Exterior view of H&M Store in New York. (Provided by H&M)

H&M, a Swedish international apparel brand known for its discount prices on trendy clothing for young men and women, will open two stores in Sarasota County within a year, a move that baffles some retail analysts, but shows that there may be enough business to support more than one mall in the region.

H&M will open its second store in Sarasota County inside Westfield Groups Sarasota Square Mall.

The chain committed to its first store inside the Mall at University Town Center, a $315 million mall opening at Interstate 75 and University Parkway on Oct. 16.

This is a surprise to me. H&M is the type of retailer that, usually, would wait to open a second store until after they can see how the first in the market was doing, said Jeff Green, a Phoenix-based retail analyst. Westfield must have offered them a very good deal.

The second store will take over a 21,000-square-foot space inside the Westfield Group mall, officials confirmed Thursday morning. Westfield has been preparing for months for H&M. Building permits filed with the county show that several of the malls tenants, including a Verizon Wireless store, Bond Jewelers and the mall management offices, have moved to make room for the new H&M space.

Construction is ongoing, and the retailer is set to open in the spring 2015, well after the opening of the Mall at University Town Center.

H&M has grown in size and popularity in the U.S. during recent years and has expanded into Florida.

The first store to open south of Tampa on the Gulf Coast was in Naples during 2012. Tampas Westfield Citrus Park also will see an H&M soon.

The chain has 2,500 stores in 53 countries worldwide.

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H&M to open in Sarasota Square mall

AURORA Construction on a new, full service Hyatt Hotel and conference center in the Fitzsimons Village across from the Anschutz Medical Campus in Aurora began Wednesday after a groundbreaking on site.

The City of Aurora partnered with Kentucky-based commercial developer Corporex Colorado on the $90 million project nearly three years ago, shortly after Corporex opened a 153-room Springhill Suites Hotel by Marriott at 13400 E. Colfax Ave.

The new Hyatt Hotel and city-owned conference centerwill go up directly south of the Springhill Suites, on about three acres of land. The Fitzsimons Village project is about 20 developable acres of mixed use and retail space on the south side of Colfax Avenue, between Peoria to Potomac streets. Corporex is the developer for the Fitzsimons Village project.

"This is something the Corporex has always envisioned since we started working out here," said Mark Witkiewicz, chief operating officer of Corporex. "It's something that that Aurora has always wanted, too. The city is truly our partner in this project."

Aurora issued just under $28 million in bonds to help pay for the development. All of the money will be paid back to the city through property and sales taxes on the 249-room Hyatt Hotel.

The city will own and operate its first business-centric conference center, which tops off around 30,000 square feet, as well as an adjacent, 500-space parking garage.

"This hotel and conference center will only add to the betterment of the neighborhood, the campus and the city,"Aurora Mayor Steve Hogan said. "I think when we look back on it, this is what we'll say really marked a change in what's happened in this part of Aurora."

In February, the Aurora Urban Renewal Authority was authorized to slice the Fitzsimons Village project out of the original, more than 500 acre Fitzsimons Health Science District urban renewal plan and create a new urban renewal plan for what it now calls Fitzsimons Boundary Area II.

A new, 25-year tax increment financing option was then set in motion to help fund all Fitzsimons Boundary Area II projects, which will eventually include 490 apartments and a seven-story, 208,000 square foot office building by Corporex.

John Harney, president of the University of Colorado Hospital, said the hotel will help to fill a dire need for temporary patient and family accommodations around the medical campus, as well as keeping teaching seminars and business conferences on site, instead of in Denver.

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Constrction on Hyatt Hotel, conference space in original Aurora begins

DALLAS, Sept. 16, 2014 /PRNewswire/ --Southwest Airlines (NYSE: LUV) helped kick-off construction of the $508-million Terminal 1 Modernization Program at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) today with a groundbreaking ceremony featuring Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti, City Councilman Mike Bonin, City Councilman Tom LaBonge, Los Angeles Airport Commission President Sean O. Burton, Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) Executive Director Gina Marie Lindsey, and Southwest Airlines Vice President of Airport Affairs Bob Montgomery.

The modernization of the aging terminal, built in the early 1980s, is expected to transform the entire Passenger experience from the curb to the gate, and will include a new 12-lane security screening checkpoint; a fully automated checked-baggage inspection and sortation system; a new and expanded dining and retail collection featuring activated gate hold rooms with lounge-style seating; refurbished arrival/baggage claim area; replacement of the passenger boarding bridges; renovations to airline support office space; modernized aircraft parking/apron pavement and hydrant fueling system; improvements to the building facade; and relocation of the main terminal entrances to the west end of the building to ease traffic congestion.

