Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Principles of Consolidation

Our consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Trust, its corporate subsidiaries, and all entities in which the Trust has a controlling interest or has been determined to be the primary beneficiary of a variable interest entity (“VIE”). The equity interests of other investors are reflected as noncontrolling interests or redeemable noncontrolling interests. All significant intercompany transactions and balances are eliminated in consolidation. We account for our interests in joint ventures, which we do not control, using the equity method of accounting. Certain 2018 and 2017 amounts have been reclassified to conform to current period presentation.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, referred to as “GAAP,” requires management to make estimates and assumptions that in certain circumstances affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities, and revenues and expenses. These estimates are prepared using management’s best judgment, after considering past, current and expected events and economic conditions. Actual results could differ from these estimates.

Revenue Recognition and Accounts Receivable

Policy beginning January 1, 2019, with our adoption of Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 842, "Leases"

Our leases with our tenants are classified as operating leases. When collection of substantially all lease payments during the lease term is considered probable, the lease qualifies for accrual accounting. Lease payments are recognized on a straight-line basis from when the tenant controls the space through the term of the related lease. Variable lease payments relating to percentage rent are recognized at the end of the lease year or earlier if we have determined the required sales level is achieved. Real estate tax and other cost reimbursements are recognized on an accrual basis over the periods in which the related expenditures are incurred. For a tenant to terminate its lease agreement prior to the end of the agreed term, we may require that they pay a fee to cancel the lease agreement. Lease termination fees for which the tenant has relinquished control of the space are generally recognized on the termination date. When a lease is terminated early but the tenant continues to control the space under a modified lease agreement, the lease termination fee is generally recognized evenly over the remaining term of the modified lease agreement.

When collection of substantially all lease payments during the lease term is not considered probable, total lease revenue is limited to the lesser of revenue recognized under accrual accounting or cash received. Determining the probability of collection of substantially all lease payments during lease term requires judgment. This determination is impacted by numerous factors including our assessment of the tenant’s credit worthiness, economic conditions, our historical experience with the tenant and tenants operating in the same industry, and the length of the lease term. If leases currently classified as probable are subsequently reclassified as not probable, any outstanding lease receivables (including straight-line rent receivables) would be written-off with a corresponding decrease in rental income.

Policy prior to January 1, 2019

Prior to January 1, 2019, management estimates of collectability were considered when reserving for billed and accrued lease receivables and straight-line rent receivables. Full and partial reserves were recorded when determined to be appropriate with a

corresponding charge to bad debt expense. The primary impact of the adoption of ASC 842, “Leases,” on our recognition of lease revenue relates to the upfront and ongoing assessment of the collectability of substantially all lease payments required by the new standard.

Other revenue recognition policies

In 2018, we completed construction on 221 condominium units at our Assembly Row and Pike & Rose properties. Beginning on January 1, 2018, with the adoption of ASU 2014-09, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers," gains or losses on the sale of these condominium units are recognized as the condominium units are legally sold. In 2017, we accounted for contracted condominium sales under the percentage-of completion method, based on an evaluation of the criteria specified in ASC Topic 360-20, “Property, Plant and Equipment – Real Estate Sales,” including: the legal commitment of the purchaser in the real estate contract, whether the construction of the project was beyond a preliminary phase, whether sufficient units had been contracted to ensure the project would not revert to a rental project, the ability to reasonably estimate the aggregate project sale proceeds and aggregate project costs, and the determination that the buyer had made an adequate initial and continuing cash investment under the contract. When the percentage-of-completion criteria had not been met, no profit was recognized. The application of these criteria can be complex and required us to make assumptions.

When we enter into a transaction to sell a property or a portion of a property, we evaluate the recognition of the sale under ASC 610-20, "Other Income - Gains and Losses from the Derecognition of Nonfinancial Assets." In accordance with ASC 610-20, we apply the guidance in ASC 606, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers," to determine whether and when control transfers and how to measure the associated gain or loss. We determine the transaction price based on the consideration we expect to receive. Variable consideration is included in the transaction price to the extent it is probable that a significant reversal of a gain recognized will not occur. We analyze the risk of a significant gain reversal and if necessary limit the amount of variable consideration recognized in order to mitigate this risk. The estimation of variable consideration requires us to make assumptions and apply significant judgment.

