Deals

Tempe, Ariz. -- Vestar’s Tempe Marketplace open-air shopping center, located in Tempe, Ariz., was recognized by the International Council of Shopping Centers with a Silver Sustainability Award in ICSC’s annual U.S. Design and Development Awards.

Designed to recognize outstanding projects for excellence in the creation of new retail projects, and in the expansion or redevelopment of existing projects, Tempe Marketplace was chosen for its sustainability, innovative design and development of the property since its build out.

New York City -- J. Crew is seeking $1.85 billion of debt to help fund its $3 billion buyout by TPG Capital and Leonard Green & Partners LP.

Bank of America Corp. and Goldman Sachs Group are arranging a $1 billion seven-year term loan, $600 million in senior unsecured notes and a $250 million five-year asset-based revolving line of credit, according to a commitment letter attached to a regulatory filing, Bloomberg reported.

New York City -- BJ’s Wholesale Club is in the sights of private equity firm Leonard Green & Partners, which may pursue a hostile bid for the chain, according to The New York Post.

The Los Angeles-based buyout firm may make a bid if no auction occurs in coming weeks, the report said, citing an unidentified person close to the situation. BJ’s planned an auction to sell itself after an earlier bid from Leonard Green, according to the newspaper.

Philadelphia -- Center City Philadelphia-based Michael Salove Co., an X Team partner, announced the completion of two lease transactions with Popeye’s Louisiana Kitchen in the Greater Philadelphia area.

Popeye’s has signed a lease to open a 2,069-sq.-ft. freestanding unit in Wilmington, Del., and 2,152-sq.-ft. endcap at Darby Town Center in Darby, Pa.

Both are slated to open in March 2011. Once open, these units will be the 15th and 16th for the New Jersey-based franchisee.

Hudson, Ohio -- Jo-Ann Stores said Thursday it has agreed to be acquired by an affiliate of private-equity firm Leonard Green & Partners for $1.6 billion in cash.

Los Angeles-based Leonard Green’s acquisition of the U.S.’s largest fabric retailer follows its $3 billion purchase of J. Crew, announced in late November.

Going private will enable Jo-Ann Stores to renovate stores and accelerate the chain’s expansion. It currently operates 756 stores.

Salina, Kan. -- Addison, Texas-based Coyote Management, L.P. and Garrison Investment Group said they have acquired, through their affiliates, Central Mall, in Salina, Kan.

The 486,444-sq.-ft. enclosed regional mall is anchored by Dillard’s, J.C. Penney and Sears, and also features a 10-screen Showplex Cinemas and key major tenants Jo-Ann Fabrics and Old Navy.

The newly acquired property augments the existing 2.8 million sq. ft. currently owned by Coyote Management.

Philadelphia -- Bryn Mawr, Pa.-based WP Realty said it has acquired Mayfair Shopping Center, located in Philadelphia.

Mayfair is a single-story, 115,411-sq.-ft. community shopping center comprised of four buildings, including one bank pad (Wachovia). The center is anchored by national and regional retailers including Shop ‘n Bag, Dollar Tree and Fashion Bug.

Mayfair Shopping Center is currently 86% occupied with 16,339 sq. ft. of available retail space.

Niles, Ill. -- Tuesday Morning has signed a lease for 20,000 sq. ft. at Village Crossing in Niles, Ill., a North Shore suburb of Chicago.

According to Oakbrook Terrace-based Mid-America Asset Management, the exclusive leasing representative for the center, Tuesday Morning plans to open in January 2011 as a new anchor, joining Dick’s Sporting Goods, Jewel/Osco and Pier 1 Imports.