Phillips is, without a doubt, tuned in to the market and its currently fertile investment ground. The company's recent retail deals include $35 million in long-term debt for Kentlands Market Square, a 252,000-sf shopping center in Gaithersburg, MD. Phillips also negotiated $26 million in permanent debt for Springfield, VA's 261,000-sf Springfield Plaza, $18.5 million in refinancing for the 145,000-sf Bradlick Shopping Center in Annandale, VA, and $18 million in permanent financing for Rockville, MD's 98,000-sf Traville Village Center. Remaining financial arrangements include a $15 million long-term debt package for Bethesda, MD's 120,000-sf Georgetown Square, and $13 million in long-term fixed-rate debt for McLean, VA's McLean Square Shopping Center, which will be expanded by 17,000 sf with part of the funds.

"International institutions continue to view the Washington market very positively, and continue to look favorably upon well located retail centers due to the strength of our local economy," Phillips COO Joseph C. Tilley tells GlobeSt.com. "Unlike many areas throughout the country, the DC metropolitan economy continues to expand and strengthen."