2009-08-01
RUSTICO RESTAURANT AND BUZZ BAKERY TO LEASE SPACE AT LIBERTY CENTER.
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Washington, DC – August 1, 2009 - Asadoorian Retail Solutions announced today local restaurateur, Michael Babin has signed two leases at Liberty Center, one for Rustico Restaurant for 6,000 square feet and one for Buzz bakery for 2,000 square feet.. This will be the 2nd location for each concept in the Greater Washington, DC Metropolitan Area.
Developed by The Shooshan Company, Liberty Center is located on Wilson Boulevard at Randolph Street and is a 1 million square foot mixed-use development that includes two office buildings that are 100% leased and two residential buildings. Totaling 500,000 sf of office and 468 residential units. The retail component, which Asadoorian is responsible for leasing, is leased to tenants such as: Marvelous Market, Bruegger’s Bagels and HSBC Bank. “Liberty Center is the 1st step in the development of Ballston’s town center.” states Kevin Shooshan, Development Manager. “Until now, Ballston has been lacking in the development of it’s retail potential. We intend to satisfy that demand and Michael’s restaurants will anchor that effort.”
Furthering this effort to create a vibrant retail scene in Ballston, will be the development of Founder’s Square, on the south side of Wilson Boulevard, opposite Liberty Center. The former WMATA bus yard calls for the development of over 1 million square feet of office space, residential and retail space. Kicking off this effort, GSA recently signed a lease on behalf of DARPA (Defense Advanced Research Project Agency) for the development of the first building, totaling 356,000 square feet with construction expected to start this fall.
According to John Asadoorian, President of Asadoorian Retail Solutions, “The arrival of Rustico at Liberty Center truly fits the commitment The Shooshan Company has made to deliver a chic new dining experience. We vetted several restaurant and pub owners throughout Liberty Center’s construction process, and found that with its eclectic style, broad range of fine cuisine and impeccable commitment to service, Rustico is best suited to exceed our expectations.”
“I am thrilled at having an opportunity to bring my restaurants to Ballston.”, states Michael Babin. “ In growing our business, our mission is to secure high-quality locations where we become part of the neighborhood, reflecting the unique attributes of the area and satisfying the demand present. With Ballston we found a thriving market with an affluent population that was lacking in dining options. With Liberty Center, we found the ideal location within that market.” Neighborhood Restaurant Group was represented by Chris Muller of M Retail Solutions.
About Asadoorian
Asadoorian Retail Solutions, a brokerage house based in Washington, DC, is a leading provider of retail real estate services on local, regional, and national levels to users and owners of retail real estate. With an emphasis on high-quality retail stores, restaurants and properties, Asadoorian’s approach is to deliver guidance and counsel that include strategic market analysis, leasing and marketing programs, and expansion and disposition services.
About The Shooshan Company
Founded in 1986, The Shooshan Company, LLC is a full-service real estate firm with an experienced team skilled in development, design, construction, marketing, leasing, property management, and finance. The Shooshan Company has planned, developed, and now manages over two million square feet of mixed-use development in the Washington Metropolitan Area. Currently, The Shooshan Company has an additional 1.1 million square feet planned in the Ballston neighborhood of Arlington, Virginia at the new Founders Square project, which centers around a 356,000 square foot office building for the relocation of DARPA. The Shooshan Company has a signed lease with the GSA for all 355,000 square feet, and plans to begin construction this fall.
About Neighborhood Restaurant Group
The Neighborhood Restaurant Group was created more than a decade ago with the opening of The Evening Star Café in the Del Ray Neighborhood of Alexandria, Virginia. Since then, the group has grown to include five distinct chef-driven restaurants and bars, a bakery & dessert lounge, a wine shop and a full service catering business. The group is currently at work on a new concept in Washington DC, named Birch & Barley, expected to open in the fall of 2009. NRG Restaurant concepts include: The Evening Star Café, Vermillion, Talulla, Eatbar, Rustico, Buzz, Columbia Firehouse and Star Catering.
About Ballston, Liberty Center and Founder’s Square:
Please visit:
www.ballstonvasquare.org
www.libertycenter.com
www.shooshancompany.com