Retail

CRYSTAL LAKE,IL-In addition to a federal suit involving plans in Hoffman Estates, homeowners near a site in this far northwest suburb object to plans for a 24-hour, 195,714-sf store, and the zoning board recommends denial.

SAN DIEGO-One of the city's largest private employers, and one of the nation's largest computer makers will lay off up to 25% of its work force and refocus its business.

BURLINGTON, WA-As the retail hub of Skagit County, the small northwest Washington town of Burlington between Seattle and Vancouver, B.C. is prospering. It is attracting new developments of all types in ever-increasing numbers--and traffic problems that mimic urban snarl.

MESA, AZ-A trio of investors has sold its 19,200-sf retail center at the corner of Broadway and Dobson roads in Mesa. A Tempe-based investor puts up about $1.5 million or in excess of $75.50 per sf for the 96%-occupied holding.

LONDON-Cheapside, the prime retail pitch in the City of London, could be set for a surge in rental values according to a new survey from agent Churston Heard and economic analysts Business Strategies.

SPOKANE, WA-Avista Corp. intends to ask regulators in Washington and Idaho to OK an energy surcharge to electricity customers in both states. The surcharge is intended to offset the costs of a severe shortage of hydropower generation and volatile energy market prices.

GEORGETOWN, TX-Developer Greg Hall is courting prospective retailers nationwide for about 113 acres that he has just bought in Georgetown. A NorthMarq Capital VP, who handled a $4.3-million transaction for the buy, says Hall is wooing big boxes.

BOSTON-The plan to build a new ballpark for the Boston Red Sox here in the Fenway right next to the old one appears to be fading and potential buyers for the team are scrambling to find sites in other locations.