Where We Buy: Retail Real Estate with James Cook Second Horizon's Community-Driven Approach to Revitalizing Malls - Where We Buy #356
Nov 7, 2025
Howard Levine and Camilo Varela, Managing Partners at Second Horizon Capital, share their innovative approach to revitalizing struggling malls into vibrant community hubs. They discuss the timing of their investments post-COVID and reveal the importance of community engagement in their projects. Their successful strategies include transforming traditional retail spaces, enhancing sustainability, and creating engaging local events. They emphasize the challenges positive impact investing presents, while showcasing their commitment to both community enrichment and sound financial returns.
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Prioritize Team, Events, And Core Capital
- Start by expanding the onsite team and increasing local events to rebuild community ties.
- Invest in infrastructure (roof, HVAC, lighting, signage) and tenant upgrades to change perceptions quickly.
Anchor Boxes As Opportunity For New Entries
- Reimagining anchor boxes can shift mall orientation and create a new entry experience.
- Second Horizon aims to convert large vacant anchors into more front-facing, community-serving spaces.
Stony Point: From Receivership To Activated Place
- Stony Point was acquired out of receivership and had strong bones and design from early 2000s development.
- They activated common spaces with music series, art festivals, and local food tenants like Southern Kitchen.