Wednesday, March 7, 2012

Carlyle Development Group Announces New Team at Metrocenter in Phoenix, AZ



 PHOENIX, AZ— New York-based Carlyle Development Group (CDG) today announced a new leasing and management team for the firm’s recently acquired Metrocenter (top left photo), a shopping, dining and entertainment landmark in Phoenix, Ariz.

This team includes the addition of Brent Meszaros as General Manager, real estate veteran Anita Blackford (lower right photo) as Senior Vice President of Leasing, and locally based Phoenix Commercial Advisors as Metrocenter’s exclusive retail broker representative.

CDG’s announcement comes just one month after it purchased Metrocenter out of three years in various stages of foreclosure and receivership. It is the owner’s first step in actively repositioning and redeveloping the property, a 1.3 million-square-foot regional mall located on Interstate 17 between Peoria and Dunlap roads in Phoenix.

“We understand Metrocenter’s perceived challenges, but we also believe in its potential as a very positive force in the community,” said Abdi Mahamedi (top right photo), CEO of Carlyle Development Group.

 “Families want Metrocenter back as a hub for shopping, dining, entertainment and culture. We are here to create that for them and to change the perception of this project.”

Macy’s, Sears and Dillard’s Clearance Center currently anchor the 1973-built Metrocenter. The mall is also home to a Harkins Theatre, the Phoenix Conservatory of Music and in-line retailers such as Aéropostale, Victoria’s Secret, Journey’s, Torrid, Charlotte Ruse, Vans and Finish Line.

“Our new team has the creativity and expertise to capitalize on opportunities that were not possible during Metrocenter’s last three years of receivership, and to restore the mall’s position in the marketplace,” said Warren Fink (middle left photo), Chief Operating Officer of Carlyle Development.

 “We have a strong tenant base to build from and we have a vision. We look forward to building on these with the addition of family friendly venues, restaurants, entertainment-oriented tenants and alternative uses that will re-energize this center as a fun, safe place for the community.”

Metrocenter’s new leasing and management team will combine their expertise with the experience and resources of CDG, a company who for more than 30 years has successfully revitalized value-add real estate assets across the U.S.

CDG’s development group adds additional resources in mixed-use land development, opening the door for a variety of projects at Metrocenter ranging from the addition of education and medical tenants to ground-up, stand-alone pad development.
 
The new Metrocenter team also will capitalize on a 2007, $32 million renovation that revitalized interior spaces, added a new children’s area and upgraded on-site security.

Prior to joining CDG as General Manager of Metrocenter, Meszaros worked for Vestar Property Management, responsible for a portfolio of 3 million square feet of retail and power centers.

Blackford joins CDG from her most recent position as Senior Vice President of Leasing and Mall Operations for Feldman Mall Properties.

Contact:

Stacey Hershauer
focusAZ
Marketing & Public Relations
(480) 600-0195

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