Birkdale Village Announces Eleven New Tenants

Crosland and Pappas Properties, developers of Birkdale Village, an innovative, 52-acre, mixed-use development being built in Huntersville, N.C., 20 miles northwest of Charlotte, announce the signing of eleven new tenants. These include Ann Taylor Loft, Banana Republic, Barnes & Noble, Bath and Body Works, Belle Ville, Chico’s, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Pier 1, Talbot’s, The Yard Shop and Victoria’s Secret.

The project, which combines 360,000 square feet of upscale retail and office space, also features more than 300 deluxe, urban-style apartment homes, many of which are built above the retail shops and overlook the main street.

Barnes & Noble, Dick’s Sporting Goods and Eastern Federal Theater serve as the anchor tenants at Birkdale Village and occupy over 108,000 square feet. The 16-plex theater is open with Dick’s Sporting Goods and Barnes & Noble’s to open in March and late spring respectively. Gap and Gap Kids will be opening in May with additional retail openings anticipated throughout the summer.

“It has been our goal at Birkdale Village to attract a core group of lifestyle tenants typically seen in successful main street/town center developments throughout the United States,” says Peter B. Pappas, senior vice president of Crosland’s retail division. “We are very pleased with the number of national specialty retailers who have committed to Birkdale Village and, as a result, we have attracted attention from many more national lifestyle tenants. Their confidence in Birkdale Village matches our own and sends a positive message about the strength of the Charlotte retail market.”

Birkdale Village, located on Sam Furr Road just west of Interstate 77 at Exit 25, brings to the surrounding community a shopping and residential environment with a scale and texture that is atypical of conventional shopping centers and housing communities. With an inward focus on a pedestrian-friendly main street, the design combines shops, entertainment venues, offices and dwellings with public spaces and internal streets that connect to existing neighborhoods.

“Combining the best in shopping, dining and entertainment, Birkdale Village is envisioned as a destination for people throughout the Charlotte region.” says Crosland retail division senior vice president Wade H. Robinson. “It will deliver an urban experience that includes retail, residential and office that is unique to Charlotte’s suburbs and will serve as a focal point for Huntersville.”

Crosland and Pappas Properties are jointly developing Birkdale Village. Both are active in the north Mecklenburg market, having been involved in the master planning of NorthCross and Birkdale Village, respectively. They are now partnering on the development of Birkdale Village. Crosland is managing on-site retail leasing as well as development of the apartments. Pappas Properties will be responsible for retail and office management. For additional information, visit the Web site at www.birkdalevillage.net.

• Ann Taylor Loft stores compete in the "upper moderate" priced category. Ann Taylor Loft collections are designed for women with a more relaxed lifestyle both at work and at home, who appreciate the Ann Taylor brand, but are unwilling to pay Ann Taylor store prices. The online store is located at www.anntaylor.com. Ann Taylor Loft will utilize 5,500 square feet.

• Barnes & Noble, Inc. (NYSE: BKS) operates 551 Barnes & Noble and 379 B. Dalton bookstores, and, with its acquisition of Babbage’s Etc. and Funco, Inc., is the nation’s largest operator of video game and entertainment software stores. General financial information is located at www.shareholder.com/bks/. Barnes & Noble will utilize 23,000 square feet.

• Banana Republic is the destination for the person seeking a modern, versatile wardrobe and exceptional quality of men’s and women's clothing. Banana Republic also offers a home collection, shoes, accessories, personal care products and intimate apparel. In the U.S., customers can shop the Banana Republic online store at BananaRepublic.com. Banana Republic will utilize 7,848 square feet.

• Bath & Body Works has redefined personal care to become the largest personal care specialty retailer. As of May 5, 2001, personal care, home fragrance and décor products are offered through 1,442 Bath & Body Works stores. Bath & Body Works will utilize 2,736 square feet.

• Belle Ville is a European, retail, apparel outfitter that has moved from Belgium and is unique to the Charlotte market. Belle Ville offers apparel for both men and women. Belle Ville will utilize 1,555 square feet.

• Chico’s sells exclusively designed, private-label women’s casual clothing and related accessories. The company operates a chain of 290 stores in 40 states and the District of Columbia. It owns 279 stores and franchisees own 11. Visit the online store at www.chicos.com. Chico’s will utilize 2,558 square feet.

• Dick’s Sporting Goods is redefining sports and fitness specialty retailing for all athletes and outdoor enthusiasts through quality brands, information, technology and superior service. www.dickssportinggoods.com. Dick’s Sporting Goods will utilize 33,000 square feet.