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Seven out of 10 commercial real estate executives believe that the Trump administration will have a positive impact on their business in 2017.   Seyfarth Shaw, one of the most active real estate law firms in the U.S., polled 151 owners, developers, and brokers and found them bullish on the embattled President. They foresee efforts in deregulation, tax reform, and the potential dismantling of Dodd-Frank as aiding their causes.  

Ron Rubin resigned his post as chairman of the board of PREIT and will be succeeded in that role by CEO Joseph Coradino. His departure was expected, having been announced last month.  

Bartaco, an expanding food and beverage concept that combines beer, fresh-squeezed juices, and yes, tacos, will debut in Texas at Trademark Property’s WestBend development in Fort Worth.   The mixed-use facility just completed construction on its first phase, which includes office as well as retail space and aims to create a new hub of activity near the campus of Texas Christian University. It features new landscaping, gathering areas along the Trinity River and Trinity Trails, along with a rotating public art program.

CBRE has brought in a former Sears executive to help retailers monetize under-performing retail space through partnerships with outside brands.   Kevin Marschall, formerly director of strategic partnerships and licensed business at Sears, has joined CBRE as a store-within-a-store specialist in the company’s retail partnerships unit.  

RCG Ventures has purchased Oak Brook Square in Flint, Michigan, for $14.2 million. Anchored by TJ Maxx and Hobby Lobby, the 152,073-sq.-ft. center is located across the street from the Genesee Valley Mall in Flint’s largest trade zone.

Nordstrom Rack announced it would open its first Baltimore store at The Shops at Canton Crossing in spring 2019. It will be part of the center’s 90,000-sq.-ft. Phase II addition, which is expected to begin construction in November.  

Thomas “TJ” Drought, who spent nearly 20 years in the employ of WP Glimcher, has joined Steiner + Associates as an executive VP.  

Round 1, the retail center amusement concept from Japan, has signed a lease for the vacated Macy’s anchor space at Northwoods Mall in Peoria, Illinois. Washington Prime Group, the mall’s owner, purchased the store from Macy’s last month.   Washington Prime CEO Lou Conforti hailed the singing as an example of a corporate objective to use redevelopment to foster “differentiated tenancy, especially dining and entertainment alternatives.”