REAL ESTATE

Chicago – Mid-America Real Estate Corporation announced the addition of Lara Keene as VP to the Urban Team. Prior to joining Mid-America Keene was managing director at RKF and part of Baum Realty Group’s tenant and luxury division.

Keene will be specializing in landlord and tenant representation with a focus on Chicago’s luxury fashion streets and neighborhoods.

Columbus, Ohio -- DSW continues its march across America.

The footwear and accessories retailer is opening 22 stores this fill, including six locations in new markets.

"Expanding our store base allows us to grow our footprint in areas we already call home, while also bringing DSW stores and the DSW brand to areas where our customers have been anticipating our arrival,” said Carrie McDermott, executive VP and COO of DSW, which operated 449 stores in 42 states.

Jacksonville, Fla. -- Off-price retailer Stein Mart continues to pursue the accelerated store growth strategy that it began in 2014.

The off-price retailer announced it will open nine stores this fall, and at least 12 new locations in 2016.

The news follows the company's recent release of first half 2015 total sales growth of 6.1% and comparable store-sales growth of 4.0%.

New York -- Macy’s has joined the increasing number of retailers tapping into their real estate assets.

Macy’s on Wednesday announced a real estate purchase agreement with developer Tishman Speyer to sell several of the nine floors of the Macy’s store on Fulton Street in Brooklyn, New York. The real estate transaction is expected to be completed in the fourth quarter, and Macy’s is expected to record a gain of approximately $250 million in its fiscal fourth quarter of 2015.

Boston -- Simon announced plans for a major renovation to Boston’s Copley Place that will begin in September and include interior and exterior enhancements to the retail portion of the property.

In addition to physical upgrades, Simon will continue to add a number of luxury retailers to the property. The majority of the project will be completed by the summer of 2016 with Copley Place remaining fully open throughout the renovation.

Photo: At Broadway and 68th, a 30,000-sq.-ft. store takes shape.

New York -- Lowe’s is giving an overhaul to its store format strategy when it makes its Manhattan debut on Aug. 17.

The North Carolina-based retailer is set to open two stores in the Big Apple, with the first opening on the Upper West Side on Monday, and the second, in the city’s Chelsea neighborhood, in September.

Oakland, Calif. -- Cost Plus Worldwide Market is opening its first-ever Manhattan outpost — and also showing off a new format.

The value-priced home furnishings and lifestyle specialty retailer will open a store on Thursday, August 20, in the city’s Chelsea neighborhood. At 5,000-sq.-ft., it is Cost Plus’ first small-scale store.

Westmont, Ill. -- Tri-Land Properties said that it has named Paul R. Sevenich as VP of leasing. Sevenich brings 30-plus years’ experience in retail real estate development and redevelopment, acquisitions, retail center positioning, value enhanced leasing, merchandising strategies and financial analysis of the Midwest and the South. Some of the companies he has worked for include CSM Corporation, Kraus-Anderson, CBL & Associates and General Growth.