A new 217,000 square foot shopping center is set to open in Tuscaloosa, at the intersection between McFarland Blvd and 15th Street. This area used to belong to the urban neighborhood Cedar Crest used to be before it was destroyed in a 2011 tornado. It is expected to:

  • Create 500 new jobs
  • Be worth $60 million in investments
  • Create $37 million in sales taxes

Initial construction began in November, 2014. The $50 million project is slated to conclude in October, 2015, with the opening of the shopping center.

Six New Stores Coming to Tuscaloosa

MJM Architects are helping build the complex, and Coldwell Banker Commercial Moore Co. Realty is in charge of leasing out space to different stores. Shoppes at Legacy Park will be opening with these anchor stores:

  • Bed Bath and Beyond
  • Dick's Sporting Goods
  • DSW
  • The Fresh Market
  • PetSmart
  • Cost Plus World Market

Other smaller stores opening with these big six will include other pet stores, grocery stores, furniture stores, and a wireless communication provider. Research on spending in the Tuscaloosa area indicates that spending in these areas is far less than it could be. By bringing these stores to Tuscaloosa, the city hopes to increase revenue and be able to reduce property taxes over the next several years.

Many locals are clamoring for a Kohl's store in addition to the previously mentioned stores, but Coldwell Banker Commercial Moore Co. Realty has not made any comment as to whether they will be able to bring a Kohl's to Tuscaloosa or if they are even discussing the possibility with any representatives from the company. Research is inconclusive as to whether there is a spending gap in textiles and clothing in Tuscaloosa.

The population of Tuscaloosa increases vastly during the school year, as it is home to the University of Alabama and two other community colleges. The city government hopes that by adding these stores, they can better cater to their student population, as well as their general population.

Recovery Operations

The Shoppes at Legacy Park is being built as a part of the city's Recovery Operations initiative to bring the city back its economic prowess. The new shopping center is being built in conjunction with construction efforts along 15th St. and McFarland Blvd.

The city is widening the streets and adding new turn lanes even as it builds up the new shopping center. They are also working on improving rainwater and sewage draining in the nearby area. In opening Shoppes at Legacy Park, Tuscaloosa hopes to:

  • Create more jobs for its community
  • Increase retail spending in the city
  • Increase the city's commercial power
  • Give their citizens access to a greater variety of retail chains

The city has been struggling economically since the tornadoes in 2011. Despite the setback, their general budget  for 2015 equals over $130 million, and they are working on a dozen different recovery projects.

 

Links:

 Location:

Intersection between McFarland Blvd and 15th Street.
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