Development/Redevelopment

Just a few weeks after reporting sales growth of 3.2% for 2015, Stein Mart is embarking on the first phase of its 2016 store expansion plan.

The Florida-based retailer plans to open 12 new stores this year, with five of those stores scheduled to open this spring.

Dublin, Ohio -- Crawford Hoying announced that they have completed two leases totaling 18,900 sq. ft. of retail space in its Bridge Park development for The RAM Restaurant & Brewery (The RAM) and Mesh Fitness.

Slidell, La. -- Stirling Properties and CBL & Associates Properties announced new tenants and updates to Phase II of Fremaux Town Center in Slidell, Louisiana.

Newly signed tenants include: Books-A-Million, moving from its current location at Northshore Square Mall, will occupy 7,500 sq. ft. and is expected to open on March 3; Five Below will occupy a 8,024 sq. ft. space and is expected to open April 6; Allure Nail Spa, and LensCrafters are opening spring of 2016.

A brand best known for its whimsical neckties and smiling pink whale logo is opening a flagship in the Big Apple.

Vineyard Vines will open a 6,000-sq.-st. store in Grand Central Station. The company is also slated to open stores at Somerset Collection, Troy, Michigan, in early May, at Hyde Park in Tampa, Florida, in August, and at Stanford Town Center in mid-March and The Village of Corte Madera in mid-June (with the latter two locations in California).

South Korean electronics giant Samsung on Monday opened what it calls a “consumer technology playground” in the trendy Meatpacking District of Manhattan.

Named for its address, 837 Washington Street, the 55,000-sq.-ft. Samsung 837 is packed with eye-popping features, from a three-story array of televisions made up of 96 Samsung 55-inch TVs to a truly futuristic, fully-immersive virtual reality experience. There is also a café, art gallery and theater.

Photo: Matthew Tice (left) and Mark Cosenza (right)

To further differentiate commercial space the trend among architects, restaurateurs, retailers, and developers has been towards sign packages that seamlessly marry the building facade and family of signs.

Denver -- OliverMcMillan in partnership with Invesco Real Estate has purchased the retail portion of Clayton Lane, a mixed-use center located in Denver. The retail project consists of more than 182,000 sq. ft. of retail in six buildings with underground parking.

The property sits in the heart of Denver’s Cherry Creek North and is anchored by Crate & Barrel and Whole Foods Market. Feature retailers include Orvis, HW Home, North, White House | Black Market, Bose and more.

The commercial real estate community is somewhat of a paradox. For an industry that is literally built on the premise of creating new and exciting destinations, there is a tendency to do things the way they have always been done.

National Harbor, Md. -- JLL announced that it has been retained by MGM Resorts International to lease the luxury retail promenade in its newest development, MGM National Harbor located in Prince George’s County, Maryland. MGM National Harbor will encompass 308 hotel rooms, a 125,000-sq.-ft. casino, 12 world-class food and beverage venues, a 27,000-sq.-ft. spa, a 3,000-seat theater and 18,000 sq. ft. of high-end luxury retail space expected to open in fourth quarter 2016.