TWENTY-SEVEN RETAILERS NOW OPEN FOR BUSINESS
AT HUNT VALLEY TOWNE CENTRE
Ten additional stores, including Greetings & Readings,expected to be operational this summer
DSW Warehouse reports 75% increase inconsumer traffic within the past month
Owings Mills, MD (July 14, 2005) – Twenty-seven retailers are now operational at Hunt Valley Towne Centre, the former Hunt Valley Mall project in Hunt Valley, MD that is being re-developed by Greenberg Gibbons Commercial Corporation. Ten additional stores are expected to open later this summer, plus two new restaurants will be making their debut in August. Coupled with the anticipated opening of Wegmans Food Markets in October, the 980,000 square foot project – which includes 260,000 square feet of space in an open air “Main Street” environment – is expected to be substantially open in the third quarter.
Apparel and footwear retailers now open for business include Ann Taylor Loft, Chico’s, Coldwater Creek, Jos. A. Bank Clothiers, Just Comfort Shoes and White House/Black Market. The list of restaurants now operational at Hunt Valley Towne Centre features Caribou Coffee, Carmine’s, Cheeburger, Cheeburger, Chipolte Mexican Grill, Noodle’s & Company, Panera Bread and Quizno’s Subs. The remaining new stores are Cingular Wireless, EB Games, Pearle Vision and Ritz Camera.
Stores that have continued to operate at Hunt Valley throughout the renovation and re-development program are Burlington Coat Factory, Carraba’s Italian Grill, Dick’s Sporting Goods, DSW Warehouse, M&T Bank, Outback Steakhouse, Regal Cinema, Sears, Sun Trust Bank and Wal-Mart.
“Consumer traffic and the positive response generated from shoppers at Hunt Valley Towne Centre have exceeded our expectations to date, and all stores and restaurants are reporting strong business patterns,” stated Brian Gibbons, President and CEO of Greenberg Gibbons Commercial Corporation. “The outdoor Main Street ambiance has captured the attention of the Baltimore County marketplace, and we anticipate a continued strengthening of traffic as we build to our grand opening this fall.”
Greetings & Readings is completing the final phase of construction in its 28,000 square foot space, and highlights the list of stores that are expected to open later this month. Other retailers planning to open throughout the summer are Box of Rain, Calvert Wine & Spirits, Carvel, Good 4 U Smoothie, New York & Company, Olly Shoes, Soccertowne, Spa in the Valley and Tomlinson Craft Collection.
The target opening date for restaurants Greystone Grill and Jesse Wong’s Kitchen is August, with Damon’s Sports Theatre expected to be operational this fall. Wegmans Food Markets is planning the grand opening of its 140,000 square foot supermarket in early October.
Since relocating to its new space at Hunt Valley Towne Centre, coupled with the recent store openings at the project, DSW Warehouse has detected a 75% increase in consumer traffic, according to Assistant Manager Heather King. “We are seeing new customers visiting our store, and we are noticing existing customers coming back more frequently. People are also calling to ask how to get to our Hunt Valley location, because they are hearing about the center from various sources. Traffic is building every day, with a great percentage of our customers consisting of workers in the surrounding area,” she said.
Ann Taylor Loft has been open less than one month, and they have trouble closing their doors at night. “Our posted closing time is 9:00 pm but, around 8:30 pm, we experience a large rush of people into the store. We typically aren’t able to complete all the sales transactions until approximately 9:45 pm,” explained Manager Lisa Konyar. “Our second rush is during lunchtime, and the weekends have been steady and growing. Every day gets a little bit better,” she added.
Located off Interstate 83 Exit 20A, the project is six miles north of the Baltimore Beltway, adjacent to the Hunt Valley Business Community, 10 miles from Towson, 20 miles from downtown Baltimore City and 35 miles from the City of York, PA.
More than one million consumers reside within a fifteen mile radius of the project, with an average household income of more than $140,000 and the site is surrounded by more than seven million square feet of office space and five hotels.
Greenberg Gibbons Commercial, founded in 1968, focuses on the acquisition, development, leasing and management of mixed-use properties and retail shopping centers in the Mid-Atlantic region. The firm builds value in these holdings through asset management, re-development and leasing activities. The company presently owns and manages eighteen properties totaling more than three million square feet of space.
For additional information, Contact:
Greenberg Gibbons Commercial Corporation 410-559-2500
Larry Lichtenauer, LH&A 410-833-6205
