A La Crosse County committee gave its nod today to a $68 million proposal by Weber Holdings to build offices, retail space and 94 housing units on county-owned Lot C just south of the Law Enforcement Center in downtown La Crosse.

Weber Holdings, headed by Logistics Health Inc. CEO and founder Don Weber, was the committees narrow choice over a combined plan by Borton Construction, Three Sixty Real Estate Solutions and Doerflinger developer Mike Keil. Doran Companies of Bloomington, Minn., was taken out of the running almost immediately.

Along with the housing, the winning proposal calls for a cafe and market discussions already have begun with a potential, yet-unnamed market tenant along with 100,000 square feet of office space for 500 health care-related jobs Weber pledged it will add downtown over three years. It also has space as requested for Associated Bank, which had agreed to sell its building at 605 State St. to the county as a new administrative center if it could move to Lot C. The total taxable value of the finished complex was estimated at $54 million.

Development of Lot C is part of the countys interlocking plans that include the selling the administrative center at 400 N. Fourth St. to Stizo Development LLC a partnership of Three Sixty and Borton that would gut the building to remove asbestos and then convert it to student housing and shifting county offices to the Associated Bank site.

Like the Weber concept, the Borton-Three Sixty-Doerflinger proposal was a mix of office, retail and residential space, plus a hotel later on after the local market has time to absorb two other downtown area hotels now in the works. But the development would be in phases that run through 2020, including plans for adjacent land that now has the main post office and had until recently been a regional sorting site.

Members of the countys Administrative Center and Downtown Campus Study Committee acknowledged that while they liked both local presentations, the fact Weber Holdings wanted to build the entire complex as a whole rather than in segments gave it a slight edge. The inclusion of street level and underground parking was a plus as well, committee members said.

For more on this story, see Fridays Tribune or check back at http://www.lacrossetribune.com.

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County panel favors Weber plan for Lot C

It was a long but productive day for Don Weber.A La Crosse County committee gave a preliminary nod Thursday to Weber Holdings $68 million proposal to build offices, retail space and 94 housing units on the 2.3-acre downtown parking area known as Lot C.

The firm, led by Logistics Health Inc. CEO and Riverside Center developer Weber, was the committees narrow but consensus choice over a combined plan by Borton Construction, Three Sixty Real Estate Solutions and Doerflinger building owner/renovator Mike Keil. Doran Companies of Bloomington, Minn., was taken out of the running early among the three finalists after 5 hours of interviews Thursday afternoon.

Theyre all qualified developers, said Supervisor Joe Veenstra, chairman of the countys Administrative Center and Downtown Campus Study Committee. When the decisions as hard as it was, it means you had good proposals.

Along with the housing, the Weber Holdings proposal calls for a street-level caf and market discussions already have begun with a potential, yet-unnamed market tenant along with 100,000 square feet of office space for 500 health care-related jobs Weber pledged to add downtown over three years.

It also has room as requested for Associated Bank, which had agreed to sell its building at 605 State St. to the county as a new administrative center if it could move to Lot C. The total taxable value of the finished complex was estimated at $54 million.

Development of Lot C is part of the countys interlocking plans that include the selling the administrative center at 400 N. Fourth St. for $250,000 to Stizo Development LLC a partnership of Three Sixty and Borton that would gut the building to remove asbestos and then convert it to student housing and buying the current Associated Bank building for $4.6 million to convert into county offices.

Like the Weber concept, the Borton-Three Sixty-Doerflinger proposal was a mix of office, retail and residential space, plus a hotel later on after the local market has time to absorb two other downtown hotels now in the works. Both included rooftop green spaces and offered the county money for the lot itself, Weber Holdings $500,000 to $1.5 million, Borton-Three Sixty-Doerflinger $12.50 per square foot.

But the latter proposals development would be in phases that run through 2020, at some point potentially spreading into adjacent property that until recently had been a regional postal processing center. Phase One, from March 2015 to January 2016, would construct only the Associated Bank section, 3,000 square feet of retail or service space and 60 market-rate residential units.

