Wilder names GM for Garden City Center

Cranston, R.I. Boston-based The Wilder Cos. announced it has hired Joseph Koechel as general manager of Garden City Center, in Cranston, R.I.

Most recently Koechel was a general manager with Westfield, managing the retail, food and beverage at Logan Airport. 

Koechel will oversee the day-to-day management of the 500,000-sq.-ft. Garden City Center and will also be involved in its redevelopment plans that include upgrading the building’s facades, improving site signage and traffic flow, and increasing the synergy between the center’s three shopping areas.

Garden City Center is currently home to 55 shops, services, and eateries including Banana Republic, Talbots, Chico’s, Coldwater Creek, Starbucks, Williams-Sonoma, Borders and Whole Foods Market.  New retailers recently joining the center include Chipotle Mexican Grill, along with Carters and Francesca’s (opening this spring).