Jones Lang LaSalle chosen as retail project manager for Fairfield Metro Center

Jones Lang LaSalle was selected by Blackrock Realty, LLC, a joint venture between Wittek Development, LLC, and Rugby Realty Co., Inc., as exclusive retail agent and retail project manager for its Fairfield Metro Center development. The 1.1 million s/f project includes 70,000 s/f of ground-floor retail space. The Jones Lang LaSalle team is led by Cubie Dawson, senior vice president, and includes Genevieve Francois, both with the firm's New York office. Fairfield Metro Center, located at 21 Black Rock Tpke., will include a new Metro North train station with direct access to the mixed-use complex and as many as 7,000 daily commuters. Blackrock Realty broke ground on Fairfield Metro Center in October, with completion expected in the first quarter of 2010. The complex includes a new Metro North train station directly connected above and below grade to 800,000 s/f of commercial office space in four interconnected green sustainable buildings. These buildings will be built in accordance with the U.S. Green Building Council LEED guidelines for excellence in energy and environmental design. Fairfield Metro Center will also offer 70,000 s/f of retail, including a fitness center and spa, casual and fine dining, as well as stores carefully selected to provide convenience to commuters and employees working at the office park. A 182-room full service Hilton hotel completes this new development. The retail tenant mix will feature convenience and specialty retailers that will cater to the needs of office tenants, commuters and area residents. The plan is to provide a variety of restaurants and healthy-to-go options. The property will provide a new public gathering space where residents from the area can meet, shop and dine in a leisurely atmosphere as well as an 11-acre nature preserve with walking and jogging trails. The 35-acre development will produce a landmark property with direct express connection to Manhattan and New Haven via its new Metro North station which has been named "Fairfield Metro" by the Connecticut DOT. The development is fully entitled and approved for construction.