Tag: Pier Park

Painting Streets of Pier Park

For the first time, Madonnaro 2008, Emerald Coast’s Street Painting Festival will be held at Pier Park on Panama City Beach.  Painting will be November 14 – 16 and is sponsored by the Visual Arts Center of Panama City.

Street painting has been popular all throughout Europe since the 16th century.  Street painters in Italy were known as madonnari because they often created pictures representing The Madonna, one of the central icons of Christianity.

Madonnari were nomad artists who traveled from town to town, festivity to festivity to cover the streets with their art.  Historically, using bits of broken roof tiles, charcoal and chalk, the artists would paint images, sometimes larger than life that would wash away at the first rain.  When the festivities were over, the artists and paintings would vanish.

Today, “street-artists” use varying shades of chalk to depict their creations and several forms of media, including digital photography, video and blogs to share their work with the world.

Be sure to support this unique form of art at Pier Park in this weekend.

Taste of the Beach at Pier Park

Pier Park played host to The Beach’s Taste of The Beach Friday evening.  With hundreds of wines to taste and 8 restaurants participating, a broad range of flavors wafted through the air.

“We expect 600 to 700 people here tonight,” said Paul Wohlford, VP of Sales and Marketing for the Resort Collection of Panama City Beach.

I’ve never been a good estimator of quantity, but I’d say if they hadn’t hit that mark, they sure were close.

Pier Park closed off the main boardwalk section between Hofbrau Beer Garden and Buffalo Wild Wings to place two tasting tents with a wide assortment of wine, cheeses, food and deserts.  Sponsors came from all of northwest Florida to participate, in addition to local Pier Park restaurants.

The restaurants that had a food sampling were Baja Grille, Margaritaville, Back Porch, Reggae J’s, Hofbrau Beer Garden, Buffalo Wild Wings, Longhorn Steak House, and Firefly.  All of the food was great, and many offered discount cards to dine at their restaurant during the off-season.

As people tasted, reggae music floated through the air.  The mood was pleasant and everyone seemed to be having a good time.

The schedule for the rest of the weekend:

  • Telluride Mountain Film Festival
    • Friday and Saturday night, November 7 & 8th, 2008
    • Mountain Film Festival celebrates the best in independent thinking – where adventure is celebrated, history is important, and people are passionate about what they believe.  It attracts an audience seeking a culturally rich, conversation-inspiring experience in which to discuss films, share ideas and be inspired, all under a dramatic canopy of stars.  Showtimes are 7 to 10 pm and gates open at 6 pm.  Tickets are $25 per person for one night, or $40 per person for two nights; kids 5 to 12 are 50% off, and free to children under 5.
  • Seeing Red Wine Festival
    • Saturday, November 8th, 2008, 1 – 5 pm
    • Join us for an intimate afternoon of wine, food and music in the tranquil beauty of Seaside, Florida.  As you explore, sample and expand your knowledge of the latest in trends in wine from aficionados who are willing to meet and educate you.  $100 per ticket.
  • Winemaker & Shaker’s Dinners
    • Saturday, November 8th, 2008, 6:30 – 8:00 pm
    • “Winemaker & Shaker’s” Dinners will be held in the area’s finest restaurants along the Northwest Florida Gulf Coast.  Celebrity vintners will be paired with a spectacular chef at each of these locations to create an unforgettable evening.  $150 per ticket.
  • Rosemary Jazz Brunch
    • Sunday, November 9th, 2008, 10 am – 1 pm
    • The Rosemary Jazz Brunch blends premium wines, gourmet food and Gulf Coast culture into a sophisticated, educational and entertaining event.  Brunch with champagne, light wines and the Green Hit Band on a tranquil day as you take in the sights of beautiful Rosemary Beach.  $50 per ticket.
  • Taste of The Beach & Charity Auction
    • Sunday, November 9th, 2008, 3 – 6 pm
    • Taste of The Beach & Charity Auction at the luxurious Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort and Spa.  Guests will be treated to distinctive wines from internationally acclaimed vintners, the area’s top restaurants.  While wining and dining attendees will enjoy live music and the excitement of a silent auction.  The night will culminate with a high-energy and entertaining live auction that will include rare and distinctive wines, themed get-a-ways and other spectacular, one-of-a-kind items.  $150 per ticket.

