EDENS began in 1966 as Joe Edens, Jr. Realty, starting as a family-owned business with roots in South Carolina and a focus on retail real estate. The company develops, owns, operates, and stewards open-air retail and mixed-use places, with a portfolio built around shopping centers, shopping malls, and community-oriented destinations. EDENS emphasizes placemaking, sustainability, and human engagement as part of its property approach. Over time, the business has grown into a national commercial real estate firm serving markets across the United States.