WASHINGTON, July 30 /EMWNews/ -- With more than 15 years of

experience working closely with high-end fashion and luxury retailers,

Alexandre Peker joins Edens & Avant as Vice President of Leasing to focus

on the Company's urban, mixed-use development activities. Peker will be

based in the Company's Washington, D.C., office.



    Prior to joining Edens & Avant, Peker was Vice President - Luxury

Leasing at The Westfield Corporation, responsible for fashion leasing at

Garden State Plaza, San Francisco Center and Valley Fair Mall in addition

to working with retailers throughout the United States and abroad. Before

working at The Westfield Corporation, he was Leasing Manager at The Taubman

Company, responsible for leasing activities at upscale projects as well as

handling national retailer accounts.



    "Alex's experience merchandising high-profile centers with

sophisticated luxury retailers will be a significant contribution to our

development projects in urban locations in Boston, D.C., Atlanta and

Miami," commented Jodie W. McLean, Edens & Avant President and Chief

Investment Officer. "His expertise in fashion retailing and the

relationships he has established in this category add an important new

dimension to our national leasing team."



    Peker was born and raised in Lyon, France, where he and his family

operated retail stores specializing in sporting goods and high-end women's

clothing. Later he owned and managed three jewelry stores in the

Washington, D.C., area.

    About Edens & Avant



    Edens & Avant is one of the leading retail real estate companies in the

nation. The Company's portfolio of over 130 shopping centers in 14 states

along the East Coast consists of mixed-use developments as well as

lifestyle, neighborhood and power centers.



    Focusing on high density, infill locations, Edens & Avant currently has

projects in development in growing markets such as Boston, Washington,

D.C., Charlotte, Atlanta and Miami. The Company has regional headquarters

in Boston, Washington, D.C., Atlanta, Miami and Columbia (Corporate

Office). For additional information about Edens & Avant and its retail real

estate portfolio, please visit http://www.edensandavant.com .