Pier Park adds Nike, Crocs, Runway Collection and More

Simon Property Group, Inc. (NYSE:SPG) is pleased to announce several specialty shops scheduled to open before the holidays at Pier Park, the 900,000-square-foot retail and entertainment lifestyle center located on 93 acres that covers land from Front Beach Road (at the City Pier) to the heavily traveled Highway 98 (Back Beach Road) in Panama City Beach. Simon Property Group is the country’s largest owner, developer and manager of high-quality retail real estate.

Retailers scheduled to debut in time for holiday shopping include the following:

  • Aqua Gallery
  • AT&T
  • Crocs
  • Emerald Coast Mirror Maze
  • Nike
  • Polka-dots, toys and gifts
  • Runway Collection

Aqua Gallery offers an eclectic mix of gifts based on works of art. The store will carry prints, books, carpets, electronics and more. Aqua Gallery is scheduled to open in the Boardwalk area in early November.

AT&T is the nation’s largest wireless company and the premier telecommunications company in the world. With the largest digital wireless voice and data network in the country, exclusive devices like the iPhone, unlimited calling to the largest Mobile to Mobile calling community and advantages like Rollover Minutes, AT&T helps connect people to their worlds wherever they live and work. AT&T is scheduled to open at Pier Park during the first week of December.

Crocs, Inc. is a rapidly growing designer, manufacturer and retailer of footwear for men, women and children under the Crocs brand. Crocs is committed to making a lightweight, comfortable, slip-resistant, fashionable and functional shoe, which can be produced quickly and at an affordable price to customers. Crocs shoes are sold in more than 100 countries and come in a wide array of colors and styles. Crocs is scheduled to open at Pier Park during the first week of December.

Emerald Coast Mirror Maze and Laser Craze are scheduled to open at Pier Park in late November. This is a family activity that challenges both the young and “young at heart” at Pier Park. Mirror Maze is exclusive to Pier Park in Florida and one of only four in the Southeast. Along with getting lost in the labyrinth of mirrored passages and dead ends within the mirror maze, the visitors to Emerald Coast Mirror Maze can experience the thrill of traversing the Laser Craze, a corridor of laser beams crisscrossing in a black room. Emerald Coast Mirror Maze will make your visit to Pier Park a memorable one for years to come.

The Nike swoosh is recognized and respected worldwide and will debut at Pier Park in mid-November. Nike, Inc. based near Beaverton, Oregon, is the world’s leading designer, marketer and distributor of authentic athletic footwear, apparel, equipment and accessories for a wide variety of sports and fitness activities. Nike is dedicated to developing products that help athletes of every level of ability reach their potential.

Polka-dots, toys and gifts, opened on the boardwalk on October 17. Owners Deb and Gary Pruitt choose products for Polka-dots that they feel will be remembered for a lifetime–products that promote creativity and imagination and toys that make learning an adventure. You won’t find this unique selection of European and American-made toys anywhere else. Polka-dots also offers gifts, featuring items such as wine accessories, French soaps, soy candles, music, gourmet foods, cookbooks, seasonal items and much more. There is sure to be something for everyone on your list this holiday season.

Runway Collection is a men’s and women’s fashion boutique which offers high-end designer options in a range of prices. Runway Collection is scheduled to open in the Boardwalk area at Pier Park in late November.

Pier Park, which boasts eight anchors and more than 100 retailers currently open, is continuously expanding to offer the Emerald Coast and tourists a more enhanced shopping experience.

“We’re very pleased to see the mix of stores and entertainment options growing at Pier Park,” said Felicia Cook, director of mall marketing at Pier Park. “The arrival of retailers that are exclusive to the market, such as Mirror Maze, and retailers who already have presence, such as Polka-dots, further validate Pier Park as the premier shopping destination in the Southeast.”

Cook also noted that more store and restaurant openings will be announced in the next few months.

