Madison area’s retail landscape continues to expand and evolve

A $15 million redevelopment of Hilldale Shopping Center, which includes space for a new Cafe Hollander, are among the highlights in Madison’s evolving retail scene.

A panel of Madison-area developers and stakeholders in the retail market saw opportunities in downtown Madison thanks to new residents who work at the expanding Epic Systems Corp. There also could be modernization of the area’s largest malls, East Towne and West Towne.

Read more at Wisconsin State Journal.

BB&T sells former bank HQ building in Florida for $21 million

Nearly three years after acquiring BankAtlantic, BB&T has sold the former headquarters of the Florida-based bank for $21 million to Integra Investments of Miami.

The two-story, 185,000-square-foot building on 14 acres boasts two gymnasiums, an “atrium-style” cafeteria, an employee health center and hurricane-impact glass.

Winston-Salem-based BB&T (NYSE:BBT) didn’t respond immediately to a request for comment on the sale.

The building has been sitting empty since BB&T acquired BankAtlantic in 2012…

​Leadership lessons from conducting an orchestra

There is nothing quite as impressive and majestic as experiencing a fine symphony orchestra performing a grand classical score. The exquisite precision, timing and intonation all coming together in a collective wave of music that can be awe inspiring.

A full orchestra may have up to 100 players, and if a chorus is involved, up to 200 additional performers. Shouldering the challenge of coordination is the symphony conductor, who has a very visible leadership role.

Making music is an often-used metaphor…

Nashville real estate investors make East Nashville buy

Nashville-based real estate investors Corner Partnership LLC have paid $1.3 million for a site in East Nashville’s Inglewood area.

The Tennessean reports that the 0.66-acre site includes a retail center with tenants such as the Fond Object record store and Red Arrow Gallery. The property, located at the intersection of McGavock Pike and Riverside Drive, was purchased from DC Partners LLC, according to The Tennessean.

Corner Partnership consists of veteran bond traders Mark Bloom and Ronnie Scott,…

Five things you need to know today, and I have a guilty conscience this morning

Good morning, Cincinnati! Here are the five most important things you need to know to help start your busy business day:

Big changes at the Brandery

Our man on the startup beat, Andy Brownfield, reports that Cincinnati’s nationally known startup accelerator the Brandery has a new general manager. Tony Alexander, who’s been a board member and mentor at the Brandery, replaces Mike Bott, who left to join Blue Chip Venture Co. Money quote from Alexander: “I’ve been around the Cincinnati entrepreneurial…