gnc.jpgStiles Realty has signed three national tenants to fill retail space at the Publix at 18Biscayne project, a new Publix-anchored urban retail shopping center in the Biscayne Corridor in downtown Miami, one of South Florida’s fastest growing neighborhoods.

Stiles, which is the parent company of the real estate firm and which owns the development, said it is on track to completing the 57,200-square-foot three-story center in early 2012.  The combined leases bring the center to 98 percent leased and greatly diversify its retail offerings, the company said.

New long-term national tenants scheduled to open in the center are Wells Fargo Bank, just under 3,200 square feet; General Nutrition Corporation (GNC), about 1,150 square feet; and Hair Cuttery, about 1,150 square feet.

Leasing efforts began only about six months ago, one of many indicators that the project was already making an impact in the newly revitalized Biscayne Corridor, the area running from Northeast 14th and 71st street along Biscayne Boulevard.

“The Biscayne Corridor in downtown Miami is truly defying market trends as evidenced by the tremendous demand we are seeing from national and local retailers at this project, as well as throughout that area,” said Ryan Karlin, Stiles Realty vice president of Retail Sales. “Not only did this project generate immediate interest and lease-up extremely fast, but there are several other national tenants that are targeting space within only a five block radius of the project.”

Despite the recession, in the past three years the Biscayne Corridor has been experiencing a cultural and commercial renaissance, attracting the attention of retailers, developers, restaurateurs and the artistic community worldwide, the company said. Already home to major entertainment venues such as the AmericanAirlines Arena and the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts and top-quality dining and entertainment, the Biscayne Corridor is slated for unprecedented growth.

Publix at 18Biscayne will be situated on Biscayne Boulevard between Northeast 17th Terrace and 18th Street. The project includes a 49,200-square-foot Publix with bakery, pharmacy and café with outdoor seating, as well as 8,000 square feet of additional retail space fronting Biscayne Boulevard, which is planned to include a Publix liquor store.