The
president of Hendon Properties, retail developer Charlie Hendon is known
throughout the commercial real estate industry as a serious music fan. In fact,
his Hendon Rocks party, typically held during the ICSC’s annual national
convention in Las Vegas, has become one of the retail real estate sector’s most
well-known events. In the past, members of .38 Special, Cheap Trick, The
Romantics and Rolling Stones keyboardist Chuck Leavell all have played at the
show.
We recently
got a chance to talk with Charlie about next year’s show, his love of music and
how his firm has fared during the real estate downturn.
HS: Are you
planning another Hendon Rocks for next year and, if so, do you have any news on
who will be playing?
Hendon: I am planning
a party for the upcoming May ICSC. I have a very special guest in the works,
but as it is not confirmed yet, I cannot make an official announcement.
HS: Who are
some of your favorite all-time musicians?
Hendon: My sons, Elton
John, Sting, John Mellencamp, The Stones, Chuck Leavell, Leon Russell and Stone
Temple Pilots.
HS: If you had
to pick only one album to take to that proverbial deserted island, what would
it be?
Hendon: Tough question
but I guess “Tumbleweed Connection” by Elton John.
HS: What kind
of year has 2012 been so far for Herndon Properties? What are some of the
development projects that you have in the works?
Hendon: The last four
years were very difficult, and 2012 has been as well. That said, we have
survived and gotten through the tough legacy issues.
We are starting a ground-up development this year, which is very
encouraging. We are developing a center in North Charleston, S.C., that will be
anchored by Harris Teeter, Marshalls, Rack Room and Pet Supplies Plus. We are
in the works on a major redevelopment of one of our assets, and we see 2013 as
a new beginning, a “breakout” year.