News
Laura Marinos | On the Move
February 01, 2012
Laura Marinos has joined Retail Specialists, Inc. as the real estate company's Marketing and Broker Assistant.
Mixed-use project moves forward in Birmingham's Lakeview area
January 30, 2012
BIRMINGHAM, Alabama -- A long-planned mixed-use project in Lakeview is now under way, with plans to open its doors this summer. 29 Seven, the $15 million apartment and retail development at 29th Street and Seventh Avenue South, is moving forward after years of delays. On Friday, a "Going Vertical" event was held, as officials with the city of Birmingham and developer Retail Specialists Inc. surveyed the building's steel frame and ongoing construction. Plans call for a four-story building with 54 apartments and 19,450 square feet of retail space. It is expected to be complete by Aug. 1.
On the move: Robert H. Fowlkes, Christopher C. Frost, Barry A. Staples and more
January 26, 2012
Businesses Birmingham's Nail Boutique and Spa is opening four locations in Alabama, according to broker Brooks Corr of Retail Specialists Inc. The company has more than 20 locations in Alabama and Georgia. New locations have been confirmed for Madison, Enterprise, Pell City and Oxford. Planning is under way for expansion in Mississippi, South Carolina and Florida. Retail Specialists exclusively represents Nail Boutique and Spa throughout the region.
Real estate roundup: Salon franchise grows in Alabama
January 20, 2012
Nail Boutique and Spa Inc. is opening a 1,800-square-foot location in Enterprise in the summer, and a 2,000-square-foot location in a new Madison Walmart and a 1,200-square-foot location in a new Oxford Publix in the fall, said Brooks Corr, the Retail Specialists Inc. agent representing the franchisor.
The Daily Home: City look to move on US 280 property plans
January 05, 2012
The City Council met with four representatives from Retail Specialists, Inc. Wednesday morning to discuss progress development plans for the city-owned property along U.S.280. The city looks to bring a retail center including shopping, food and possibly a movie theater to the 33-acre property next to Walmart. Dick Schmalz, chief development officer for Retail Specialists, said they are ready to begin development pending a written agreement between Retail Specialists and the city. "As soon as the last few issues are resolved, we need to reduce the agreement to writing, and we're off and running," Schmalz said. "We have been at the point for quite some time that all we need is a final agreement and we'll start hiring engineers and architects and go into full development mode."
Birmingham's Retail Specialists to rebrand, relocate
November 20, 2011
Retail Specialists, Inc. is poised for a rebirth, as the Birmingham real estate firm launches a rebranding campaign and prepares to move to a larger office space. Early next year, Retail Specialists will become the latest occupant of Railroad Square, the new $3.8 million office project next to Railroad Park in downtown Birmingham. There, the company will share space with a research firm that has been its partner in a growing new venture: providing retail consulting and recruitment services to local governments. "We're using this relocation as a fresh start for us," said Robert Jolly, president of Retail Specialists. "We love everything that's going on in this part of downtown."
Brooks Corr - On the Move
November 03, 2011
Brooks Corr, Senior Leasing and Brokerage Representative, has earned CCIM designation from the CCIM Institute. The designation is a highly coveted and respected accomplishment in the commercial real estate industry.
Retail recovery in sight for some Birmingham hot spots
October 30, 2011
BIRMINGHAM, Alaama -- Metro Birmingham's traditional retail hot-spots are bouncing back following the industry downturn that left big empty spaces dotting the market. Robert Jolly, president of Retail Specialists, Inc., said he's seen some encouraging signs in the market, particularly in the traditionally popular shopping areas. At The Summit, for instance, stores that have exited have been replaced seamlessly, he said. "Obviously, that's the most dynamic venue in town, and they've done a nice job of re-leasing their vacant space without the market even noticing," he said. Retail Specialists represents Izzo's Illegal Burrito, one of several restaurant chains to open recently at The Summit.
Resurgence on tap for Lakeview district
October 07, 2011
After years of polishing and improving the Lakeview district, boosters say they're beginning to reap the economic benefits. The mixed-use apartment and retail complex 29 Seven, which was originally proposed in 2007, is expected to kickstart a flurry of changes and has already attracted several new eateries. The $15 million, 54-unit complex, named for its location at 29th Street South and Seventh Avenue, will begin construction within two weeks, said Retail Specialists, Inc. Chief Development Officer Dick Schmalz. "We're very excited about 29 Seven," Schmalz said. "(Lakeview) is already a proven destination for food, drink and entertainment."
Hoover's Riverchase Village center sells for $13M
September 23, 2011
A Tennessee investment fund has acquired the Riverchase Village shopping center in Hoover for $13.4 million. Memphis, Tenn.-based Midsouth Capital Fund I LLC bought the retail center that includes Best Buy and Bruno's Supermarket from Ohio-based Phillips Edison & Co. Sept. 15, marking its first acquisition in Alabama. The 178,510-square-foot Hoover property is one of several shopping destinations near the busy intersection of U.S. 31 and John Hawkins Parkway. And retail real estate experts say the property-with its heavy-hitter tenants-have it poised for further development. Retail Specialists, Inc., which has offices in Birmingham, will manage the property.