Committee members acknowledged that while they liked both local presentations, the fact Weber Holdings wanted to build the entire complex as a whole, starting in summer 2015 and completed two years later, gave it a slight edge.

The inclusion of some street level and underground parking in the Weber plans was a plus as well, committee members said, though both proposals admitted the county and city likely will have to be enlisted to fully address the parking needs downtown.

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County favors Weber plan for Lot C: Offices, housing and retail

Plans submitted for The Crazy Horse Public House, in Stanmore

11:47am Thursday 24th July 2014 in News By Bruce Thain

Plans have been submitted to tear down a high street pub and build flats and retail space on the site.

Owners of The Crazy Horse public house, now called Crazy London, in Church Road, Stanmore have submitted the plans to Harrow Borough Council.

The documents on the council website propose the complete redevelopment of the site with the demolition of the pub and construction of a four storey block of 13 flats and shop space on the ground floor.

The plans are the latest for a pub in the borough submitted to the council.

Last week the authoritys planning committee gave planning permission for the demolition of the Sam Maguire Public House, in High Street, Wealdstone, to make way for nearly 30 flats.

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Pub site plans submitted

Abu Dhabi will add 778,000 metres of retail space over the next three years, representing eight percent of the total new shopping space (9.8 million metres) opened in 2013 in 180 cities globally.

The figures were revealed by Bassam Saleh, marketing manager of Bawadi Mall in Al Ain and based on a global study conducted by property adviser CBRE.

The study also found a total of 39 million metres of shopping centre retail space is currently under construction in the world's biggest cities, with Abu Dhabi having more retail space under development than anywhere in the Gulf.

Saleh said: "It does not come as a surprise to many that Abu Dhabi has the largest retail space under development in the GCC, because the capital of the UAE has been taking firm steps in becoming a world class city.

"Malls in the Emirate have standards that are on par with leading shopping destinations in the world, such as Paris, London and New York. Visitors feel they are in a five-star shopping arcade, in terms of services, ambience, promotions, outreach programmes and staff in stores and management."

"Bawadi Mall has adopted the 'edutainment' concept that has converted the shopping service into an experience enjoyed by all members of the family."

He added: "We adopt global best practices to make the visitors welcome and comfortable. One of the main reasons for the stupendous success of our approach is that we consider the visitor a tourist rather than a customer coming to shop. We greet them with entertainment and social activities that address the diversity of cultures living in the UAE."

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Abu Dhabi to add huge amount of new retail space

July 24, 2014

The man behind three Bartonsville retail developments is planning a major shopping-office-residential complex on Route 739 in Dingman Township.

Developer Jim DePetris of Plymouth Meeting-based DEPG Development Associates has confirmed that his company recently signed an agreement to buy more than 200 acres on Route 739 near the intersection of Log Tavern Road.

The land is on the same side of the road as the Dingman Delaware school complex.

The agreement is so new that it has not yet been presented to township officials, DePetris said.

He envisions the project happening in three phases.

The first phase will include the construction of 70,000 square feet of retail space for a supermarket and 10 to 15 retail stores.

The next phase will bring professional and medical offices. And a third phase will include some residential buildings, perhaps senior housing or townhouses, DePetris said.

The work of DEPG Development Associates is well known to shoppers in Monroe County.

DEPG is responsible for three popular projects on Route 611 in Stroud Township, including the Dick's Sporting Goods complex, Sonic drive-in restaurant and the strip mall with Moe's Southwestern Grill and Sleepy's mattress store.

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Developer eyes retail desert in Dingman Township

(MENAFN - Khaleej Times) Bawadi Mall offers unique shopping experience for entire family Bawadi Mall has a strong line-up of entertainment activities for the remaining of 2014.

Abu Dhabi will add 778000sqm of retail space over the next three years which represents eight per cent of the total new shopping space (9.8 million sqm) opened in 2013 in 180 cities globally.

The figures were revealed by Bassam Saleh marketing manager Bawadi Mall the five-year old hugest shopping mall in Al Ain based on a global study conducted by property adviser CBRE.