Construction is expected to be completed in 2018 and will be phased to minimize inconvenience to Customers, Employees, and guests.

"The Terminal 1 improvement project will bring a better passenger experience and 1,500 construction jobs to LAX," said Mayor Eric Garcetti. "As part of our $7 billion investment in LAX, we're remodeling every terminal and creating 40,000 jobs.Because Los Angeles deserves a world-class airport."

"The partnership we have with Southwest Airlines will create the world-class experience we want for all LAX passengers," LAWA Executive Director Lindsey said. "As our passenger base continues to grow and change, we are working hard to increase efficiency and accommodate their needs today and in the future."

"The Modernization of Terminal 1 at LAX has long been in our sights," said Bob Montgomery, Southwest Airlines Vice President of Airport Affairs. "The renovation within our current space at Terminal 1 will allow us to better serve our Customers today as well as provide the opportunity to expand our network options alongside any growth in Customer demand."

When completed, the Passenger's journey from curb to aircraft boarding bridge will be transformed and designed to provide a more efficient and exciting travel experience. By reorganizing the interior uses of the building and shifting the ticketing lobby and main entrances to the west, passenger drop off and pick up areas are anticipated to improve, as well as congestion in front of Terminal 1 reduced.

Once inside the terminal, Passengers will enjoy a brightened Southwest Airlines ticketing lobby with sleek design features and additional windows for more natural light. New, more-efficient security screening systems and added lanes are anticipated to shorten federal passenger security screening lines.

In collaboration with Southwest Airlines and LAWA, the modernized concourse design by Westfield will feature a hip, modern Californian feel that taps into the LA feeling and energy of the Southwest brand. The design vision forges the unexpected with efficiency, which is expressed through simple but sculptural forms curated with artisanal, creative and fun products, palette, and finishes. The design is expected to bring the terminal to life with opened and expanded views to flight operations and inviting sightlines outside, as well as authentic layers of materials and finishes, sculpted facades, and pops of color inside.

Westfield's new retail and dining collection in Terminal 1 will offer 24 spaces across 25,242 square feetnearly double the existing program. Plans include full-service restaurants along with a variety of casual and grab-and-go food offerings, as well as new high-end retail and traveler essentials. The program will open in a phased approach, with the first Westfield developed spaces scheduled to open late Summer 2015.

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Southwest Airlines Helps Kicks Off Construction Of $500-Million Terminal 1 At LAX

TROY The city will receive $650,000 from a developer for the former City Hall site at 1 Monument Square, according to a draft agreement given the City Council.

The proposed contract between Kirchhoff Properties LLC and the city also outlines construction of an 85-space parking garage and 150,000 square feet of mixed-use commercial and retail space.

Kirchhoff Properties would buy 1.19 acres along the Hudson River, according to the proposed ordinance scheduled to be voted on at the council's Finance Committee meeting on Thursday.

The city also agrees to make "reasonable efforts" to provide $3,688,631 in state grants to assist in developing the project, according to the proposed contract.

Details of Kirchhoff's plans for the site will be unveiled to the council's Planning Committee at 5 p.m. Tuesday.

The city had the option to forgo a payment for the site in return for development of a new City Hall at the location. Last week, Mayor Lou Rosamilia said the city would not exercise this choice and would remain in its current site at the Hedley Building, 433 River St.

Also set for a vote Thursday by the Finance Committee is a $60 monthly fee for parking in the new Front Street garage that would be built as part of the project.

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Troy would get $650,000 for former City Hall site

An additional 100,000 square-foot of retail space is expected to begin construction next year on 10-acres just south of Wal-Mart at the Fox Mill Center in Gloucester County.

6:18 p.m. EDT, September 15, 2014

GLOUCESTER Construction is expected to begin next year on an additional 100,000 square feet of retail space at the Fox Mill Center, Gloucester's largest commercial development.

"Our objective is to make this [center] a one-stop shop in Gloucester," said Chris Rouzie with Cushman & Wakefield Thalhimer. The addition "will fill in the missing retail components in Gloucester."

Thalhimer is the leasing agent for the property, which is under development by Bob Kubicki of Evergreen Development.

