REAL ESTATE

Tustin, Calif. -- Real estate brokerage firm Present Value Properties said Tuesday that Britt Nelson has joined the company as VP.

Previously founder and president of NewCity Development, Nelson was responsible for site selection, acquisition, and procurement of development projects. Other responsibilities included coordination of the overall development teams and municipal relations.

Nelson will be working with existing Present Value Properties' clients including Pizza Hut and Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt franchisees.

New York CIty -- With its array of in-store services, expanded food offerings and unexpected amenities, the new Duane Reade flagship in downtown Manhattan pushes the envelope of drugstore retailing -- and it does so with a style and ambience that sets it apart from the competition.

Chicago -- General Growth Properties announced Tuesday that Susan E. Houck has been named senior VP marketing.

In her new capacity, Houck will spearhead integrated field marketing efforts, including advertising, public relations, strategic planning, community relations, and travel and tourism.

Prior to her appointment as senior VP, Houck oversaw marketing efforts for the Southwest region of GGP.
 

Burlington, Mass. -- Columbia, S.C.-based Edens & Avant announced Wednesday details of its redevelopment of Middlesex Commons retail center in Burlington, Mass.

With a relocated and expanded Market Basket, Old Navy and a new Nordstrom Rack and DSW as key anchors, Middlesex Commons has been redesigned to better connect to the local community by offering a more dynamic retail mix and a more personalized shopping environment.

New York City -- Walgreens’ Duane Reade division on Wednesday will open its most ambitious and elaborate store to date, a flagship in downtown Manhattan. The 22,000-sq.-ft. drug store, located at 40 Wall Street, will have an upscale focus, and feature a number of exclusive services and amenities aimed at the Wall Street clientele.

San Diego -- Centro Properties Group US said Tuesday that Carter’s has opened a new store in San Diego.

The 6,100-sq.-ft. store opened at Mira Mesa Mall, which is owned by New York City-based Centro Properties Group.
 

New York City -- Saks said Tuesday it will open a licensed Saks Fifth Avenue store in Almaty, Kazakhstan, in August 2012.

The full-line department store, which will tailor its merchandise to the region, will open in Esentai Shopping Mall, which is part of a new mixed-use development featuring residential, office and hospitality components.

The three-story, 91,000-sq.-ft. store will showcase a three-story-high, state-of-the-art digital video screen on the building’s facade. 

Somerdale, N.J. -- Purchase, N.Y.-based National Realty & Development Corp. said Tuesday that Applebee’s will open a new restaurant at the 385,000-sq.-ft. CooperTowne Center in Somerdale, N.J.

Applebee’s will occupy 7,029 sq. ft. of this redevelopment project and will join anchor tenants Walmart Supercenter, Cinemark Theatres and LA Fitness.