The study also says that a total of 39 million sqm of shopping centre retail space is currently under construction in the worlds biggest cities with Abu Dhabi having more retail space under development than anywhere in the Gulf.

Saleh says: It does not come as a surprise to many that Abu Dhabi has the largest retail space under development in the GCC because the capital of the UAE has been taking firm steps in becoming a world class city. Malls in the emirate have standards that are on par with leading shopping destinations in the world such as Paris London and New York. Visitors feel they are in a five-star shopping arcade in terms of services ambience promotions outreach programmes and staff in stores and management.

Bawadi Mall has adopted the edutainment concept that has converted the shopping service into an experience enjoyed by all members of the family said Saleh.

He added: We adopt global best practices to make the visitors welcome and comfortable. One of the main reasons for the stupendous success of our approach is that we consider the visitor a tourist rather than a customer coming to shop. We greet them with entertainment and social activities that address the diversity of cultures living in the UAE.

Saleh added that Abu Dhabi in general and Al Ain in particular offers superior shopping ambience driven by strong collaboration between mall management tenants representing international regional and local brands as well as visitors who remain the central part of any shopping experience.

He said: These visitors with high purchasing power a strong shopping culture and appreciation of classy brands are energising the shopping industry as supply keeps pace with the huge demand translating into high footfall.

Bawadi Mall has a strong line-up of entertainment activities for the remaining of 2014. Moreover the ideal shopping environment provided by the mall and the numerous promotions offered at all retail outlets including fashion hospitality and entertainment are reinforcing the malls position on the regional map of shopping malls as Al Ain citys footprint on the regions tourism map is getting bigger.

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Abu Dhabi to add 778000sqm of retail space over three years span

MERRIMACK A major development project is being proposed in Merrimack that would convert nearly 150 acres of land into 240 apartments and significant retail and industrial space.

This is the largest mixed-used development we have seen come through town in quite a while, said Tim Thompson, community development director.

The John J. Flatley Company, which recently constructed the Tara Heights apartment complex in Nashua, is proposing a nearly identical project on five parcels near 707 Daniel Webster Highway.

Preliminary plans have been filed at Merrimack Town Hall, as the developer prepares to seek a conditional use permit for future construction at the site, which is adjacent to the St. Gobain Corp. facility.

Plans include 120,000 square feet of high-bay industrial space, a village-setting commercial and retail development, a separate 200,000 square feet retail parcel and five residential buildings to accommodate 240 one and two bedroom garden-style rental apartments, a pool, tennis courts and clubhouse.

It has been an evolving trend in the planning profession to focus on mixed-use development, said Thompson, explaining local zoning allows for this type of construction. I think that mixed-use has always been the towns vision for that area of Merrimack.

Thompson admits that the Flatley Company is still in the very early stages of the planning process, and that multiple site plans and numerous meetings and approvals will still be necessary for the large project to come to fruition.

The proposed apartments -- if authorized -- will be configured around an existing stream and the former fish hatchery site.

The owner intends to pursue development of community space in the vicinity of the former hatchery for the benefit of not only residents of the planned multi-family housing complex, but also the two proposed retail parcels and the public, says a project narrative written by Steven Keach of Nordstrom Associates, adding open space with passive recreation will be encouraged.

The extensive project, which will be located on the east side of Daniel Webster Highway just south of Performance Center Drive, includes a fiscal impact analysis study, community impact assessment study and a traffic impact and access study. If approved, the development will be completed in phases over two to four years.

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About 150 acres planned for development in Merrimack

A proposed major facelift for a long-time downtown London landmark could be under way in September.

John Fyfe-Millar, who owns the former Bud Gowan Antiques building on Clarence St., said Monday he hopes to submit plans to the city by months end to turn the building into a wine bar, retail space and two-storey apartment.

He put the cost of the project at about $1 million.

I would like to think that if everything is good well be starting on the building come September. What we will do is renovate the building from the top down, he said Monday.

