New Leadership Team to Guide Metrocenter Mall

Ashley Tate

Joe Binder

In a move that will help guide Metrocenter Mall in its repositioning push and addition of a new Walmart Supercenter, the Phoenix retail landmark has named two industry experts to its leadership team – Joe Binder as General Manager and Ashley Tate as Marketing Director. Binder and Tate join the mall’s existing on-site team to direct marketing and redevelopment efforts for the 1.3–million-square-foot retail landmark, located by Interstate 17 between Peoria and Dunlap Roads in Phoenix. They will also help guide the mall as it pursues local redevelopment and rezoning opportunities, and welcomes a new Walmart Supercenter—the single largest capital investment in Metrocenter Mall in decades.

The new Supercenter will be situated at the site of the former, attached JCPenny outlet building, which has been vacant since 2007 and which the mall will demolish to prepare for the construction of the Walmart project.

A 14-year industry veteran, Binder specializes in property management, operations, leasing, budgeting and staff management and development. He previously worked for Simon Property Group, where he managed the Franklin Mills and Oxford Valley Malls in metro Philadelphia. Prior to that, Binder served as General Manager for Pennsylvania Real Estate Investment Trust, Wilmorite Mall Management, Inc. and Kravco Company.

Tate joins Metrocenter Mall from Charleston-based Ziff Properties, Inc., where she led the firm’s in-house marketing department as Marketing Manager and Social Media Coordinator. At Metrocenter Mall, Tate is responsible for directing and expanding event, promotion, community outreach and business/leasing development efforts designed to reposition the mall, support tenant growth and provide a superior shopping environment.

“Metrocenter is at an exciting crossroads,” said Warren Fink, COO of Metrocenter Mall’s ownership entity, New York-based Carlyle Development Group (CDG). “The national retail market is in steady recovery, the City of Phoenix has put its full support behind the redevelopment of our submarket, the Walmart project is moving forward, and we as a mall have made great strides in reconnecting with our surrounding residents and businesses. We’re extremely pleased to have Joe and Ashley join us at this critical stage and look forward to the leadership and creativity they bring to the table.”

Built in 1973, Metrocenter Mall totals 1.3 million square feet and is home to more than 125 retailers and department stores, including Dillard’s, Macy’s, Sears and a 12-screen Harkins Theatres. Other popular tenants include the Phoenix Conservatory of Music and in-line retailers such as Aéropostale, Bath & Body Works, The Children’s Place, Victoria’s Secret, Journey’s, Charlotte Russe and Finish Line. Enhanced by a $32 million renovation in 2007, the mall features revitalized common spaces, upgraded food court, enhanced security systems, new children’s play area and new community room. In January 2012, the mall was purchased by Carlyle Development Group, an expert in identifying and repositioning under-valued real estate assets through creative development strategies and focused management. CDG is now actively stabilizing and marketing Metrocenter Mall to new vendors and for new uses, with a goal of transforming the Phoenix retail landmark into a multi-faceted, mixed-use environment for shopping, dining and entertainment.

Binder and Tate join a team of existing Metrocenter Mall on-site experts, including Senior Vice President of Leasing Anita Blackford, Specialty Leasing Manager Jessica Theberge and the experience and resources of CDG, a company who for more than 30 years has successfully revitalized value-add real estate assets across the U.S.Binder holds a Bachelor’s degree in Management from the Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania. He is a former Officer in the U.S. Navy, a member of the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) and a long-time supporter of the Boy Scouts of America.Tate holds a Bachelor’s degree in Communication and Information Science from the University of Kentucky. As an active ICSC member, she has completed the Marketing I and II Institutes of the ICSC JTR Global School for Professional Development and is preparing to take the certification exam to become an ICSC Certified Marketing Director. Tate is also a member of the Center for Women and the Charleston World Heritage Coalition.