Rouzie said he could not yet release the names of tenants but said it will range from a pet supply retailer to a fashion or shoe store. He also said a restaurant is possible.

The proposed expansion, at the corner of Fox Centre Parkway and W. Main Street, will be laid out similar to Wal-Mart and Home Depot with a large parking lot and a driveway along the storefront.

Rouzie said a second entrance into Fox Mill Center is planned for just north of the Burger King on Route 17.

Garrey Curry, Gloucester's assistant county administrator, said he expects to receive a final version of the site plan soon.

Curry said the expansion continues the county's efforts to keep people shopping in Gloucester.

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Fox Mill Center in Gloucester expanding

USC on Monday is to unveil the final and somewhat altered design of the biggest construction project in the university's history: a $650-million housing and retail complex just north of the main campus.

Replacing a now-demolished shopping center along Jefferson Boulevard and Hoover Street, the new USC Village is to include living space for 2,700 undergraduate and graduate students in five-story residence halls, a large grocery store, a drugstore, a fitness center, restaurants and other shops. The design, all in the so-called Collegiate Gothic style that echoes much of USC's campus, surrounds a plaza that officials said they hoped would become a public gathering place.

The formal groundbreaking is Monday, with the target completion date in fall 2017.

"This is by far the biggest thing USC has ever done and probably ever will do. We are growing to the north in a big way," USC President C. L. Max Nikias said in a statement. Nikias is to lead the groundbreaking ceremony, which will be attended by other campus leaders and representatives of city and county government.

The project, however, has at least temporarily dropped a hotel and movie theater that were prominent in previous designs. That change was made in part because more hotels and cinemas have been built in downtown Los Angeles in recent years, officials said, adding that they might still consider adding those features in future developments.

The eateries and stores are aimed at the wider neighborhood, not just students, said Thomas Sayles, USC's senior vice president for university relations. "Bear in mind that students are here only nine months a year. So for this to be as economically viable as we think it will be, we need to serve the community," he said. "And the community needs these options for better dining and better retail."

The plan faced earlier opposition from some neighborhood activists about its large scale and possible effect on hastening gentrification in the area south of downtown Los Angeles. As a result, during the city's review of the 15-acre proposal, USC agreed to pay $20 million to support affordable housing in the area, among other pledges to help the neighborhood. Sayles said that USC already has paid $10 million of that to a city housing program.

Security measures have been beefed up at USC in the wake of the slayings of three Chinese graduate students near the campus over the last two years. Anti-crime efforts will be apparent at the University Village as well. Between 9 p.m. and 6 a.m., only students, staff, faculty and registered guests will be allowed to enter the complex.

Sayles said that should not be a bother to non-USC neighbors because most shopping malls close at 9 p.m.; restaurant diners entering before 9 p.m. will be able to stay, and anyone with later reservations will be allowed in.

The University Village plaza will feature a symbol of female power, as a counterpoint to the Tommy Trojan statue on the main campus. A statue will depict Hecuba, the wife of King Priam of ancient Troy. Collegiate football did not figure much in tales of antiquity, but Nikias noted that Hecuba urged the Trojans to fight on "even when they were outnumbered, exhausted, facing impossible odds."

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USC unveils design for $650-million housing, retail complex

Hot Properties highlights recently sold or leased commercial properties in the Charleston region. Submissions should be sent to dailyjournal@scbiznews.com.

Tradd Varner of Coldwell Banker Commercial Atlantic International Inc. represented the landlord, Oakbrook Plaza Shopping Center LLC, in the lease of a 1,700-square-foot retail space at 10050 Dorchester Road to Glow Tan Salon and Spa.

Todd P. Garrett of Avison Young represented the landlord, Weims Court Associates, in the lease extension of a 3,200-square-foot office and warehouse space at 3290 Industry Drive in Charleston to Gary Thorpe of Horizon Landscape.

Ryan Welch of Lee & Associates Charleston represented the landlord, N.L. Bassford Jr., in the lease of 75,000 square feet of warehouse space at 324 Deming Way in Summerville to Blackhawk Logistics LLC. Hagood Morrison with Colliers International represented the tenant.

Todd P. Garrett of Avison Young represented the landlord, Roger K. Davis, in the lease of a 2,000-square-foot office and warehouse space at 2561 Oscar Johnson Drive in North Charleston to Security 101. Angel French of Matt ONeill Real Estate represented the tenant.

