Development/Redevelopment

Brooklyn, N.Y. -- One of the largest commercial solar rooftop installations in the five boroughs has gone live. Ikea announced that the solar energy system on its store in Brooklyn, N.Y., now is commissioned, operational and certified by Con Edison and New York City. The 200 kW array occupies 19,000 sq. ft., with four different module types totaling 1,104 panels.

New York City -- Darden Restaurants plans to roughly double the size of LongHorn Steakhouse during the next 10 years. 

Speaking at Barclay’s Retail & Restaurants Conference in New York City, Darden president and COO Drew Madsen said LongHorn Steakhouse, Olive Garden and Seasons 52 would help drive the company’s growth going forward. Darden want to expand LongHorn Steakhouse, which currently has some 345 locations, to 600 to 800 units over the next decade.

New York City -- Big Lots, which plans to open 90 stores this year, has made two key merchandising moves to facilitate its planned growth.

The retailer has hired former Sears merchandising executive Doug Wurl to serve as its executive VP merchandising. He assumes responsibilities previously held by John Martin, who was named executive VP administration. In his new role, Martin will have responsibility for store operations and human resources.

New York City -- Wal-Mart Stores is making progress bringing items and shoppers back to its U.S. stores, president and CEO Mike Duke said Tuesday at the Barclays Capital analyst conference in New York City. 

Duke noted that improving the chain’s U.S. same-store sales remains its top priority. He said the chain is on its way to having the right assortment.

By Jason Pierson

New York City -- Ikea announced that its 415,000-sq.-ft. store in Centennial, Col., will open on July 27.

“The excellent construction progress made this past fall and winter by Saunders Construction and the subcontractors -- as well as professional and timely reviews by local authorities -- created an opportunity for us to open much earlier than originally envisioned,” said Ikea project construction manager Doug Wolfe.

Cincinnati -- Macy’s on Monday said it will open three Bloomingdale’s Outlet stores in the fall. The new locations will join the first four Bloomingdale’s Outlet stores opened in fall 2010 when the concept was launched.

The new Bloomingdale’s Outlet stores, which will range from 25,000 sq. ft. to 24,000 sq. ft. are scheduled to open in the following shopping centers with an upscale outlet store focus: Miromar Outlets, Estero, Fla.; Wrentham Village Premium Outlets, Wrentham, Mass.; and Woodfield Village Green, Schaumburg, Ill.

Mooresville, N.C. -- Lowe’s will rebuild its store in Sanford, N.C., that was demolished by a tornado April 16, the company announced Thursday.

Lowe’s will tear down what is left of the remaining building, which has been condemned, and build a new facility on the site, said company spokeswoman Karen Cobb. The chain hopes to re-open the store this fall.