REAL ESTATE

Columbus, Ohio -- Casto said Wednesday that Larry Schwenker has joined the firm as VP property management.

Schwenker’s primary focus will be on the organization’s Midwest and Alabama commercial portfolio, which totals approximately 15 million sq. ft.

Schwenker was most recently a principal at Bryant Management Services, based in Atlanta.
 

New York City -- Robert K. Futterman & Associates said Tuesday it has secured the first U.S. location for upscale designer footwear brand Nicholas Kirkwood at 807 Washington St. in Manhattan’s Meatpacking District.

Located between Gansevoort and Horatio Streets, the 1,572-sq.-ft. ground-floor boutique is scheduled to open in the winter of 2012.

Dickson City, Pa. -- Conshohocken, Pa.-based Metro Commercial announced Tuesday that it has brokered a 52,450-sq.-ft. lease for Hobby Lobby Stores at Kohl’s Plaza in Dickson City (Lackawanna County), Pa., about eight miles northeast of Scranton.

Construction on the space is currently underway and the new location is expected to open in February 2012.

The new location is Hobby Lobby’s fifth in Pennsylvania.
 

Richardson, Texas -- Restaurant chain Wingstop said it has executed development agreements with franchise operators to open 15 new Wingstops in the Atlanta market.

Three development agreements, including an 11-store deal with Tomahawk Brands LLC, will allow the Texas restaurant chain to expand its Atlanta presence from two locations to 17. The first unit under the new agreements is slated to open in early 2012.

Redwood City, Calif. -- Jacksonville, Fla.-based Regency Centers said it has leased retail space to Pier 1 Imports at Sequoia Station, located in Redwood, Calif., bringing the shopping center to 100% leased.

Pier 1 leased 11,898 sq. Ft. and is slated to open in February 2012.

The 102,848-sq.-ft. shopping center is anchored by Safeway alongside national retailers such as Old Navy, CVS/pharmacy, Barnes & Noble Booksellers and Johnny Rockets.
 

New York City -- Centro Properties Group US announced that three Big Lots have joined its portfolio, encompassing 92,006 sq. ft. and bringing Big Lots’ total store count with Centro to 49 locations.

A 30,000-sq.-ft. Big Lots opened at Arapahoe Crossings, in Aurora, Colo.; a 28,000-sq.-ft. store opened at Lagniappe Village, in New Iberia, La.; and a 34,006-sq.-ft. lease has been executed with Big Lots at Panama City Square, located in Panama City, Fla.
 

Mexico City -- Chicago- and Atlanta-based Jones Lang LaSalle announced a major expansion of the firm’s full-service operations in Mexico with the addition of retail services.

The firm said it has hired Luis Llaca to focus on a wide range of retail services across Mexico, reporting to Pedro Azcue, CEO of Jones Lang LaSalle Mexico.

Luis was previously VP of retail operations in Mexico for CB Richard Ellis.    
 

Los Angeles -- A report released Tuesday by commercial real estate firm C.B. Richard Ellis said that 59% of U.S. retailers plan to open more stores due to the attractive rental rates available in the current market environment.