Piazza Samsun Shopping Center named as Finalist for ICSC European Shopping Center Award
Samsun, Turkey (March 24th, 2014) - Piazza Shopping Center in Samsun, Turkey has been nominated by the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) as a finalist for 2014’s European Shopping Center Awards. The ICSC European Shopping Center Awards are the most coveted in European retail property. The winners will be announced on April 2nd at the 2014 ICSC European Conference in Istanbul.
Piazza is a 64,000 m2 (691,000 sf), four-story shopping center strategically located in the city center of Samsun, the largest city in Turkey’s Black Sea region. The project was developed through a joint venture between Amstar and its development partner, Renaissance Development. The center was constructed in 19 months and opened 98% leased in March 2013. Its modern architecture and design provide a high quality environment with an abundance of natural sunlight throughout the public spaces and retail shops. The dynamic exterior façade is illuminated by colored LEDs, creating an interactive mural, while numerous outdoor terraces offer guests panoramic views of the adjacent Black Sea.
The center is anchored by leading retailers Migros (hypermarket), MediaMarkt (electronics) and Decathlon (sports) and includes a dynamic mix of popular international and domestic fashion brands such as H&M, Zara, Mango and LC Waikiki. The project also includes the 163-room Anemon Samsun Hotel, the first 5-star hotel in the city.
About Amstar
Established in 1987 and headquartered in Denver, Colorado, Amstar is a real estate investment manager that acquires, develops and manages office, multifamily, retail, hotel and industrial properties in the U.S. and select international markets. Originally formed to invest and manage the real estate allocation of a large family office client, Amstar began expanding its capital strategy nearly a decade ago and has grown to more than $2.5 billion in assets under management (as of December 31, 2013). Amstar’s clients originate from across the globe and include U.S. and European institutions, insurance companies, private banks, funds of funds, and family offices. For more information, visit www.amstar.com.
About Renaissance
Renaissance Development is the investment branch of Renaissance Engineering and Construction of Turkey, the world's third largest international retail contractor and 18th largest general building contractor. Renaissance, which has more than 2.8 million m2 (30 million sf) of commercial space and 13 shopping centers in Turkey, was awarded "Best Real Estate Developer in Turkey" by Euromoney Magazine in 2011 and 2012. For more information, visit www.rendvlp.com.