Total List of Stores currently open in Pier Park include the following:

Anchors

  • Borders
  • Dillard’s
  • JCPenney
  • Margaritaville
  • Old Navy
  • Ron Jon Surf Shop
  • Target
  • The Grand 16 Theatres

Specialty Shops

  • A.M. Cafe Accessories On The Boardwalk
  • Aeropostale
  • Alltel Wireless
  • American Eagle Outfitters
  • Ann Taylor Loft
  • As Seen On TV & More
  • Ava Blue Boutique
  • Back Porch Seafood & Oyster House
  • Baja Grille
  • Bath & Body Works
  • Beach Scene
  • BeBo’z
  • Bellies & Babies
  • Blender Clothing, a fusion boutique
  • Bootleg Barbeque
  • Buffalo Wild Wings
  • Caché
  • Camille’s Sidewalk Café
  • Candy Maker
  • Carlyle & Co.
  • Carter’s Clothing
  • Chico’s
  • Claire’s
  • Coldwater Creek
  • Cost Cutters
  • Counts Oakes Resort Properties
  • Déjà vu
  • Del Sol
  • Emerald Coast Photography
  • Fish Tales
  • Five Guys Famous Hamburgers & Fries
  • Footprints Coastal Decor
  • GameStop
  • GNC
  • Great American Cookies PretzelMaker
  • Guglielmo’s Italian Restaurant
  • Hana Japan
  • Hofbrau Beer Garden
  • Hollister Co.
  • Jake at the Beach (Life is Good)
  • Jos. A. Bank
  • Journeys
  • Justice
  • Kay Jewelers
  • Kilwin’s Chocolates & Ice Cream
  • Lane Bryant/Cacique
  • Lids
  • LongHorn Steakhouse
  • Marble Slab Creamery
  • Massage Envy
  • Maurices
  • Merle Norman Cosmetics Studio
  • Mermaid Trading Co.
  • Motherhood Maternity
  • Nails So Happy
  • New York & Company
  • No Regrets Stationery and Gifts
  • Olive Garden
  • PacSun
  • Paint’n Place
  • Panera Bread
  • Paradise Found
  • Payless ShoesSource
  • Peace Frogs
  • Perfumania
  • Polka-dots, toys and gifts
  • Popcorn Kingdom
  • Rack Room Shoes
  • Red Brick Pizza
  • Reggae J’s Island Grill
  • Regions Bank
  • Rocky’s South Philly Cheesesteaks
  • Shimmering Seas Jewelry and Gifts
  • Smoothie King
  • Solace Day Spa & Salon
  • Southern Waters Outfitters
  • Starbucks
  • Sunglass Hut
  • Sunglass World
  • Sunsights by Solstice
  • Tatoe Tots
  • The Eye Gallery
  • The Walking Company
  • Tilly’s
  • Tootsies Orchid Lounge
  • Trader Tom’s
  • Tran Fashion
  • Ulta Beauty
  • Unique Boutique by Irene & Co.
  • Verizon
  • Victoria’s Secret
  • Yankee Candle
  • Zales

About Pier Park
Located in the heart of Panama City Beach, Pier Park is destined to become the region’s premier shopping address.  Developed by Simon Property Group and comprising nearly 900,000 square feet, the open-air regional lifestyle center is anchored by Borders, Dillard’s, JCPenney, Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville, Old Navy, Ron Jon Surf Shop, Target and The Grand 16 Theatres. Pier Park is also comprised of fashion and specialty retailers, including exciting new-to-market choices such as Ann Taylor Loft, Caché, Chico’s, Coldwater Creek, Hollister Co., Jos. A. Bank, Lane Bryant and Ulta Beauty. In addition, the center embraces many unique dining options such as Hofbrau Beer Garden, Back Porch Seafood & Oyster House, Bootleg Barbeque, Five Guys Burgers and Fries, Longhorn Steakhouse, Panera Bread, Reggae J’s Island Grill, Tootsies Orchid Lounge and many more. Shoppers can also enjoy movies at The Grand 16 Theatres, which features stadium seating, digital sound, advance ticketing over the Internet, three concession areas, a specialty café and game room. For more information about Pier Park, please visit http://www.simon.com

About Simon Property Group
Simon Property Group, Inc. is an S&P 500 company and the largest public U.S. real estate company. Simon is a fully integrated real estate company which operates from five retail real estate platforms: regional malls, Premium Outlet Centers®, The Mills®, community/lifestyle centers and international properties. It currently owns or has an interest in 385 properties comprising 262 million square feet of gross leasable area in North America, Europe and Asia. The Company is headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana and employs more than 5,000 people worldwide. Simon Property Group, Inc. is publicly traded on the NYSE under the symbol SPG. For further information, visit the Company’s website at http://www.simon.com

Halloween Fun for the Little Ones

There are great options for Halloween this year.

