Top Stories

Party City Returns, Opens 700 Locations Inside Staples

by Abby Cox April 24, 2026

FRAMINGHAM, MASS. — Party City and Staples have partnered to bring the specialty party retailer inside more than 700 Staples locations nationwide and on the Staples website, with plans to expand to additional stores by the end of 2026. According to the companies, the partnership creates a single destination for celebrations by offering a selection of balloons, décor and party supplies, along with Staples same-day print and marketing services. “Staples has always been focused on making things easy for our customers, and our partnership with Party City takes that promise into new territory,” says Marshall Warkentin, president of Staples U.S. Retail. The Party City stores within a store offer a range of latex and foil helium balloons in a variety of colors, sizes and designs. In the coming weeks, shoppers will also be able to schedule balloon pickups in advance through the Staples website and app. In addition, customers can shop for party décor, tableware, gift bags, costume accessories and favors, while also creating personalized invitations, banners, yard signs and posters through Staples print services. Party City Holdco Inc. (PCHI) first filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in January 2023 and announced in December 2024 that it would be liquidating and …

April 24, 2026

Development Life Sciences North Carolina Southeast Top Stories

AbbVie to Invest $1.4B in New Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Facility in Durham, North Carolina

by Hayden Spiess April 23, 2026

DURHAM, N.C. — Biopharmaceutical company AbbVie (NYSE: ABBV) has announced plans for a new pharmaceutical manufacturing campus located in Durham, according to North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein. AbbVie will invest $1.4 billion in the project over four years, marking the company’s largest capital commitment for a single campus to date and its first investment in the Tarheel State. Last year, AbbVie unveiled plans for a $195 million expansion its manufacturing plan in its hometown of North Chicago. Both projects are part of AbbVie’s $100 billion commitment to grow its U.S. research-and-development and capital investments over the next decade. Upon completion, the Durham campus will total 185 acres and will include drug product manufacturing facilities, next-generation laboratories, a warehouse, administrative offices and employee wellness facilities. AbbVie plans to produce small volume parenteral (i.e. prefilled syringes and vials for injection or infusion) drug products at the facility. Construction of the Durham campus is scheduled to begin this year and be completed by the end of 2028. AbbVie expects the construction process to support 2,000 temporary jobs. Several state and local entities, including The North Carolina Department of Commerce and the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina, have collaborated with AbbVie on the project. AbbVie …

April 23, 2026

Development Illinois Midwest Office Top Stories

Skender Completes 535,000 SF Office Development in Chicago’s Fulton Market

by Kristin Harlow April 22, 2026

CHICAGO — Chicago-based general contractor Skender has completed The Fulton, an 11-story, 535,000-square-foot office development at 217 N. Sangamon St. in Chicago’s Fulton Market neighborhood. Developed by Fulton Street Cos. and Shanna Collective, the project marks the only Class A office building to break ground in Chicago since 2023, according to Skender. Designed by FitzGerald Associates Architects and Morris Adjmi Architects, The Fulton features floor-to-ceiling windows, several outdoor terraces, a rooftop lounge and bar, multiple conference and coworking spaces and a fitness center. A basement provides parking for up to 80 vehicles. Additionally, a glass atrium connects the new development with a redevelopment of the historic Schwinn Bicycle factory, which is being converted from apartments into office space. Alex Panici, vice president at Skender, says the project brings the perfect blend of historical significance and modern design. “A tremendous amount of thought was put into everything from the material selection to the energy efficiency, and this property is sure to meet the needs of the modern workforce long into the future.” The Fulton is both WELL- and LEED Silver-certified. Committed office tenants include The Coca-Cola Co., Harrison Street Asset Management, BlackEdge Capital and Permanent Capital. Gibsons Steakhouse and Equinox Fitness …

April 22, 2026

Acquisitions District of Columbia Mixed-Use Office Southeast Top Stories

BXP Sells 50 Percent Stake in Marriott Headquarters Building in Bethesda, Maryland at $430M Valuation

