Deals

Phoenix -- Cole Real Estate Investments announced the formation of a joint venture with RED Development to focus on future acquisition opportunities, recapitalizations and note purchases in the retail real estate sector. 

Fort Lauderdale, Fla. -- Columbia, S.C.-based Edens & Avant said it has purchased Union Planters Plaza, a 155,000-sq.-ft., Whole Foods-anchored retail center in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. 

Located in one of Broward County’s most active regional corridors, Union Planters Plaza was originally built in 1989 and expanded in 2000 and sits on a total of 14.6 acres. Union Planters Plaza is the 25th retail center owned by Edens & Avant in the Florida market, including 12 centers in South Florida. 

Madison, Wis. -- Lee & Associates’ Madison office said it has completed $2.8 million of leases at The Shoppes at Hartford; a 24,000-sq.-ft. retail center in Hartford, Wis. 

Located next to a new Wal-Mart Super Center, Lee Madison had the center 75% pre-leased before construction commenced and 100% leased before construction was finalized. Construction commenced April 1, and all tenants are expected to open before Christmas 2011.

Vista, Calif. -- Jacksonville, Fla.-based Regency Centers said it has leased retail space in Vista, Calif., at Vista Village to Five Guys Burgers and Fries. 

The restaurant leased 2,611 sq. ft. of retail space at the 232,543-sq. ft. Vista Village, which is anchored by Krikorian Premiere Theatre and Frazier Farms.

Arlington, Texas -- Jacksonville, Fla.-based Regency Centers said it has leased 3,588 sq. ft. of retail space in Arlington, Texas, at Cooper Street Plaza to Mattress Firm.  

The store is slated to open for business in October 2011. 

The 235,196-sq-ft. shopping center is anchored by a 137,840-sq.-ft. Home Depot alongside national retailers such as OfficeMax, T.G.I. Friday’s and State Farm Insurance. 

Dallas -- SRS Real Estate Partners announced the hiring of Brandon L. Singer as a first VP in the New York office.

Singer will join SRS’ newly formed SRS Urban team, which consists of seasoned retail specialists focused on major urban retail markets in the United States. In the Metro New York market, he will help lead the SRS Urban push into landlord services and investment sales.

Singer was most recently a senior director at Robert K. Futterman and Associates. 

Berlin, N.J. — The 134-store arts and crafts chain A.C. Moore said Tuesday it has agreed to be acquired by an affiliate of arts and crafts distributor Sbar’s Inc. for about $40.8 million.

Last January, the company said it had formed a committee to review strategic alternatives, including a potential sale.

New York City -- O'Connor/Wafra Retail Partners, a fund sponsored by O'Connor Capital Partners and Wafra Investment Advisory Group, said it has acquired a 278,209-sq.ft., open-air center, Baybrook Village, in Houston.

Baybrook Village is anchored by Sports Authority, Ross and Toys ‘R’ Us, and also features PetSmart, Ulta, Jos. A. Bank and Jo-Ann Fabric & Crafts.