Before heading out the door remember to grab your camera, video camera, flashlight(s), glow sticks, candy bags, an extra tube of face paint and wet wipes. Where would we be without those wet wipes?

‘Malloween’ at Pier Park
From 6-8 p.m. on Oct. 31
Bring the kids out for trick or treating, a costume competition, festival maze and special treats.
Sign up at 6 p.m. for the costume contest. There are three age categories, as well “scariest,” “most creative” and “best-all-around” categories. So get out that glue gun and get creative!

Panama City Mall
Let the little ones terrorize the Panama City Mall in their quest for candy.
Oct. 31, from 6-8 p.m.

Monstrous Halloween Celebration at Rosemary Beach
(Not located in PCB, but just across the bridge for those who live on the West end)
Trick-or-Treat, from 4-6 p.m.
Let the little goblins trick-or-treat in downtown Rosemary Beach. Visit Gigi’s Fabulous Kids’ Fashion and Toys and have their Halloween photo taken.
Monster Bash, from 6-8 p.m.
Join the fun at The Summer Kitchen restaurant. Children $5, adults, $10. Cost includes scary food and non-alcoholic beverages.
Two other restaurants, Wild Olives and Cowgirl Kitchen are hosting Halloween specials for the big (21 and older) kids.

‘ZooBoo’ at ZooWorld
From 4:30-8 p.m. on Nov. 1
Free, but donations are greatly appreciated.
Probably one of the most anticipated events of the year (at least in my house). What is spookier than trick-or-treating with lions and tigers? Get ready for a wild night of fun.
The costume contest begins at:
6 p.m. = ages 3 and younger
6:15-6:30 p.m. = ages 4-10
6:45 p.m. = ages 11-15
7 p.m. = 16 and older

If I left out your favorite event, please let me know!

Photo credit: Euart by a Creative Commons License.

Boo in Pier Park Pictures

I took the kids to Boo in the Park at Pier Park in Panama City Beach today.  The weather has been crumby for the last couple of days, but overnight, everything cleared up and today, was just flat-out gorgeous, we totally live in paradise.  Of course, the fact that Pier Park is just so dang beautiful helps a lot too.

They had pumpkin carving today, a pet parade, arts and crafts supported by the Visual Arts Center of Panama City (suppor the arts!), pine-straw bale mazes, bouncey houses, a helicopter display, and tons more.  It was a blast, the kids had a blast, everyone was having a blast.  And did I say that today was so absolutely beautiful?  Man, I love Panama City Beach.

Check the pix.

Baja Grill Grand Opening in Pier Park

Baja Grill will be holding their official Grand Opening this weekend at Pier Park in Panama City Beach.  In addition to live entertainment from Friday through Sunday this weekend, Baja will also have specials on food and drinks.

Baja Grille/Pier Park offers a relaxing and warm experience with Southwest and Caribbean influenced menu selections. Known for exceptional dishes with the freshest ingredients, Baja Grille’s menu ranges from oh-so-tasty fruit smoothies to fresh seafood and deliciously grilled steak.

Entertainment Schedule

Chris Godber – Smooth Jazz Saxophonist
Friday, October 24, 2008     5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

“The Classics with Wayne and Joey” – Singing Duo
Saturday, October 25, 2008     6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Sunday, October 26, 2008     6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Baja Grill is located in the same shopping block as Panera Bread in Pier Park.  Their number is 850-230-6881.

A Pier Park Summer – Video

Throughout the summer, I spent considerable time at Pier Park capturing varying aspects of life at Pier Park.  Mall management was gracious enough to allow me roof access to gain some of these stunning shots.  I spent over a cumulative 12 hours capturing and several hours editing to complete this timelapse of Pier Park in Panama City Beach.

The process included setting up my Canon Digital Rebel EOS Xti 10.1 on a tripod with a timer set at varying intervals between 1 to 3 seconds.  In other words, every second or few, the camera would automatically take a picture while I sat with my headlamp pointing towards a good book.  Often passersby would inquire as to what I was doing.

Some shots would take up to 60 minutes to capture and the final video utilizes over 6,000 still photographs.  In true time-lapse fashion, some shots may seem to linger, use this time to enjoy the nuances of seeing thousands of people pass in just seconds.

