Fort Lauderdale isn’t just a spring break spot, and why Kohl’s is going small
Dec 4, 2015
Here are the news stories you might have missed from the past two weeks:
The Wall Street Journal: Fort Lauderdale gets a makeover
It’s not just a spring break spot, but a true South Florida destination. Fort Lauderdale has undergone a transformation recently, where luxury hotels and residential buildings are rising from the tides. Demand remains high because of spillover from Miami, and developers are more than happy to meet that demand with new development in Fort Lauderdale – it’s cheaper than Miami, for one, and the city has backed this new development to shed its spring break image. Go to WSJ.com to read more about the city’s transformation.
DNAinfo.com: See what the Cubs are building this off-season for Wrigley Plaza, clubhouse
The Cubs might not have won it all (sorry Chicagoans), but Wrigleyville is undergoing a big upgrade. An office building, new clubhouse, and plaza are being built now to refresh the famous ballfield and surrounding area. This plan should bring more activity to the area, even during off-days and the off-season, which will impact the surrounding restaurants, bars, and retail shops that serve fans and residents. Visit DNAinfo.com to see the renderings.
National Real Estate Investor: Kohl’s joins the small-format trend
Kohl’s is doing what seemingly all other retailers are doing – going small. Stores with less square footage, outlet stores, and a new concept called Off-Aisle are all part of the brand’s new initiatives. They’re chasing the consumers looking for bargains and wanting a more personalized shopping experience. But, Kohl’s is trying something new, which might cause some uneasiness for landlords that love the big box retailer’s traditional size and successes. Stop by NREIOnline.com for more about this retail trend.
The Boston Globe: Maynard wants to restore luster to its downtown
Not far from Concord, Mass., an old mill town is being reborn. Maynard has struggled to attract new business and residents since the mid-1990s, but a walkable downtown, a growing art scene, and plenty of retail opportunities – and perhaps most important, a lot of new investment – is transforming this small town into a hot spot for young professionals. About 30 miles from Boston, Maynard is seeing millions of square feet in new office development, as well as new multifamily buildings and retail spots. Of course, the rebirth is still ongoing and Maynard officials see a bright future, assuming it can fill more vacant storefronts and keep the pipeline of new residents flowing. To see what Maynard is doing to its downtown, visit BostonGlobe.com.
Posted by: Michael Welch