Development/Redevelopment

Nintendo World in Rockefeller Plaza in New York City is getting a big upgrade.

The two-level store, which opened in 2005, will temporarily close on Jan. 10, and then reopen on Feb. 19, with a new look and a new feel. The overhaul will include an updated interior design, new demo units for Wii U and Nintendo 3DS, a 15-ft. gaming screen and more fun elements.

In addition, a large bronze coin installed at the store entrance will display the store’s tagline: “Where everyone comes to play.”

Philadelphia -- PREIT announced that Ron Rubin will step down as the company's executive chairman, a role he's held since 2012, effective June 7, 2016. Rubin will continue in his role as chairman of the board.

Los Angeles -- CBRE Group announced that Andrew Turf, a high street luxury retail real estate expert, will join the company’s Retail Services team as senior VP. Turf will also act as tenant representative on the West Coast and beyond and collaborate with capital markets teams on a variety of real estate projects.

Westfield Corporation established Westfield Labs in 2013 with the purpose of innovating the retail environment. And this year the company did just that with the opening of BESPOKE at Westfield San Francisco Centre. The 37,000-sq.-ft. space incorporates co-working, event and technology demo spaces all under one dome. With an eye for retail, and a heart for tech, Westfield wanted to create a place where fashion runway shows and hackathons could happen side by side.

At some of the most innovative commercial landscapes around the country, new technologies are becoming an important piece of the visual and experiential fabric. From signage to celebrations, technology is an integral part of many retail and mixed-use centers.

At a time when many retailers are cutting back on store expansion, Soft Surroundings is doing just the opposite, growing its retail footprint with a prototype that brings its brand experience to life. The women’s lifestyle brand, founded in 1998 as a catalog retailer, opened its first store in 2005. But it’s only been in the past couple of years that Soft Surroundings, which also has a thriving online business, has made a big push into brick-and-mortar. (In summer 2013, private equity firm Brentwood Associates took a majority interest — 55% — in the firm.)

RANDOM NOTES: The North Face puts its passion for adventure and the great outdoors front and center in its new flagship in London. Designed to inspire customers to explore the world, the 4,300-sq.-ft. store features skylights, live greenery, tree trunks that extend through the ceiling windows, and such tech enhancements as a virtual reality experience that takes viewers on a journey through Nepal. Digital screens (“sky windows”) set in the ceiling have imagery that reflects outside weather conditions.

Gaithersburg, Md. -- Elion Partners announced it has completed capital improvements for Goshen Plaza in Gaithersburg, Maryland. The 45,654 sq. ft., CVS-anchored shopping center has undergone upgrades to its exterior, landscaping and parking lots.

“Our goal is to increase visibility and enhance the customer’s experience while at Goshen Plaza,” said Juan DeAngulo, managing principal, Elion Partners. “The capital improvement project ensures Goshen Plaza will remain a top community destination for years to come.

Kansas City, Mo. -- Taubman Centers and The Macerich Company announced an agreement to purchase Country Club Plaza located in Kansas City, Missouri, from Highwoods Properties. Taubman and Macerich will each have a 50% interest in the center, which will be jointly managed by both companies. The mixed-use retail and office property was purchased for $660 million cash, excluding transaction costs. Concurrent with or shortly after closing, a long-term, fixed-rate loan for 50%-60% of the purchase price is expected to be placed on the asset.

New Hyde Park, N.Y. -- Kimco Realty Corp. announced that Conor C. Flynn, president and CEO, has been appointed to the company’s board of directors effective January 1, 2016, simultaneous with his elevation to the CEO role. Flynn succeeds David B. Henry who retired as vice chairman of the board of directors and CEO on January 1, 2016.