Real Estate

Land, buildings and improvements are recorded at cost. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method. Estimated useful lives range generally from 35 years to a maximum of 50 years on buildings and major improvements. Minor improvements, furniture and equipment are capitalized and depreciated over useful lives ranging from 2 to 20 years. Maintenance and repairs that do not improve or extend the useful lives of the related assets are charged to operations as incurred. Tenant improvements are capitalized and depreciated over the life of the related lease or their estimated useful life, whichever is shorter. If a tenant vacates its space prior to contractual termination of its lease, the undepreciated balance of any tenant improvements are written off if they are replaced or have no future value. In 2019, 2018 and 2017, real estate depreciation expense was $215.4 million, $216.0 million and $193.3 million, respectively, including amounts from real estate sold.

Effective January 1, 2018, (upon the adoption of ASU 2014-09, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers," as amended and interpreted) sales of real estate are recognized generally upon the transfer of control, which usually occurs when the real estate is legally sold. Prior to January 1, 2018, sales of real estate were recognized only when sufficient down payments had been obtained, possession and other attributes of ownership had been transferred to the buyer and we had no significant continuing involvement. The application of these criteria can be complex and required us to make assumptions. We believe the relevant criteria were met for all real estate sold during the periods presented.

Our methodology of allocating the cost of acquisitions to assets acquired and liabilities assumed is based on estimated fair values, replacement cost and/or appraised values. When we acquire operating real estate properties, the purchase price is allocated to land, building, improvements, leasing costs, intangibles such as in-place leases, assumed debt, if any, and to current assets and liabilities acquired, if any. The value allocated to in-place leases is amortized over the related lease term and reflected as rental income in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income. We consider qualitative and quantitative factors in evaluating the likelihood of a tenant exercising a below market renewal option and include such renewal options in the calculation of in-place lease value when we consider these to be bargain renewal options. If the value of below market lease intangibles includes renewal option periods, we include such renewal periods in the amortization period utilized. If a tenant vacates its space prior to contractual termination of its lease, the unamortized balance of any in-place lease value is written off to rental income.

Transaction costs related to asset acquisitions, such as broker fees, transfer taxes, legal, accounting, valuation, and other professional and consulting fees, are capitalized as part of the acquisition cost. The acquisition of an operating shopping center typically qualifies as an asset acquisition.

Prior to the adoption of ASU 2016-02, "Leases," when applicable, as lessee, we classify our leases of land and building as operating or capital leases. We are required to use judgment and make estimates in determining the lease term, the estimated economic life of the property and the interest rate to be used in determining whether or not the lease meets the qualification of a capital lease. Subsequently, capital leases are now considered "finance leases," see "Recent Accounting Pronouncements," for an explanation of the impact to our consolidated balance sheet.

We capitalize certain costs related to the development and redevelopment of real estate including pre-construction costs, real estate taxes, insurance, construction costs and salaries and related costs of personnel directly involved, are capitalized. Additionally, we capitalize interest costs related to development and redevelopment activities. Capitalization of these costs begin when the activities and related expenditures commence and cease when the project is substantially complete and ready for its intended use at which time the project is placed in service and depreciation commences. Additionally, we make estimates as to the probability of certain development and redevelopment projects being completed. If we determine the development or redevelopment is no longer probable of completion, we expense all capitalized costs which are not recoverable.

We review for impairment on a property by property basis. Impairment is recognized on properties held for use when the expected undiscounted cash flows for a property are less than its carrying amount, at which time, the property is written-down to fair value. Properties held for sale are recorded at the lower of the carrying amount or the expected sales price less costs to sell.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

We define cash and cash equivalents as cash on hand, demand deposits with financial institutions and short term liquid investments with an initial maturity, when purchased, under three months. Cash balances in individual banks may exceed the federally insured limit by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (the “FDIC”). At December 31, 2019, we had $131.5 million in excess of the FDIC insured limit.

Prepaid Expenses and Other Assets

Prepaid expenses and other assets consist primarily of lease costs, prepaid property taxes and acquired above market leases. Capitalized lease costs are incremental direct costs incurred which were essential to originate a successful leasing arrangement and would not have been incurred had the leasing transaction not taken place. Capitalized lease costs are amortized over the life of the related lease. If a tenant vacates its space prior to the contractual termination of its lease, the unamortized balance of any previously capitalized lease costs are written off.

