CASE STUDIES
Leasing urban, mixed-use developments and higher end retail properties form Wendy’s primary portfolio. Consulting with developers who are looking to optimize their retail real estate assets is one of her specialties.
BROOKFIELD PLACE
Situated in lower Manhattan and across from the renovation of the Westfield World Trade Center, CRL was brought on to assist with the luxury retailers at the property. This high profile, mixed use project had inherent design/ traffic flow issues along with the significant competitor in Westfield. Regardless, the project opened in 2015 with Bottega Veneta, Gucci, Burberry, Ermenegildo Zegna, Hermès Parfumerie, Omega, Paul Smith and Ferragamo among others. The early success of the luxury fashion led to the addition of both Saks Fifth Avenue and Saks Men's Store.
[Re. Brookfield Place] “In the world of retail leasing relationships are everything. Wendy Silverman is high regarded and more importantly trusted by the top retailers. Her commitment to a project is validation to many of the top luxury brands. She understands merchandising and how to bring a project to life. She draws the retailers in and gets them excited about opening a store. She understands the retailer’s perspective and how they make decisions. Wendy is a deal maker who always makes sure both sides win."
Edward Hogan, Executive Vice President Retail, Vornado
THE COLLECTIONS @ MALL OF AMERICA
One of the largest malls in the world was in the process of expanding and enhancing it's tenant mix with the addition of a luxury wing. The Ghermazian Company enlisted the services of CRL to initiate marketing of the project to the luxury retail world. The initial response has been very positive and one of the first retailers to sign on was Hermes. This early seal of approval from one of the most prestigious brands in the international marketplace set the platform for the rest of the addition. Wendy also assisted with the review of design and marketing materials. Opening of The Collections is slated for 2019.
"Wendy Silverman is a leader in the luxury leasing arena. She is professional, ethical and a pleasure to work with. Her keen eye for design and strong knowledge of tenants brings enormous value to any project.”
Liz McLay, Senior Vice President, Mall of America
SCOTTSDALE FASHION SQUARE: LUXURY WING REDEVELOPMENT
Macerich was in the process of redeveloping the luxury section of Scottsdale Fashion Square and hired CRL in 2016 to assist with merchandising the project, reworking marketing materials and creating a liaison between the developer and the brands they did not have relationships with. Wendy was able to provide these services within a relatively short period of time. The luxury renovation is scheduled to be completed in 2018.
See brochure for images or visit http://www.fashionsquare.com/SFSRedevelopment#leasing
THE SHOPS AT 900 NORTH MICHIGAN AVENUE
CRL/Wendy has worked for the owner/developer of the Shops at 900 for many years in various roles but most consistently as merchandising consultant and exclusive leasing agent. 900 is part of a mixed use property which includes a Four Seasons Hotel, office space, luxury condominiums and the Shops which are on seven levels (including street level) and anchored by Bloomingdale’s. CRL has leased to diverse tenants who include many national names (J. Crew, Mont Blanc, Gucci, Max Mara, Michael Kors and Equinox, among others). CRL effectively maintained 900’s distinct and elegant upscale panache by obtaining several local one-of-a-kind shops to enhance continued interest and freshness in 900’s tenant mix. Although we are quite modest and unassuming, we were persuaded to present the following commentary from our counterpart at 900:
“Wendy Silverman took on a very challenging, iconic project as the retail leasing consultant for The 900 Shops on Michigan Avenue in Chicago 2005. Wendy has been instrumental in transforming the dynamics of 900’s retail mix into a highly productive and exciting shopping venue. Her in-depth knowledge of retail, extensive relationships with a variety of retailers and dedication to achieving results, places her well above others in her field. The qualities that Wendy brings to her profession would make any project a success.”
Julia Burnham, Vice President, JMB Properties/The 900 Shops
THE SHOPS AT THE BRAVERN
The Bravern is a mixed-use development with office space (completely leased to Microsoft), twin tower condominiums and upscale retail in an affluent community outside Seattle, WA. The concept for the project was in the preliminary planning stage in 2003 when CRL submitted a successful proposal and presentation for an initially planned unanchored retail component of 120,000 sq ft. While consulting with architects/engineers and ownership, CRL made contact with Neiman Marcus and, with ownership, made a successful presentation for Neiman’s first store in the Pacific Northwest. This commitment now anchors the new mixed-use project’s retail segment. With CRL’s input, the Neiman lease increased the retail portion to 300,000 sq ft. On the opening of the property on September 12, 2009 and in the midst of a disastrous economy, 83 percent of the project was leased, primarily as a direct result of CRL’s efforts. Once more we’re obliged to follow with a short “tribute” from one of The Bravern’s principals:
“Wendy has been and continues to be instrumental in our successful lease up at the Shops at the Bravern. The depth of her retail knowledge, long standing relationships with key retail decision makers, and her high integrity make her an ideal representative for our investment. Wendy also provided us several key consultants to help insure that we achieved our goals from planning, construction through grand opening. What I appreciate most is her absolute commitment to our success and her positive attitude in the face of challenges. She is the consummate retail professional.”
Tom Woodworth, Senior Investment Director, SchnitzerWest/The Bravern
PAST PROJECTS INCLUDE:
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CHICAGO MARKET
900 North Michigan Ave.–Chicago, IL
Chicago Park District & Lakefront
Hawthorn Center–Vernon Hills, IL
Louis Joliet–Joliet, IL
Northbrook Court–Northbrook, IL
Oakbrook Center–Oakbrook, IL
Old Orchard Center–Skokie, IL
Park Forest Center–Park Forest, IL
River Oaks Center–Calumet City, IL
Shops at the Mart–Merchandise Mart, Chicago, IL
Stratford Square–Bloomingdale, IL
Water Tower Place–Chicago, IL
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EAST COAST
Copley Place–Boston, MA
Hyatt Resort & Casino–Ontario, Canada
Rainbow Center–Niagara Falls, N.Y.
Riverside Square–Hackensack, N.J.
Tattersall Park–Birmingham, AL
Trapper’s Alley–Detroit, MI.
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WEST COAST
Century City Center–Los Angeles, CA
Main Place Santa Ana–Santa Ana, CA
Olympic Four Seasons–Seattle, WA
Pacific Place–Seattle, WA
Paseo Nuevo–Santa Barbara, CA
San Francisco Center–San Francisco, CA
Stonestown Galleria–San Francisco, CA
The Shops at The Bravern–Bellevue, WA