Mall changes, albeit subtly

MASSENA — New e-mail addresses for management at the St. Lawrence Centre mall signify the beginning of an alliance between two former competitors — General Growth Properties Inc., owner of the mall, and Jones Lang LaSalle Inc.

But customers shouldn't notice any difference other than subtle changes like the phasing out of the General Growth Properties logo and a change in the mall's "What Brings You" campaign, according to officials.

The two companies announced this month that they had established a long-term strategic alliance in which Jones Lang LaSalle acquired the management and leasing responsibilities for the properties in General Growth's third-party management division.

St. Lawrence Centre was one of 18 regional shopping malls and community centers in 11 states affected by the move, which adds more than 11 million square feet to Jones Lang LaSalle's retail portfolio of 84 million square feet in the Americas and 265 million square feet worldwide, according to a news release announcing the move.

General Growth has ownership interest in, or management responsibility for, more than 200 regional shopping malls in 43 states, as well as ownership in planned community developments and commercial office buildings.

Jones Lang LaSalle is a financial and professional services firm specializing in real estate and serves clients in 60 countries from 750 locations worldwide, including 180 corporate offices.

The change in management and leasing responsibilities was effective immediately. About 200 employees who make up the management teams at the 18 properties, as well as 30 corporate employees who provide services to the properties, became Jones Lang LaSalle employees.