Real Estate Weekly: RKF moves in with Vegas high rollers

Robert K. Futterman & Associates has opened an office in Las Vegas after securing the exclusive retail leasing assignment for the 1.7 million-square-foot Town Square Las Vegas, currently under construction.

RKF, which provides retail real estate services nationwide, maintains its corporate headquarters in New York. Frank Volk, executive vice president, will lead the company's Las Vegas office, located at 6700 Via Austi Parkway. Jeff Carlis and Randy Aguilar have joined the company's new office as managing directors.

Turnberry Associates named RKF as exclusive retail leasing agent for Town Square Las Vegas. The super-regional lifestyle center will be developed at the south end of The Strip at the intersection of Interstates 15 and 215, with construction scheduled to begin in 2005. When complete, Town Square Las Vegas will include retail shops, restaurants, entertainment, a multiplex cinema, office space and a hotel.

"Las Vegas is one of the hottest market for retail in the United States," said Robert K. Futterman, CEO. "Many of our clients--retailers and investors alike--have either already entered the market or plan to establish a presence there. With our deep knowledge of the Las Vegas, we found our services were increasingly in demand. Establishing an office was the logical next step in servicing our clients and the growth of our brand."

The company is working on a number of other projects in the Las Vegas market. RKF serves as leasing consultant for Boulevard Invest, the ownership of the 475,000-square-foot Desert Passage retail and entertainment center adjacent to the Aladdin Resort &

Casino, which is being redeveloped as a Planet Hollywood Hotel & Casino. Desert Passage is located at 3667 Las Vegas Blvd. S.

In addition, the company serves as retail leasing consultant for the retail portion of Sky Las Vegas, a luxury 350-unit condominium. The base of the residential building includes approximately 50,000 square feet of retail space on three levels that will include high-quality restaurants, world-class shopping and a nightclub.

RKF is also exclusive retail leasing agent for the new 15,000-square-foot CENTRA Point Retail Center, located off the 1-215 Beltway at Durango Drive in the 300,000-square-foot CENTRA Point office park.

RKF is also serving as exclusive retail leasing representative for the 6,464-square-foot Lombardi's Italian Restaurant, which is located at The Shops at Desert Passage. RKF is currently marketing the space for sublease.

RKF has also been very active in Las Vegas during the past year, working on behalf of retailers. The firm has completed several transactions at The Forum Shops at Caesars in Las Vegas, including leases for CH Carolina Herrera, Custo Barcelona, Sushi Roku, Chrome Hearts, Agent Provocateur, John Varvatos and Scoop.

As part of its ongoing national expansion, RKF will open offices in Los Angeles and in Miami later this year.