Hospitality

Dallas -- Venture Commercial Real Estate said it represented L.A. Fitness in the completion of a long-term lease for a 50,000-sq.-ft. facility in the new Cityville at Cityplace mixed-use development, under construction in Dallas.

“Urban infill presents a challenge as we expand to open new clubs in densely populated areas such as Dallas’ Uptown neighborhood,” said John Gabriel, senior VP real estate for LA Fitness.

Venture Commercial has helped L.A. Fitness secure 27 locations across the Dallas-Fort Worth area.

New York City -- Winick Realty Group said that restaurateur Danny Hodak, owner of Hell’s Kitchen Mediterranean eatery Taboon, has leased 1,000 sq. ft. of ground-floor space at 30 East 13th Street, between Fifth Avenue and University Place, for a new, as-yet-unnamed quick-service Mediterranean concept.

The restaurant is anticipated to open in the next two months and if it’s a success, Hodak plans to roll out more locations for the concept across New York City.
 

Seattle -- Starbucks Coffee U.K. plans to create thousands of new jobs in the United Kingdom as it steps up its drive-thru program following three years of development and strong customer response to the convenience of Starbucks coffee on-the-go.

The move will see 200 new drive-thru stores opened over the next five years. Combined with openings of conventional stores over the same period, the company expects to create 5,000 new jobs.

New York City -- Prudential Douglas Elliman's Retail Group said it has arranged the first New York flagship for Perrin Paris at the Carlyle Hotel on Madison Avenue between 76th- and 77th Streets.

The House of Perrin is renowned for its elegant and timeless leather gloves, handbags and accessories, often composed of such unique and exotic skins as crocodile, python and more. Neighboring boutiques in the Carlyle Hotel include Vera Wang, Stubb & Wootton and Yves Delorme Linens.
 

Indianapolis -- Simon Property Group announced that, in 50/50 partnership with Genting Berhad, it has opened Johor Premium Outlets, its first Premium Outlet Center in Southeast Asia.

The center encompasses 173,000 sq. ft. of gross leasable area featuring 80 stores and is located in Johor Bahur, Malaysia. A grand opening celebration will take place on December 11, 2011.

WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama on Friday announced nearly $4 billion in combined federal and private-sector energy upgrades to buildings over the next two years. These investments will save billions in energy costs, promote energy independence, and, according to independent estimates, create tens of thousands of jobs in the hard-hit construction sector.

New York City -- Solid-state lighting figures prominently in Starbucks’ newly renovated Time Square flagship in New York City. The retailer utilized the services of Focus Lighting, a New York-based architectural lighting design firm, which called upon LED Source, an international supplier of LED lighting.

“LEDs are the most energy-efficient lighting solution on the market,” said Joe Zamore, VP of business development, LED Source, Wellington, Fla., which specializes specializes in full-scale evaluations and retrofits.

Philadelphia -- Simon Property Group announced Tuesday plans to unify the two main shopping venues of King of Prussia Mall, in King of Prussia, Pa., expanding one of America's most productive and iconic retail destinations.