys
Ashkenazy Acquisition Corp. appointed Jones Lang LaSalle Retail as property manager for The Village of Cross Keys, a mixed-use open-air center in downtown Baltimore. The center contains 179,000 sq. ft. of office space and 81,000 sq. ft. of retail, including Chico’s, Williams-Sonoma and Talbots.
WS Development Begins Phase II of the Chestnut Hill Project in Massachusetts
WS Development started Phase II of the redevelopment of Chestnut Hill Shopping Center in Chestnut Hill, Mass. The project will involve the demolition of a 120,000-sq.-ft. former Macy’s building and the construction of a new 115,000-sq.-ft. building that will house a 31,000-sq.-ft. Sports Club/LA health and fitness complex, a 40,000-sq.-ft. restaurant facility and a National Amusements Inc. cinema complex.
Daniel MacEachron Assumes COO Post at Rockefeller Group Development Corp.
The Rockefeller Group hired Daniel MacEachron as COO of its development subsidiary, Rockefeller Group Development Corp. MacEachron will be based in the firm’s New York office and will be responsible for New York-area development projects and leasing, and the national activities of the firm’s asset services and design and construction groups.
Prior to joining Rockefeller, he spent 20 years at Hines, where he was responsible for establishing the firm’s first office in India and getting its first two projects there under construction, among other things.
“We are very pleased to bring an executive with Dan’s perspective and proven track-record in development to our firm,” said The Rockefeller Group President and CEO Kevin R. Hackett in a statement. “He will further enhance our well-established leadership team and support our strategic initiatives in New York and nationally.”
Ross Dress for Less Signs Lease at Pennsylvania Property
Ross Dress for Less signed a lease with the Cafaro Co. for a 25,000-sq.-ft. space at Millcreek Pavilion in Millcreek, Pa. The retailer plans to open its new location in the fall of 2012.
Blink Fitness to Open its First Gym in Queens
Blink Fitness signed a lease with Sol Goldman Investments LLC for a 19,200-sq.-ft. space at 163-02 Jamaica Ave. in Queens, N.Y. The gym plans to open its new location in the fall.
Barry Fishbach and David Rosenberg, of RKF, represented the landlord in the transaction along with Brett Weinblatt, the estate’s manager of commercial leasing. Peter Levine, of Charter Realty & Development, represented the tenant.
Other Notable News
Ross Stores Inc. signed a lease with Direct Development for a 28,000-sq.-ft. store at Market Heights in Harker Heights, Texas.
KBS Capital Markets Group appointed Patrick Hynes as Mid-Atlantic regional vice president. In his new position, Hynes will be responsible for developing and managing broker/dealer and registered investment advisor relationships on behalf of the firm in the Carolinas and western Virginia. Prior to joining KBS, he worked as regional vice president with Sun Life Financial Distributors.
Marcus & Millichap Real Estate Investment Services appointed Barry M. Wolfe as senior director of the firm’s national retail group. Wolfe has been with the firm since April 2001. In the course of his career he closed transactions valued at almost $500 million.