by John Nelson April 21, 2026

BETHESDA, MD. — BXP (NYSE: BXP), the company formerly known as Boston Properties, has sold a 50 percent ownership interest in the corporate headquarters building for global hotelier Marriott International Inc. in downtown Bethesda. The Boston-based real estate development and management firm delivered the 21-story office tower in 2021 and is now selling its stake to its joint venture partner, The Bernstein Cos., at a $430 million valuation. Tommy Cleaver, Bill Shanahan, Dan Grimes and Chloe Neal of CBRE represented BXP in the sale. BXP’s net proceeds in the sale came out to $83 million. In addition to LEED Gold and Fitwel certifications, the Marriott office tower has features a rooftop terrace; grand lobby with an LED wall and three-story atrium; 7,500-square-foot fitness center; collaboration space; two dining offerings; 11,000-square-foot childcare center; and an innovation center with a test kitchen. According to Marriott, the office tower can accommodate roughly 3,500 workers across 2,842 workspaces. The hotel giant fully debuted the tower in fall 2022. “This remarkable headquarters is the result of a shared vision and a strong partnership with BXP,” says Adam Bernstein, president and CEO of The Bernstein Cos. “Together, we delivered a world-class building for Marriott International’s global headquarters …

April 21, 2026

Company News Florida New York Northeast Southeast Top Stories

Blue Owl Capital Agrees to Acquire Sila Realty Trust for $2.4B

by Taylor Williams April 20, 2026

NEW YORK CITY AND TAMPA, FLA. — Affiliates of Blue Owl Capital (NYSE: OWL), a New York City-based private equity firm, have entered into an agreement to acquire Tampa-based REIT Sila Realty Trust (NYSE: SILA) for $2.4 billion. The deal, which will make Sila a private company, is expected to close late in the second quarter or early in the third quarter of this year. The valuation represents a per-share stock price of $30.38 for Sila. That price constitutes a 19 percent premium over Sila’s closing stock price of $25.53 per share on April 17, the last full day of trading prior to the announcement. The share price also represents a 25.6 percent premium over Sila’s average volume weighted price for the last 30 trading days. BofA Securities is serving as Sila’s exclusive financial advisor, and Hogan Lovells US LLP is acting as Sila’s legal counsel. Citigroup Global Markets Inc. is acting as lead financial advisor to Blue Owl, with Truist Securities Inc. also acting as a financial advisor. Newmark is Blue Owl’s real estate advisor. Kirkland & Ellis LLP is serving as legal advisor to Blue Owl. “The Sila team has curated a highly diversified collection of critically important …

April 20, 2026

Development Midwest Ohio Retail Top Stories

Cosm Breaks Ground on Immersive Entertainment Venue in Downtown Cleveland

by Abby Cox April 17, 2026

CLEVELAND — Cosm, along with Bedrock and Rock Entertainment Group, have broken ground on a new entertainment venue located at the intersection of East 4th Street, Prospect Avenue and Huron Road in downtown Cleveland. Dubbed Cosm Cleveland, the venue will sit directly across from Rocket Arena (formerly Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse), home of the NBA’s Cleveland Cavaliers and AHL’s Cleveland Monsters. The two professional sports franchises are owned by Dan Gilbert, founder of Rocket Mortgage, Bedrock and Rock Entertainment Group. Spanning approximately 64,000 square feet and rising three stories, Cosm Cleveland will comprise two programmatic elements: The Dome and The Hall. Through Cosm’s proprietary technology called Shared Reality, the venue will merge a stadium-like atmosphere with state-of-the-art visuals in a communal setting. Rossetti Architects designed Cosm Cleveland, and Bedrock is leading the development. The venue, which will anchor Bedrock’s Rock Block mixed-use development, is slated to open in 2027. “This is a major milestone for our downtown Gateway District, and the arrival of Cosm is a testament to our community’s spirit and resilience,” says Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb. “This incredible venue will enhance our city’s reputation as a hub for sports and entertainment, drawing visitors from near and far to experience a …

April 17, 2026

Company News Development Retail Top Stories

Walmart Plans 650 Remodels, 20 Store Openings in Next 12 Months

by Hayden Spiess April 16, 2026

BENTONVILLE, ARK. — Walmart Inc. (Nasdaq: WMT) has announced plans to invest in more than 650 scheduled remodels of Walmart Supercenter and Walmart Neighborhood Market stores this year. The Bentonville-based retail giant also plans to open roughly 20 new stores throughout the remainder of 2026 and early 2027. Plans include the expansion of a Walmart Supercenter in Tucson, Ariz., as well as the opening of a Supercenter store in Celina, Texas. Earlier this year the retailer opened a new Walmart Supercenter in Eastvale, Calif., as well as three Supercenters and a Neighborhood Market in Florida. Remodeled stores will feature wider aisles and updated layouts; new display designs; expanded pickup and delivery capabilities; updated Vision Centers and pharmacies with private consultation rooms; new digital touchpoints; and refreshed interiors, signage, parking and landscaping. Stores operating under the Neighborhood Market format will also be updated with expanded deli and hot bar areas, enhanced lighting and fixtures, pharmacy delivery options and upgraded online order fulfillment areas. In early 2024, the retail giant announced a commitment to open or convert more than 150 new stores. Store openings in 2025 included locations in Alabama, California, Florida, New Jersey, Texas and Utah. According to the company, fiscal revenue for …

