Palo Alto, CA – The City of Palo Alto and Ellis Partners LLC have announced that Trader Joe’s will become a tenant in Palo Alto’s Town & Country shopping center.   Ellis Partners negotiated the deal directly with Trader Joe’s; a lease for 12,000 square feet has been signed.   The City, Trader Joe’s, and Ellis Partners LLC will work through the city entitlement process to obtain the necessary final approvals, and the new store is anticipated to open some time in 2008.

“We’re thrilled that this outstanding retailer and employer will be setting up shop in Palo Alto,” said Frank Benest, Palo Alto City Manager. “Trader Joe’s is the right tenant in the right place for Palo Alto.”    Town & Country, originally built in 1950, is currently undergoing a comprehensive renovation.

“Trader Joe’s will be a wonderful addition to this community treasure, and we’re delighted that the lease is signed,” said Jim Ellis, Principal of Ellis Partners LLC. “We spoke with many hundreds of Town & Country customers in the last year, and when asked what kinds of shops they’d like to see here, over and over again Trader Joe’s name came up. We heard the community’s wishes and we’re happy to be able to offer the mix of daily and specialty shopping needs they’ve asked for.”

Ellis conceived the renovation of the beloved but faded shopping center as having an esthetic and feel that is respectful of the original 1950 Town & Country concept.    The $20 million dollar renovation, which will be completed later this year, includes new common areas, structural upgrades, new lighting, signage, as well as improved public areas and access. Intimate outdoor gathering and seating areas, kiosks, stacked stone seat walls and brick crosswalks will be added.

Other improvements include new outdoor lighting, monument signage and parking areas. Also added are nearly 15,000 square feet of new landscaping, over 50 new trees, as well as the rehabilitation of heritage oaks that are sprinkled throughout the property. Hayes Group of Palo Alto is working with Ellis Partners LLC as project architect.

About Ellis Partners:
Ellis Partners LLC was founded in 1993 for the purpose of acquiring and developing commercial real estate properties. The firm has a long history of championing and completing architecturally significant renovation projects.