Debt Issuance Costs

Costs related to the issuance of debt instruments are deferred and are amortized as interest expense over the estimated life of the related issue using the straight-line method which approximates the effective interest method. If a debt instrument is paid off prior to its original maturity date, the unamortized balance of debt issuance costs are written off to interest expense or, if significant, included in “early extinguishment of debt.” Debt issuance costs related to our revolving credit facility are classified as an asset and are included in "prepaid expenses and other assets" in our consolidated balance sheets. All other debt issuance costs are presented as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of the debt liability.

Derivative Instruments

We may use derivative instruments to manage exposure to variable interest rate risk. We generally enter into interest rate swaps to manage our exposure to variable interest rate risk and treasury locks to manage the risk of interest rates rising prior to the issuance of debt. We enter into derivative instruments that qualify as cash flow hedges and do not enter into derivative instruments for speculative purposes.

Interest rate swaps associated with cash flow hedges are recorded at fair value on a recurring basis. Effectiveness of cash flow hedges is assessed both at inception and on an ongoing basis. The effective portion of changes in fair value of the interest rate swaps associated with cash flow hedges is recorded in other comprehensive income (loss) which is included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) on the balance sheet and statement of shareholders' equity. Cash flow hedges become ineffective if critical terms of the hedging instrument and the debt instrument do not perfectly match such as notional amounts, settlement dates, reset dates, calculation period and LIBOR rate. In addition, the default risk of the counterparty is evaluated by monitoring the credit worthiness of the counterparty which includes reviewing debt ratings and financial performance. If a cash flow hedge is deemed ineffective, the ineffective portion of changes in fair value of the interest rate swaps associated with cash flow hedges is recognized in earnings in the period affected.

During 2019, we entered into two interest rate swap agreements that effectively fix the interest rate on a mortgage payable associated with our Hoboken acquisition at 3.67%. Both swaps were designated and qualify for cash flow hedge accounting. As of December 31, 2019, our Assembly Row hotel joint venture is a party to two interest rate swap agreements that effectively fix the interest rate on the joint venture's mortgage debt at 5.206%. Both swaps were designated and qualify as cash flow hedges. Hedge ineffectiveness has not impacted earnings in 2019, 2018 and 2017.

Mortgage Notes Receivable

We have made certain mortgage loans that, because of their nature, qualify as loan receivables. At the time the loans were made, we did not intend for the arrangement to be anything other than a financing and did not contemplate a real estate investment. We evaluate each investment to determine whether the loan arrangement qualifies as a loan, joint venture or real estate investment and the appropriate accounting thereon. Such determination affects our balance sheet classification of these investments and the recognition of interest income derived therefrom. We receive additional interest, however, we never receive in excess of 50% of the residual profit in the project, and because the borrower has either a substantial investment in the project or has guaranteed all or a portion of our loan (or a combination thereof), the loans qualify for loan accounting. The amounts under these arrangements are presented as mortgage notes receivable at December 31, 2019 and 2018.

Mortgage notes receivable are recorded at cost, net of any valuation adjustments. Interest income is accrued as earned. Mortgage notes receivable are considered past due based on the contractual terms of the note agreement. On a quarterly basis, we evaluate the collectability of each mortgage note receivable based on various factors which may include payment history, expected fair value of the collateral securing the loan, internal and external credit information and/or economic trends. A loan is considered impaired when, based upon current information and events, it is probable that we will be unable to collect all amounts due under the existing contractual terms. When a loan is considered impaired, the amount of the loss accrual is calculated by comparing the carrying amount of the mortgage note receivable to the present value of expected future cash flows. Since our loans are collateralized by a first mortgage, the loans have risk characteristics similar to the risks in owning commercial real estate.

At December 31, 2019 and 2018, we had two mortgage notes receivable, with aggregate carrying amounts of $30.4 million, and weighted average interest rates of 10.0% and 10.3%, respectively, which were secured by first mortgages on retail buildings.

Share Based Compensation

We grant share based compensation awards to employees and trustees typically in the form of restricted common shares, common shares, and options. We measure share based compensation expense based on the grant date fair value of the award and recognize the expense ratably over the requisite service period, which is typically the vesting period. See Note 12 for further discussion regarding our share based compensation plans and policies.