April 16, 2026

Development Mixed-Use Oklahoma Texas Top Stories

Rainier, University of Oklahoma Foundation to Build $1.1B Rock Creek Entertainment District in Norman

by Kristin Harlow April 15, 2026

NORMAN, OKLA. — Rainier Development Co. has executed a master development agreement with the University of Oklahoma Foundation for the planned Rock Creek Entertainment District, a $1.1 billion project in Norman. Rainier will lead planning, design, coordination and development of the 269-acre district in collaboration with Cleveland County, the City of Norman, the University of Oklahoma, community stakeholders and other development partners. Rock Creek Entertainment District is envisioned as a year-round destination that will include an 8,000-seat performance venue designed to host concerts, conventions and community events, as well as University of Oklahoma men’s and women’s basketball games and women’s gymnastics events. Plans for Phase I of Rock Creek include the performance venue; a central outdoor plaza; approximately 140,000 square feet of retail, dining and entertainment experiences; roughly 250 multifamily units; and a structured parking garage with 1,200 spaces. Phased openings of the venue, restaurants and retail are expected to begin in 2028. Phase II will include approximately 180,000 square feet of office space and a 150-room hotel. Phase III calls for 500 additional multifamily units, as well as townhomes and single-family residences. Future phases are anticipated to include additional expansion, subject to market conditions and planning. The project, located …

April 15, 2026

Development Maryland Mixed-Use Retail Southeast Top Stories

WRS Breaks Ground on $1.2B Redevelopment of Lakeforest Mall in Metro D.C.

by John Nelson April 14, 2026

GAITHERSBURG, MD. — WRS Inc., a retail and mixed-use development firm based in Charleston, S.C., has broken ground on the $1.2 billion redevelopment of Lakeforest Mall, a 102-acre shopping mall in Gaithersburg that shuttered in 2023. Situated in the northern arch of the Washington, D.C., suburbs, the multi-phase project will transform 1.1 million square feet of obsolete retail space and parking lots into a walkable “mini-city” that will be master-planned on a grid of walkable streets and public amenities. “This is more than just a construction project; it is the rebirth of a community anchor,” says Kevin Rogers, principal of WRS. “We are proud to deliver a project that honors the legacy of Lakeforest while looking firmly toward the future of Gaithersburg.” Hallmarks of the new mixed-use village will include: Phase I of the redevelopment’s infrastructure, which comprises demolition of the mall, installation of storm drain systems and establishment of road networks on the site, is now underway. WRS plans to begin vertical construction on the first residential and retail blocks of the development shortly after these initiatives are complete. WRS began purchasing Lakeforest Mall beginning in 2019. In 2022, the firm obtained acquisition and construction financing from PCCP for the …

April 14, 2026

Acquisitions Multifamily Nevada Top Stories Western

Bascom Group Acquires Ellison Apartments in Las Vegas for $103M

by Taylor Williams April 13, 2026

LAS VEGAS — Irvine, Calif.-based investment and development firm The Bascom Group has acquired The Ellison, a 294-unit apartment complex located in the Summerlin/Spring Valley submarket of Las Vegas, for $103 million. The sales price translates to approximately $350,000 per door. The Ellison is situated along I-215 in southwest Las Vegas in an area known as “The Curve.” Several developments are underway in the surrounding area, including the Athletics’ new baseball stadium, Intermountain Healthcare’s Children’s Hospital and expansions of the Roseman Nursing School and UNLV Harry Reid Research & Technology Park. Completed in 2024, The Ellison offers studio, one- and two-bedroom units with an average size of 901 square feet. Amenities include a heated, resort-style pool and spa with a jumbotron screen, as well as a clubhouse lounge, fitness center with dedicated spin and Pilates studios. Jonathan Merhaut, Doug Schuster and Curt Allsop of Newmark represented the undisclosed seller in the transaction. Lee Redmond, Nicholas Schroeder, Vincent Punzi and Lowell Takahashi, also with Newmark, arranged an undisclosed amount of acquisition financing through AXA Investment Managers US Inc. on behalf of Bascom Group. “The Ellison is a notable example of why we keep coming back to Las Vegas,” says Tom Gilfillan, …

April 13, 2026

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