By Emily Ford
eford@salisburypost.com
SALISBURY — Developers could break ground on a new shopping center as early as this fall.
Childress Klein Properties plans to develop Westgate Commons at the intersection of Jake Alexander Boulevard and Brenner Avenue. A new Aldi grocery store is the first confirmed retailer.
“It’s a very important intersection in Salisbury, and we are committed to developing a first-class shopping complex,” said Chris Thomas, a partner with Childress Klein.
Childress Klein purchased the 15.4-acre tract of vacant land bound by Jake Alexander Boulevard, Brenner Avenue and Milford Hills Road in 2008 from Livingstone College.
Aldi will buy about 2 acres from Childress Klein for a freestanding, 18,761-square-foot supermarket, said Todd Bonnett, Aldi real estate director.
The developer has several additional parcels available for freestanding businesses and opportunities for attached retail buildings, Thomas said.
“We are working with other prospects for portions of it,” he said.
Thomas declined to name potential tenants but said the site offers flexibility and can serve retailers, medical facilities and office needs.
Development of the site stalled because of the recession.
Most of the triangle-shaped site can be developed, although portions will be set aside for stormwater management and internal roads, he said.
Thomas said the developer has been interested in buying additional land from Livingstone on the other side of Jake, where Brenner deadends, but would not comment on progress of a deal.
Aldi’s site plan has been approved by the city, and the company is submitting construction plans, Bonnett said.
The company needs to address a few issues with water and sewer utility plans, City Planner Preston Mitchell said. Once those technical issues are settled, Aldi can pursue approval from the county for building plans, Mitchell said.
Childress Klein may need approval from the city as well, depending on the design of the rest of the shopping center, he said.
Potentially, the developer could fit several mid-sized box stores on the property, Mitchell said.
Examples of mid-sized box stores are Old Navy and Marshall’s at the Lowe’s shopping center.
Contact reporter Emily Ford at 704-797-4264.
What’s special here?
The intersection of Brenner Avenue and Jake Alexander Boulevard attracted developers because so many commuters pass by twice a day, said Chris Thomas of Childress Klein
The site is also close to several corporate headquarters, including Food Lion, as well as colleges and the hospital, he said.
Shoppers will be able to enter the center from either Brenner or Jake.