WOODCLIFF LAKE, N.J. AND COPPELL, TEXAS — In a one-two punch of holiday retail bankruptcy announcements, Party City has issued a formal statement declaring that it will close all its U.S. stores within the coming months, while The Container Store has also formally filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. CNN first reported on Friday, Dec. 20, that Party City, which filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in January 2023 to restructure its debt, would now be liquidating. The New Jersey-based entertainment accessories retailer, which does business as Party City Holdco Inc., said over the weekend that it intends to close all of its approximately 700 stores and that it has commenced going-out-of-business sales. The Container Store issued a statement late on the night of Sunday, Dec. 23, acknowledging that it had filed for Chapter 11 protection in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Texas. The metro Dallas-based retailer, which has about 100 stores nationwide, will “implement a recapitalization transaction to bolster its financial position, fuel growth initiatives and drive enhanced long-term profitability,” according to the statement. Party City’s 2023 petition for Chapter 11 protection was also filed within the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District …
Northeast
PHILADELPHIA — The Philadelphia City Council has approved a proposal from Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment, which owns the NBA’s Philadelphia 76ers, to build a new arena in the downtown area. Valued at $1.3 billion and known as 76 Place, the arena will be located at the site of Fashion District Philadelphia, a shopping, dining and entertainment destination on Market Street. The proposal for a new 76ers arena was conceived several years ago but has subsequently faced opposition from a variety of community leaders and organizations, most notably those in neighboring Chinatown. According to The Philadelphia Inquirer, the team is now targeting the 2031-2032 season to commence play at the new arena.
HACKENSACK, N.J. — A partnership between two New Jersey-based developers, The Hampshire Cos. and Russo Development, as well as Riverbank Management LLC, has completed a 270-unit multifamily project in downtown Hackensack. Designed by MVMK Architecture and known as Ora, the property houses studio, one- and two-bedroom apartments and 9,000 square feet of retail space. Residences feature stainless steel appliances, quartz countertops and individual washers and dryers. Amenities include a rooftop clubroom with a wet bar and billiards, as well as fire pits and lounge seating. In addition, residents have access to a fitness center, coworking spaces, private conference rooms, pet spa and package lockers. Rents start in the mid-$2000s per month for a studio apartment.
SOMERSET, N.J. — JLL has arranged a $10.3 million construction loan for a 76,200-square-foot industrial project in the Northern New Jersey community of Somerset. The facility will be located on a 7.5-acre site at 485 Elizabeth Road and will be developed on a speculative basis. Building features will include a clear height of 40 feet, 10 dock doors, one drive-in door, 36 car parking spaces and 135-foot truck court depths. Jon Mikula, Jim Cadranell and John Cumming of JLL placed the loan with Wintrust Bank on behalf of the developer, Bridge Logistics Properties.
PHILADELPHIA — Martin Brower has signed a 147,000-square-foot industrial lease in northeast Philadelphia. The provider of supply chain and logistics solutions is taking space at Crow Holdings at I-95, a project that is under construction on a 14.4-acre site at 14515 McNulty Road. Jonathan Springer, Andrew Green and Mike Barker of CBRE represented the tenant in the lease negotiations. Brad Boone and Brian McCurdy of Colliers represented Crow Holdings Development.
NATICK, MASS. — Bosse, an entertainment concept that combines pickleball with food and drinks, has opened a 97,000-square-foot venue in Natick, a western suburb of Boston. The site is adjacent to Natick Mall and formerly housed a Neiman Marcus department store. Bosse features 21 courts and a dedicated fitness and wellness space, as well as lounge areas, a sports theater, dart lounges, a cold plunge pool, retail space and golf simulators. The Bulfinch Cos. owns the property.
WEST ORANGE, N.J. — BNE Real Estate has completed a project in West Orange, about 20 miles west of New York City, that converted a 400,000-square-foot office campus into a 423-unit apartment community. Known as Stonehill at West Orange and designed by Minno & Wasko Architects & Planners, the development features one- and two-bedroom units and 44,000 square feet of amenity space. The project also preserved 130,000 square feet of recently renovated office space that is now home to the West Orange Public Library. Rents start at approximately $2,300 per month for a one-bedroom apartment.
BOSTON — Charlotte-based commercial lender Barings has provided a $115 million loan for the refinancing of the 471-roomRenaissance Boston Seaport Hotel. Built in 2008 and set to be renovated next year, the hotel offers amenities such as 21,000 square feet of meeting and event space, a 10,700-square-foot ballroom, club lounge, recently renovated fitness center, an indoor pool and several food-and-beverage outlets. Eastdil Secured arranged the loan on behalf of the borrower, a joint venture between affiliates of Rockpoint, Highgate and hotelAVE.
MANCHESTER, N.H. — Regional brokerage firm Horvath & Tremblay has arranged the $11.6 million sale of North End Shops at Livingston Park, a shopping center in Manchester, located near the New Hampshire-Massachusetts border. The property was built on 4.4 acres in 1987 and renovated in 2017. Dollar Tree anchors the center, which was fully leased at the time of sale. Bob Horvath, Todd Tremblay, Aaron Huntley and Matt Nadler of Horvath & Tremblay represented the seller and procured the buyer, both of which requested anonymity, in the transaction.
NORTH BERGEN, N.J. — Marcus & Millichap has brokered the $6.4 million sale of an 18,130-square-foot retail strip center in North Bergen, located just outside of New York City. Known as Aaron’s Strip Center due to the furniture and electronics retailer serving as the anchor, the property was fully leased to six tenants at the time of sale. Alan Cafiero, Brent Hyldahl and Devin Perez of Marcus & Millichap represented the seller and procured the buyer, a local private investor, in the transaction. Both parties requested anonymity.