May 17, 2007

Northcut Landing

PBO Properties, developer of Northcut Landing at 5001 25th Ave. N.E. in the University District, said six tenants in the 90,000-square-foot mixed-use project have opened: Emerald City Smoothie, Desert Sun Tanning Salon, John L. Scott Real Estate, New 32 Aesthetic and Family Dentistry, Northcut Orthodontics and Verizon Wireless. Five more will open in June. Two restaurants and a branch of Northwest Hospital will open later this summer. PBO Properties was founded in 1990 as a Seattle-based development company specializing in multi-family and residential real estate. Lately it has moved into commercial development, with projects in Seattle and Newcastle.

Merrill Gardens

The R.D. Merrill Co. and its senior housing operator Merrill Gardens made two recent appointments. Rich Reel is vice president of real estate for both companies. He was part of the group that formed Merrill Gardens in 1993 and also worked in acquisition and development. He will continue to focus on acquisition and development, and diversifying R.D. Merrill's holdings into commercial and multi-family real estate in the region. Billy Pettit is investment officer for R.D. Merrill. He will focus on commercial real estate and securities as well as the investment portfolios.

Washington Retail Seminar

The 19th annual Washington Retail Seminar will be held June 6 at the Bell Harbor International Conference Center. It is co-sponsored by the Opus Law Group and the Washington Retail Association. Speakers include Michael Collins of REI on corporate social responsibility, Elizabeth Ragone of Fair Indigo on fair trade apparel, retail consultant Sally McKenzie on retail today and a panel discussion by several Seattle boutique retailers. The cost is $79 per person. For information call the Retail 2007 coordinator at (206) 438-5240.