CONTACT:
Amy Thomas
Thompson & Berry
(901) 251-5186
or
Andrew J. Groveman
Belz Enterprises
(901) 260-7278


Retail Center Under Development for Former Ridgeway Inn Site on Poplar Avenue

MEMPHIS, Tennessee, July 6, 2005 – Belz has announced plans to develop a retail center at the site where the Ridgeway Inn was located before being torn down last year.

The new shopping center, called “Poplar Pointe,” will target high-end retailers who are looking for a highly visible location in the heart of East Memphis. The upscale development will offer tenants and shoppers convenient access from eastbound and westbound traffic on I-240.

According to Andrew J. Groveman, senior vice president of Belz, the company is now leasing space in the 25,000-square-foot center. “This is a fantastic opportunity for upscale boutique retailers who want to enter the Memphis market or take advantage of one of the most visible retail locations in Memphis,” said Groveman. “There also are a number of prestigious residential properties and office buildings nearby, which will provide future tenants with a strong customer base.”

Approximately 228,560 Memphis residents live within five miles of the proposed Poplar Pointe development. In addition, more than 70,000 cars pass by the location daily on Poplar Avenue, while more than 120,000 cars pass by on I-240 each day.

Poplar Pointe’s leasing is being handled by Ron Simkin, director of retail leasing for Belz, and, Ed Woods, who is assistant director. Retailers who would like more information about Poplar Pointe can contact Simkin or Woods at (901) 260-7350.

About Belz

Headquartered in Memphis, Tennessee, Belz is a leading innovator in real estate development with interests throughout the Southern United States. Belz develops, owns and/or manages more than 25 million square feet of industrial/warehouse/distribution centers, shopping centers, office buildings, mixed-use centers and corporate campuses. The company also owns a group of premier hotels, including The Peabody Hotels in Memphis, Orlando and Little Rock. Additional information about Belz is available at www.belz.com.