Apartments might be in demand, but it helps to have nearby retail—or retail in the building—to be competitive. Southern Land Co recently inked a deal with Rusty Bucket Restaurant & Tavern to be its first tenant in the 18th & Central apartment project in Lower Highland. Southern Land CEO Tim Downey says that having a neighborhood restaurant and tavern on-site increases the property's attractiveness.

"It offers future residents a convenient spot to catch a game, grab a late-night meal or network over lunch,” Tim adds. The development, slated to open in fall 2016, will include 317 apartments spread across two buildings at 2505 18th St; the restaurant will occupy more than 5k SF. Rusty Bucket has 19 locations in Ohio, Michigan and Indiana and, more recently, Florida; the restaurant brand also plans to open next spring in Westminster’s Orchard Town Center in Broomfield. RDA's Keith Rogers  and Sam Zaitz of Legend Retail Group repped Rusty Bucket.