"The renovation includes a new exterior façade, as well as new tenant signage, a new pylon sign and extensive exterior landscaping," says Matthew K. Harding, president and COO of Levin Management Corp., retail leasing agent for the property. "The combination of the new look and the addition of two new anchor tenants completes a dramatic turnaround for Echo Plaza in a relatively brief period of time considering economic conditions."

The two new anchors are No Body Denied, which recently leased 21,500 square feet, and Stew Leonard's Wines and Spirits, which committed to 12,680 square feet. They join existing tenants Outback Steakhouse, Sherwin Williams, Echoqua Italian Bistro and Chen's 22 Chinese restaurant. Ethan Goldsmith, leasing representative for Levin Management, arranged both transactions.

"Echo Plaza has a great location, but was under-utilized," Goldsmith tells GlobeSt.com. "Larken understood the inherent strengths of the site when they acquired the property, and their aggressive renovation combined with our leasing effort has effectively repositioned the center to best serve its upscale marketplace."