I created the whole production in full HD 1080i, but the online version is a much paired down 1280×720.  The full version is available for purchase on a DVD for $12.  Email me at jason(at)pcbdaily.com if you would like to purchase the full-sized version.

View in HD

Boo in the Park – Pier Park, that is.

Ghoulish ghouls and creepy crawlies should be expected at Pier Park on October 25th for the first annual Boo in the Park at Pier Park in Panama City Beach.  In partnership with the Visual Arts Center of Panama City, Pier Park will bring spooky stories, and arts and crafts for the kids.

From 10 am to 4 pm, visitors can wander the hay-bale maze, and kids can explore the Panama City Beach Mosquito Helicopter.  Audiences will be dazzled by performances by the Rosenwald Cheerleaders, Arnold High School Choir and the Bay Haven Chorus.

From 1 to 3 pm, Magic Broadcasting will feature live radio remotes at various locations in Pier Park.

In celebration of the Halloween holiday, the Visual Arts Center will install the commemorative hand-painted children’s tiles.

More New Stores Open in Pier Park

Pier Park Welcomes Baja Grille, Carter’s Clothing, Déjà-vu, Journeys, Lids and Shimmering Seas Jewelry and Gifts

Simon Property Group, Inc. (NYSE:SPG), the country’s largest owner, developer and manager of high-quality retail real estate, welcomes several specialty shops that have recently opened at Pier Park, the 900,000-square-foot retail and entertainment lifestyle center located on 93 acres that covers land from Front Beach Road (at the City Pier) to the heavily traveled Highway 98 (Back Beach Road).

Pier Park, which boasts eight anchors and nearly 100 retailers currently open, is continuously expanding to offer the Emerald Coast and tourists a more enhanced shopping experience.

Tenants that have debuted in the last two months include the following:

  • Baja Grille
  • Carter’s Clothing
  • Déjà-vu
  • Journeys
  • Lids
  • Shimmering Seas Jewelry and Gifts

Baja Grille’s concept revolves around fresh, contemporary and consistently outstanding Southwestern, Cajun, Caribbean and American cuisines – a unique combination along with outstanding service, fine wines and tempting desserts all served in a stylish, high-energy Tropical design atmosphere. Baja Grille opens today, October 6.

“We are pleased to be part of Simon’s Pier Park,” said K. Soliman, a senior executive and founder of Baja Grille. “The welcoming neighbors and friendly customers always make us feel right at home; everyday welcomes a new face and brings back a familiar one.”

Carter’s Clothing opened its doors on August 27, 2008. Carter’s Clothing offers clothing for children from newborn through size seven including baby sleepwear, play-clothes and accessories. Carter’s offers trusted products that are super comfy, easy care, adorable and don’t break the bank.  Carter’s has around 200 stores in the United States.

Déjà-vu offers the trendiest, quality merchandise with affordable specialty store prices, combined with one-of-a-kind customer service. Déjà-vu opened for shoppers at Pier Park on August 22, 2008.

Stephanie Nichols, owner of Deja-vu, said, “Pier Park has been Fabulous! It has gone above and beyond my expectations.”

Journeys is a destination retailer for footwear and accessories for the teen market. Journeys caters to a diverse, young, hip market in search of footwear that expresses its attitudes and lifestyles. Brands sold at Journeys include: Dr. Martens, Converse, Lugs, Steve Madden, Timberland, Vans, Diesel, Adidas, Candie’s, GBX and more. Journey’s opened at Pier Park on September 22, 2008.

Lids, which opened at Pier Park on September 19, 2008, is the world’s largest retailer specializing in the sale of officially licensed and branded headwear. Every store offers a vast assortment of college, MLB, NBA, NFL and NHL teams, as well as other specialty fashion categories all in the latest styles and colors.

Shimmering Seas Jewelry and Gifts offers jewelry and gifts, specializing in exotic jewelry creations. Shoppers can find a variety of elegant sterling, gold, pearls, diamonds and much more. Shimmering Seas Jewelry and Gifts opened on August 25, 2008.

“We opened our store in late August during tropical storm Fay, and despite the many hurricane scares that week, we still had many excited customers in and out of the store,” said Laurie Olshefski, owner of Shimmering Seas Jewelry and Gifts and Jake At The Beach (Life is Good Shoppe). “We anticipate great things for the holidays in Pier Park. We have been busy ordering and stocking our stores with wonderful gift items.”