Variable Interest Entities

Certain entities that do not have sufficient equity at risk for the entity to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support from other parties or in which equity investors do not have the characteristics of a controlling financial interest qualify as VIEs. VIEs are required to be consolidated by their primary beneficiary. The primary beneficiary of a VIE has both the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact economic performance of the VIE and the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits that could potentially be significant to the VIE.

Our equity method investments in the Pike & Rose hotel joint venture, the Assembly Row hotel joint venture, and the La Alameda shopping center are also considered variable interests in a VIE. As we do not control the activities that most significantly impact the economic performance of the joint ventures, we are not the primary beneficiary and do not consolidate. As of December 31, 2019 and 2018, our investment in these joint ventures and maximum exposure to loss was $23.4 million and $26.9 million, respectively.

In addition, we have 18 entities that meet the criteria of a VIE in which we hold a variable interest. For each of these entities, we control the significant operating decisions and consequently have the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the economic performance of the entities. As we also have the obligation to absorb the majority of the losses and/or the right to receive a majority of the benefits for each of these entities, all are consolidated in our financial statements. Net real estate assets related to VIEs included in our consolidated balance sheets were approximately $1.5 billion for both December 31, 2019 and 2018, and mortgages related to VIEs included in our consolidated balance sheets were approximately $469.2 million and $444.4 million, as of December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

We have also evaluated our mortgage notes receivable investments and determined that the entities obligated under the mortgage notes are not VIEs. Our equity method investments and mortgage notes receivable balances are presented separately in our consolidated balance sheets.

Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests

We have certain noncontrolling interests that are redeemable for cash upon the occurrence of an event that is not solely in our control and therefore are classified outside of permanent equity. We adjust the carrying amounts of these noncontrolling interests that are currently redeemable to redemption value at the balance sheet date. Adjustments to the carrying amount to reflect changes in redemption value are recorded as adjustments to additional paid-in capital in shareholders' equity. These amounts are classified within the mezzanine section of the consolidated balance sheets.

The following table provides a rollforward of the redeemable noncontrolling interests:



	Year Ended
	December 31,
	2019			2018
	(In thousands)
Beginning balance	$	136,208		$	141,157
Contributions	9,961			354
Net Income	3,430			3,865
Distributions & Redemptions	(15,366		)	(4,071		)
Change in redemption value	5,525			(5,097		)
Ending balance	$	139,758		$	136,208

On August 2, 2019, we acquired the 10.1% redeemable noncontrolling interest in the partnership that owns our Montrose Crossing Shopping Center for $10.0 million, bringing our ownership interest to 100%.

Income Taxes

We operate in a manner intended to enable us to qualify as a REIT for federal income tax purposes. A REIT that distributes at least 90% of its taxable income to its shareholders each year and meets certain other conditions is not taxed on that portion of its taxable income which is distributed to its shareholders. Therefore, federal income taxes on our taxable income have been and are generally expected to be immaterial. We are obligated to pay state taxes, generally consisting of franchise or gross receipts taxes in certain states. Such state taxes also have not been material.

We have elected to treat certain of our subsidiaries as taxable REIT subsidiaries, which we refer to as a TRS. In general, a TRS may engage in any real estate business and certain non-real estate businesses, subject to certain limitations under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”). A TRS is subject to federal and state income taxes. Our TRS activities have not been material.

With few exceptions, we are no longer subject to U.S. federal, state, and local tax examinations by tax authorities for years before 2016. As of December 31, 2019 and 2018, we had no material unrecognized tax benefits. While we currently have no material unrecognized tax benefits, as a policy, we recognize penalties and interest accrued related to unrecognized tax benefits as income tax expense.

