Crosland to Develop Blakeney Crossing

Charlotte, N.C., April 30, 2008 – Crosland LLC has begun the construction of Blakeney Crossing, 87,000 square feet of traditional retail, restaurants and services, located opposite the Target-anchored Blakeney shopping center on the corner of Ardrey Kell and Rea Roads.

“Based on strong market demand from retailers and the success of Blakeney to date, we are excited about starting another retail project in the Blakeney multi-use development,” said Ryan Preston, director of leasing for Crosland. Anchoring the center will be national retailers Best Buy and PetSmart. Additionally, there will be approximately 37,000 square feet of shop space to include Just Fresh, Winestore, Asian Fusion, Salsarita’s Fresh Cantina and Omaha Steaks.

The nation’s leading specialty retailer of technology and entertainment products and services, Best Buy, will occupy 30,000 square feet and feature a large selection of name-brand consumer electronics, personal computers, home entertainment products, software and appliances, including the latest in digital technology. Shoppers can also test fully functioning display products throughout the store, allowing them to make informed purchasing decisions. Best Buy will open late 2008.

PetSmart, the nation’s leading retail supplier of pet products and services, will open in the fourth quarter of 2008. PetSmart offers exclusive products and will feature a pet styling salon, obedience education, and shelter space for homeless pets. Additionally, the company will provide high-quality, affordable veterinary care and an accompanying surgery center, complete with a pet pharmacy.

“The Blakeney area boasts some of the highest income levels in the Carolinas and has enjoyed a 70 percent growth in population in a three-mile radius over the last six years,” said Ryan Preston. “We look forward to further complementing this area and providing residents a great shopping experience close to home.”

Just Fresh (4,000 square feet) provides fresh, great-tasting food and the atmosphere of a table service restaurant with the speed and pricing of a quick service restaurant all in a setting that’s friendly to the senses and the environment.

The Just Fresh Kitchen Café menu is designed to attract diner’s morning, noon and night. Breakfast will include made-to-order omelets to whole grain pancakes and muffins. Lunch fare will focus on tossed-to-order salads, signature sandwiches and wraps made with all natural deli meats, and even veggie burgers. Dinner’s Green Plate Specials will feature all natural beef and pork, plus salmon, chicken, pasta and a veggie plate. The Just Fresh kid’s menu will offer healthy alternatives. Just Fresh will also offer fresh blended smoothies, assorted shakes, floats, coffees, desserts, cookies and brownies.

Opening its second Charlotte location at Blakeney Crossing, the Winestore (1,390 square feet) will provide a fun, educational and non-intimidating shopping experience for wine lovers of all levels of expertise. Touch-screen kiosks, a revolutionary wine-tasting machine and a user-friendly merchandising strategy all combine to create a retail environment that detours from a typical wine shop. The store will feature more than 150 hand-selected bottles with most prices falling below $25. Hours will be Monday – Saturday from 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. and Sunday from 1 – 6 p.m.

Asian Fusion (2,500 square feet) will also open late 2008 at Blakeney Crossing. This upscale yet casual restaurant will serve a variety of traditional Asian dishes along with a wide variety of sushi. Customers will be able to choose from dishes such as chicken curry, seven flavored beef, miso-glazed sea bass and Korean-style short ribs. The restaurant will be open for lunch Sunday – Friday, and dinner nightly.

Salsarita’s Fresh Cantina (2,382 square feet) will offer healthy, fresh-Mex food made-to-order right in front of the customers’ eyes. This newest addition to the Salsarita’s family incorporates the latest prototypical design elements including the unique circular Margarita Bar and seating area, further enhancing the colorful cantina-style dining room and experience. The restaurant will be open for lunch and dinner daily.

Opening its first North Carolina retail location at Blakeney Crossing, Omaha Steaks (1,320 square feet) will offer a wide selection of fresh-cut steak and gourmet food products, plus seasonings and sauces. The store will also give customers a chance to speak face-to-face with a “steak expert” as well as the convenience of drop-in shopping for any occasion.