New developments Changchun, China - Chicago-based architectural firm Loebl Schlossman & Hackl is currently designing Sun Century Commercial City in Changchun, China, an $80 million project. The firm is combining efforts with the Shenzhen University Institute of Architectural Design on this 1.2 million-sq.-ft. center. The edgy, modern architecture of Sun Century will capitalize on Changchun's tremendous population growth by providing stimulating retail and entertainment venues.
The central focus of this center is an enclosed, year-round atrium located near the main entry, which is surrounded by numerous shops. The building is designed to hold GLA on four floors, and has approximately 400 parking spaces as well as dining and entertainment venues. The completion date is March 2001.
Kansai, Japan - November 2000 marked the opening of Chelsea Japan Co.'s Rinku Premium Outlets. Located on the southern rim of Osaka Bay, the center is situated near the access point to Kansai International Airport. Phase I is 175,000 sq. ft. and holds 60 international and Japan-based tenants. Subsequent phases will expand the development to approximately 325,000 sq. ft.
With nearly 20 million people living within 20 miles of Rinku Premium Outlets, the center offers a variety of stores. Tenants include: BCBG, Kookai, Jun Men, Gap, Diesel, Dou Dou, Brooks Brothers, Helly Hansen, Lui's, Nautica, D&G Dolce & Gabbana, The Body Shop, Franc franc, Coach, Mont Blanc, Kanematsu, Nike, Timberland and more.
Formed in 1999, Chelsea Japan is a joint venture between Roseland, N.J.-based Chelsea Property Group (formerly Chelsea GCA Realty Inc.) and two of Japan's leading companies, Mitsubishi Estate Co. and Nissho Iwai Co.
Houston - Hines, a locally based international real estate firm, has leased 75% of the Diagonal Mar Centre in Barcelona, Spain - one of the largest mixed-use centers in Europe. Due to open this year, the 4.2 million-sq.-ft., tri-level facility will contain more than 240 stores, an array of restaurants and leisure areas, an AMC multiplex cinema with 18 theaters and an Alcampo hypermarket.
Some of the center's prestigious international tenants include Zara, Au Pariel du Meme, Belros, Bershka, Cafe di Torino, D-409, Forn de Pa Bou, H&M, Il Gelato, L'Occitane, Mango, Petit Bateau, Swatch, Toscana, Yves Rocher and Sgel.
With an estimated visitor draw of 20 million people a year, parking needs for the center are met with a 5,000-car, underground garage, the largest of its kind in Spain. Covering the equivalent of 15 city blocks, Diagonal Mar Centre includes, in addition to its retail tenants, 1,400 new residential units, 900 new hotel rooms (3 hotels), and two office towers.
Shows & events March 20-23 - 26th Annual ICSC European Conference, Leasing & Trade Fair, Lingotto Conference Centre, Turin, Italy. Contact: (646)728-3800; FAX (212)589-5555.