Merchant's Walk $27 Million Dollar Redevelopment Includes Expansion of Georgia Theatre Company's Merchant's Walk Stadium Cinemas:

MARIETTA, Ga., July 15 /PRNewswire/ -- As part of the continued redevelopment of its Merchant's Walk retail center, Edens & Avant announces new retailers, renovations and relocations to create a more diverse and vibrant shopping experience for East Cobb County. Specifically, the $27 million dollar redevelopment includes the expansion and renovation of Georgia Theatre Company's Merchant's Walk Stadium Cinemas including multiple Dolby Digital 3D projectors. Major retail announcements include the addition of natural and organic grocer Whole Foods Market along with Chipotle Mexican Grill and West Coast yogurt sensation Pinkberry. Along with the new retailers, renovations have also been completed at Old Navy along with the relocation of Hallmark and Wachovia Bank. With an anticipated completion date of July 2011, the redeveloped Merchant's Walk will be approximately 360,000 sq. ft.

"In redeveloping Merchant's Walk, we wanted to return the center to its origin as a central gathering place for the community," said Lyle Darnall, Managing Director, Edens & Avant. "A major component of this plan was the expansion of Georgia Theatre Company's Merchant's Walk Stadium Cinemas to ensure it was a more cohesive and central component of the entire center."

"In addition to the cinema renovations, we've specifically created a retail mix that is truly reflective of the sophisticated nature of the local community," said Darnall. "Shoppers will also notice new architectural design features that include enhanced landscaping, spaces for outdoor dining and a more pedestrian friendly environment. Once the redevelopment is complete, Merchant's Walk will once again serve as an extension of the surrounding neighborhoods and a place where shoppers can relax with their families and friends."  

Details of the Merchant's Walk redevelopment include:

Whole Foods: As the world's leading provider of natural and organic foods, Whole Foods is known for maintaining the strictest quality standards in the grocery industry with a strong commitment to sustainable agriculture. The grocer is known for seeking the highest quality, least processed, most flavorful and natural foods possible -- unadulterated by artificial additives, sweeteners, colorings and preservatives. The 45,000 sq. ft. Whole Foods location is slated to open in July 2011.  

Georgia Theatre Company's Merchant's Walk Stadium Cinemas:  With a total of 2500 seats and renovation of all existing auditorium seating, the theater will expand from 12 to 14 screens and convert to all digital projection, including multiple Dolby Digital 3D projectors. The renovation will also include an expansive new lobby and concession stand to greet hundreds of thousands of moviegoers each year. Construction is expected to begin in August 2010, with the first new screen open by Thanksgiving and the second in the first quarter of 2011. Upon completion, the facility will feature all of the latest technology in cinema.

Old Navy: Old Navy introduced their latest design prototype with the renovation of their Merchant's Walk store. It is one of the first nationwide locations to roll out the new design prototype with renovations completed May of this year.

Chipotle Mexican Grill: Embracing a "Food with Integrity" philosophy, this successful Denver based chain offers ingredients that are "unprocessed, seasonal, family-farmed, sustainable, and nutritious, naturally raised, added hormone free, organic, and artisanal." The restaurant's decor is as elegantly simple as the food it serves and proves to be a popular draw for people of all ages. The new 2,250 sq. ft. Chipotle is located on the end cap of the new 9,000 sq. foot building currently under construction along Johnson Ferry Road. Chipotle's "Grande" Opening is scheduled for August 3, 2010.

Pinkberry: The West Coast based Pinkberry offers an upscale frozen yogurt experience with a select group of flavors and fresh toppings. In less than five years, Pinkberry has established a dominant leadership position in the frozen yogurt category and a cult-like following with its customers. Pinkberry's Merchant's Walk store will be one of the first southeastern locations for the now iconic brand and will open later this summer.

Wachovia: As one of the first businesses to open during the Merchant's Walk renovation, the new Wachovia branch is a Silver LEED certified building. LEED certification is recognition that a construction project or building attains by utilizing environmentally friendly building practices during construction or remodeling.

As redevelopment of Merchant's Walk continues, several retailers are currently open and will remain so during the renovation process. These stores include: Kohl's, OfficeMax, PetSmart, Hallmark, Stein Mart, Georgia Theatre Company and Wachovia.    

For continuing redevelopment news and updates, follow Merchant's Walk online at www.facebook.com/merchantswalk or on Twitter at @MerchantsWalk.

About Edens & Avant

Edens & Avant develops, owns and operates neighborhood shopping places in primary markets throughout the East Coast. Focusing on innovative development and redevelopment together with key acquisitions in urban areas, the Company has built a portfolio of more than 128 retail centers in 15 states. Edens & Avant has Regional Headquarters in Boston, Washington DC, Atlanta, Miami and Columbia, SC (Corporate Office).  For additional information about the Company and its retail real estate portfolio, please visit www.edensandavant.com.

SOURCE Edens & Avant