Segment Information

Our primary business is the ownership, management, and redevelopment of retail and mixed-use properties. We review operating and financial information for each property on an individual basis and therefore, each property represents an individual operating segment. We evaluate financial performance using property operating income, which consists of rental income, other property income and mortgage interest income, less rental expenses and real estate taxes. No individual commercial or residential property constitutes more than 10% of our revenues or property operating income and we have no operations outside of the United States of America. Therefore, we have aggregated our properties into one reportable segment as the properties share similar long-term economic characteristics and have other similarities including the fact that they are operated using consistent business strategies, are typically located in major metropolitan areas, and have similar tenant mixes.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements



Standard	Description	Date of Adoption	Effect on the financial statements or significant matters
Recently adopted:

Leases (Topic 842) and related updates: ASU 2016-02, February 2016, Leases (Topic 842) ASU 2018-10, July 2018, Codification improvements to Topic 842, Leases ASU 2018-11, July 2018, Leases (Topic 842) ASU 2018-20, December 2018, Leases (Topic 842) Narrow Scope Improvements for Lessors ASU 2019-01, March 2019, Leases (Topic 842), Codification Improvements	ASC 842 significantly changes the accounting for leases by requiring lessees to recognize assets and liabilities for leases greater than 12 months on their balance sheet. The larger changes to the lessor model include: a change to the definition of initial direct costs of leases (resulting in the upfront expensing of more leasing related costs), the requirement to make an upfront and ongoing assessment of whether collection of substantially all of the lease payments required for the term of the lease is probable (if not probable, lease revenue is effectively recongnized when cash is collected), certain presentation changes, and the elimination of real estate specific guidance. ASU 2018-10, ASU 2018-20, and ASU 2019-01 provide narrow amendments that clarify how to apply certain aspects of the guidance in ASU 2016-02. ASU 2018-11 provides the option of an additional transition method, by allowing entities to initially apply the new leases standard at the adoption date and recognize a cumulative-effect adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings in the period of adoption. It also provides lessors an option to not separate lease and non-lease components when certain criteria are met.	January 2019	We have elected to apply the transition provisions of ASC Topic 842 at the beginning of the period of adoption (i.e., January 1, 2019), and therefore, did not retrospectively adjust prior periods presented. We have also elected to apply certain adoption related practical expedients for all leases that commenced prior to the effective date. These practical expedients include not reassessing whether any expired or existing contracts are or contain leases; not reassessing the lease classification for any expired or existing leases; and not reassessing initial direct costs for any existing leases. We have also elected the practical expedient allowing lessors to combine non-lease and lease components (primarily impacts common area maintenance recoveries). From a lessee perspective, the primary impact of adoption on January 1, 2019 was to record a lease obligation liability and right of use asset for operating leases where we are the lessee. The most significant of these operating leases are ground leases at 14 properties. The operating lease right of use assets and related liabilities are shown separately on the face of our consolidated balance sheet and reflect the present value of the minimum lease payments. A key input in the calculation is the discount rate. As the rate implied in the lease agreements is not readily determinable, we utilized our incremental borrowing rate, which takes into account estimates including interest rates that correspond to the remaining term of the lease, our credit spread, and an adjustment to reflect the collateralized payment terms present in the lease. Additionally, amounts previously recorded as capital lease assets and included in real estate have been reclassified in the December 31, 2019 balance sheet as finance lease right of use assets and the related capital lease obligations have been reclassified in the December 31, 2019 balance sheet as finance lease liabilities. Income statement presentation is not impacted for our existing operating and finance leases. From a lessor perspective, adoption of ASC 842 results in a charge to opening accumulated dividends in excess of net income of $7.1 million. This charge is attributable to the write off of certain direct leasing costs recorded as of December 31, 2018 under the previous lease accounting rules for leases which had not commenced and the write off of December 31, 2018 unreserved receivables (including straight-line receivables) for leases where we have determined that the collection of substantially all of the lease payments required for the term of the lease is not probable. Income statement presentation changes incorporated into our December 31, 2019 financial statements include: no longer recording a gross up of revenue and expense for costs (such as real estate taxes) paid directly by lessees on our behalf and recording collectability adjustments against revenue rather than as bad debt within rental expenses. As a result of the change in the definition of initial direct costs of leases, capitalized leasing costs excluding external commissions decreased to $2.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2019 from $7.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2018.



Standard	Description	Date of Adoption	Effect on the financial statements or significant matters
Adopted subsequent to December 31, 2019:
Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326) and related updates: ASU 2016-13, June 2016, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326) ASU 2018-19, November 2018, Codification improvements to Topic 326, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses	This ASU changes the impairment model for most financial assets and certain other instruments, requiring the use of an "expected credit loss" model and adding more disclosure requirements. ASU 2018-19 clarifies that impairment of of receivables arising from operating leases should accounted for in accordance with Topic 842, Leases.	January 2020	While our mortgage notes receivable and certain other accounts receivables are impacted by this standard, the adoption of this standard will not have a significant impact to our consolidated financial statements.

