Development/Redevelopment

I have to admit, the recent announcement of the merger between Office Depot and OfficeMax took me by surprise. It’s not as though it doesn’t make sense — it’s logical both logistically and financially — but, while there had been a few rumblings and rumors, this is a dramatic move that took place with relatively little forewarning.

New York -- Fashion Outlets of Chicago, a new mall due to open in August near O'Hare International Airport, on Tuesday announced its tenant list.

The two-level, 530,000-sq.-ft. center will be anchored by a Bloomingdale's outlet, Last Call by Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue Off 5th and Forever 21.

Boston -- City Sports today announced plans for two new stores, including its largest store to date, in New York City’s financial district. Slated to open at the end of March, the bi-level, 10,500-sq.-ft. space will feature an open floor plan and many other details that nod to the building's origins as a bank. The store will be City Sports' third location in NYC.

In addition, the chain announced a new location for its Chestnut Hill, Mass., store, set for a March 16 opening to coincide with the brand's 30th anniversary.

Pittsburgh -- American Eagle Outfitters said Friday that its first Philippines store opened on March 1, at Bonifacio High Street in Taguig City, Manila.  
 
The retailer said that additional stores are planned in 2013 throughout the country, operated by franchise partner Suyen Corp.

Virginia Beach, Va. -- Divaris Real Estate announced that Sam McCoy has been appointed VP of the company’s new regional office in Roanoke, Va.

McCoy is charged with strategic planning, acquisition, site development, sales and leasing of commercial properties throughout the Mid-Atlantic region with an emphasis on the southwest Virginia markets.

Previously, McCoy was director of real estate at Lowe’s Cos., responsible for the development of new Lowe’s Home Improvement store sites in the Mid-Atlantic region.

St. Petersburg, Fla. -- The Sembler Co. announced Monday that it is redeveloping its Park 66 shopping center, located in St. Petersburg, Fla., and owned by the company since 1970.

A Wal-Mart Neighborhood Market is being added to the property as part of the redevelopment – slated to open fall 2013 – and other tenants are being relocated.
 

Chicago -- AWE Talisman and Macerich announced Monday that Fashion Outlets of Chicago will open on August 1 in Rosemont, Ill., featuring Bloomingdale's The Outlet Store, Last Call by Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue Off 5th and 120 additional brands.

The two-level, 530,000-sq.-ft. outlet mall is the first fully enclosed, multi-level property with this level of amenities in the Chicago area in more than two decades, according to both companies.

San Francisco -- LandMark Retail Group said it has opened three CVS/pharmacy stores in San Francisco on behalf of the drugstore retailer.  

Over the past year, the firm has completed 13 CVS stores throughout California with plans to open four more this year.

The first CVS/pharmacy store is located at 351 California St., occupying a ground-level retail space in a San Francisco financial district office building. It features 9,009 sq. ft., and opened after five months of construction.