Development/Redevelopment

By Jason S. Baker

Originally purchased by Paster Enterprises in 1985, Mendota Plaza in Mendota Heights, Minn., underwent a minor facelift in 1989. In 2005, it became evident that the 60,000-sq.-ft. community shopping center needed a significant revitalization, and so the planning began. While developing the plans for the new and improved Mendota Plaza, Paster Enterprises worked tirelessly to acquire the adjacent eight acres of land. Along with several smaller parcels, the land was acquired, bringing the full parcel to 21.2 acres.

Coppell, Texas -- CiCi's Pizza announced Monday that it has signed agreements for the addition of 16 units over the next five years and hired Wingstop veteran Bruce Evans to lead franchise sales.

The moves are part of CiCi's growth initiative, with the goal of adding 500 restaurants in the next eight to 10 years.

Rockville, Md. -- Federal Realty Investment Trust said Monday that The Fresh Market will open a new store at Congressional Plaza, a 332,000-sq.-ft. regional shopping center in Rockville, Md.

The store, the specialty grocer’s first in Montgomery County, will measure 19,860 sq. ft. Recent openings at the center include Last Call Studio by Neiman Marcus and Matchbox Vintage Pizza Bistro.

Acquired by Federal Realty in 1965, Congressional Plaza is a regional shopping destination anchored by Buy Buy Baby and The Container Store.

Alexandria, Va. -- Buchanan Partners of Gaithersburg, Md., announced it has teamed with The Pinkard Group of Bethesda, Md., to develop a 51,500-sq.-ft. full-service Harris Teeter grocery store, as well as 175 rental apartment homes for the Old Town North section of Alexandria, Va.

Buvermo Properties of Bethesda is an equity partner in the $74 million, mixed-use development, scheduled to break ground in second quarter 2012.

The Harris Teeter store is slated to open in 2014.

South Bend, Ind. -- Indianapolis-based Kite Realty Group said that McAlister’s Deli will open a 4,551-sq.-ft. location at Notre Dame, in South Bend, Ind.

The new quick-service delicatessen is slated to open this summer.
 

Ventura, Calif. -- Jacksonville, Fla.-based Regency Centers said that Freeb!rds World Burrito has leased retail space in Ventura, Calif., at Ventura Village shopping center.

The fast casual-style Mexican restaurant has leased 2,808 sq. ft., bringing the center to 98% leased. The tenant is slated to open in June.

The Ventura Village location will be the first in Ventura County and one of the first five Freeb!rds restaurants to open in California. 

Los Angeles -- Caruso Affiliated said it has named Paul Kurzawa as the company’s new COO, a newly created position for the company. Kurzawa was previously executive VP operations for Caruso.

The firm also outlined a comprehensive expansion program that is designed to double its size in the next five years, according to founder and CEO Rick Caruso. Caruso outlined the company’s business goals and platform for growth at a recent employee meeting.

Los Angeles -- Robertson Properties Group said it has named John Manavian executive VP real estate, design & development, responsible for oversight of the firm’s real estate portfolio, development projects and the roll-out of ArcLight Cinemas.

Robertson Properties Group is affiliated with Pacific Theatres and ArcLight Cinemas, which are all part of the Decurion Corp.

New York City -- Winick Realty Group said that 5 Napkin Burger, the popular burger chain that’s opened three New York locations since 2003, has leased its fourth location at 150 East 14th Street, on the southwest corner of Third Avenue.

The restaurant includes 3,570 sq. ft. of ground-floor space, as well as a full basement. The new location is slated to open in April.