If his plans are approved and hes able to begin construction, Fyfe-Millar said, his family will move into the completed apartment in the top two floors in the spring something theyve wanted to do since buying the building in 2012.

My wife wanted to live downtown and, given the choice, I really didnt want to live in a highrise, said Fyfe-Millar, who said the renovations will strike a balance between making the space their own and maintaining the buildings antique charm.

Bud Gowan Antiques building on Clarence St. (QMI Agency file photo)

From there, Fyfe-Millar said, hell complete renovations on the retail space, which has been rented already.

Fyfe-Millar said hes looking ahead to a fall 2015 opening date for a wine bar planned for the buildings first floor and basement. Were hoping that were going to be able to partner with somebody in that space to put something together, he said.

Fyfe-Millar said preserving the historic building is a big priority. His goal is to renovate the property without losing the charm of the century-old architecture.

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Bud Gowan's reno may be just weeks away

Summer means construction season, and in downtown Madison, that meansnew housing and retail space that could lead to a different feel near campus.

Among the most significant additions to the State Street area is the development of the Hub, a new apartment and retail complex that Scott Stager, senior vice president of Property Management at Core Campus, said he hopes it will be the center of student life and community activity.

State Street is really the center of activity for shopping, dining and nightlife near campus. I cant think of a better location for a building to be located, right in the epicenter of it all, Stager said. With the 960 students we will have as residents, we are sure State Street businesses will really see a positive impact.

Stager said the building will include 313 housing units with more than 960 bed spaces. The building will also feature an amenity package that Stager said has never been seen before in Madison. This will include things like a rooftop sun deck with a resort style pool, a 20-foot LED outdoor television, a fitness center and study rooms. Stager said he hopes these amenities will help promote both academic achievement and a healthy social life for students living there.

Mary Carbine, Madisons executive director of the Business Improvement District, said she thinks the Hub will add a lot to the area, bringing people to the businesses in the Hub and to the existing local shops on State Street.

Stager said the Hub is going to be student friendly and will lease to anyone that meets their rental requirements. The primary targets for tenants, Stager said, are UW-Madison students and young, just-graduated professionals.

Stager said the building began construction in 2013 and will open in August of 2015.

Not everybody is fully supporting developments like the Hub. Ald. Mike Verveer, District 4, said the displacement of smaller stores due to projects like the Hub is concerning for both city staff and nearby residents.

It is still somewhat bittersweet, perhaps sobering, that despite all the excitement over this new project, there will still be displacement of existing businesses. Verveer said.

The previous tenants worked with Core Campus to smooth out the relocation process, Verveer said.

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New high rises at the forefront of Madisons summer renovations

By Rick Smith, The Gazette

CEDAR RAPIDS Groundbreaking is set for Wednesday on CRST International Inc.s new 11-story, $37-million headquarters on the downtown riverfront.

The site across First Street SE from the Alliant Energy tower is being prepared for construction.

Most noticeably, the 100 or so vehicles that parked in a temporary lot since fall 2011 have moved to other parking spots in the downtown.

Marc Gullickson, president of Ryans Midwest region, said construction will begin immediately after Wednesdays groundbreaking ceremony with excavation and removal of foundation material from earlier structures on the site.

The building will be ready for occupancy in the first quarter of 2016, he said.

The CRST site, in the 200 block of First Street SE, previously was home to the First Street Parkade, which was slated for demolition for some years and was demolished in the summer of 2011 after sustaining flood damage in 2008.

On Saturday, another sign of change was the removal of 13 trees from the CRST site, which were added when the surface parking lot was put in place in 2011.

Daniel Gibbins, the citys parks superintendent, said the city is moving the two-year-old trees to Noelridge and Cherry Hill parks. Its not the best time of the year to move trees, but the recent wet soil conditions should help the trees survive, he said.

In 2011, five downtown entities created Short Term Parking Solution LC and financed the temporary parking lots construction with the thought that it would provide parking until the city found a company to build on the site.

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Construction of CRST riverfront headquarters ready to start