Easton Town Center, which was developed by L Brands, The Georgetown Company and Steiner + Associates 20 years ago, is undergoing a $500 million expansion largely to incorporate residential space. Phase I of residential construction will include 350 units, followed by a second phase of 400 units.

At age 20, Easton Town Center has maintained its position by breaking new ground

When Yaromir Steiner introduced Easton Town Center to Columbus, Ohio, 25 years ago, he was also introducing the concept of placemaking to the retail real estate industry.

Retail real estate professionals were ooh-ing and aah-ing over Restoration Hardware’s 90,000 sq. ft. “gallery” in New York’s Meatpacking District at the ICSC show in early December. Now the retailer has staked out high-profile ground in Columbus.

Easton Town Center is undergoing a significant expansion that will feature local and national retailers, breweries, restaurants, entertainment venues, hotels and public event space.

Tavistock Development Co. and Steiner + Associates showcased Lake Nona Town Center at the International Council of Shopping Center’s New York Deal Making Conference this month. ICSC NY is the largest retail real estate event on the East Coast for networking, deal making and professional development.

Born in Istanbul and educated as a civil engineer in France, Yaromir Steiner brought a fresh outlook to the American retail real estate industry he joined with the inception of Steiner + Associates 25 years ago. His notion of building an outdoor center with streets and plazas and metered parking in front of store entrances was a radical departure when Easton Town Center opened in Columbus, Ohio, in 1999.

Despite an economy that has enjoyed almost uninterrupted positive growth since the deep recession of the late 2000s, those who work in and around retail will be quick to tell you that it isn’t all milk and honey for the industry. 

When it comes to understanding the details behind many retail shopping centers, the source of record is often the original architects who designed and planned every square inch of space.

Orlando’s Lake Nona Town Center, developed by Tavistock Development Company with its retail planning, leasing and development partner Steiner + Associates, is the 100-acre centerpiece of the 17-square-mile Lake Nona community.