REAL ESTATE

Scarsdale, N.Y. -- Dallas-based SRS Real Estate Partners said that Athleta, a division of Gap, has signed a lease for 5,833 sq. ft. to build and operate one of its first suburban stores in New York at Vernon Hills Shopping Center in Scarsdale/Eastchester, N.Y.

A spring 2012 opening is planned.

San Antonio, Texas -- A Friday report in the San Antonio Express News said that grocer H-E-B has opened its Toyland mall-based stores for the second year in a row.

The seasonal toy and entertainment concept – which sells no groceries – is called H-E-B Toyland and is currently open at Rolling Oaks Mall (San Antonio), the San Marcos (Texas) Premium Outlets, and in Corpus Christi, Texas, until Jan. 15.

Medford, Ore. -- Jacksonville, Fla.-based Regency Centers announced the construction of Northgate Marketplace, an 80,900-sq.-ft. neighborhood center anchored by new-to-the-market anchors REI and Trader Joe’s. 

The grocery-anchored center is located in the regional retail hub of Medford, Ore. In partnership with Northgate, Regency Centers is developing the first phase of its first shopping center in Medford which will create more than 250 permanent jobs.

Portland, Maine -- Brixmor Property Group announced a 11,002-sq.-ft. Dollar Tree recently opened at Pine Tree Shopping Center, in Portland, Maine.

Brixmor, based in New York City, is the owner of Pine Tree Shopping Center.
 

Ontario, Calif. -- Last Call by Neiman Marcus will open a first-to-market store in May 2012 at Ontario Mills, a Simon-owned property that is the largest outlet and value retail shopping destination in California with more than 200 stores.

Taking over an existing retail space can be a good move, as long as you have all the facts from the get-go, especially with regard to the floor. Lee Eliseian, president of Independent Floor Testing & Inspection, offers the following tips to prevent flooring issues from arising:

New York City -- A report released Wednesday by the Real Estate Board of New York found that New York City’s retail market is continuing to perform well in its traditionally strong retail corridors and primarily residential neighborhoods.

Seattle -- Nordstrom Rack announced plans to open a store in San Diego. It will be the brand’s fourth location in San Diego.

The approximately 39,000-sq.-ft. store is scheduled to open during fall 2012 at Carmel Mountain Plaza. Carmel Mountain Plaza is owned and managed by American Assets Trust.