DZD HOLDINGS GETS LOAN

FOR SHOPPING CENTER

DZD Holdings said it has received a $19.8 million construction loan for a retail shopping center in Miami Gardens. The Miami-based investment firm said the loan from National City Bank, will be used to finance Palmetto Gardens Plaza, a 108,000-square-foot retail center to be on the north side of the Palmetto Expressway.

DZD expects construction to be completed in 14 to 18 months. The initial anchor for the plaza, located at 3791 N.W. 167th St., is 4U Lighting & Design. DZD said it was able to secure the loan because of its relationship with the bank, the track record of the other companies involved in the project -- including exclusive leasing agent Macken Realty, general contractor Vercon Construction and architect Behar Font & Partners -- and the potential of the project to serve as both a neighborhood shopping center for the immediate community and as a destination shopping center for residents from northern Miami-Dade and southern Broward counties. Macken said prospective tenants include retail banks, restaurants, drug stores, apparel outlets and furniture showrooms

"This center is going to offer a whole variety of retail options that residents of the area currently have to drive somewhere elsewhere for," principal Jodi Macken said in a news release. "We think it will be a real asset for the community."

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