Real Estate

Chestnut Hill, Mass. -- A 120,000-sq.-ft. former Macy’s building was demolished on Wednesday, as developer WS Development prepares the site for a second redevelopment phase of its Chestnut Hill (Mass.) Shopping Center.

The region’s oldest suburban mall will become home to a new generation of retailers, services and entertainment offerings, including a new 31,000-sq.-ft. Sports Club/LA health and fitness complex and a National Amusements’ theatre and restaurant facility.

Paterson, N.J. -- New York City-based Modell’s Sporting Goods said Wednesday it will open a new 7,000-sq.-ft. store in Paterson, N.J., on Thursday.

The announcement comes off the heels of three store openings earlier in March in Brooklyn, N.Y.; Fresh Meadow, N.Y.; and Wayne, N.J.

The retailer operates 151 stores located in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia and Washington, D.C. 
 

Phoenix -- Indianapolis-based Simon Property Group said Wednesday that its Premium Outlets division has launched construction of Phoenix Premium Outlets, an upscale outlet shopping center serving the Greater Phoenix and Scottsdale areas.

Phoenix Premium Outlets will be located in Chandler, Ariz. Phase I of the project will be comprised of 360,000 sq. ft. housing approximately 90 outlet stores featuring high-quality designer and name brands. A spring 2013 opening is planned.

Bensalem, Pa. -- Charming Shoppes Inc. recorded a wider-than-expected loss for its fourth quarter as higher product costs and discounts at its Lane Bryant division cut into margins. The chain said plans to close between 90 to 105 underperforming stores this year.

Charming Shoppes, which hired Barclays Capital in December to help it review its options, posted a loss of $13.2 million for the three months ended January 28, 2012, compared with a loss of $30.4 million a year ago.

Dallas -- SRS Real Estate Partners announced three new hires in brokerage, marketing and research.

Scott Poehler, Alexandra Hilker and Kyle West have joined the SRS teams in Newport Beach, Calif.; Denver, and Orlando, Fla.

Scott Poehler has joined SRS as an associate in the Newport Beach office, coming to SRS from Keller Williams Realty.

North Plainfield, N.J. -- Levin Management announced that it has named Joe Lowry as director of acquisitions and business development for the company.

The 25-year commercial real estate industry veteran joined Levin in 2009 as director of acquisitions. His added responsibilities reflect the firm’s ongoing focus on adding new clients from among institutions, fund managers and private owners it does not already serve.

Honolulu -- Columbus, Ohio-based Glimcher Realty Trust announced plans to acquire 80% indirect ownership interest in Pearlridge Center, located in Honolulu, for about $290 million from partner Blackstone Real Estate Partners.

“With sales of nearly $500 per square foot and a dynamic growth profile, this strategic investment is consistent with our goal of enhancing the quality of our real estate portfolio,” said Michael Glimcher, chairman and CEO, Glimcher.

Costa Mesa, Calif. -- ChrisAnn and Roger Richards announced the opening of their second wine and cheese bar and shop, Wine Lab at The Camp, located in the restaurant and shopping destination at 2937 Bristol Street in Costa Mesa, Calif.

The 1,270 sq.-ft. bar, designed with a mid-century flair, augments the debut location in Newport, Calif., and features wines and beer on tap as well as a retail shop.