ASU 2018-15, August 2018, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other Internal Use Software: Customers Accounting for Implementation Costs Incurred in a Cloud Computing Arrangement That Is a Service Contract	This ASU requires a customer in a cloud computing arrangement (i.e. hosting arrangement) that is a service contract to follow the internal-use software guidance in ASC 350-40 to determine which implementation costs to capitalize as assets. Capitalized implementation costs related to a hosting arrangement that is a service contract will be amortized over the term of the hosting arrangement. Entities will expense costs during the preliminary project and post-implementation stages as they are incurred. The guidance can be applied prospectively to all implementation costs incurred after the date of adoption or retrospectively in accordance with ASC 250-10-45-5 through ASC 250-10-45-10.	January 2020	The adoption of this standard will not have a significant impact to our consolidated financial statements.

The following table provides additional information on our operating and finance leases where we are the lessee:



	Year Ended
	December 31, 2019
	(In thousands)
LEASE COST:
Finance lease cost:
Amortization of right-of-use assets	$	1,284
Interest on lease liabilities	5,824
Operating lease cost	6,063
Variable lease cost	487
Total lease cost	$	13,658

OTHER INFORMATION:
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities
Operating cash flows for finance leases	5,759
Operating cash flows for operating leases	5,561
Financing cash flows for finance leases	47

	December 31, 2019
Weighted-average remaining term - finance leases	18.2 years
Weighted-average remaining term - operating leases	53.7 years
Weighted-average discount rate - finance leases	8.0		%
Weighted-average discount rate - operating leases	4.5		%

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows—Supplemental Disclosures

The following table provides supplemental disclosures related to the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows:



	Year Ended December 31,
	2019			2018			2017
	(In thousands)
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES:
Total interest costs incurred	$	130,110		$	129,001		$	125,684
Interest capitalized	(20,487		)	(18,847		)	(25,559		)
Interest expense	$	109,623		$	110,154		$	100,125
Cash paid for interest, net of amounts capitalized	$	106,180		$	107,494		$	105,201
Cash paid for income taxes	$	483		$	675		$	352
NON-CASH INVESTING AND FINANCING TRANSACTIONS (1):
Mortgage loans refinanced	$	—		$	—		$	166,823
Mortgage loans assumed/entered into with acquisition	$	98,041		$	—		$	79,401
DownREIT operating partnership units issued with acquisition	$	—		$	—		$	5,918
DownREIT operating partnership units redeemed for common shares	$	14,105		$	101		$	2,569
Settlement of partner loan receivable via dilution of partner interests	$	5,379		$	—		$	—
Shares issued under dividend reinvestment plan	$	1,784		$	1,884		$	2,017
Contribution from noncontrolling interest	$	—		$	1,435		$	—

(1) See Note 5 for additional disclosures relating to the mortgages entered into and assumed as a result of the Hoboken acquisition in 2019. In addition, see Note 3 for additional disclosures relating to our investment in the Assembly Row hotel joint venture in 2018.

Capitalized lease costs are incremental direct costs incurred which were essential to originate a lease and would not have been incurred had the leasing transaction not taken place. These costs include third party commissions related to obtaining a lease. Capitalized lease costs are amortized over the initial term of the related lease which generally ranges from three to ten years. We view these lease costs as part of the up-front initial investment we made in order to generate a long-term cash inflow

and therefore, we classify cash outflows related to leasing costs as an investing activity in our consolidated statements of cash flows. See the "Recent Accounting Pronouncements" section in this note for further discussion regarding the change in accounting for lease costs as well as the operating lease right of use assets and lease liabilities recorded in connection with our adoption of ASC Topic 842.



	December 31,
	2019		2018
	(In thousands)
RECONCILIATION OF CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS, AND RESTRICTED CASH:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	127,432	$	64,087
Restricted cash (1)	26,182		44,245
Total cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash	$	153,614	$	108,332

(1)

Restricted cash balances are included in "prepaid expenses and other assets" on our consolidated balance sheets.