Real Estate

New York City -- Gov. Jerry Brown of California vetoed a bill that would have required comprehensive economic-impact reports before big-box superstores could begin construction.

The bill, the Small and Neighborhood Business Protection Act, would have required supercenters to address more than a dozen possible economic side-effects, including job losses if competitors faltered.

Commerce, Calif. -- Discounter 99 Cents Only Stores said Tuesday it has agreed to be acquired by a group of investors including its founding family, Ares Management and Canadian Pension Plan Investment Board for $1.6 billion in cash.

The announcement ends a months-long sales process, which started with a takeover offer from Leonard Green & Partners in March.

New York City -- Vacancies at U.S. regional shopping malls rose to 9.4% in the third quarter (ended Sept. 30), according to property-research firm Reis, Reuters reported. It represents the highest level since Reis began publishing the data in 2000, and was up from 9.3% in the second quarter.

Landlords' asking mall rents rose to $38.81 per square foot in the third quarter, up from $38.77 in the previous three months and $38.72 a year earlier, according to Reis.

New York City -- Bloomingdale’s 520,000-sq.-ft. Manhattan flagship is undergoing a 100,000-sq.-ft. renovation, Women’s Wear Daily reported, with bridge, contemporary, home, shoes, fine jewelry and parts of the designer floor included in the remodel.

The project is estimated to cost $50 million, according to Women’s Wear Daily.
 

Cleveland -- CenterMark Development LLC announced that Save-A-Lot Food Stores, along with the Ohio debut of discount apparel retailer Forman Mills, will anchor The Shops at Garrett Square. The 65,000-sq.-ft. project is the first phase of a neighborhood revitalization plan envisioned by city officials seven years ago, and plans call for subsequent development of up to two more retail outlots targeting much‐needed retail uses.

San Ramon, Calif. -- Jacksonville, Fla.-based Regency Centers said that two new tenants have leased space at Diablo Plaza, located in San Ramon, Calif.

Beverages & more! leased 12,015 sq. ft. and is slated to open this fall. Another new addition, West Coast Gold Buyers, leased 1,300 sq. ft. and is now open.

The 63,265-sq.-ft. center includes national retailers such as Safeway, CVS/pharmacy, Verizon Wireless and McDonald’s.

Florissant, Mo. -- Brixmor Property Group announced a 5,000-sq.-ft. lease has been executed with shoe retailer Prime Sole at Clocktower Place, located in Florissant, Mo.

Brixmor, based in New York City, is the owner of Clocktower Place.
 

Chattanooga, Tenn. -- TIAA-CREF and CBL & Associates Properties have announced the closing of their $1.09 billion real estate joint venture to invest in market-dominant shopping malls.

TIAA-CREF has completed its investment in four of CBL’s market-dominant shopping malls: Oak Park Mall in Kansas City, Kan.; West County Center in St. Louis; CoolSprings Galleria in Nashville; and Pearland Town Center in Pearland, Texas.

Elizabethtown, Ky. -- Brixmor Property Group announced a 1,200-sq.-ft. lease has been executed with Edible Arrangements at Kmart Plaza, located in Elizabethtown, Ky.

New York City-based Brixmor is the owner of Kmart Plaza.

Beachwood, Ohio -- DDR Corp. announced Friday plans to redevelop four shopping centers by adding two new Walmart stores in Florida and expanding two existing stores in Ohio and Puerto Rico.

"These projects will deliver desired growth opportunities to the world's most successful retailer and further strengthen DDR's relationship with its largest tenant," said Paul Freddo, senior executive VP leasing & development for DDR.