Artist’s conception of South Plaza shopping center
CULLMAN – Samples Properties is a real estate development company that has enjoyed success in the Huntsville area, specializing in office, retail and warehouse space. Now, they’ve decided to make their very first venture outside Madison County, and they’ve set their sights on the city of Cullman.
“We’re excited about doing this,” said Wes Kendall, brokerage and development agent for the company. “Cullman’s got a lot going for it. When you look at the statistics, older and bigger cities like Montgomery and Birmingham are losing people, but places like Cullman are getting people. Places around north Alabama are growing, and money chases the population where it goes.”
Samples Properties plans to begin building a shopping center to be called South Plaza, on a currently undeveloped piece of property at the intersection of First Avenue Southwest and King Edward Street Southwest on Cullman’s south side. The site is south of The Foundry store, and immediately behind businesses like Cullman Savings Bank and Advance Auto Parts along Highway 31.
Kendall said, “That site backs up to First Avenue and is still visible from Highway 31. We’re surprised that no one has built anything there before. Cullman is getting popular enough that main drag sites are getting harder to find. This site is close to everything; we’re pleased to be there.”
When the two-phase construction project is complete, the 16,650-square-foot facility will include two buildings, two drive-through lanes for food service, an open patio area for outdoor restaurant dining and multiple business suites.
As to what businesses are coming, Kendall said that he is talking to several, but is not prepared to reveal any at this time.
He did say, “We’d like to bring some food places to Cullman that are not already there right now. For the other businesses, we’re interested in more service businesses with a little bit of retail. Big box retail businesses are under a lot of pressure, and are dropping left and right. Most of our businesses will offer services you can’t have brought to your house.”
The developer’s plans are currently being reviewed by the City of Cullman. If all goes well, construction is set to begin within the next month, and Samples hopes to see the first business open in six to seven months.
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