REAL ESTATE

Queens, N.Y. — The Children’s Place has leased a 3,799-sq.-ft. space near other child focused retailers at The Shops at SkyView Center in the Flushing neighborhood of Queens, N.Y. The retailer plans to open in May.

Washington, D.C. — Simon Property Group and NRG eVgo (ee-vee-go), a subsidiary of NRG Energy will host an amped-up Earth Day Electric Car Caravan to unveil three new electric car fast-charging Freedom Station sites at St. Charles Towne Center, Bowie Town Center and Queenstown Premium Outlets in Maryland. The caravan will attend ribbon-cutting ceremonies at each center on April 22.

New York -- Specialty fashion retailer Express has entered the booming outlet mall sector, opening its first-ever outlet store, at Tanger Outlets National Harbor center in Washington, D.C. The retailer plans to open approximately 30 additional factory outlet locations throughout the United States in 2014, targeting such top markets as Chicago, Dallas, Detroit, Las Vegas, New York and other top markets.

Seattle -- Nordstrom announced plans to relocate its full-line Westfield University Towne Center (UTC) department store in San Diego to a new space within the evolving mall.

The new two-level, 145,000-sq.-ft. Nordstrom store will open in 2017 as part of Westfield UTC’s resort-inspired redevelopment, which is adding specialty shops, restaurants, entertainment, sustainable design features and family-friendly amenities, as well as structured parking.

By Andy Couch, DJM Real Estate

New York -- Bang & Olufsen unveiled its first newly redesigned store concept in North America, at the new Madison Avenue location in New York City. The 1,400-sq.-ft. store is designed to evoke a true sensory experience and demonstrate Bang & Olufsen's commitment to providing extraordinary consumer experiences.  

Other locations in New York City will adopt the new design, as well as a handful of additional locations across the United States next fiscal year.

Lakewood, Colo. – Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage Inc. has opened a store in Logan, Utah. The Logan store is its second Utah location.

"We are thrilled to expand our nutrition expertise and delicious food options to Logan," said Kemper Isely, co-president of Natural Grocers. "We look forward to engaging with the local community about healthy living."

Atlanta -- Simon Property Group said it will undertake a series of improvements to Phipps Plaza, which is located in Atlanta's Buckhead district.

The plans include extensive interior makeover, providing a fresh new look and feel to the interior space of the mall, with upgraded LED lighting, new paint, new warm wood accents, an updated railing system, luxury soft seating and lounging areas with Wi-Fi connectivity and chargers. In addition, restrooms will be upgraded and a hotel-like concierge service center will be installed.