SALISBURY — The new Aldi is about to get new neighbors.
Premier Federal Credit Union of Greensboro paid Charlotte developer Childress Klein $670,000 in May for a parcel next to the Aldi grocery store at the intersection of Brenner Avenue and Jake Alexander Boulevard.
And the developer, which owns the remainder of the 15-acre property called Westgate Commons, has three more parcels under contract, partner Chris Thomas said.
Thomas confirmed one contract is with a restaurant but said he could not divulge the other potential users. One business plans to construct a multi-tenant building if the deal goes through, he said.
“We’re thrilled with the activity we’ve had,” Thomas said. “We are getting ready to commence grading and improvement of the balance of the property for these users.”
If all goes as planned, Westgate Commons will be full, he said.
“To me, it’s a sign of the improving economy,” Thomas said. “We saw and we continue to see that we have a great property there. I hope this means good things for Salisbury.”
A variety of new businesses are preparing to open in Salisbury, from a bicycle shop downtown to a mattress store at the Kohl’s shopping center. (Read more about new retailers on the Sunday business page in the Post.)
Premier Federal Credit Union plans to construct a standalone building on a parcel north of Aldi, with frontage on Jake Alexander Boulevard.
Childress Klein purchased the 15-acre, triangle-shaped tract bound by Jake Alexander Boulevard, Brenner Avenue and Milford Hills Road in 2008 from Livingstone College. Development of the site stalled because of the recession.
Aldi bought about two acres from Childress Klein in 2011 and built the 18,761-square-foot supermarket across from Harris Teeter.
Alexander Trace, the proposed apartment complex beside Aldi on Brenner Avenue, is still in the works. Thomas said developer Pirhl Southeast is completing due diligence and has the property under contract.
“We should reach a decision this fall,” Thomas said.
Pirhl, which plans to build another new apartment complex called Sterling Trace on West Jake Alexander Boulevard near the Bank of North Carolina, took over the stalled affordable housing project beside Aldi in February.
Pirhl plans to build a 72-unit, campus-style apartment complex. Pirhl is using the same architect as the previous developer, and Salisbury City Council approved the design and layout last year.
Another affordable apartment complex in the area — the Villas at Hope Crest on Lincolnton Road behind Walgreen’s — is under construction and will offer 55 one- and two-bedroom apartments for people ages 55 and older.
Contact reporter Emily Ford at 704-797-4264.