Stores currently open includes the following:

Anchors
Borders
Dillard’s
JCPenney
Margaritaville
Old Navy
Ron Jon Surf Shop
Target
The Grand 16 Theatres

Specialty Shops
A.M. Cafe Accessories On The Boardwalk
Aeropostale
Alltel Wireless
American Eagle Outfitters
Ann Taylor Loft
Aqua Gallery
As Seen On TV & More
Ava Blue Boutique
Back Porch Seafood & Oyster House
Baja Grille
Bath & Body Works
Beach Scene
BeBo’z
Bellies & Babies
Blender Clothing, a fusion boutique
Bootleg Barbeque
Buffalo Wild Wings
Caché
Camille’s Sidewalk Café
Candy Maker
Carlyle & Co.
Carter’s Clothing
Chico’s
Claire’s
Coldwater Creek
Cost Cutters
Counts Oakes Resort Properties
Déjà vu
Del Sol
Emerald Coast Photography
Fish Tales
Five Guys Famous Hamburgers & Fries
Footprints Coastal Decor
GameStop
GNC
Great American Cookies PretzelMaker
Guglielmo’s Italian Restaurant
Hana Japan
Hofbrau Beer Garden
Hollister Co.
Jake at the Beach (Life is Good)
Jos. A. Bank
Journeys
Justice
Kay Jewelers
Kilwin’s Chocolates & Ice Cream
Lane Bryant/Cacique
Lids
LongHorn Steakhouse
Marble Slab Creamery
Massage Envy
Maurices
Merle Norman Cosmetics Studio
Mermaid Trading Co.
Motherhood Maternity
Nails So Happy
New York & Company
No Regrets Stationery and Gifts
Olive Garden
PacSun
Paint’n Place
Panera Bread
Paradise Found
Payless ShoesSource
Peace Frogs
Perfumania
Popcorn Kingdom
Quizno’s Sub
Rack Room Shoes
Red Brick Pizza
Reggae J’s Island Grill
Regions Bank
Rocky’s South Philly Cheesesteaks
Runway Collection
Shimmering Seas Jewelry and Gifts
Solace Day Spa & Salon
Southern Waters Outfitters
Starbucks
Sunglass World
Sunsights by Solstice
Tatoe Tots
The Eye Gallery
The Walking Company
Tilly’s
Tootsies Orchid Lounge
Trader Tom’s
Tran Fashion
Ulta Beauty
Unique Boutique by Irene & Co.
Verizon
Victoria’s Secret
Yankee Candle
Zales

About Pier Park
Located in the heart of Panama City Beach, Pier Park is destined to become the region’s premier shopping address.  Developed by Simon Property Group and comprising nearly 900,000 square feet, the open-air regional lifestyle center is anchored by Borders, Dillard’s, JCPenney, Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville, Old Navy, Ron Jon Surf Shop, Target and The Grand 16 Theatres. Pier Park is also comprised of fashion and specialty retailers, including exciting new-to-market choices such as Ann Taylor Loft, Caché, Chico’s, Coldwater Creek, Hollister Co., Jos. A. Bank, Lane Bryant and Ulta Beauty. In addition, the center embraces many unique dining options such as Hofbrau Beer Garden, Back Porch Seafood & Oyster House, Bootleg Barbeque, Five Guys Burgers and Fries, Longhorn Steakhouse, Panera Bread, Reggae J’s Island Grill, Tootsies Orchid Lounge and many more. Shoppers can also enjoy movies at The Grand 16 Theatres, which features stadium seating, digital sound, advance ticketing over the Internet, three concession areas, a specialty café and game room. For more information about Pier Park, please visit http://www.simon.com

About Simon Property Group
Simon Property Group, Inc. is an S&P 500 company and the largest public U.S. real estate company.  Simon is a fully integrated real estate company which operates from five retail real estate platforms: regional malls, Premium Outlet Centers®, The Mills®, community/lifestyle centers and international properties.  It currently owns or has an interest in 383 properties comprising 261 million square feet of gross leasable area in North America, Europe and Asia.  The Company is headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana and employs more than 5,000 people worldwide.  Simon Property Group, Inc. is publicly traded on the NYSE under the symbol SPG.  For further information, visit the Company’s website at http://www.simon.com.