Grocery store giant, Publix will open a 45,600 square-foot store in Troy, Alabama in 2017. Harbert Realty Services, Inc. has been named the developer of this $10 million-plus project which will include Publix as the anchor, 15,400 square feet of retail stores and multiple outparcels.
“We are very pleased to be aligned with Publix and help them continue their growth in Alabama with a location in Troy that will be a significant economic generator for the city and the area”, said David Williams, Chief Operating Officer at Harbert Realty Services.
Bill Ware, Harbert Realty’s Vice President of Development, said the Troy location will be similar in design and size to the Enterprise, Alabama store developed by Harbert.
“We’ve been working on this for a couple of years,” Ware said. “It usually takes that long … and there is much about Troy that appeals to Publix. We do exhaustive research in all our markets; we’re always looking for markets that are underserved from Publix’s standpoint.”
Factors such as income and population, demographics, growth trends, the visibility and traffic flow of U.S. Hwy 231 and the vision and commitment of Mayor Reeves and the City played a role in the decision to locate a Publix in Troy, he said. “Being on U.S. Hwy 231 is important. It’s a heavily travelled road with great visibility.”
Two new connector roads and a Publix grocery store development were announced Monday during a press conference at Troy City Hall. “It’s the most significant development opportunity that we’ve had in many years,” said Troy long-time city council president Johnny Witherington. “It’s going to open the doors of opportunity for our community.”
Troy Mayor Jason Reeves said the projects had been in the works since February 2013. Reeves said officials plan a formal groundbreaking for the grocery store in January 2016, with the goal of opening the store by February 2017. “These are two wonderful things in and of themselves, but they pale in comparison to what they will bring to the community as a whole,” he said.
Click Here for a follow-up story from the Tropolitan.