Amanda Reeves of Lee & Associates Charleston represented the landlord, Mt. Holly Summerall Square LLC, in the lease of 1,300 square feet of retail space at Summerall Square, 874 Orleans Road, Suite 1, in Charleston to Lymin Inc, doing business as Miracle Ear.

Jonathan Chalfie of Lee & Associates Charleston represented the landlord, T&S Family L.P., in the lease of a 1,115-square-foot office suite at 3850 Bessemer Drive, Suite 240 in Mount Pleasant to Eastech Property Development LLC.

Vitre Stephens and Avery Homes of Avison Young represented the landlord, Fifty-Two Associates, in the lease of a retail space at 8410 Rivers Ave. in North Charleston to Carolina Vape Zone LLC.

Len Meyer of The Peninsula Co. LLC represented the seller, Lempesis LLC, in the sale of 192 East Bay St., Suite 300, to Grassroots LLC for $350,000. Michael Shuler of King Street Commercial represented the buyer.

Todd P. Garrett of Avison Young represented The Infinger Family LLC in the lease of a 4,500-square-foot office and warehouse space at 4748 Franchise St. in North Charleston to K Construction Inc.

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Hot Properties for Sept. 15, 2014

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Retail Property For Sale - Cityfeet

Charlotte developer Goode Properties is seeking to rezone 1.7 acres across the street from the Metropolitan development for a mixed-use project that would feature a hotel, residences, offices and retail space.

The project, Baxter Place, would be built on roughly three-quarters of a one-block area east of South Kings Drive. Project plans also call for five townhomes and a six-level, 500-space parking deck.

Goode Properties is requesting that Charlotte City Council approve a rezoning request to allow a 140-foot-tall building on the site. Thats 40 feet above the sites current height restrictions.

Roy Goode, owner of Goode Properties, said the eight-story building would house the hotel and the office and retail space. He said the building needs to be 140 feet tall or the project wouldnt make economic sense, given land values and construction costs.

The site proposed for the project takes up most of the block defined by Luther Street to the north, Cherry Street to the east, Baxter Street to the south and South Kings Drive to the west. Roughly the southeast one-quarter of that block is not part of the project, Goode said.

Total development costs would be around $60 million, he said. Those costs would include demolition of two rental homes on the sites east side, where the townhomes would go.

Goode said no hotel deals have been signed yet. If a hotel deal is not reached, the building would be entirely offices and retail.

Plans for the hotel come in a year that has seen a handful of other hotel projects announced in or near uptown.

For example, a partnership comprising McKibbon Hotel Management of Florida and Charlotte-based Vision Ventures and Mount Vernon Asset Management in June announced plans for a 20-story hotel tower at the EpiCentre entertainment complex. In March, Crescent Communities unveiled plans for an office and hotel development on South Tryon Street.

Charlotte hospitality industry officials have said that having more hotels in uptown could help the city attract larger conventions.

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Developer seeks rezoning for $60M mixed-use project near Metropolitan

TM Montante Development the company tackling the conversion of the former Millard Fillmore Hospital complex is launching a construction management firm to handle not only its own development needs but a wide range of work for other clients.

The developer is starting Montante Construction as a full-service company to set and manage the schedules, budgets and full scope of building projects for its sister companies, TM Montante and Montante Solar.

It also will seek to manage construction jobs from third parties.

Currently, Montante is redeveloping the former E.M. Hager Planing Mill on Elm Street near Clinton Street in Buffalo once the home to Spaghetti Warehouse into a mixed-use building with 22 apartments and 10,000 square feet of office space, now occupied by C&S Companies.

It is also leading the redevelopment of the former hospital into a mixture of senior housing, townhomes, condos, apartments, retail space and a community facility.

TM Montante is also developer for the Riverview Solar Technology Park in Tonawanda, with support from its solar-energy affiliate, which was started several years ago.

In all, it has $85 million of projects in various stages of work.

Theyve always been kind of in the development picture, but their profile has seemed to grow recently, said spokesman Phil Pantano. The profile and depth of projects that theyve been taking on has grown.

The new entity will be led by President Douglas Elia, a local construction veteran who served as the key point person for LPCiminelli on several projects across the region, including the Conventus medical office building on Main Street at the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus.

Ciminelli Real Estate Corp. is the developer for that eight-story building, and LPCiminelli is the contractor.

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TM Montante starts construction management firm