Ben Ball

New Living Spaces, New Shopping Spaces

March 15, 2010

FROM RETAILWIRE:
Foreclosures and closed retail premises all over the U.S. are encouraging people to re-think where and how they live and work. Add to that consideration of ways to reduce fuel consumption and the result is a possibly new way of designing towns. Are town centers an expansion opportunity for retailers?      [more...]

Urban planning is not in our portfolio--but we do work near one very successful example in Glenview, IL called "The Glen." This is a ground-up, urban living center that was developed on the site of the old Glenview Naval Air Base. The integrated combination of living, dining, shopping and culture (Chicago Children's Museum, etc.) makes this a compelling place to both live and visit. The retail climate there appears to be quite good, with very little turnover among either anchor tenants like Dick's Sporting Goods or the smaller specialty shops such as Adriana's Furs. And the restaurants, pubs and theaters are always busy, if not packed.