As 2023 draws to a close, we look back with pride at the many accomplishments we have achieved this year. We continue to make significant strides in a variety of areas, from tenant satisfaction to community engagement and more. In this blog, we will take a closer look at some of our most notable achievements over the past 12 months, highlighting the hard work and dedication of our team and partners. Join us in celebrating a year of success for Rappaport!
We started off the year strong in January, receiving the prestigious Kingsley Excellence Award for Tenant Satisfaction at Smoketown Plaza. This accomplishment reflects our ongoing commitment to providing the highest level of service to our valued tenants, ensuring their needs are met and their experience is positive. We are incredibly proud to have been recognized for our efforts, and we will continue to strive for excellence in tenant satisfaction across all our properties.
In April, Skyland Town Center was named the Washington Business Journal’s Deal of the Year! This development effort represents a major investment in the community, creating new opportunities for businesses and residents alike and emblematic of our objective to Cultivate Places. We were also thrilled to celebrate the grand opening of Edenbridge PACE at Skyland, which provides critical healthcare services to the local area.
We celebrated the opening of the Dell Food Hall at Village at Leesburg in April, welcoming Water’s End Brewery in July. This new addition has quickly become a popular destination for foodies and beer lovers alike, showcasing the best local flavors in a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere. We were also thrilled to welcome the iconic Anchor Bar to Village at Leesburg, bringing their famous Buffalo wings to the DC area for the first time.
In May, we joined forces with the Alzheimer’s Association to raise over $52,000 as the presenting sponsor for the Ride to End ALZ. This accomplishment reflects our commitment to making a positive difference in the world, supporting important causes and initiatives that have a lasting impact on communities. We are grateful for the opportunity to take part in this worthwhile event, and we look forward to continuing our support of the Alzheimer’s Association during next years ride!
Fast forward to September, we proudly launched the third edition of Gary Rappaport’s book Investing in Retail Properties, published by Forbes. This updated guide provides valuable insights and a step-by-step guide for budding entrepreneurs hoping to achieve success in investing in commercial real estate. What’s more, Gary has earmarked 100% of his book royalties to the ICSC Foundation, dedicated to creating a vibrant retail and real estate industry by building a pipeline of bright, ambitious, and diverse talent that can drive the industry forward.
In October, Whole Foods at Springfield Plaza finally completed construction and was open for business after months of anticipation. The new 25,000-square-foot store hosts a full-service meat department, indoor and outdoor seating, made-to-order pizza and sandwiches, and so much more! Container Store, another highly anticipated addition to Springfield Plaza’s growing list of offerings, was signed on to open in 2024.
In December, The USTA Mid-Atlantic Foundation signed a deal to open a 24,000-square-foot pickleball facility in Village at Leesburg. We are excited to host a space for this fast-growing sport and look forward to seeing the facility come to life in 2024.
Over the course of 2023, we were thrilled to welcome 21 new members to Team Rappaport and the local community to our centers with over 80 events!
Looking back on the past year, we are filled with gratitude and pride at the many accomplishments we have achieved as a company. From tenant satisfaction to community engagement and beyond, we have continued to uphold our values and deliver exceptional results for our partners and stakeholders. None of this would have been possible without the hard work and dedication of our team, as well as the support and trust of our clients and tenants. As we head into the new year, we remain committed to our mission of cultivating places and creating thriving communities. Thank you for joining us on this journey.
